Brookhaven, August 26, 2025
Atlanta locals and visitors planning to attend events at Blackburn Park in Brookhaven need to be prepared for parking challenges. This guide offers tips on getting to the park using MARTA, shuttle options, and the best practices to enjoy the events without stress. Remember, there is no onsite festival parking, so arriving early, using the shuttles, and knowing your drop-off points is essential for a fun day out.
Brookhaven Event Survival Guide: How to Get In, Get Seated, and Get Home Without Losing Your Mind
Listen up, Atlanta locals and visitors plotting a day in Brookhaven—this suburban pocket just north of the city is fun, lively, and yes, can be a parking nightmare if you roll in unprepared. I’m breaking down what to do, where to go, and what to expect so you can enjoy Blackburn Park events like a pro instead of circling for an hour hunting a space.
Where you’re heading
Blackburn Park runs about half a mile as a linear green space and hosts many of the neighborhood’s festivals and concerts. It’s tucked just south of I-285, reachable via GA-400 or GA-141. Think close-in, walkable, and very community-focused—just don’t expect onsite festival parking to save you.
Parking: Don’t assume you’ll find a spot
If you love hunting for a curbside miracle, go for it. For the rest of us, the rules are clear: there’s no onsite festival parking around Blackburn Park. Local lots and side streets are often posted and enforced—vehicles can be towed if they’re blocking residential access. That means the smartest play is to skip trying to park on the immediate streets around the park.
Best move: Take MARTA
If you want to avoid traffic and drama, take MARTA’s Gold Line. The stations to know are Brookhaven/Oglethorpe and Chamblee. From there, free shuttles run directly to the park during event hours. The shuttles operate roughly from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM, giving you a wide window to arrive and leave.
Shuttle pickup spots and free parking for shuttle riders
- Shuttle pickup behind Brookhaven/Oglethorpe MARTA at Apple Valley Road.
- Shuttle pickup at Miller Drive in front of Chamblee MARTA on Peachtree Road.
- If you prefer driving to a shuttle lot and riding in, free parking is offered at two common staging areas: 1 Corporate Blvd NE, Brookhaven, GA 30329, and Chamblee High School, 3688 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Chamblee, GA 30341.
Rideshares and drop-off
Using a rideshare? Set your drop-off or pickup to 2036 Johnson Ferry Rd, Brookhaven, GA 30319 (the Cambridge Square parking area across from the park). That area is posted for no long-term parking but is commonly used for active drop-offs and pickups during events. Be ready for congestion at peak times.
Accessibility—what you need to know
There is reserved ADA parking at The Cowart Family YMCA, but it fills fast. If ADA parking is full, MARTA and the event shuttles are the fallback—both stations and shuttle vehicles are ADA accessible. Shuttles run with ADA capability, too.
On-foot realities
Plan to walk. From shuttle drop-off to the Kidz Zone or main stage can be about a half-mile. Event staff won’t be ferrying people around, so bring comfortable shoes and a light attitude for the stroll.
What to bring—and what not to
- Blankets are encouraged because the natural amphitheater area is much comfier with them.
- Folding chairs are allowed for medical reasons, but if you don’t need one, skip it so everyone has space to enjoy the show.
- Bike racks are near the Food Trucks and Kidz Zone on a first-come, first-served basis—bring your own lock.
- Check the weather—rain or heat will change your plan fast.
Quick tips from someone who’s seen the lines
- Arrive early if you want to snag a prime spot on the lawn.
- Use the shuttle lots to avoid towing and parking tickets.
- Have a designated pickup time and place if you’re using rideshare—traffic surges at the end of big events.
- If accessibility is a concern, aim for MARTA + shuttle rather than searching for ADA stalls last-minute.
Bottom line
Brookhaven events are a blast when you plan the approach. Use MARTA and the free shuttles, take advantage of the offsite free parking & shuttle service, bring the right gear (blanket, lock, shoes), and avoid on-street parking near the park. Do that, and you’ll spend your time enjoying the festival instead of digging for your car keys in a tow lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do events at Blackburn Park offer onsite parking?
No. There is no festival parking in the immediate park area and nearby streets may be posted and enforced. Towing is possible to protect resident access.
Where is the best place to park and catch a shuttle?
Park for free at 1 Corporate Blvd NE, Brookhaven, GA 30329, or at Chamblee High School, 3688 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Chamblee, GA 30341, then ride the free shuttles to Blackburn Park.
Which MARTA stations serve Blackburn Park events?
Use MARTA’s Gold Line and get off at either Brookhaven/Oglethorpe or Chamblee. Both have shuttle connections to the park.
Are the shuttles ADA accessible?
Yes. The shuttle service and MARTA stations mentioned are ADA accessible.
What address should I use for rideshare drop-off?
Set the drop-off/pick-up to 2036 Johnson Ferry Rd, Brookhaven, GA 30319 (Cambridge Square parking area). This area is for active pickup/drop-off; do not leave your car parked there.
Can I bring a chair?
Chairs are allowed for medical needs. If you do not need a chair, please avoid bringing one to keep space open for others. Blankets are encouraged for general seating.
Quick Features Chart
| Feature | Details | Where/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Onsite Parking | No festival parking | Avoid streets near Blackburn Park; towing enforced |
| MARTA | Gold Line to Brookhaven/Oglethorpe or Chamblee | Best public transit option; shuttles available |
| Shuttle Hours | 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM | Runs between MARTA stations and Blackburn Park |
| Free Shuttle Parking | Available at two lots | 1 Corporate Blvd NE & Chamblee High School |
| Rideshare Drop-off | Active drop/pick only | 2036 Johnson Ferry Rd (Cambridge Square lot) |
| ADA Options | Reserved ADA parking + accessible shuttles | The Cowart Family YMCA; MARTA and shuttles are ADA-ready |
| Walking Distance | Approx. 0.5 miles from shuttle drop | Plan for a short walk to Kidz Zone and stage |
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
