Everything to know about Old Fourth Ward Park Arts Festival

The first O4W Park Arts festival took place four years ago. It was (and remains) an event put together by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing scholarships, awards and educational programs for artists in the regional arts community. The 2017 outdoor festival is situated between North Avenue and Ralph McGill Boulevard in the Historic Fourth Ward Park Saturday and Sunday, June 24-25. On Saturday, the events kick off at 10 a.m., and Sunday at 11 a.m., wrapping up both nights at 5 p.m. Admission is free.

The arts

The festival leans heavily on the visual arts, showcasing 150 local and regional artists, including Linda Hill, Liz Nichteberfer and Bob Toomy, Michael Denier and others. Artists in attendance will run the gamut from painters and photographers to sculptors, leather and metal craftsman and glassblowers. There will also be a special pavilion for emerging artists.

The food and music

Some of the city's most delicious food will be available from vendors such as Mix'D UP Burgers, The Pickle gourmet food truck, The Pup Truck, Tex's Tacos, Big Boy Cookies, Chillybean Coffee Co. and 9th Avenue Street Food. Music acts set to play the festival are still being finalized.

The alcohol

Even though the festival is free, don't go getting any wild ideas about bringing your own beer. No outside booze is allowed. Beer and wine will, however, be available inside the festival, and on-site beverage sales are set to benefit Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces’ scholarship program.

Credit: Steve Schaefer

Credit: Steve Schaefer

The parking and what to bring

There will be ATMs on hand, and some artists are equipped to accept credit cards. But not all −so bring cash. Also, there is no parking allowed in the neighborhoods around the park, but plenty of free parking in the lots near the park. Dogs are allowed, and the event is rain or shine.