Spring is in the air and one way to usher it in is with the 80th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival. Hosted in Piedmont Park from April 8 to 10, the festival will showcase artists and musicians from across the country.
The artist gallery, which has been ranked No. 28 of the Top Shows in the Country by Sunshine’s Artist Magazine in 2015, will feature art from more than 260 artists in 12 categories, including sculpture, photography, and even glass blowing. Patrons will be able to view and purchase jewelry, vases, and prints across the weekend.
To celebrate the festival’s 80th anniversary, patrons are also encouraged to donate to the commemorative sculpture fund, which will help support the commission of a bronze sculpture shaped like a dogwood branch in bloom. The sculpture will be built by the Charles Allen entrance as a welcome to visitors to Piedmont Park.
If art isn’t a seller, there’s also a weekend of music on the Main or International Stages. The artists range from Folk Rock and R&B acts to a Jimmy Buffett Tribute band, who’ll take the Main Stage Friday night at 9:30 p.m.
The International Stage, on the other hand, will spotlight local dance troupes, for the most part, including performances by Nazaaqat, Georgia Tech’s Bollywood Dance Team, and the Johns Creek High School Dance Team. A full lineup for both stages can be found at http://www.dogwood.org/music.
There are also plenty of events to attend during the festival, however most require guests to purchase a wristband to attend. For example, Family Friday, which features family-oriented entertainment, as the name suggests, costs $10 for an entrance wristband. The wristband grants each owner unlimited access to the rides and inflatables, as well as a 20 percent discount with select food and drink vendors.
There will also be some “grown-up” events, including the Backyard Barbecue & Brews, which shows off craft beers, wine and food from local restaurants and chefs. This year’s Barbecue & Brew will take place Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m., and is free, although there are VIP tickets available to purchase. VIP tickets grant patrons access to the VIP tent and private bathrooms at the event.
Finally, there will also be a 5K on Saturday at 8 a.m. The race will start on the corner of 10th Street and Charles Allen Drive and run through historic Midtown, ending with mimosas in Piedmont for all runners over 21. Runners must register in advance, and there is a $30 registration fee associated with the event.
Dogwood Festival has plenty of activities for all ages. With good music and better food, there’s no better way to celebrate spring than at Piedmont Park.
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Ticketing:
While admission to the festival itself is free, certain events at the festival require a ticket. All tickets can be purchased in advance at dogwood.org
Family Friday:
General Admission: $10 ($15 onsite)
Vip Tent Party:
Friday (7 – 10 p.m.): $15
Saturday (7 – 10 p.m.): $15
Barbecue & Brews VIP Experience:
VIP Saturday: $30
VIP Sunday: $30
Platinum VIP Saturday: $50
Platinum VIP Sunday: $50
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Festival Hours:
Friday: Noon – 11 p.m.*
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.*
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
*Artist market closes at 7 p.m. on Friday & Saturday.
