Six miles east of downtown Atlanta sits a small city that still feels like it has a front porch. Decatur has its own city hall and its own pace, but for most of us it is simply the place we go when we want to park once and walk everywhere. Here is how to spend a good day there, plus a few dates worth putting on your calendar this fall.
Getting there
Skip the parking hunt if you can. MARTA’s Blue Line stops at Decatur station, right at the square, so the train drops you in the middle of everything. If you drive, there is paid street parking and garage parking around downtown. Give yourself extra time on festival weekends, because the square fills up fast.
Start at the Old Courthouse
The historic DeKalb County Courthouse anchors the square at 101 East Court Square. Inside, the DeKalb History Center runs a free museum about the county’s past. Listings show weekday hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but they don’t agree on which days, so call ahead.
Right outside stands a bronze statue of the late Congressman John Lewis by sculptor Basil Watson. It went up in August 2024 on the same spot where a Confederate obelisk stood from 1908 until it was removed in 2020. Stand there a minute. It tells you a lot about how a town decides what it wants to honor.
Eat and drink like you mean it
Decatur punches way above its size at the table. Explore Georgia counts more than 200 bars and restaurants in the city, and several have made the Michelin Guide’s Atlanta list. A few to know:
- Chai Pani for Indian street food that is loud, colorful and made for sharing.
- Kimball House for oysters and cocktails in Decatur’s old train depot.
- The Deer and The Dove for a sit-down dinner with Southern roots.
- Brick Store Pub for a beer list people cross town for.
Hours and reservation rules change, so check each spot before you go.
Catch a show at Eddie’s Attic
Eddie’s Attic is a listening room, which means the crowd actually listens. It hosts live music most nights and has a long reputation as a home for singer-songwriters. The room is intimate and good shows sell out, so buy your ticket online ahead of time.
Walk the side streets
The square is the heart, but the side streets are where Decatur shows its personality. Look for outdoor sculptures, murals and the tiny hidden doors tucked around town. If you want to make something with your hands, Decatur Glassblowing offers hands-on glass sessions.
During its season, the Decatur Farmers Market sets up on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. on the front lawn of First Baptist Church Decatur at 308 Clairemont Avenue. Last year’s season closed in mid-November, so check with Community Farmers Markets before you head over.
Dates for your calendar
- Saturday, November 7, 2026: The Decatur Wine Festival takes over the square from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., with gates opening at noon. It is ticketed and you must be 21 or older. Details at decaturwinefestival.com.
- November: Santa on the Square is part of the city’s yearly lineup.
- December: The Tree Lighting on the Square and a Bonfire and Marshmallow Roast round out the season.
Visit Decatur posts exact dates for the holiday events on its online calendar at visitdecaturga.com, so keep an eye there as December gets closer.
Make it a full day
A good Decatur day goes like this: museum and statue in the morning, a long lunch, a slow walk through the side streets, then dinner and a show at Eddie’s. If the night turns into a get-together back at your place, Shrimp & Lobster Unlimited can bring the seafood. Order by phone or WhatsApp at (404) 314-2100.
Event dates, hours, prices and age rules can change, so confirm the details with each venue or the City of Decatur before you head out.
