The 34^th annual Virginia-Highland Summerfest welcomes visitors to one of Atlanta’s most charming historic neighborhoods June 3-4, 2017. Presented by the Virginia-Highland Civic Association, Summerfest celebrates the arts with a juried Artist Market featuring more than 250 artists displaying works in an variety of media and representing numerous price ranges to appeal to any level of collector. For 2017, Summerfest will expand the popular Local Market, which launched last year. Highlighting vendors from the area who produce hand-made products like soaps, honey and baked goods, the Local Market was a hit with attendees looking for unique items.

ART: The juried Artist Market includes 250+ fine artists from the Southeast and beyond. Through a blind panel, the Summerfest jury of art professors, curators and gallery owners reviews artists’ representative work and invites those with the most creative, high-quality submissions. Art lovers and collectors can expect to find works in a wide range of media, such as painting, sculpture, jewelry, textiles/fiber arts, photography, clay, wood, metal, graphics and mixed media.

The 2017 list of attending artsits will be posted at http://vahi.org/summerfest/artist-market/ by May 15.          

LOCAL

MARKET: For the second year, Summerfest includes the Local Market featuring artisans who handcraft a variety of goods like honey, soaps, dog treats and candles. With 30 vendors selling tasty and unique items that ignite the senses, the Local Market offers plenty of temptation.

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 hosts an Acoustic Street Party at Virginia/Highland Island on Friday, June 2 from 8 to 11 p.m. and on Saturday, June 3 from 9 to 11p.m.

KIDS: Families enjoy visiting KidsFest, a special area for younger festival attendees with games, crafts, kid-themed entertainment and activities, many of which are free. This year’s expanded KidsFest will take place on Arcadia Street and in John Howell Park adjacent to Arcadia on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. At KidsFest, families will find creative pursuits, not inflatables and jump houses because at KidsFest, it’s all about art, music and creativity!

5K: The Summerfest 5K Road Race takes place the morning of Saturday, June 3, and welcomes runners (and walkers) to enjoy winding their way through the streets of the Virginia-Highland neighborhood. Advance registration at active.com is encouraged for the Summerfest 5K, which is also an official AJC Peachtree Road Race Qualifier!

Following the 5K Road Race, children 5 and younger can join in the fun at the onsite Tot Trot.

FOOD: Summerfest always features a range of delicious food from an array of festival vendors and local restaurants. Beverages, beer, wine and cocktails are available throughout the festival grounds. Summerfest is pleased to receive support from Atlanta Beverage Company. 

WHEN: Saturday, June 3 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.  (Artist Market closes at 6:30 p.m.) 

Sunday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.              

LOCATION: Virginia Avenue between North Highland Avenue and Park Drive.

TRANSPORT: Summerfest offers an onsite bike valet. Limited, paid parking is available in certain business lots. Handicap parking is also available.

FEES: Admission to Summerfest is free!