Visitors to the 83rd Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival can enjoy a weekend of live entertainment, art, food and family activities amid the city’s spring blooms from April 12–14. Staged in Piedmont Park, the festival features a juried artist market of 260 artists chosen from more than 1,000 applicants, offering a wide range of original work in painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography and crafts.
Music and dance are central to the experience: headline bands perform on the Main Stage while local dance companies present cultural and contemporary performances on the International Stage. Performances run throughout the day, giving visitors many opportunities to discover new acts and enjoy familiar favorites.
Runners and walkers can participate in the Saturday morning Mimosa 5K, a scenic course that winds through the historic Midtown neighborhood and finishes with a celebratory toast in Piedmont Park. The festival also emphasizes cultural learning with “edutainment” booths hosted by local consulates and international organizations, providing information and activities that showcase the diverse communities that shape Atlanta.
Food options are abundant. The VIP Tent overlooks the Main Stage and hosts ticketed culinary events spotlighting local chefs and restaurants, serving Southern classics and seasonal dishes, with a dedicated bar for beverage service. In addition to VIP offerings, the festival includes a broad selection of food vendors serving casual bites and specialty treats to suit a variety of tastes.
Families will find two separate kid-friendly areas: Kids Village, which offers hands-on arts and educational activities geared toward younger visitors, and the Midway, which features carnival-style rides and interactive amusements. The festival also includes specialty events such as a disc-dog competition presented by The Greater Atlanta Dog & Disc Club, where canine athletes demonstrate speed, agility and teamwork, and the Art Throwdown, a timed competition on the Community Center lawn where teams of high school artists create original pieces in front of the crowd.
Dogwood Festival © Atlanta Dogwood Festival
The festival’s layout and schedule are designed to create a welcoming, walkable experience across Piedmont Park. Attendees can move easily between the artist market, performance stages and family areas while sampling food and exploring cultural exhibits. With a long-standing history in the city, the Dogwood Festival continues to celebrate spring, creativity and community connection in Midtown Atlanta.