Heading to downtown Atlanta this weekend? Plan ahead, police say.

More than 85,000 people are expected to attend the 80th Annual Dogwood Festival in Piedmont Park this weekend, according to the Atlanta Police Department.

Police say drivers should expect heavy delays in the area and that festival attendees should consider taking MARTA.

Visitors should only park in permitted lots to avoid the risk of receiving citations, fines or tickets.

Police will close 8th Street NW between William Street and Spring Street to traffic for the festival.

The festival lasts from Friday to Sunday.