This month the Atlanta Dogwood Festival returns to Piedmont Park for its 82nd year. The annual fine arts festival draws a variety of artists from all around the country. Virtually every kind of art will be represented this year, in addition to a full line up of music and lots of local food vendors, meaning there’s truly something for everyone at the festival.
Here’s everything you need to know about the event, which will run April 13-15.
Who’s It For?
Art lovers of all ages will find something to enjoy at this year’s Dogwood Festival. In addition to an artists market with an impressive selection of fine art for adults and collectors, there will be a Kids Village with plenty of fun activities for the whole family. Unfortunately your pets will have to stay home, according to a City of Atlanta ordinance.
Festival Highlights
The main attraction of the Dogwood Festival is the artist market, which features more than 260 artists from around the country, whose works will be displayed in tents spread all throughout Piedmont Park. 12 art categories will be represented, including painting, photography, glass, clay, wood and mixed media.
Music has always been a major part of the festival, and this year the Main Stage will feature performances all weekend long from acclaimed local and regional musicians like Khari Cabral Simmons, Beau & Luci, and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Shawn Mullins. An eclectic lineup of performers representing international communities can be found at the International Stage throughout the weekend as well.
At the Kids Village young visitors can enjoy hands-on arts and crafts projects, interactive games, and inflatable rides. Peter Hart with Atlanta Puppet will also be performing on Friday and Saturday until 7 pm and Sunday until 6 pm.
Art is a big part of the Dogwood festival (courtesy of Atlanta Dogwood Festival)
VIP Experiences
Admission to the festival itself is free, but a few ticketed special events will occur throughout the weekend. Family Friday provides unlimited access to rides and inflatable’s on Friday from 2pm – 9pm for $12 ($15 on-site).
On Saturday morning you can participate in the Mimosa 5K, whose charming course through historic midtown concludes with a mimosa toast in Piedmont Park. You can register for the race online for $35.
Backyard Bites and Brews is a new ticketed tasting event happening on Saturday and Sunday, where you can sample exclusive food and libations from Atlanta’s best chefs, caterers, restaurants, and breweries.
Hours, Tickets, and Parking
The festival will officially open at noon on Friday, April 13, and will run until 11 p.m. The hours for Saturday are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and on Sunday the festival opens at 10 a.m. and concludes at 6 p.m.
Outside of specific ticketed events, admission to the Dogwood Festival is totally free!
With parking at Piedmont Park being limited, the best way to get to the festival is via Marta. Free festival shuttle buses will be running from the Midtown and Arts Center Stations all weekend.
More information regarding the festival schedule and layout can be found online.
