This spring the Atlanta Dogwood Festival will celebrate its 82nd year of providing Atlantans and visitors with three days of fine art, live entertainment and outdoor enjoyment. The third oldest fine arts festival in the country and the longest-running festival in Atlanta, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival draws 250,000+ attendees to Piedmont Park where they can peruse the Artist Market, catch music from up-and-coming bands and recognized artists like Shawn Mullins, see international entertainment and partake in festival fare and midway rides. It’s no wonder this event is the city’s official kickoff to spring!

Attendance at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is FREE!

AT A GLANCE        
The 82nd Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival takes place in Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta Friday through Sunday, April 13 – 15, 2018. www.dogwood.org

ART MARKET        
The Atlanta Dogwood Festival features a diverse juried fine art Artist Market with more than 260 artists showing works in media including drawing and painting, jewelry, fiber arts, mixed media, sculpture, glass, metal, wood and photography. https://dogwood.org/artists/

LIVE MUSIC    
The Coca-Cola Main Stage rocks all weekend at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival with a variety of genres! Saturday night includes a FREE performance from Grammy-nominated artist Shawn Mullins. This year’s performers also include Khari Cabral Simmons, Connor Christian, Wesley Pruitt Band, Sailing to Denver, Beau & Luci and more! https://dogwood.org/music/main-stage/

PARTY LIKE A VIP    
For a perfect view of the Main Stage on Friday and Saturday nights, festival visitors can purchase VIP Tent tickets and enjoy dinner from J.D.’s Bar-B-Que, ½-price drinks, comfy seating and private bathrooms. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door (per day). https://dogwood.org/events/main-stage-vip/

5K RUN         
Festival Saturday kicks off with the Atlanta Dogwood Festival Mimosa 5K. The run’s delightful course through historic Midtown culminates in a Barefoot Bubbly & OJ celebration in the park. This run is an AJC Peachtree Road Race Qualifier. Registration is available at https://dogwood.org/events/mimosa-5k/.

INTERNATIONAL    
For the ninth year, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival offers global entertainment on the award-winning International Stage, welcoming more than 200 performers throughout the weekend from the many communities that make Atlanta a cosmopolitan city. In addition to the live performances, the festival includes Cultural Exchange Pavilions to broaden understanding with fun activities and offerings. https://dogwood.org/music/international-stage/

FOOD EVENT        
Food enthusiasts can enjoy Backyard Bites & Brews, a ticketed food and drink experience on festival Saturday and Sunday afternoons. This special tasting event brings together restaurants, chefs and local breweries with private seating under a spacious tent near the Main Stage. Tickets are available at https://dogwood.org/events/backyard-bites-and-brews/.

YOUTH ART        
The Atlanta Dogwood Festival hosts and funds the juried competition, the Atlanta High School Art Exhibition (AHSAE). During festival weekend, visitors can see the exhibit in the Community Center near the 12th Street festival entrance, and vote for the People’s Choice Award. Young artists also compete onsite at the Art Throwdown on Sunday at 1 p.m. https://dogwood.org/attractions/atlanta-high-school-art-exhibition/

KIDS & RIDES        
The much-visited Kids Zone, presented by Visit Tallahassee, and Midway include a variety of rides and hands-on activities. Children and adults can spend hours having fun, jumping on the inflatables, riding the merry-go-round or perhaps choosing one of the thrill rides. https://dogwood.org/attractions/kids-village/
FAMILY FRIDAY    
Calling all families who like to have fun - the Atlanta Dogwood Festival will offer a special Family Friday package featuring unlimited rides and discounts on food and (non-alcoholic) beverages on festival Friday from 2-9 p.m. Family Friday wristbands can be purchased in advance or onsite. https://dogwood.org/events/family-friday/

DISC DOGS        
A festival favorite, the Disc Dog Competition, hosted by The Greater Atlanta Dog & Disc Club, is a USDDN World Finals Qualifier and draws huge crowds to be amazed by the incredible feats of fur-flying canines. https://dogwood.org/attractions/disc-dogs/

HOTELS        
Atlanta visitors and local “staycationers” can get special rates through March 30, 2018 at the festival’s partner hotel W Atlanta Midtown. www.dogwood.org/Hotels