Spring has given us its first sweet taste and left us craving the coming languid weekends, outdoor dining, the smell of mowed grass and the itch to get outdoors and into the sunshine.
You won’t have to travel far to scratch that itch during the coming weekends. Spring is the perfect time to roll out festivals that appeal to every taste (literally), every sense of fun or aesthetics, age or interest.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution brings you this guide to weekend fun from now until July’s heat and humidity drive us back indoors. Keep this section handy or bookmark this page and return to it to plan your weekend fun.
Dogwood Festival
The dogwoods will be in full bloom, and hundreds of artists from around the country will set up their tents in Piedmont Park for the 78th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival April 11-13. It’s typically one of Atlanta’s nicest springtime strolls.
Virtually every kind of art imaginable is represented at the festival, with a juried fine artist’s market that includes sculpture, paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography and more. In addition to the fine art for adults and art collectors, there is a Kids Village featuring inflatables, arts and crafts and face painting, as well as the ever-popular 24-foot rock-climbing wall and multiple food stops, from funnel cakes to crabcakes.
Music acts perform throughout. No dogs are allowed.
Noon-9 p.m. April 11; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. April 12; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 13. Piedmont Park, 1320 Monroe Drive N.E., Atlanta. www.dogwood.org.
John Kessler
Big Shanty Festival
Downtown Kennesaw is host to the annual Big Shanty Festival on April 12 and 13. It draws tens of thousands of people, combines the rich heritage of Kennesaw and the history from the Civil War era with other fun-filled activities and live entertainment. The festival will feature more than 250 booths with arts and crafts, food vendors and merchants.
This year’s event will have two stages. The Kennesaw Big Shanty Festival will kick off with a parade at 9:30 a.m. April 12, featuring floats, bands, marchers, and more than 1,000 youngsters representing sports teams. It starts at Adams Park and goes down Main Street.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 12; noon-5 p.m. April 13. Free. Downtown Kennesaw near the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History (2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw). 770-423-1330, www.kennesaw.com/big-shanty-festival/.
Christopher Quinn
SweetWater 420 Festival
The SweetWater 420 Festival is moving to new digs for its 10th anniversary — from Candler Park to Centennial Olympic Park. The graduation to the scenic downtown park also comes with a small ticket price. This year, the event will feature three stages: the Main Stage, the Solar Stage and the Not So Silent Disco Stage.
Main Stage acts include Sublime with Rome, Steel Pulse, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, G. Love & Special Sauce and Galactic. The Not So Silent Disco Stage is reinvented from last year’s Silent Disco tent. The EDM craze will be represented there with a lineup of Two Fresh, Pretty Lights Music Label Block, George Acosta and others.
In addition to music, an artist’s market, comedy tent and kids area will be on site — and, since it is a SweetWater event, there will be beer. Plenty of beer.
3-11 p.m. April 18; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. April 19; 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. April 20. $18 for three-day weekend pass; $10 daily pass starting April 18 at gate only. Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta. Tickets: www.sweetwater420fest.com.
Melissa Ruggieri
Georgia Renaissance Festival
The fairy folk, mud wrestlers, jousting knights and kilted visitors munching massive turkey legs return to Fairburn on April 19 for the 29th Georgia Renaissance Festival, a south Fulton tradition every spring and fall. This year’s fair will bring the familiar, including the bawdy Ded Bob Sho, and some new entertainments.
New to the festival is a trio of blue-painted Circes called Sirena, described by festival spokesman Dave Dorrell as “a combination of Enya and Stomp.” Expect ethereal harmonies and vigorous percussion. Birds of Prey, a nonprofit out of Pine Mountain, presents performing raptors, including hawks, eagles, owls and vultures, flying directly over the heads of the audience members. The festival adopts a different theme for each of the nine weekends from April to June.
The ever-popular Pirates Plunder weekend is May 31-June 1, and galleons of scurvy knaves and wenches will show up dressed like they raided Davy Jones’ locker.
10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays April 19 through June 8, rain or shine, and Memorial Day, May 26. $22, $20 seniors, $10 children 6-12, children 5 and under free. 6905 Virlyn B. Smith Road, Fairburn. www.garenfest.com.
Bo Emerson
Taste of Marietta
As a proud and involved resident of historic Marietta and a major big shot, I was invited to serve as a "celebrity judge" for last year's Taste of Marietta. We have attended this event, which features nibbles from scores of restaurants, ranging from delicate desserts to messy barbecue ribs, for years, so I was pretty familiar with the particulars.
What I wasn’t counting on was torrential rain. Guess what: The hungry hordes were not deterred. My fellow notables and I were ensconced in the Earl Smith Strand Theatre’s second-floor event room to work our way through plates of vittles including Hottie Hawg’s BBQ’s crispy pigs ears (the “most unique” winner), Deep Fried Brownies’ original brownie (the “dangerously delicious dessert” winner) and shrimp and grits from Henry’s Louisiana Grill & Henry’s Uptown (best comfort food). Outside, festivalgoers in rain gear gamely lined up to render their own verdicts: Does that give you an idea of how popular and beloved this annual festival is?
11 a.m.-7 p.m. April 27 on the Marietta Square. Free, but each taste ranges from 50 cents to $5. Yacht Rock Schooner performs at sunset. 770-429-1115 to reserve a table for the concert. www.2012.tasteofmarietta.com.
Jennifer Brett
Inman Park Festival
On April 25-27, this granddaddy among intown festivals will be staged for the 43rd time.
Visitors can do the Tour of Homes on April 25, and will discover modest bungalows and eye-popping Queen Anne, Italianate and Romanesque mansions.
While the sketchy is gone, the funky remains. Inman Park has its own style, on full display at the parade April 26, with its precision drill teams of briefcase-carrying executives and lawnmower-pushing homeowners. Last year, the festival attempted to set a record for most gnomes in a parade, and may try again this year.
The artist’s market includes a juried section. Several stages offer musical entertainment, amusement for children abounds, and if the craft beer doesn’t lure you in, the smell of funnel cakes in boiling oil surely will.
Tour of Homes, noon-4 p.m. April 25; noon-6 p.m. April 26-27. (There are no other events on April 25 besides the Tour of Homes.) The festival continues 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. April 26; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. April 27. Free. The festival is bounded on the south by DeKalb Avenue, on the west by Krog Street, on the north by Lake and North Highland avenues and on the east by Little Five Points. inmanparkfestival.org.
Bo Emerson
Sweet Auburn Springfest
Celebrate 30 years of food, music, shopping and fun in downtown Atlanta’s Historic Auburn Avenue District at this three-day festival May 9-11.
Stroll down John Wesley Dobbs Avenue from Jesse Hill Jr. Drive to Hilliard Street to find vendors selling ethnic foods representing a variety of cultures. There also will be apparel, accessories, jewelry and more for sale offering opportunities to buy a last-minute gift for Mother’s Day.
Five stages of live entertainment feature R&B, hip-hop, rap and rock music as well as performances by dance troupes and comedians. Highlights include appearances by Philip Michael Thomas Jr. (son of “Miami Vice” star Philip Michael Thomas) and Atlanta-based artist Gabe. This year, a zip line and human gravity ball will add to the excitement along with giveaways and interactive events such as a line dancing competition, a money machine and a fun zone for kids.
5-10 p.m. May 9; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. May 10; 2-8 p.m. May 11. 230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave., Atlanta. 678-683-5647, www.sweetauburn.com.
Nedra Rhone
Barefoot in the Park
Duluth’s annual arts festival truly has something for everyone. A children’s arts tent. A student art exhibit. An adult learning village. Wine tastings and a beer tent. Not to mention live performances, food, a fine-arts market, juried arts market and all sorts of entertainment. Even better, the fun benefits a great cause.
“Proceeds from Barefoot in the Park go to our Arts Education Scholarship Fund,” according to organizers. “Each year we provide scholarships to area fine visual and performing arts students. Since the beginning, the Arts Education Scholarship Fund has granted over $53,000 in arts scholarships awards and $5,000 in artist awards.”
The event is held on the Duluth Town Green. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 10; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 11. www.barefootinthepark.org.
Jennifer Brett
24th Annual Colors Festival of Arts
As it has for nearly quarter of a century, Mother’s Day weekend will bring lots of color to Roswell’s Town Square.
Colors Festival of Arts brings together celebrated artists from across the Southeast as well as children’s activities, food and musical entertainment.
“It feels great to offer our community a festive weekend to celebrate Mother’s Day,” said Michelle Sobel, a member of the Roswell Junior Woman’s Club, which co-sponsors the event each year with the Roswell Convention & Visitors Bureau.
In addition to showcasing original arts and crafts on the Town Square, the event will have plenty of entertainment by local musicians and dance groups in the square’s gazebo.
Arts and crafts for sale include sparkling glass, paintings, photography, jewelry and whimsical sculptures. Shuttle services will be provided as a convenience from Roswell City Hall to the Town Square. Proceeds from the festival are used to help finance community projects and causes the Junior Woman’s Club supports.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 10-11. Historic Town Square, Roswell. 770-640-3253, www.visitroswellga.com.
Gracie Bonds Staples
Atlanta Jazz Festival
Get ready to get your groove on for the 37th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival, which will be held mainly in Piedmont Park. The festival is held on Memorial Day weekend, but this year, it will be a Friday, Saturday and Sunday lineup, instead of Monday in the park. The festival is part of a month of jazz in the city that typically culminates with the festival. This year, grilling will not be allowed in the park. Festival organizers plan to bring in a number of food vendors. A third stage has been added to the festival that will showcase Atlanta’s jazz talent.
The musical lineup is impressive, and the shows at Piedmont Park are free. Among the performers bringing flavor to the stage are: Ester Rada at 5 p.m. May 24; Somi at 3:30 p.m. May 24; Freddy Cole at 5 p.m. May 25; Bill Frisell’s Guitar in the Space Age — featuring Greg Leisz, Tony Scherr and Rudy Royston — at 7 p.m. May 25; and Cyrille Aimée at 5:30 p.m. May 25.
There also will be several workshops, which are free but registration is required. www.atlantafestivals.com.
Shelia Poole
Other festivals in metro Atlanta in coming months:
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. 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.
Sandy Springs Artsapalooza. This festival for artists and run with the help of artists includes a children's play area, local musicians, interactive art stations, plus up to 150 arts and crafts participants. Those include painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metal craftspeople, glass blowers, jewelers and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 12; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. April 13. Free. 6100 Lake Forrest Drive N.E., Sandy Springs. 404-873-1222, www.sandyspringsartsapalooza.com.
Lemonade Days. An old-fashioned town carnival in Dunwoody features rides, food, live music, face painting, petting zoo, games and family-friendly activities. 4-10 p.m. April 23-24; 4-11 p.m. April 25; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. April 26; noon-6 p.m. April 27. Free. Brook Run Park in Dunwoody, 4770 N. Peachtree Road. http://dunwoodylemonadedays.org.
2014 Garden Show. Formerly called the Southeastern Flower Show, this show in Buckhead will feature plant speakers on issues from landscaping to floral design, chefs, photography exhibit, a marketplace and food and drink. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 25-27. $16.74-$21.99, depending on number of days you choose to attend and whether you are a member of the Southeastern Horticultural Society. Buckhead Theatre, 3110 Roswell Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-351-1074, www.sehort.org.
Taste of East Point. Downtown East Point comes alive for food and wine paired with a leisurely stroll past local art displays and talented musicians. Area restaurants take pride in their annual display. Artists who live and work in the East Point, Hapeville and College Park area show their wares in paintings, prints, handmade jewelry and more. 1612 W. Cleveland Ave., East Point. Located across from the East Point MARTA station and East Point City Hall. 2-9 p.m. April 26. Free but tastes are $1. www.downtowneastpoint.com/tasteofeastpoint.
World War II Heritage Days. From a swing dance and dinner to re-enactors and some of the fabulous flying machines and vehicles that helped the U.S. win the war, this event honors those who fought or sacrificed to help win the war. The theme for 2014 is "Honoring the Women of the Greatest Generation." 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 26-27. Free, but $5 donation for adults is suggested. $50 for dinner and dance, 6-11 p.m. April 26. 1200 Echo Court, Falcon Field, Peachtree City. 678-364-1110, www.wwiidays.org.
Alpharetta Arts StreetFest. Celebrate the arts at one of the city's most popular events. Downtown streets are closed to traffic and opened to nearly 100 artists, musicians and performers from throughout the U.S. Outdoor galleries filled with fine art; a chance to create children's art; live jazz, roots rock, Celtic music, cultural dancing and food. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 26-27. Free. Milton Avenue and Main Street in Alpharetta. www.awesomealpharetta.com.
Atlanta Arab Festival. Food, singing, folk dancing, storytelling, books, arts and crafts, paintings, groceries, rugs, jewelry, traditional home accessories and traditional clothes. Come and immerse yourself in the sounds, smells and celebrations of the Mideast. Art exhibit and arts and crafts, henna and calligraphy, games and backgammon competitions, and of course, shopping at the souk (market). 11 a.m.-7 p.m. April 26; noon-6 p.m. April 27. $2 per person or $5 per family. At the Alif Institute, 3288 Marjan Drive, Atlanta. 770-936-8770, www.alifinstitute.org.
Smyrna Spring Jonquil Festival. The city of Smyrna welcomes spring April 26 and 27 on its downtown Village Green featuring music, art, handmade crafts and entertainment. The rain-or-shine festival brings in about 175 Southeastern artists to showcase and sell paintings, jewelry, clothing and furniture. The family-oriented entertainment includes Peter Hart's Atlanta Puppet Show and acoustic music from Scott Thompson. A Jonquil City Jog 5K Run/Walk starts at 8 a.m. April 26, and a separate crawfish boil will be held at the Market Village. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 26; noon-5 p.m. April 27. 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna. 770-434-6600, www.smyrnacity.com.
May-retta Daze Arts and Crafts Festival. More than 100 local and area artists and craftspeople will display and sell their paintings, pottery, jewelry and more at the annual two-day festival put on by the Marietta Parks and Recreation Department. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 3; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. May 4. Free. Glover Park on the Marietta Square. www.mariettaga.gov.
Taste of Alpharetta. Attracts more than 50,000 to sample from over 50 restaurants who come out to shop their appetizers, bite-size entrees and desserts during the town's largest annual social stroll. The day includes culinary competitions, cooking demonstrations, music and entertainment. Free entrance, but restaurants charge $1-$3 per sample. 5-10 p.m. May 8. 2 South Main St., Alpharetta. http://awesomealpharetta.com.
Dunwoody Art Festival. On Mother's Day weekend, May 10-11, the stretch of Chamblee Dunwoody Road across from Dunwoody Village transforms into an artist's market, with music, face painting, inflatables and other kid-friendly fun. The pet-friendly festival drew 70,000 visitors last year. 10 a.m.-6 p.m May 10; 12:30-5 p.m. May 11. Free. 5501 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody. http://dunwoodyartfestival.splashfestivals.com.
Buckhead Spring Arts & Crafts Festival. Enjoy this two-day outdoor festival in Chastain Park, one of the largest parks in Fulton County, featuring up to 200 artists and crafters as well as live entertainment and food. There also will be a children's area that will include inflatables, face painting, sand art and other activities. Chastain Park. The address 4469 Stella Drive marks the beginning of the festival route. Free. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 10; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. May 11. www.buckheadartsfestival.com.
Suwanee Arts in the Park. Thousands of people come to Suwanee Town Center Park to see artists at work, enjoy their completed works in all fields from fine art to performance art. Food, music and fun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. May 17. Free. Town Center Park at the intersection of Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road and Buford Highway. www.suwaneeartsinthepark.com.
Mableton Day. Start the day with the Mableton 5K and Mableton Jr. Fun Run, and then take in the car show, arts and crafts, vendor booths, food and kids entertainment area. Live music and entertainment, from hip-hop to clogging. This community celebration is billed as a block party and time to meet your neighbors and have some fun. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. May 17. Mable House Complex at 5239 Floyd Road in Mableton. Free. 678-590-2803, www.mabletonday.com.
Kirkwood Spring Fling. Part neighborhood stroll and tour of homes, part concert and arts market, the 12th Annual Kirkwood Spring Fling is a beautiful day spent in the shade of giant trees. Bands and singers perform all day and into the night. Kids area, food. 5K race, 8 a.m.; festival, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; music in Bessie Branham Park, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and downtown, 8-11 p.m.; barbecue competition, noon-3 p.m. May 17. Free. Tour of homes, noon-6 p.m. May 17-18. www.kirkwoodfling.com/.
Canton Festival of the Arts. A juried show for fine arts and crafts that features an artist's market, serenity gardens, interactive children's experience and live entertainment. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 17 -18. Free. Historic Brown Park, 151 Elizabeth St., Canton. www.cherokeearts.org/festival.
Atlanta Caribbean Carnival. Come celebrate the Caribbean culture through music, art and the annual parade of bands that the entire family can enjoy. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. May 24. $15 advance tickets. Morris Brown College's Herndon Stadium, 643 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta. 404-519-6120, www.atlantacarnival.org.
Memorial Day at the Mountain. Stone Mountain Park blows it up to salute the troops for three days in May, featuring free concerts, the laser show, special fireworks finale and other patriotic activities. For in-park activities, all active and retired military personnel will receive one free Adventure Pass with valid military ID and will save up to $10 off per person for immediate family members and 20 percent off food and merchandise. Parking $10. Adult $29.95, child $24.95 but discounts given for buying tickets online. Gates are open 6 a.m.-midnight May 24-26. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690, www.stonemountainpark.com.
Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. Eat, eat, eat, drink and be merry at this gastronomic celebration. Tastings, classes, meals from some of the best chefs from Texas to the Chesapeake Tidewater. You can pick and choose how much to eat, spend and visit based on your budget. May 29-June 1. A variety of tickets and prices from $55 for a Pig Out party to $2,000 for a three-day connoisseur pass. Midtown. http://atlfoodandwinefestival.com.
Peachtree Hills Festival of the Arts. A two-day outdoor local arts and crafts market will be held May 31-June 1 in the heart of Atlanta along a tree-lined thoroughfare near Peachtree Hills Park. It usually features 150 craftsmen and artists and includes demonstrations, food, music and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 31; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. June 1. Free. Peachtree Hills Recreation Center, 308 Peachtree Hills Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-237-2756, www.peachtreehillsfestival.com.
