This past weekend, Daniel and I decided to put our new High museum membership to use and check out Friday Night Jazz. This is only one of many unique date nights ideas in Atlanta that you and your partner will love!
I’ve been hearing about these for years (and have been dying to go). It did not disappoint! If you’re not a member of the museum, don’t worry – you can still get tickets for only $25 each. If you’re already a member, your tickets are free. Just make sure to reserve them in advance because these events sell out fast!
Let’s talk date night vibes
While there is live music, this event is definitely not a 1920’s speakeasy, jazz club kind of vibe. It’s not dark and moody, but it is lowkey and accessible. What makes this event really great is the combination of live jazz music with the museum’s exhibits. If you’re just interested in jazz, you might be more into an actual jazz club.
However, if you haven’t recently been to the exhibits at The High, this is a wonderful way to experience them and have a unique date night in Midtown Atlanta.
You’ll see all kinds of people attending this event from families to older couples and there is no dress code. Some people were wearing suits or dresses and heels, others were in jeans and sneakers. This event is simply meant to create a pleasant environment to view the High’s exhibits and enjoy live music.
So, what’s this Atlanta date night like?
Busy! The event is from 6-9 p.m., but even at 7 p.m., there is still a steady line of people waiting to have their tickets checked.
In the main lobby area of the museum, there are several bars set up for attendees to buy drinks and the lines are long. A glass of whiskey on the rocks will run about $13 dollars so don’t come with empty pockets if you’re 21+!
On the lobby level of the Stent Family Wing, home to the famous sloping walkway that takes you through four levels of art, rows of chairs are set up in front of the musicians. If you get there early enough, you can sit and listen. If you’re more interested in seeing the art, you can go up the walkways behind the musicians and get a view from above. Finding a free part of the railing with your date is a great way to watch the musicians.
Wherever you choose to enjoy the night from, this Atlanta date night will not disappoint.
Tips for Jazz Night
- Make sure to get your tickets ahead of time! Jazz night is popular and it will sell out. If you’re a member, you still need to reserve tickets even though they’re free for you.
- Get there on time to secure parking. We got there around 7 and we were the second to last car to be allowed in the parking deck. There are other parking options nearby but this is the easiest (and it’s free if you’re a member!).
- Make reservations at a restaurant after for a romantic dinner. We headed to Campagnolo bar and restaurant in Midtown, right near Piedmont Park. It was only a five minute drive and the food was delicious.
If you’re going with a date and want a more private and romantic ambience, definitely ask for a table in the back of the restaurant. The front of the restaurant gets noisy with live piano music and singing, which is lots of fun as well if you’re looking for something more lively.
We had the mussels to start, which were in a delicious white wine sauce and the tagliatelle as our main course. The passion fruit gazpacho to finish off the meal was a tart surprise. With a vanilla bean, creamy pannacotta in the center, the gazpacho itself was tart. The refreshing taste was a great palette cleanser to finish off a richer meal.
Overall, this was a fun and easy date night. We decided to dress up to make the most of it, but you can just as easily make it a more casual night with friends.
You can get tickets for any upcoming jazz night on the event page of the High Museum’s website.
Check out the TikTok I made of the event to get a feel for what it’s like:
