After a chilly, rainy winter, there’s nothing like those first few weeks of spring in Atlanta. It never lasts long—the 90-degree days come soon enough—but for a brief time, everything is in bloom and it feels just about impossible to stay indoors.
Fortunately, Atlanta’s festival scene makes it easy to spend a weekend outside, listening to great music, enjoying the work of local artists and, of course, tracking down your favorite food truck. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites for you to check out this spring:
Atlanta Dogwood Festival, April 12-14
Named for the trees that peek out of just about every yard and park in Atlanta, the Dogwood Festival first began in 1936. Held at Piedmont Park, it’s truly an event for everyone, featuring a 5K run, main stage concerts from major acts and a juried artist market.
Inman Park Festival, April 27 and 28
An in-town tradition since the 1970s, the Inman Park Festival packs the neighborhood’s Victorian-lined streets with visitors each April. You’ll find food stalls and art booths featuring an eclectic mix of paintings, photography, ceramics and crafts. But the uncontested highlight of the festival is the Saturday parade—a wild event featuring marching bands, funky floats and usually some local celebrities.
Decatur Arts Festival, May 24-26
Well over a hundred jury-selected artists fill Decatur’s Square with their work, showcasing mixed media, paintings, jewelry and photography. It’s the perfect chance to find new artists from the Southeast and maybe even begin or add to your collection. And because the festival is held right in downtown Decatur, you have your choice of restaurants and pubs in addition to a range of stalls and food trucks.
Atlanta Jazz Festival, May 25-26
Music lovers from across the region flock to Piedmont Park each spring for a lineup of jazz greats, crossover artists and new talent. With several stages, there’s always more than one act to choose from. If you’re lucky, you’ll have friends who’ve staked a claim on a shady spot with a tent, chairs and picnic lunch big enough to share.
Georgia Renaissance Festival, April 13-June 2
If you’re looking to head OTP for a day of pure entertainment, the recreated Tudor village in Fairburn provides a historical escape, complete with jumbo turkey legs, jousts and carnival rides.
Festival Safety Tips
You’ll get the most out of any of Atlanta’s spring festivals by planning ahead and staying safe. Remember to bring water, layer on the sunscreen and take a break if you’re feeling overheated. Consider avoiding traffic jams, parking headaches and potential accidents by taking MARTA to the in-town festivals. Also, if you’re bringing kids, make sure you have a clear understanding of what they should do and where you should meet if you somehow become separated.
You’ll find us at some of the festivals above, but we’re also involved in several community events around town. This spring alone, we’ve partnered with the Relay for Life Puppy 5K and the Rescue Dog Games, which helps spread awareness around pet adoption. We’ll also be at Emory University’s Relay for Life April 6, raising money for cancer research. And on May 3, we’ll be celebrating at the Zonolite Park Festival—come join us!
The accident attorneys at Litner + Deganian understand the complexities of personal injury cases. You can get a free consultation at our office, conveniently located in Druid Hills near Emory and Decatur.
