Shaky Knees Is Less Than Two Weeks Away
Are you ready for the 10-Year Anniversary of Shaky Knees? Being the biggest festival in Atlanta this spring, I am beyond hyped to start my festival season off right by seeing The Killers, Muse, and The Lumineers take over Central Park. And as an added bonus, Shaky Knees 2023 will be the 40th festival I have attended in my life. It is a festival that is near and dear to my heart as I have been attending since the second year of the festival when it pivoted from the old Masquerade (RIP) music park in Old Fourth Ward to Atlantic Station. That 2014 Shaky Knees was special to me because it was a graduation present for graduating with my bachelor’s degree before pursuing my masters the following fall. I remember finishing finals and then hauling tail over to Atlantic Station for a weekend of bliss.
From the Shaky Knees Facebook Page
If you haven’t seen the announcement, Shaky Knees has released the festival map for this year. The big change this year is the only entrance being at the Atlanta Civic Center, which has been speculated as being tied to the recent changes to festivals due to the recent gun law changes in Georgia. The speculation is the Atlanta Civic Center is private property which prevents firearms from being brought onto the building’s property, hence making the festival grounds a gun-free space except for police officers working as security. This is a clever solution to the changing landscape of laws in Georgia.
Map From The Shaky Knees Website
As an Atlanta native, there are some pro-tips to consider while at Shaky Knees. Just north of the festival entrance on the south side of North Avenue is a Walgreens and Publix Supermarket. Publix has fried chicken meals that do the South proud along with some of the best sub sandwiches around, walkable from the festival. In the same shopping center, there is also a Wingstop. If you go west on North Ave about two blocks there is an Atlanta staple, The Original JR Crickets which serves solid chicken and waffles. This isn’t technically the original location as it burned down a number of years ago and replaced an old IHOP. If you wander northeast of the Publix, there is Torched Hop Brewing Company, a Nancy’s Pizza, and Mary Mac’s Tea Room which is another Atlanta staple. I recommend checking out some of the local food scene if you are new to the area!
Although the festival is sold out, there are typically hustlers near the entrance that sell day-pass wristbands for less than $100. If you slept on getting tickets, there is still a chance you can still attend. I have friends that rely on street sellers every year to attend and have had success every time. Just put on your bargaining pants and strike a deal!
I hope to see y’all at Shaky Knees 2023! Remember not to put on your wristband until the Friday of the festival and to drink plenty of water.