April showers might bring May flowers, but that rain better hold off so that you can enjoy all the exciting and community-driven festivals taking place throughout the city. From live music and art to food and film, April is jam-packed with not-to-miss festivals perfect for the whole family.
So, pack up the cooler, grab a few lawn chairs and prepare yourself for a fair-filled April you won't forget. Take a look at the lineup:
3rd Annual Rhythm & Brews. 2-7 p.m. April 7. $25 to $35 for adults, $15 to $25 for children and young adults ages 13 through 20, free for children ages 12 and under with paying adult. Entertainment Lawn at Heritage Green. 6110 Blue Stone Road NE, Sandy Springs. 404-851-1327. www.freshtix.com.
Heritage Sandy Springs hosts the 3rd Annual Rhythm & Brews festival on April 7th with local live bands and craft beer in a beautiful outdoor setting on the Heritage Green.
Festival on Ponce. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 7 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 8. Free. Olmsted Linear Park. 1451 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta. info@affps.com. www.festivalonponce.com.
Festival on Ponce will fill the Historic Olmsted Linear Park on April 7th and 8th, which will include a stunning landscape designed by landscape architect Fredrick Olmsted Sr., over 125 artists' work on display, local food, a children's area and more.
Credit: Courtesy of Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Inc.
Credit: Courtesy of Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Inc.
Atlanta Dogwood Festival. Noon to 11 p.m. April 13, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. April 14, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 15. Free. 1320 Monroe Drive NE, Atlanta. 404-817-6642. www.dogwood.org.
Experience the 82nd Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival April 13-15, featuring a nationally renowned and juried artists' marketplace, blooming dogwoods, inflatables, a 24-foot rock-climbing wall, live music, food, games and prizes.
Atlanta Film Festival 2018. April 13-22. Locations vary. 404-352-4225. www.atlantafilmfestival.com.
Take in a little cinema at the 42nd Annual Atlanta Film Festival April 13-22. This year's event will feature a Creative Conference with over 40 panels, demonstrations and more than 200 film viewings.
Credit: Courtesy of Wikimedia
Credit: Courtesy of Wikimedia
Atlanta Grilled Cheese Festival. Noon to 6 p.m. April 14-15. $27.50 per person. Brookhaven Park. 2660 Osborne Road, Brookhaven. yum@atlantagrilledcheese.com. www.atlantagrilledcheese.com.
Enjoy the cheesy goodness of a grilled cheese during National Grilled Cheese Day. For two days, Brookhaven Park will host delicious food, live music, contests and activities to celebrate the day.
Acworth Art Fest. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 14, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 15. Free. Downtown Acworth. 4415 Senator Russell Blvd., Acworth. www.splashfestivals.com.
Visit Historic Downtown Acworth for the Acworth Art Fest on April 14-15, which will include more than 100 artists' works, a Kidz Zone, festival, food and more.
Credit: Courtesy of Georgia Renaissance Festival
Credit: Courtesy of Georgia Renaissance Festival
Opening weekend at The Georgia Renaissance Festival. 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 14-15. Special admission 2 for $23.95. 6905 Virlyn B Smith Road, Fairburn. 770-964-8575. www.garenfest.com.
Take a step back in time for the opening weekend of The Georgia Renaissance Festival April 14-15. You'll see costumed characters and shows, try out carnival games and eat roasted turkey legs at this magical medieval event.
Lemonade Days. 4-10 p.m. April 18-20, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. April 21, noon to 6 p.m. April 22. Free admission, ride tickets $1 each. Brook Run. 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody. 770-668-0401. www.dunwoodylemonadedays.org.
The 19th Annual Lemonade Days takes place April 18-22 at Brook Run, which will feature over 30 full-scale carnival rides, over 20 food and drink vendors, live entertainment, contests and a 5K run.
Atlanta Arab Festival. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 21 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 22. $5 per person, free for children under 12. Alif Institute. 3288 Marjan Drive, Atlanta. 770-936-8770. www.alifinstitute.org.
Experience the beauty and richness of the Arab culture at the Atlanta Arab Festival April 21-22. Visitors will enjoy live cultural performances, eat traditional foods, shop at a bustling bazaar and more.
Big Shanty Festival. 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 21, noon to 5 p.m. April 22. Free. Downtown Kennesaw. 770-423-1330. www.kennesaw.com.
Join the Kennesaw community for the Annual Big Shanty Festival taking place on April 21-22. This free event will include over 250 arts and crafts booths, a parade, live entertainment, vendors and family-friendly activities.
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