Ah, spring. That time of year when we welcome back warm weather, long days, and outdoor festivals. We sure did miss you. Get those fold-up chairs out of storage, and pack your picnic baskets because we can't stop the festive feeling. Here are 6 of our favorite Atlanta spring festivals we look forward to year after year. We even listed them in chronological order so you can plan faster. 👌
The Atlanta Dogwood Festival
When: April 14-16, 2023
Where: Piedmont Park
Atlanta's oldest fine arts festival is a must-do while visiting. For three days, kids and adults alike can enjoy food, live music, more food trucks than you can stand, a kids' village, an artist market, and of course dogwoods. Attendees can purchase sculptures, paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography, and other art during this staple Atlanta event.
Lemonade Days Festival
When: April 19-23, 2023
Where: Brook Run Park
In Dunwoody, we believe that when life gives you lemons, you should make an entire festival out of them. In 1998, an F2 tornado tore through Dunwoody at 150 mph causing much disaster and devastation throughout our beloved city. Not long after, the community banded together to create Lemonade Days, a charity event designed to bring relief to those families affected by the tornado. This beloved five-day festival is complete with more than 30-full scale carnival rides, more than 20 food and beverage vendors, a 5K run, a Made in Dunwoody Country Store, a petting zoo, Dunwoody Idol contest, and lots more if you can believe it! This tragedy-turned-triumph has blossomed into a family festival that brings out more than 80,000 festival-goers - but there's always room for plenty more.
Sweetwater 420 Fest
When: April 22-23, 2023
Where: Centennial Olympic Park
At its core, this festival is all about music, beer, and the environment. Sweetwater 420 Fest brings live music, comedy, art, food, workshops, and brews to Centennial Olympic Park. What started as a small celebration by Georgia's native Sweetwater Brewery has now evolved into a weekend bash appreciating Mother Earth and all the good things she has to offer the world.
Shaky Knees Music Festival
When: May 5-7, 2023
Where: Central Park
This 3-day festival earned the No. 4 spot on USA Today's 10Best Reader's Choice Music Festivals list and was also listed as one of the 50 Must-See Music Festivals in Summer 2015 by Rolling Stone. Featuring both world-renowned acts and up-and-coming artists, the Shaky Knees Festival is Atlanta's proper indie music showcase comparable to Coachella and Bonnaroo. Just "smaller." And more enjoyable (if you ask us.) We say "smaller" because this baby still brings out at least 40,000 people.
Dunwoody Art Festival
When: May 13-14, 2023
Where: Dunwoody Village
The Dunwoody Art Festival is a Mother's Day tradition and is the perfect way to celebrate mom! Over 40,000 grandmothers, moms, kids, and dads come out for this whimsical artist market that continuously attracts top artisans from all over the country. Often labeled as a "shopper's paradise," this festival is the perfect gift and the perfect place to find gifts. Complete with a Festival Food Court, a relaxing stage with continuous live music, and a Kidz Zone, this festival is fun for ages 1 to 92.
Sweet Auburn Springfest
When: May 13-14, 2023
Where: Historic Sweet Auburn District
Sweet Auburn Spring Fest is the largest free outdoor festival in the Southeast. It takes place in the historic Sweet Auburn District - home to Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. preached, his birthplace, and the APEX Museum. The festival offers a mix of live music, food, and fun for the whole family with a rich, historical Atlanta neighborhood as the scenic backdrop.
Fun for All and All for Fun
Whether you're looking for food, music, art, or just plain ol' fun, Atlanta's got you covered this spring. There are so many other festivals not mentioned here, taking place downtown and around. You should spend all season checking them out for yourself. Not sure where to start? Check out Dunwoody Annual Festivals and Events. We've got festivals centered around lemonade, art, and even butterflies later this year.