Frederick Brown Jr Amphitheater Information

The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater serves as a cultural cornerstone in Peachtree City, offering a distinctive outdoor music venue that captivates performers and audiences alike. Named after a former mayor in recognition of his community contributions, the venue has become integral to the region’s entertainment landscape. With its intimate 2,500-seat capacity, The Fred creates a connection between artists and audiences regardless of seating location.
The amphitheater’s design embraces its natural surroundings, with native pines providing a picturesque backdrop for performances. The fan-shaped layout ensures excellent visibility from every section, while the open-air structure takes advantage of Georgia’s pleasant evenings during the performance season from April through October.
As one of the most respected outdoor venues in the Atlanta area, The Fred offers diverse programming throughout its season. The summer concert series features nationally recognized acts spanning multiple genres. At the same time, the venue also hosts community events and special engagements that showcase its versatility and commitment to quality entertainment for residents and visitors.
Fun Facts About The Fred Amphitheater
Here are some key facts about The Fred:
- » The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater was originally built in the 1970s as a venue for the theatrical production of “The McIntosh Trail.”
- » The venue underwent significant renovations after a fire in 1989 before reopening as the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater in 1991.
- » The Fred maintains a strong connection to the community, with many patrons holding series tickets for over two decades.
- » The amphitheater’s location is enriched by Peachtree City’s extensive network of golf cart paths, which allow for unique transportation options.
- » The facility operates as a rain-or-shine venue, ensuring scheduled performances proceed regardless of weather conditions.
The Fred’s Rich History From Theatrical Roots to Rock Legends
The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater has a fascinating evolution that parallels the growth and development of Peachtree City itself. Understanding this history provides context for appreciating the venue’s significance in the community today.
Origins and Founding
The origins of what would eventually become the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater trace back to the mid-1970s when the McIntosh Trail Arts Council commissioned an outdoor performance space. This initial 1,600-seat facility was specifically built to showcase “The McIntosh Trail,” a historical play written by Dr. Kermit H. Hunter that depicted the tragic story of Chief William McIntosh. The play debuted during the summer of 1976, establishing the venue’s first cultural footprint in the community.
In 1977, Peachtree City purchased the facility and renamed it McIntosh Amphitheater, marking the beginning of municipal stewardship that continues today. During its first decade, the venue primarily hosted the weekly McIntosh Opry, showcasing local and regional country, bluegrass, and clogging acts that attracted regular audiences from surrounding communities. This period established the amphitheater as a center for live entertainment in the developing city.
Evolution and Transformation
The venue’s programming expanded significantly in 1986 with the introduction of “oldies” music acts and regular performances by the Atlanta Pops Orchestra. This diversification marked an important transition toward the broader entertainment calendar seen today. However, progress was temporarily halted in 1989 when a fire severely damaged the facility, forcing its closure for significant renovations.
Following extensive reconstruction, the venue reopened in 1991 with a new identity: the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater, named in honor of the former Peachtree City Mayor who had substantially contributed to the community’s development. This renaming ceremony marked a physical restoration and a reimagining of the venue’s purpose and potential within Peachtree City’s cultural landscape.
Notable Performances and Milestones
There have been some popular Fred Amphitheater events and numerous memorable performances throughout its history:
- » Travis Tritt’s 2022 performance stands among the venue’s most celebrated country music events.
- » The Little River Band’s 2022 show drew one of the largest audiences in recent years.
- » Joan Jett’s 2019 concert represents one of the most significant rock performances in the venue’s history.
- » The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s recurring performances highlight the venue’s acoustic excellence.
- » Ben Folds’ appearance marked a milestone in attracting contemporary artists with devoted followings.
Community Significance
Over the past four decades, the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater has evolved from a simple performance space into a cultural cornerstone of the community. In addition to Peachtree City concerts, it hosts graduations, community celebrations, and special events that have become cherished traditions for local families.
In 2018, Peachtree City selected PTR (a joint venture of Premier Events, RCS Productions, and FreshTix) to manage the venue, bringing modern enhancements while preserving the intimate atmosphere that defines The Fred. Today, the amphitheater successfully balances innovation with tradition, maintaining its relevance across generations of concertgoers while honoring its community-focused roots.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: Your Food and Beverage Guide to The Fred
The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater offers various dining and refreshment options for patrons attending performances. Understanding these options helps visitors plan their concert experience, whether they prefer to purchase food at the venue or bring their own provisions.
Concession Stands and Menus
The Fred features multiple concession areas strategically positioned throughout the venue to serve guests:
- » The main concession stand (The Fred Grill) offers a complete menu of food items and beverages.
- » The Fred Express provides a streamlined selection of snacks and drinks for quick service.
- » Two beverage-only bars are located at the main entrance and in the Butler Lexus Lounge.
- » Across all stands, food options include burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, pizza slices, and various snack items.
- » Vegetarian options are available at the main concession stand for patrons with dietary preferences.
Outside Food and Drink Policies
One of The Fred’s most appealing policies is its permissive approach to outside food and beverages:
- » Patrons may bring food, non-alcoholic beverages, and alcoholic drinks into the venue.
- » All outside provisions must fit within coolers no larger than 30 quarts (limit one cooler per person).
- » Glass containers may be permitted, unlike many other concert venues that prohibit them.
- » All coolers and bags are subject to inspection upon entry for security purposes.
Many regular attendees create picnic-style setups, particularly in the table seating and lawn areas.
Alcohol Policies
The Fred maintains specific guidelines regarding alcohol consumption to ensure a safe, enjoyable environment.
The venue allows alcoholic beverages, whether purchased on-site or brought from outside. Premium cocktails, beer, and wine are available at all concession locations, with special offerings like frozen margaritas available in the Lexus Lounge. The venue’s beer bucket special—featuring a souvenir Fred bucket filled with a mix of six domestic or craft beers—is particularly popular among regular patrons.
Staff members monitor alcohol consumption to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere appropriate for all ages. All alcohol purchases require valid photo identification regardless of the customer’s apparent age. The venue reserves the right to refuse service to anyone showing signs of excessive intoxication.
Alcohol service typically ends approximately 30 minutes before the conclusion of performances.
Special Dining Areas
Beyond the standard concession options, The Fred offers enhanced dining experiences in designated areas.
The Butler Lexus Lounge provides a premium refreshment area accessible to all patrons without requiring special passes or tickets. This space offers a relaxed pre-concert gathering spot for meeting friends and enjoying specialty beverages not available elsewhere in the venue. The lounge features comfortable seating, enhanced menu options, and a more upscale concession experience.
Table seating areas throughout the venue facilitate more elaborate dining setups, with some patrons arranging impressive spreads for their groups. Gold/Pit and Plaza table sections occasionally receive table service during special performances, allowing guests to order without leaving their seats. This service enhancement represents part of The Fred’s commitment to creating a distinctive concert environment.
For more information on the Frederick Brown Jr Amphitheater see the pages below:
Frederick Brown Jr Amphitheater Parking:
Read parking information and directions for the Frederick Brown Jr Amphitheater.
Ticket Policies:
Read ticket policies, ticket verification and refund policies.
Frederick Brown Jr Amphitheater Seating Chart:
View the Frederick Brown Jr Amphitheater seating map and read related seating information.