News Summary
The Atlanta Dogwood Festival returns for its 89th year, showcasing fine arts and community spirit at Piedmont Park. Running through Sunday, the festival features over 260 artists, live performances, and various family-friendly activities. With special events like a Mimosa 5K, it promises a weekend of culture and engagement. Admission is free, but VIP experiences are offered. Visitors are encouraged to use MARTA for transit and reserve parking through SpotHero. Despite some restrictions, the festival celebrates the beauty of dogwood trees, making it a must-visit event for locals and tourists alike.
The 89th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival Kicks Off This Weekend at Piedmont Park
Atlanta is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to host the 89th annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival. This beloved celebration is the city’s largest and longest-running fine arts festival and proudly claims the title of the third-oldest fine arts festival in the entire United States.
Festival Details
Set in the picturesque Piedmont Park, the festival kicked off on Friday and will run through Sunday, April 13. Festival hours are:
- Friday: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Special Activities
For the early risers, the Mimosa 5K race is set to commence at 8 a.m. on Saturday, promising a lively start to the day.
While admission to this vibrant festival is free, donations are warmly welcomed to support ongoing efforts. For those looking for an elevated experience, tickets for the 2025 Party in the Park VIP Experience are available, costing between $40 and $80.
Getting There
Attendees should be aware that parking can be a challenge. To streamline your experience, organizers recommend using SpotHero to reserve parking spots ahead of time. Alternatively, utilizing the MARTA transit system is highly encouraged, with convenient stops at the Arts Center or Midtown stations.
Accessibility and Restrictions
As per city ordinance, dogs are not allowed at the festival. However, the Off Leash Dog Park will remain open, accessible via the Park Drive entrance only. Attendees should also note that there will be restrictions on smoking, pets, outside food and drinks, tents, and coolers during the festival.
What to Expect
The festival showcases a dynamic array of artists specializing in everything from clay, glass, jewelry, painting, to woodwork, with around 260 artists displaying their talents in an engaging artist market. Festival-goers can enjoy live performances throughout the three-day event on two stages: the Coca-Cola Main Stage and the International Stage featuring various cultural acts.
In addition to the artistic offerings, families will find a kids’ village, and a delicious assortment of food trucks to satisfy their cravings. Don’t miss the Atlanta High School Art Exhibition, which showcases the impressive talents of local young artists.
A Celebration of Nature
With the blooming of the magnificent dogwood trees in Georgia, the festival embodies the beauty of these remarkable natural wonders, a tradition that dates back to the festival’s origin in 1936 aimed at promoting Atlanta’s dogwood trees.
So gather your friends and family, and head on down to Piedmont Park for a weekend packed with art, culture, and community spirit at the 89th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival.
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Additional Resources
- 11Alive: Atlanta Dogwood Festival 2025
- WSBTV: 89th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival
- Rough Draft Atlanta: Atlanta Festivals and Food
- Fox5 Atlanta: Preparations for Dogwood Festival
- Atlanta News First: Everything About Dogwood Festival
- Wikipedia: Atlanta Dogwood Festival
- Google Search: Atlanta Dogwood Festival
