In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival has announced that the outdoor event, which had been rescheduled for this month, will not take place during 2020. With an eye toward the future, organizers have planned for the 85^th Annual Atlanta Dogwood to take place in Piedmont Park April 9-11, 2021. 

“This was a difficult but necessary decision,” says Brian Hill, festival executive director. “While we had looked forward to continuing our long-standing tradition of welcoming visitors, artists, vendors and entertainers to the city’s largest outdoor fine arts festival on a new date this year, safety must come first during this public health crisis.” 

In the meantime, organizers are planning to schedule small, pop-up events to celebrate the arts in safe, socially distanced ways during the fall. Information will be available at www.dogwood.org. 

After postponing the spring event, the 2020 festival had been rescheduled for Aug. 7-9 and then attempted to take place as late as October. Unfortunately, when it became obvious the pandemic wasn't going away, the painful decision was made to cancel completely for this year. This is only the second time in the festival’s long history that the annual tradition has taken a necessary break. The first was when it was discontinued due to World War II. 

Contributing significantly to the economic well-being of the city and Midtown neighborhood each year, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival welcomes 200,000+ attendees to Piedmont Park to enjoy the three-day, outdoor arts festival and support the arts in Atlanta.  The offerings of fine art, live entertainment and family activities have made the festival a longtime local favorite event.  

“We may be taking a hiatus this year, but we look forward to being back in Piedmont Park next spring,” says Hill. “After difficult times, communities need something that brings them together, something that gives them a reason to celebrate. Throughout history, festivals have served that purpose. As always, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival intends to provide that opportunity to the citizens of Atlanta.”