Metro Atlanta’s spring festivals celebrate food, drink, music and fun. Here’s a list of upcoming or ongoing festivals to make the most of your weekend.
Georgia Renaissance Festival
Costumed characters roam the 32-acre “kingdom” presided over by Henry VIII. The 28th Georgia Renaissance Festival runs through June 2 in Fairburn. Knights in shining armor and maidens fair, unique shows and a World Bazaar full of elaborate 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 an array of unique medieval amusement park rides, and the Jousting Tournament of Kings.
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.
Atlanta Jazz Festival, 31 Days of Jazz
The festival leads up to its big Memorial Day weekend with weekly concerts in neighborhood parks.
The first is 3-9 p.m. May 4. Free. John A. White Park, 1053 Cascade Circle S.W., Atlanta.
The second is 4-8 p.m. May 5. Free. Gordon-White Park, White Street Southwest.
May-Retta Daze
Annual arts and crafts festival in historic Marietta Square. The festival features exhibitors and artists showcasing handmade goods including painting, pottery, woodwork, metal, glass, fabric, soap, candles and more. All work is made and displayed by the artist, and the event draws local and regional artists. The event also features activities for the kids and live entertainment.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 4. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. May 5. Free. Glover Park on Marietta Square, http://www.marietta.com/may-retta-daze.
La Raza Cinco de Mayo Festival.
Live music on a floating stage, food and drink.
11 a.m.-7 p.m. May 5. Free with $15 per vehicle gate admission. LanierWorld, Lake Lanier Islands, 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford. 770-945-8787, www.lakelanierislands.com.
Fiesta Atlanta
Daylong Cinco de Mayo celebration, featuring international, national and local recording artists, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing, a 5K Run/Walk, youth soccer clinics and sponsor displays with free product samples, arts and crafts and authentic international foods.
10 a.m.-7 p.m. May 5. Free. Centennial Olympic Park, 265 Park Ave. W. N.W., Atlanta. http://www.fiestaatlanta.com/.
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