The Virginia-Highland Civic Association joyfully welcomes summer with the 33rd annual Virginia-Highland Summerfest held June 4-5, 2016. For two days, the historic Virginia-Highland neighborhood welcomes fine artists, live entertainment and thousands of attendees looking for a fun, outdoor way to greet the season. Summerfest also includes a 5K run on Saturday morning, activities for children and plenty to eat and drink.

ART                

The juried artist market features work and exhibits from more than 250 fine artists from the Southeast and beyond. Through a blind panel, the Summerfest jury reviews artists’ representative work and votes to invite those with the most creative, high-quality submissions to put together a top-notch market. Art lovers can expect to find works in a variety of media including painting, sculpture, jewelry, teaxtiles/fiber arts, photography, clay, wood, metal graphics and mixed media.

MUSIC            

Summerfest has earned recognition for its live music stage, where renowned local musicians as well as nationally-acclaimed singer songwriters perform throughout the entire weekend. The music line-up will be published by April 1 at http://www.vahi.org/summerfest/music. Even better, all musical performances at Summerfest are free!

In addition to the main stage, Summerfest will host an Acoustic Street Party at Virginia/Highland Island on Friday, June 3 from 8 to 11 p.m. and on Saturday, June 4 from 9 to 11p.m. Earlier in the day on Saturday and Sunday, the Acoustic Stage features young musicians from the neighborhood.

KIDS               

Offering unique games, crafts and activities for children of all ages, many of which are free, this year’s KidsFest will take place in John Howell Park adjacent to Arcadia on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. At KidsFest, families will find hands-on projects, kid-themed music, face painting and more. This is no sea of inflatables and jump houses – at KidsFest, it’s all about art and creativity!

5K                     

This year’s Summerfest 5K Road Race will take place the morning of Saturday, June 4, and will feature 1,500+ runners winding their way through the streets of Virginia-Highland. The race, which is an official AJC Peachtree Road Race Qualifier, features electronic chip timing, and runners are encouraged to register for the race in advance. This race often closes out quickly, so early registration is encouraged.

The 5K Road Race will be followed by the Tot Trot, welcoming children 5 and younger to run, waddle or crawl to the finish line!

FOOD               

Summerfest always features a range of delicious food from an array of festival vendors and local restaurants. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditional festival fare to lobster tacos and homemade barbecue.  Beverages, beer, wine and cocktails are available throughout the festival grounds.

WHEN:                

Saturday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.  (Artist Market closes at 6:30pm)  

Sunday, June 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

LOCATION:   

Virginia Avenue between North Highland Avenue and Park Drive.

TRANSPORT:      

Summerfest partners with Atlanta Bicycle Coalition to offer an onsite bike valet. Limited, paid parking is available in certain business lots. Handicap parking is available.

FEES:             

Admission to Summerfest is free!

WHO:              

Summerfest is sponsored by the Virginia-Highland Civic Association, a volunteer-run, non-profit organization that helps maintain Virginia-Highland as one of the most livable urban communities in America. The VHCA leads and supports planning and zoning initiatives, the development and maintenance of North Highland Park, along with other neighborhood initiatives such as recent improvements to John Howell Park, sidewalks, safety, lighting and crime prevention programs.  The VHCA also provides financial support to local schools, public library, historic firehouse and other organizations serving Virginia-Highland residents.