Best Performance Venue

Curated by gloATL founder Lauri Stallings and sponsored by a grant from the Loridans Foundation, the Rialto Center for the Art’s inaugural Off the Edge dance festival brought renowned visiting artists such as Lar Lubovitch, Keigwin + Company, and Gallim Dance to the stage for two nights of performances. The visitors stuck around to partner with local companies and schools for residencies: Israeli dance legend Rina Schenfeld led dance classes at Kennesaw State University, while Atlanta’s Zoetic Dance Ensemble hosted Seattle-based zoe|juniper, and Spelman worked with Los Angeles’ BodyTraffic. Two nights of free public performances, panel discussions, and artist exchanges ensured Atlanta’s first Off the Edge had a defining sense of purpose and character. less...

When it’s not reserved for wedding receptions or other traditional events, West Midtown’s King Plow Arts Center hosts monthly Haute Mess dubstep parties and world-renowned electro acts such as Mount Kimbie. Sizable enough to accommodate impressive laser shows and large dance crowds, King Plow even has an overflow space perfect for those who need to put the flashing lights on pause. 887 W. Marietta St. 404-885-9933. kingplow.com. less...

The corporate name may not be inspirational, but every other aspect of the COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE never fails to impress, from its sleek exterior to its luxurious lobby to the comfy seats and fine acoustics and sight-lines of the 2,750-seat auditorium. Plus, the Centre’s logistical ease puts the audience focus where it belongs: on artists like the performers of the Atlanta Ballet and Atlanta Opera. 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway. 770-916-2800. www.cobbenergycentre.com. less...