Metro Atlanta offers spring festivals for nearly every taste, type and fantasy. Here’s a rundown of what’s going on this weekend. Pick one, jump in the car and come on out.
Costumed characters roam the 32-acre “kingdom” in Fairburn presided over by Henry VIII, inviting all comers to play along. Shows such as juggling, music and comedic storytelling, a World Bazaar full of treasures created by more than 150 artisans who demonstrate their crafts, petting zoo and amusement park rides. Also the original extreme sport — the Jousting Tournament of Kings — and the magnificent high-flying Birds of Prey and 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.
The festival attracts visitors and artists from all over the Southeast to Piedmont Park. Features art, jewelry and handmade crafts. Nonstop music at the main stage and international stage. Country music star Sara Evans performs on the main stage Saturday, with an opening concert by Kurt Thomas beginning at 7 p.m. MARTA Arts Center Station or the Midtown Station on 10th Street are the nearest stops. Pay parking lots along Juniper Street with free shuttle.
Noon-10 p.m. April 19; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. April 20; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 21. Free. Piedmont Park, 400 Park Drive N.E., Atlanta. 404-817-6642.
Part Earth Day celebration, part music festival and, of course, plenty of beer. The 420 Fest in Candler Park takes its name from the Atlanta brewery Sweetwater’s best-selling 420 Pale Ale.
Performers this year include George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears and Anders Osborne.
4:20-11 p.m. April 19, noon-10 p.m. April 20, 12:30-7 p.m. April 21. Free or $5 a day for a wristband for those older than 21 who plan to buy beer. Candler Park, 585 Candler Park Drive N.E., Atlanta. 404-691-2537.
Mixes the rich heritage of Kennesaw and the Civil War era with fun. Kickoff parade that starts at Adams Park and runs through downtown starting at 9:30 a.m. April 20 with floats, high school bands, marchers and more than 1,000 youngsters representing every sports association in the area. Some 70,000-plus attendees are expected at the event, which will feature more than 400 booths with arts and crafts, food vendors, merchants and live entertainment.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 20, noon-5 p.m. April 21. Free. Main Street, Kennesaw. Facebook: Kennesaw Big Shanty Festival, 770-423-1330.
Amusement park rides and games, music and a weekend arts and crafts festival and petting zoo. Times vary, April 17-21. Ride prices vary. Brook Run Park, 4770 N. Peachtree Road, Dunwoody. 770-396-8023.
150 artists and crafters, music, children’s play area. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 20, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. April 21. Free. 6100 Lake Forrest Drive N.E., Sandy Springs. 404-845-0793.
