Get ready, Atlanta history buffs, Christmas is right around the corner.
I am, of course, referring to the most exciting time of the year for those who want to learn about all things Atlanta: Phoenix Flies. During the month of March, the Atlanta Preservation Center hands out the best present any Atlantan could ask for — free, all-access passes to the places that make up our hometown. It’s the ultimate gift for anyone who’s ever stared at an old building and wondered, “What’s the story there?”
For as long as I’ve been telling the “Stories of Atlanta,” I have looked forward to March, when the Atlanta Preservation Center throws open its doors and presents a collection of tours, lectures, and experiences that are as informative as they are enjoyable… all for the price of free.
While these March events are a once-a-year gift to the public, the Preservation Center works year-round to protect our skyline’s soul. As Executive Director David Mitchell explains, “Phoenix Flies is our chance to openly celebrate Atlanta’s hidden gems, but the daily work of preservation is a marathon funded by the community’s year-round support. Preservation is a delicate dance between progress and heritage.”
David often notes that preservation isn’t about stopping the clock, but about making sure the future has a foundation. As he puts it: “We aren’t just saving old bricks; we’re saving the character of the city as it evolves.”
I can speak first-hand about the value of these tours. They’ve given me the gift of access, the opportunity to peek behind the curtain of the Fox Theatre and stand next to the stoic lions watching over Peachtree Street from the rooftop of the Ponce Condominiums.
I’ve spent March mornings reliving the Civil War battles of Utoy Creek and East Atlanta and walking the streets of Downtown Atlanta to learn how Atlantans tried, unsuccessfully, to protect themselves and their beleaguered city during the war.
I’ve toured the grand homes of our founding fathers, stood at the final resting places of Atlanta’s most prominent Black citizens, and discovered the true soul of “Sweet Auburn.” I’ve learned why Underground Atlanta isn’t actually underground, explored the vibrant history of the Curb Market, and even heard the scandalous tales of Atlanta’s Historic Harlots. Each tour has left me with a deeper appreciation for why Atlanta is the city it is today, and I’ve only scratched the surface of what Phoenix Flies offers the community.
But this March, I’m doing more than just attending. For the first time ever, “Stories of Atlanta” is joining the Phoenix Flies lineup by staging a Downtown Atlanta History Scavenger Hunt!
On March 7, we’ll gather at the Fulton County Central Library. Participants will receive a set of clues… part history lesson, part detective work…each ending with a question that can only be answered by observing the historic gems hidden in plain sight downtown.
When the hunt is over, we’ll gather in the Central Library for a multimedia presentation about the answers to the questions the scavenger hunt posed. We hope it will be as fun as it is challenging and, most of all, a memorable part of the 2026 Phoenix Flies experience.
However, here’s the thing about a gift this good: everyone wants it. Tickets to the tours will fill up faster than traffic on the downtown connector at rush hour. As David Mitchell explains, “Phoenix Flies isn’t just an event; it’s a once-a-year keys-to-the-city pass. Unfortunately, there’s a limit to how much traffic we can accommodate. Once these slots are gone, they are gone.”
So, with that in mind, if you’re interested in getting the inside story about all things Atlanta, act fast.
The 2026 Phoenix Flies celebration will take place from March 2 to 29, 2026, bringing together 106 partners to offer over 150 unique events that showcase Atlanta’s rich history and architecture.
The full program, including event details and partner information, can be found here.
All events require registration, which opens on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at 10 a.m. Mark your calendar and don’t miss this opportunity to explore and celebrate Atlanta’s heritage!
