Centennial Olympic Park Atlanta: Fountain Shows, Parking & Attractions

Plan your visit to Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta. Learn about fountain show times, free admission, nearby attractions, and the best parking options.

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April 28, 2026·3 min read

Centennial Olympic Park Atlanta: Fountain Shows, Parking & Attractions

Centennial Olympic Park sits at the heart of downtown Atlanta, covering 22 acres of green space that celebrate the city's 1996 Olympic legacy. The park is free to enter, easy to reach by public transit, and surrounded by some of Atlanta's most popular attractions - making it an ideal first stop on any downtown itinerary.

What to Know Before You Visit Centennial Olympic Park

Getting There and Parking

The park is at 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 and is open daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. The most convenient public transit option is MARTA - exit at the GWCC/CNN Center Station for a short walk directly to the park entrance.

If you are driving, street parking in the surrounding downtown blocks is extremely limited and heavily monitored. Head for the Red Deck at the Georgia World Congress Center, which offers covered parking with direct, well-lit access to the park. Rates are approximately $10 per visit, though event days can push prices higher. Always lock your car and keep valuables out of sight.

Is the Park Safe?

The park grounds are actively patrolled by dedicated security staff and local police, particularly during daylight hours. The atmosphere is lively and family-friendly, with office workers, tourists, and locals filling the space throughout the day. After dark, stay on the brightly lit main walkways connecting the park to the surrounding hotel district, and walk in groups when possible.

The Fountain of Rings: Show Times and Best Viewing Spots

The Fountain of Rings is the park's most iconic feature, built from 251 water jets that are choreographed to music. Daily shows run four times: 12:00 pm, 2:30 pm, 6:30 pm, and 9:00 pm. The evening shows add a 360-degree LED lighting display and a synchronized fog system, making the 9:00 pm performance particularly striking.

For the best photos, position yourself on the elevated grassy area facing the downtown skyline - the jets frame the city backdrop perfectly. Children are welcome to splash through the fountain between shows. Bring a towel and a change of clothes if young kids are in your group, as the water pressure during shows can be surprisingly strong.

Top Attractions Within a 5-Minute Walk

Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola

Directly across from the park at Pemberton Place sit two of Atlanta's most visited attractions: the Georgia Aquarium - one of the largest in the world - and the World of Coca-Cola, an interactive museum tracing the global history of the drink. Combining both into a single day trip is straightforward: start at the aquarium in the morning, break for lunch on the park lawn, then spend the afternoon sampling sodas from around the world.

SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel

The SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel stands at the southern edge of the park. Rides take place in climate-controlled gondolas and lift you high enough to see the park's green space set against the dense downtown skyline. Sunset rides offer the most dramatic views.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

A short walk from the park, this museum explores the American civil rights movement and connects it to global human rights campaigns. It is one of Atlanta's most thoughtful cultural stops and pairs well with a morning at the park.

The Olympic Legacy

Before the 1996 Summer Games, the land now covered by this park was a collection of rundown industrial lots. The transformation into a public gathering space was funded in part through the sale of engraved bricks, and many of those original bricks are still embedded in the park's walkways. Reading the names and messages underfoot is one of the quieter pleasures of the visit. Subtle architectural details throughout the grounds - from the water gardens to the monument placements - reflect the spirit of international athletic competition that shaped the space.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, admission to the park is entirely free. You can walk through the gardens, explore the monuments, and watch the Fountain of Rings shows without paying any entry fee, making it one of the most accessible green spaces in downtown Atlanta.

The Fountain of Rings performs four times daily at 12:00 pm, 2:30 pm, 6:30 pm, and 9:00 pm. Evening shows include LED lighting and a fog effect choreographed to music. Arrive a few minutes early to find a good spot near the rings.

The Red Deck at the Georgia World Congress Center is the most convenient parking option. It offers covered, well-lit access to the park and costs around $10. Street parking in the area is very limited, so using a garage is strongly recommended.

The park is generally safe as long as you stay on the main lit walkways and plazas. Security patrols the area, but as with any major city park at night, staying in populated areas and walking with others is good practice.

Yes, picnicking on the Great Lawn is allowed and popular. Bring your own food and a blanket. Glass containers are not permitted, and all rubbish should be placed in the bins provided throughout the park.

The Georgia Aquarium is directly across the street at Pemberton Place, less than a five-minute walk away. Most visitors combine a trip to the aquarium with a stroll through the park on the same day without needing to move their car.

Yes, the fountain is an interactive splash pad open to visitors of all ages. It is a great way to cool down on hot days. Bring a change of clothes or a towel, as the water jets reach over 15 feet high during shows and can soak children quickly.

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for exploring the park. Atlanta summers are hot and humid, so morning visits work best in July and August. The park also hosts outdoor concerts and festivals throughout the year, which can make for a lively visit.

Yes, the park is easily reached by MARTA. Exit at the GWCC/CNN Center Station for a short, straightforward walk to the main entrance. Using MARTA avoids the cost and difficulty of finding parking in a busy downtown area.

The park was built to commemorate Atlanta's hosting of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. It replaced a series of neglected industrial lots and was partially funded through the sale of engraved bricks, many of which remain in the walkways today. It now serves as the central public gathering space for the downtown district.

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