Atlanta's spring festival season is fully under way this weekend, despite the risk of showers in the forecast. Our weather experts say Saturday may be the clearest day of the weekend. Use our calendar to plan a fun outing close to you, and our weather tools will help you select the best time to go.
Weather: AJC's hour-by-hour forecast for the weekend
Atlanta Film Festival. In its fourth decade, the Atlanta Film Festival is one of the longest-running film festivals in the nation. More than 25,000 people are expected to view new independent, international, animated, documentary and short films on three screens and two venues. The festival will be held March 28-April 6. More than 200 filmmakers and members of the industry from around the world will attend. Regular shows are $10 each. An all-you-can-watch movie hopper card is $50, and priority access passes to films, panels and parties start at $125. But the festival is more than just movies. There's a "Food on Film" party at 2:15 p.m. March 29 at the Plaza Theatre. The opening night film is "Joe," starring Nicolas Cage. Atlanta Film Festival screenings will be at the Plaza Theatre and 7 Stages. www.atlantafilmfestival.com.
Acworth Art Fest. Two days of art and fun on historic Main Street in downtown Acworth. Paintings, pottery, metalwork, folk art, glass, jewelry and yard art. Lake Acworth is a short and shaded stroll away if you can pull yourself away from local restaurants Henry's and Fusco's or the old-fashioned street-front shops in the little town. Kidz Zone for the children for play and creative activities. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 5; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. April 6. Free. Main Street in downtown Acworth. 770-452-1727, http://acworthartfest.splashfestivals.com.
Festival on Ponce. A Frederick Olmsted Sr.-designed linear park, just east of the Poncey-Highland neighborhood, is the star of this festival, along with carefully curated artwork, acoustic music, a children's area and local food and drink. There will be 125 displays of arts and crafts, including folk art and outsider art. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 5; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. April 6. Free. 1451 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta. 404-873-1222,www.festivalonponce.com.
38th WRFG Peachblossom Bluegrass Festival. This annual fundraiser includes nearly a dozen local and regional bluegrass bands, crafts, and food and beverage vendors. Proceeds help cover operating expenses for Community Radio 89.3 FM, WRFG Atlanta. Bands will include Playing on the Planet, Cedar Hill, Facing South, Whoa Nelly, 8th of January, and Tucker Station. 2:30-9 p.m. April 5. $12 advance, $15 at the door, WRFG members and seniors, $10, students age 6 and older $6, children under age 6 free. Clarkston Community Center, 3701 College Ave., Clarkston. 404-523-3471, www.wrfg.org.
Wild Azalea Festival. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 5. Free. Reynolds Nature Preserve, 5665 Reynolds Road, Morrow. 770-603-4188, www.reynoldsnaturepreserve.org.
Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. April 5. Free. Centennial Olympic Park, 265 Park Ave. N.W., Atlanta. 208-726-5990, www.facebook.com/ProPlan.
Beer Carnival. 1 p.m. April 5. $50; $40 in advance. Atlantic Station, 171 17th St. N.W., Atlanta. www.thebeercarnival.com.
Hogs and Hops. 2-6 p.m. April 5. $40. VIP entry at noon with $80 ticket. Masquerade Music Park, 695 North Ave., Atlanta. www.hogsandhopsatlanta.com.
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