Who says you can't go home again?
After last year's move to Lenox Square because of drought conditions, the 73-year-old Atlanta Dogwood Festival returns to its Piedmont Park stomping grounds today through Sunday. Alongside its namesake trees, the festival blooms with art, live music, food, kiddie activities and entertainment. A few additions are sprouting this year, too. And free admission arguably makes the fest more attractive than ever. In fact, more than 50,000 visitors are expected to attend each day.
Don't know where to start? Try this guide designed to help you get the most out of the event.
ART
A huge aspect of the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is the artist market, featuring the work of more than 250 creators from across the country. One minute you're perusing blown glass, the next you're checking out leather goods. Photography, sculpture, paintings, wood carvings — you name it — will be on display and available for purchase. A majority of the booths will line the park's main perimeter, but don't miss an additional strip of booths running along Lake Clara Meer near the Kid's Village. Judges will choose the best work among the vendors in 12 categories, including jewelry, mixed media, clay, drawing and digital art. Winners will be announced today.
ENTERTAINMENT
A pair of stages feature music each day of the festival. The Main Stage, located in the park's meadow area near 10th Street, plays like an eclectic jukebox, with 15 acts over three days. Highlights include a campy dose of '70s soft rock by Yacht Rock Revue (8 p.m. Friday), jazz-rock courtesy of Daysahead (12:30 p.m. Saturday), soulful singer-songwriter Heather Luttrell (7:45 p.m. Saturday) and a helping of gospel organized by the National Black Arts Festival (noon Sunday).
The Community and International Stage at the Lake Clara Meer dock kicks off at 8 tonight with comedy. This special ticketed event begins with stand-up routines from graduates of the Jeff Justice Comedy Workshop. It's followed by a one-hour improv show by Dad's Garage Theatre Company. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the show.
For the remainder of the weekend, the entertainment taking place on this stage is free. It draws from a global talent pool ranging from Scottish dancers and Flamenco guitarist Rouzbeh Hoshmondy to reggae group Richard Omar & the Prodigal Sun Band and traditional Chinese music and dance by the Shufang Zither Studio.
Although pets aren't allowed at the festival, organizers are making an exception for the stars of Woof Sports USA. This troupe of canines performs tricks and catches flying discs in midair. Show times are every two hours from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the meadow.
HIGHLIGHTS
Atlanta High School Art Exhibition: A collection of 15 pieces makes up this exhibit in the park's Community Center. The young artists were encouraged by their teachers to enter the competition. The festival received more than 440 entries representing about 50 schools. The top 15 pieces were chosen and a panel of judges voted on the best of show award, which goes to Norcross High School senior Christina Quintero for her mixed media piece "Fresh & Steamy."
Friends of Dogwood Pavilion: This ticketed hospitality event debuted last year and offers a retreat from the crowds. Food, beer and wine tastings run from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Edibles come from the kitchens of 4th & Swift, Eclipse de Luna and Fritti, among other area restaurants. Private restrooms, wine seminars, music and chair massages add to the draw. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door.
Kids stuff: Plenty of activities are available for children in the Kid's Village. They can create their own art and get active on attractions like the climbing wall and bungee bounce. Live entertainment includes puppeteers, storytellers and musicians.
Parking: Street parking in the nearby neighborhoods will be difficult to find. Organizers suggest parking at Hotel Midtown (125 10th St.) and taking the shuttle to and from the park. Parking will be available at 14th Street Playhouse (173 14th St.), too. Visitors can opt to take MARTA rail to the Arts Center or Midtown stations and walk to the park. No streets are scheduled to be closed, but it's up to the discretion of Atlanta police.
Food and drinks: Outside food and drink won't be allowed in the park for the duration of the festival. Libations can be found in the beer garden. Food vendors will offer a variety of tastes, including barbecue, Asian, Greek and Caribbean fare.
Festival information: Free. Noon-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, noon-7 p.m. Sunday. Piedmont Park, 400 Park Drive, Atlanta. 404-817-6642, www.dogwood.org.
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OTHER NOTABLE FESTIVALS
See our full list of Spring festivals here.
• Alpharetta Arts StreetFest 2009: Two-day music and arts fest features jazz and acoustic sounds and more than 100 artists.
Free. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 18 and 19. 2 South Main St., Alpharetta. 678-297-6078, www.alpharetta.ga.us
• Bear on the Square Mountain Festival: Bluegrass and traditional mountain music fill the Dahlonega Public Square. Grammy-nominated bluegrass act the Claire Lynch Band headlines. A Sunday morning gospel jam and family activities are on the itinerary.
Free. Main Stage Tent is $15 Saturday and $10 Sunday; ages 12 and younger free. Noon-8 p.m. April 17, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 19. Public Square, Dahlonega. 706-864-7817, 706-348-1370, www.bearonthesquare.com
• Inman Park Festival and Tour of Homes 2009: Arts and crafts festival includes a street market, live music on three stages and kiddie activities. The house tour begins on the corner of Edgewood Avenue and Waddell Street.
Tour of Homes: April 24-26. 2 p.m. Festival: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. April 25-26. Euclid Avenue at Elizabeth Street, Atlanta. 770-635-3711, www.inmanparkfestival.org
• The Georgia Renaissance Festival: A faux village features jousting, acrobats, comedians, music, shopping, arrow shooting. The Royal Lipizzan Stallions that seemingly dance in choreographed fashion are among the acts.
$19.95; $17.95 ages 60 and older; $8.95 ages 6-12; ages 5 and younger free. April 18-June 7. 6905 Virlyn B. Smith Road, Fairburn. 770-964-8575, www .georgiarenaissancefestival.com
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