Things to Do in Atlanta Before ICDC Begins

Feb 19, 2026

Before the excitement of DECA ICDC officially kicks off on Saturday night, make the most of your time in Atlanta by taking advantage of one or more of the unforgettable experiences the city has to offer.

Here’s your guide to starting ICDC strong before the opening session even begins:

Catch a Braves Game

Is your chapter arriving to ATL on Friday? The Atlanta Braves take on the Philadelphia Phillies Friday night at 7:15 PM, and DECA members can attend at a discounted rate! Truist Park combines the classic ballpark feel with modern amenities and a dose of southern hospitality, creating a fan experience unlike any other.

Get your tickets through this link to experience Braves Country for yourself.

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.‍

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.

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.

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 handshakes, 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: