Things to Do in Atlanta During ICDC

Apr 8, 2026

With just weeks until DECA ICDC officially kicks off, now is the perfect time to start planning how to make the most of your time by exploring one or more unforgettable experiences in Atlanta.

Here’s a guide to exploring Atlanta while at ICDC:

Visit Iconic ATL Spots

Atlanta boasts things to do with personality, adventure and unforgettable experiences. Here are some of our favorite spots to explore:

Atlanta Beltline

The Atlanta Beltline is a 22-mile loop of trails, parks and future transit, connecting 45 neighborhoods and creating a vibrant public space. Along the path, you can find restaurants, discover local businesses, and experience moving arts and cultural exhibits and programs.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Colorful flowers and sprouting plants fill the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Explore exotic plants at the Fuqua Conservatory, try new flavors at The Edible Garden, and awe over the 25-foot-tall Earth Goddess.

College Football Hall of Fame

Show your fandom at the College Football Hall of Fame, where every day feels like Saturday!

Discover real-life legends of College Football from the very first college football game to the most recent class of inductees.

Check out this link for special rates for DECA.
These tickets are not valid for the DECA Night on Monday.

F1® Arcade

Walk in. Show your badge. Take a victory lap. Under 21 welcome until 7 PM daily. Bring your conference badge to the F1® Arcade and unlock:

25% off head-to-head or team racing
25% off all food + non-alcoholic beverages

Georgia Aquarium

Explore all the wonders of the ocean at the Georgia Aquarium.

Two options available — online discount or group orders by order form. Learn more about purchasing tickets here.
Tickets must be purchased in advance. The discount is not available at the box office.
Tickets cannot be used for the DECA Night at Georgia Aquarium/World of Coca-Cola.

Illuminarium

Illuminarium is a place where you can experience the extraordinary. The immersive venue uses cutting-edge visual, audio and projection technology to bring you shows and experiences unlike anything you have seen before!

Receive 25% off tickets to Illuminarium while you are in Atlanta. Enter promo code DECA25 then choose your date and time of visit.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Step into living history. Discover the courage of everyday people and your own power to protect human rights.

Show your DECA conference badge and get a walk-up group rate of $18 per person, plus tax

Ponce City Market

Breathing new life into one of the city's most historic structures, Ponce City Market is an Atlanta staple. Just 10 steps from the Beltline, visitors have access to 56 locally owned businesses and Atlanta's ultimate rooftop playground, The Roof.

Purchase tickets to The Roof through this link with code "DECA20" to get 20% off individual and group tickets to Skyline Park during your visit.

Punch Bowl Social Atlanta

Situated in The Battery Atlanta, near Truist Park, Punch Bowl Social provides an eclectic space where guests can enjoy a range of activities, from bowling and karaoke to Dartsee and an enhanced arcade.

Show your DECA conference badge and receive a free shareable app.

Shopportunity at AmericasMart

Experience the world of a retail buyer at AmericasMart Atlanta, home of 16 annual markets for the gift, decor and apparel industries, in Building 3 on the 6th and 7th floors. Shop over 60 showrooms featuring fashion apparel, fashion jewelry, handbags, shoes, leggings, beach ware, hats, beads and more!

Available Thursday, Friday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The experience is open from 10 AM - 4:30 PM. Your badge grants access to Building 3 all day on your reservation day, so you can come and go according to your schedule.
$30 per person, which includes a $12 food and beverage voucher to be used at the 7th Floor Cafe or Starbucks in the AmericasMart. Reserve your spot here. Registration closes Monday, April 13.
Learn more in this PDF.

World of Coca-Cola

Step inside a world of fun flavors, iconic stories and moments of real magic. From tasting your way around the globe to meeting the Coca‑Cola Polar Bear, there’s a surprise waiting around every corner.

Group Discount (Groups of 15 and over) is available here.
Tickets cannot be used for the DECA Night at Georgia Aquarium/World of Coca-Cola.

Zoo Atlanta

Meet animals from around the world with home habitats like grassland, rainforest and wetland. Show your DECA conference badge and get a walk-up group rate of $22.99 per person, plus tax.

Show your DECA conference badge and get a walk-up group rate of $22.99 per person, plus tax. This offer will be available for in-person purchase only from Friday, April 24 through Wednesday, April 29.

Looking for more ideas? Check out 50 Fun Things to Do in Atlanta!

Discover SCAD

Campus Tours: While you're in town, come discover the university for creative careers. See where world-class art meets cutting-edge innovation at our Midtown campus. Tours depart daily from the Admission Welcome Center (1600 Peachtree St. NW).

11:00 AM | Morning Session – Register Here
‍2:00 PM | Afternoon Session – Register Here
‍Flexible Timing: Individual tours can be arranged upon request by emailing saguilar@scad.edu.
Bringing the whole chapter? To schedule a school group visit (12 or more), please email atlgrouptours@scad.edu.

Beyond the Tour: These attractions are open Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday, 12:00 - 5:00 PM. For free tickets, stop by the Admission Welcome Center (1600 Peachtree St. NW) and mention DECA ICDC.‍

SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film: Explore high-fashion garments and cinematic history in a stunning gallery setting.‍
SCADstory: A breathtaking 4D immersive journey that tells a universal tale of the dreamer in us all.

Prepare for DECA Competition

Before competition officially begins, Saturday is a great opportunity to sharpen your skills and get ready for your event.

If you’re competing in a role-play event, consider practicing sample scenarios, reviewing performance indicators and creating a greeting and conclusion that will leave a lasting impression on your judge. Even a few focused practice rounds can help you feel more composed and confident when you walk into the competition room. Remember, a firm handshake, strong eye contact and confident posture go a long way. Try meeting new members around your hotel and practice these professional skills together!

For those in prepared events, use Saturday to rehearse your presentation, tighten timing and anticipate judge questions. Run through transitions and double-check that all visuals and materials are ready so you can present with confidence. Have at least one person serve as a judge and provide honest feedback using your event’s official evaluation form. The more familiar you are with your content and delivery, the more natural you’ll feel when it’s competition time.

Competing in a testing event? Reviewing key vocabulary and concepts, creating flashcards or taking a short practice test can reinforce what you already know without feeling like cramming. Focus on commonly missed topics or key terms you want to keep fresh in your mind, and review the exam blueprint so you know what to expect. Prioritize rest so you can arrive focused and ready to perform.

Atlanta is a city known for big stages and bold performances. Whether you’re exploring the city or preparing in your hotel lobby with your chapter, use Saturday to Go The Extra, then step into the Georgia World Congress Center ready for your moment.

Go on an ATL Foodie Tour

Get ready to experience a foodie city, where no matter what you're craving, you'll find it in Atlanta! From fried chicken and other southern staples, to craft burgers and BBQ, Atlanta is known for great food. See what types of food you need to add to your list in this article.

Another way to dive into Atlanta's food scene is by visiting one of its Food Halls! Food halls make it easy to meet the cravings of large groups all under one roof.

We've also broken down a list of must-try restaurants based on the neighborhoods DECA attendees will be in: