Shaky Beats Festival
If Atlanta is a destination on your next RV trip, plan a stop at the Shaky Beats Festival to enjoy some world-class hip-hop and electronic music.
Event information
The Shaky Beats Festival is an annual music extravaganza that takes place in Atlanta, Georgia. Central Park in the Fourth Ward West neighborhood serves as the venue for the event. The first Shaky Beats Festival was held in 2016, and it featured performances by some of the top EDM acts.
The inaugural festival took place in Centennial Olympic Park and was attended by over 30,000 people. It was the brainchild of Tim Sweetwood, the founder of Shaky Festivals LLC. The event was conceptualized as the EDM version of the already established Shaky Knees Music Festival. In fact, some of the tents and stages set up for the Shaky Knees Festival are repurposed for the Shaky Beats Festival.
Every year the festival features world-class indie, electronic, and hip-hop musicians and bands. Some of the artists who have performed at Shaky Beats Festival in the past include Major Lazer, Porter Robinson, The Chainsmokers, AlunaGeorge, Watch the Duck, Sir the Baptist, Big Gigantic, Boombox Cartel, Lost Kings, Duke Dumont, and Tory Lanez.
The performances take place on four different stages set up at different parts of the venue. In addition to the excellent music, there are plenty of other fun activities for attendees to enjoy like photo booths, games, and great food.
Tickets
You can choose between General Admission and VIP tickets. Both single-day and weekend passes are available. The VIP experience includes perks like complimentary eats, prime viewing areas, separate parking areas, and exclusive lounges.
Once you buy your ticket, your wristband will be shipped to you a few weeks before the event. You must be over the age of 18 to attend the Shaky Beats Festival. Make sure that you purchase your ticket only from an authorized ticketing partner. For more information on tickets and pricing, take a look at the festival website.
Explore Shaky Beats Festival RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Like many other large cities, traffic can be excessive in Atlanta. Keep in mind that there are likely to be road closures on the days of the festival. This, coupled with local and festival traffic, can make driving through the city tricky. You may be better off parking your RV at your campsite and finding another way to get to the venue, especially in a larger rig.
Remember to note which portion of the Central Park area where the Shaky Beats Festival will actually take place and plan your arrival accordingly. Keep an eye on road closures and the weather via Georgia's 511 alerts.
Parking areas
There is no onsite parking available at Central Park. You'll need to park your tow vehicle or camper at a parking garage or a surface lot, a short distance away. Remember to note the height and length of your rig when planning your trip. Most of the lots in the area are affordably priced, and you may be allowed to park at some spots for longer durations without worrying about topping up a parking meter.
Public Transportation
The bus and train systems in the city are operated by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). Atlanta is well connected, and there are a number of routes that will get you close to the venue. Another option is to use a rideshare service, some of which may function as transport partners of the event. There will be a designated zone where you can get picked up or dropped off near the Shaky Beats Festival.
Where to stay
Onsite
Onsite camping and overnight camping are not permitted at the festival venue. It's a good idea to book a spot at an RV park nearby in advance.
Nearby
The nearest RV park is about 14 miles away from the city center. If you want a camping experience that gets you close to nature, you'll need to head outside the metropolitan area. These have space for larger rigs, and you'll be able to enjoy a comfortable and affordable stay. Campers can look along the perimeter of Atlanta along I-285 for RV accommodations.
Getting around
Bikes, carts, scooters, skateboards, Segways, rollerblades, ATVs, or other personal vehicles will not be allowed at the Shaky Beats Music Festival. Special lanes will be available for patrons with disabilities at the entrances. While the site is wheelchair navigable, most of the terrain is natural, so it may get muddy if it rains.
What to pack
Clothing
Since Shaky Beats is an EDM festival, you can expect to see lots of bright colors, sequins, costumes, and creative attire. Feel free to show off your party spirit with a metallic bodysuit or a colorful wig. Be sure to keep your outfit functional and comfortable so you can dance the day (and night) away.
Gear
Only small purses, fanny packs, and drawstring bags will be allowed on the festival premises. A few essentials to carry with you are sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, binoculars, and an empty, refillable bottle. Also, take a lightweight blanket so you'll be able to take breaks from being on your feet all day and sit comfortably.
Health & Safety
Free water refill stations will be present all over the grounds. Use these to stay hydrated and take breaks to grab a bite to eat. Drink alcohol responsibly and pace yourself so you can enjoy the festival until the very end. Patrons are requested to use the proper receptacle to dispose of any waste and cut down their environmental footprint.
Where to eat
Cooking
Cooking supplies and outside food and beverages are not allowed on the festival grounds. If preparing your own meals outdoors is important to you, check if the campsite you're staying at has any guidelines. There may be some restrictions when it comes to open flames. If you're staying outside the city limits, it's a good idea to pick up some supplies before heading to your campsite for the night.
Restaurants
The city's culinary scene has evolved over the years. Travelers will find several hundred restaurants, bars, and eateries in Atlanta. So whatever you're in the mood for, you'll find it here. Be sure to dig into some authentic southern comfort food like hickory pork ribs and buttermilk biscuits before leaving the city if you are interested in local cuisines.
Vendors
You'll find so much more than the typical festival fare at Shaky Beats. Some of the must-try dishes are the Mediterranean gyros, Philadelphia style Cheesesteaks, and the Belgian-style street fries. Guests will also find alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on offer and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.
Safety
Security
Private and public security officers will be stationed both inside and outside the Shaky Beats Music Festival. Security personnel and festival staff will be conducting thorough bag checks at the entrances. Attendees will need to submit to a TSA-style pat-down, which includes taking off your shoes and emptying your pockets.
Weather
Atlanta weather is typically pleasant in the spring but may include some rain. In the rare event of severe weather, some performances may be canceled, and no refunds will be given. Before leaving on your adventure, check if any severe weather warnings or road alerts have been issued in the Fourth Ward West area or the surrounding counties.
Medical
Emergency medical staff will be available at a centrally located first aid tent. There will also be an ADA access center on site to provide services to guests with disabilities. If you require information or assistance, you can head to the medical tent or look for a staff member to guide you. Pharmacy services are within a 10 to 15-minute walk of the festival if needed.
