Canton Festival of the Arts
This two-day outdoor arts festival in Canton showcases fine arts and crafts, seminars on living green and books and authors. The artist market is the centerpiece of the festival, while the literary celebration brings together authors and their fans. An art-centered children’s experience, food and drink, and an array of talent on stage makes this a great family destination.
10 a.m.-5 pm. Saturday, May 18; Sun., May 19. Free. Historic Brown Park, 151 Elizabeth St., Canton. www.cherokeearts.org/festival
Atlanta Streets Alive
Atlanta Streets Alive is a celebration of all things active along nearly three miles of Peachtree Street from downtown to Midtown. For four hours, Peachtree Street will be transformed into car-free community space to ride, walk, play, dance and rock ‘n’ roll. Activities include a bicycle parade, local acoustic musicians, a capella groups and marching bands, as well as classes such as salsa dancing, yoga, zumba.
2-6 p.m. Sunday, May 19. Free. Peachtree Street between Ellis and Spring streets, Atlanta. http://www.atlantastreetsalive.com/.
Warmups for the Atlanta Jazz Festival continue with neighborhood jazz concerts in parks.
•Neighborhood Jazz at Grove Park
Oscar Sheppard, Saxman Antonio Bennett and Lemonade Jones perform in a free concert. Parking available at Woodson Elementary School.
4-8 p.m. Saturday, May 18. Free. Grove Park at 709 Hortense Place N.W., Atlanta. http://atlantafestivals.com/events/
•Neighborhood Jazz at McClathchey Park
Takana Miyamoto from Japan is a multi award-winning, internationally acclaimed concert pianist, composer and music producer. After graduating from Berklee College of Music with film scoring and jazz composition degrees, Takana relocated to New York City where she started her international career as a concert pianist. She holds a master’s degree in music from Georgia State University, and was awarded the US permanent residency based on her contribution to the music industry. Awards and honors include; Randy Edman Jazz Piano Competition (1st place/US/’98), ‘Atlanta’s Best Jazz Act’ (’05 & 06 / Creative Loafing), ‘Most Influential women in GA (’03/as a composer)’, ranking 5th in Billboard Jazz chart. (‘Promises Made’ album, co-produced with a Grammy-nominated saxophonist Kirk Whalum)
4-7 p.m. Sunday, May 19. Free. McClathchey Park, 152 Westminster N.E., Atlanta. http://atlantafestivals.com/events/
Georgia Renaissance Festival
Costumed characters roam the 32-acre “kingdom” presided over by Henry VIII. Runs through June 2 in Fairburn. Knights in armor and maidens faire, entertainment including unique shows and a World Bazaar full of treasures created by more than 150 artisans who demonstrate their crafts. Juggling, music, comedic storytelling and feats of physical skill. The Royal Petting Zoo and medieval amusement park rides, Jousting Tournament of Kings, animal show.
10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends and Memorial Day, through June 2. $19.95; $17.95 senior citizens; $8.95 ages 6-12. Free parking. 6905 Virlyn B. Smith Road, Fairburn. 770-964-8575, www.garenfest.com.
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