The Fox Theatre

The Fox Theatre (often marketed as the "Fabulous Fox") is a 4,665-seat performing arts venue at 660 Peachtree Street NE in Midtown Atlanta, Georgia. Originally opened in 1929 as a lavish movie palace in the Fox Theatres chain, the building features Moorish and Arabian-themed architecture. It is a National Historic Landmark and hosts Broadway tours, concerts, comedy, and the Atlanta Ballet.

History and Architecture

The Fox was originally planned as the Yaarab Shrine Temple, headquarters for a 5,000-member Shriners organization. The $2.75 million project exceeded the Shriners' budget, so they leased the auditorium to movie mogul William Fox. The theater opened on December 25, 1929, just two months after the stock market crash.

Architect Olivier J. Vinour designed the building with elements of Egyptian, Moorish, and Islamic architecture. The auditorium features a simulated courtyard with a starlit ceiling, minarets, and onion domes. The interior includes intricate plasterwork, stained glass, and ornate fixtures imported from Europe and the Middle East.

In 1974, Southern Bell proposed buying and demolishing the Fox to build a headquarters parking deck. A public campaign led by Atlanta citizens and celebrities including Liberace and Lynyrd Skynyrd saved the building. Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded their live album "One More from the Road" at the Fox during this campaign. The theater was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in May 1974 and designated a National Historic Landmark in May 1976.

The Fox underwent a major restoration and reopened in 1991. It is now the only remaining movie palace in Atlanta, as all others (Loew's Grand, Martin Cinerama, Georgia Cinerama, Paramount, and Roxy) have been demolished.

Notable Events and Current Programming

The Fox Theatre hosts approximately 200 performances per year. Programming includes:

• Broadway tours through the Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta series
• Concerts by national and international touring artists
• Atlanta Ballet productions and special engagements
• Comedy shows and speaking engagements
• Summer film series featuring classic movies with the Fox's original Möller organ

In 2026, the Fox hosts 11 concerts including Squeeze with Adam Ant and Haircut 100 (September 24-26), Sara Bareilles on her Good Grief Tour, Little Big Town's For The Art Of It Tour, and Mon Laferte's Femme Fatale Tour. The venue has hosted over 1,040 concerts historically according to Songkick records.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

The Fox Theatre operates at a capacity tier (4,665 seats) that requires significant touring infrastructure. Artists performing here typically have major label support, booking agent representation, and a proven track record at smaller Atlanta venues like the Tabernacle (2,600 capacity) or the Buckhead Theatre (2,000 capacity).

Independent artists should view the Fox as a long-term career target rather than an immediate booking goal. The venue's programming mix includes Broadway tours and established concert acts, with limited slots for developing artists. However, the Fox's summer film series and special events occasionally feature local opening acts or pre-show performers.

Atlanta's live music scene offers a clear venue progression path for independent artists: start at 100-300 capacity rooms like the Earl or 529, move to 500-800 capacity venues like Variety Playhouse or Terminal West, then to the Tabernacle or Buckhead Theatre, and eventually target the Fox. Use our Tour Revenue Calculator to model revenue at each venue tier.

Practical Information for Visitors

The Fox Theatre is located at 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, in Midtown Atlanta. It is accessible via MARTA rail at the North Avenue or Midtown stations (both approximately a 10-minute walk). Parking is available at nearby lots and decks. The venue offers guided tours on select days, showcasing the building's architecture and history. Check the official Fox Theatre website for current events, ticket information, and tour schedules.

Related Resources

• Tour Revenue Calculator - Model earnings at different venue capacities
• How to Book Your First Tour - Booking strategy for independent artists
• 21 Ways Musicians Can Earn Income - Revenue streams including live performance