Organizers of the Dunwoody Music Festival are expecting approximately 20,000 guests and more than 50 bands performing across two days. Although music is the focus, other aspects come together to create a festival that’s making some noise.
MUSIC
The sounds start at 9:45 a.m. Saturday as the Dunwoody High School Marching Band opens the parade. The rest of the music kicks off around 10 a.m. on five stages and runs throughout the day and into the evening. Acts run the gamut from the inspirational country of Ashley Harris to the Atlanta Blue Notes, an 18-piece big band. Saturday’s headliner is Banks & Shane, a local tradition that’s been dishing out oldies-infused party rock for eons.
Sunday’s musical line-up comes loaded with the folk rock of Heidi and the Hushpuppies, classic rock covers from Housebroken and many others. Approximately 10 acts compete in a Battle of the Bands competition on the Brook Run Stage. The winner walks away with eight hours of studio time and a demo recording.
Additional choral and classical music takes place at other venues. Vocalists Benjamin Bailey and Michelle Waller perform “Encores From an American Songbook” 10 a.m. Saturday at Georgia Perimeter College. The Flute Choir of Atlanta follows at 11:30 a.m. At 1:30 p.m., spinto soprano Sarah Gardner belts out some operatic numbers and more. Just Voices, an a capella chamber choir, explores Southern folk music at 2 p.m. at the St. Barnabas Anglican Church.
FOOD
Festivalgoers with rumbling tummies can troll food vendors for hot dogs, pizza and other treats. Those who can handle the heat can sample the entries Saturday during the Dunwoody Chili Cook Off. More than 40 contestants will be serving their wares from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until the kettles run dry. Expect everything from white to green to vegetarian and all points in between.
MORE TO SEE
Cruise the artisan booths featuring jewelry and artwork. When the festival wraps around dusk Saturday, soak up a fireworks display. Run Dunwoody, including 1-mile, 5K and Tot Trot races, gets under way at 7:30 a.m. Sunday. A classic car show takes place Sunday featuring rides from 1970 and earlier. Ages 11 and younger can get into the festival for free, but must buy a ticket to participate in the kiddie activities including inflatables and a rock-climbing wall.
Handicap parking will be available on site. Additional parking will be available at nearby Georgia Perimeter College with free shuttle service to the park. Limited spaces within walking distance will be at Kingswood United Methodist Church and Peachtree Charter Middle School.
10 a.m.-dusk Oct. 23. Noon-6 p.m. Oct. 24. $10 per day; $15 includes chili tasting on Oct. 23; $15 ages 11 and younger per day for children's activities. Online specials available. Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody. 678-244-9700, www.dunwoodymusicfestival.org .
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