Downtown Kennesaw has expanded its entertainment district to include an amphitheater in Depot Park that is set to be finished in Spring 2024.
In 2019, the Kennesaw City Council approved the construction of a new entertainment district to bring new revenue and people to the area, according to the city’s website. This growth for the town has been centered around the establishment of the amphitheater, new housing complexes and an evolving drinking range.
The amphitheater was scheduled to be built by September of 2023, however, because of weather delays and other unknown circumstances, the city has said that the completion date has been pushed back six months. The new completion estimate is set for some time in the Spring, according to a report from the Cobb County Courier.
The town now includes a new coffee house, an ice cream shop, and two bars on opposite ends that cater to the needs of the residents and visitors. The Nest, which resides on Cherokee Road, is a spot for people to enjoy craft beer, specialty drinks, and tasty barbecue.
Jacob Lindsey resides in East Cobb but visits Downtown Kennesaw regularly to relish in the atmosphere and eat at The Nest.
“It is a great local spot for locals and visitors to enjoy a great atmosphere and food,” Lindsey said.
Kennesaw has a tradition of hosting large events such as the farmers market, Thanksgiving Festival, and New Year’s celebration. When asked about his time in Kennesaw, he remarked on the Fourth of July celebration that he attended and was pleased with the outcome.
“There were so many people,” Lindsey said. “It was nice to spend time with my friends, listen to some music, and enjoy the vibes.”
Lindsey has spent most of his time in the Kennesaw area to visit his friends and says he realizes how the town has evolved. He used to spend time with his friends at the Cook Out but now would rather spend his mornings at the Lazy Labrador Coffeehouse drinking the Kirby’s Signature Mocha.
“I truly was not expecting the area to become so diverse and rich in social life,” Lindsey said. “I have probably spent a paycheck or two eating in the area over the past year.”
Lindsay Early is a Big Shanty Elementary School teacher and participates in many Kennesaw events. She lives near the area but spends her time at the Honey-Suckle Bakery after class is released.
“I love seeing my students outside of school,” Early said. “It allows me to create a bond with them and their parents.”
Downtown Kennesaw has evolved to become a booming economy filled with visitors and new residents. There are new houses being built such as Galt Commons and Big Shanty Elementary School less than a three-minute drive from the entertainment district. All of these factors have brought more money to the area.
In 2021, the Kennesaw government released an annual report stating that most of the city budget came from property taxes and was spent on public safety. Now in 2023, that money has been spent on public works and the expansion of the city.
The construction of the new amphitheater and other businesses has created new jobs and allowed the accumulation of people to gather safely in the town.
For more updates on the construction of the amphitheater visit the Kennesaw State Government website.
