FAQs to plan your visit
Where is the festival and how do I get there?
Venue: All events, unless specified otherwise, take place under one roof at the magnificent:
Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center
(Less than 10 miles from downtown Atlanta)
3181 Rainbow Dr.
Decatur, GA 30034
Dates: October 2-5, 2019
Parking: Parking is FREE!
Public Transportation: MARTA Rail has a station in Decatur with transfers to bus lines available. Please check with itsMarta.com for scheduling information.
Ride Share Services: Uber and Lyft car services are popular in Atlanta.
ADA Compliant: The Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center is fully accessible. Please let the host know if you need additional assistance upon arrival. We'll be happy to accommodate yo
What hotel options are available?
Upscale comfort...
Hampton Inn & Suites Decatur/Emory
116 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur, Georgia, 30030
TEL: +1-800-445-8667
Negotiated Rate: $169 King or Double
(plus tax, occupancy fee)
Discount Code: ABTF Theatre Festival
Deadline: Sept. 1st. PLEASE BOOK EARLY...THEY'LL SELL OUT FAST! (The hotel asks that you reserve your room only when you are sure of your hotel selection. This is so when they have reached capacity and they turn ABTF guests away, they don't end up with last minute cancellations. Thank you!) Hilton's 48 hour cancellation policy will apply.
Amenities: Experience stylish comfort and small-town charm at our new Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Decatur/Emory hotel. Ideally situated in downtown Decatur’s favorite pastime spot, we are just one block from the vibrant shops, restaurants and 6 miles from the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center.
You’ll find all the modern amenities you need for a relaxing stay. Settle in to one of our stylish guest rooms which include our clean and fresh Hampton bed® for a great night’s sleep, free WiFi, a coffeemaker, flat-screen TV and free in-room movie channels. A mini-refrigerator and microwave are provided in each guest room.
Complimentary full hot breakfast included- breakfast tickets to be issued upon check-in based on room max capacity (4). Each guest must present a breakfast ticket each morning.
Visit the Suite Shop selling beverages, microwaveable food and sundry items. After a long day in Decatur, GA, unwind with your favorite cocktail at our Lobby Bar, enjoy an invigorating workout in our 24-hour fitness center or take a dip in our indoor pool. Our business center is open 24 hours for your convenience and offers free WiFi and printing services.
Transportation: Travel to/from the the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center is accessible most conveniently by car or rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. Festival attendees often get together to split the fares. The festival does NOT provide shuttle transportation service.
Parking: Self-parking $12/day
What hotel is also available?
Best Value...
Holiday Inn Express & Suites- Atlanta East
7846 Stonecrest Square
Lithonia, GA 30038
678-325-4830
Negotiated Rate: $83 King; $86 Double
(plus tax, occupancy fee)
Discount Code: Atlanta Black Theatre Festival
Deadline: Sept. 12th. PLEASE BOOK EARLY...THEY SELL OUT FAST! (The hotel has asked that you reserve your room only when you are sure of your hotel selection. Each year they reach capacity and have had to turn ABTF guests away. Thank you!)
Amenities: All guest rooms are over-sized with a microwave and refrigerator. Enjoy the Simply Smart complimentary breakfast with world famous cinnamon rolls. The Holiday Inn is Express & Suites is located near the Mall at Stonecrest with five anchor stores and a variety of restaurants.
Transportation: Travel to/from the the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center is accessible most conveniently by car or rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. Festival attendees often get together to split the fares. The festival does NOT provide shuttle transportation service.
Parking: FREE Self-parking
How can I become a volunteer?
We'd love to have you! In fact, we can't do this without you. Our Ambassador team offers the perfect opportunity to meet fun loving art advocates just like YOU!
We'll also give you complimentary tickets and other perks! Please register for training/orientation. Upon successful completion, we'll invite you to sign-up for your volunteer shift(s)!
Is onsite dining available?
Absolutely! The Backstage Cafe is open from 11am -10pm daily. Our caterer offers a delicious selection of light southern fare including gourmet sandwiches, grilled wings, juicy turkey burgers, 100% beef hot dogs, and delightful vegetarian options! Candy, chips and soft drinks are available as well at the Festival Store.
How do I purchase tickets or passes?
ONLINE INDIVIDUAL TICKETS
Individual tickets are available 24/7 online beginning June 15th. You can avoid lines, take advantage of special discounts, and avoid extra box office fees if you purchase your tickets online.
The Festival schedule will be available on/after June 15th.
***
ON SITE BOX OFFICE
The Box Office is available for your convenience during the Festival. We accept CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS ONLY. Due to safety and security reasons, WE DO NOT ACCEPT CASH. Box Office surcharges will apply.
BOX OFFICE HOURS:
Wed. Oct. 2- Sat. Oct. 5
10am - 4pm
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FESTIVAL PASSES
A limited number of multi-access and VIP passes are NOW available for those who want to immerse themselves in the full marathon experience. Avoid the long lines with "flash and go" admission, priority express seating, VIP perks and more. But hurry, passes are popular and sell out early!
What group or specialty discounts are available?
Thinking about organizing a group? Let us help you plan your visit. Schedule a call with our Group Coordinator as soon as possible so we can offer you the best rates.
Are events family friendly?
Most early daytime events are suitable for general audiences. We provide a suitability guide on each performance page so you can gauge based on your personal preference. Children under 5 years old are NOT permitted for most events. Check the event details to be sure.
What is your policy on late seating?
LATE SEATING IS NOT PERMITTED! Doors open 15 minutes prior to each show for VIP GUESTS and PRIORITY EXPRESS ticket holders immediately followed by General Admission. Doors close 5 minutes after start time. Late seating is NOT permitted in the Black Box (sorry, no exceptions). If you arrive late, please check with Guest Relations and we'll be happy to exchange your ticket for another performance (based on availability).
Do you have a dress code?
No, we don't have a dress code. For the most part, people dress causally and comfortably. Some may step it up a bit in the evening. NOTE: Auditoriums are air conditioned/heated for the comfort of the majority — please dress according to your personal preference.
What is your refund policy?
All sales are NON-REFUNDABLE. However, tickets can be exchanged and/or credited towards another show (based on availability). Stop by the Box Office or Guest Relations for assistance. There is a $2 exchange fee.