Festival leadership announced on Aug. 26, the festival needed to raise a total of $250,000 by Nov. 1, 2025, to cover its 25% budget shortfall due to year-over-year increased production costs.

As of Oct. 29, the festival has raised $71,867  from community supporters and generous donations from philanthropist Deen Day Sanders and The Rich’s Foundation. Additionally, the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office has agreed to allow the festival to charge a nominal entrance fee without the  fencing and gating of Piedmont Park, as is required under the ticketed permit type. 

“We are delighted to announce that the 90th annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival will take place in April 2026,” said Brian Hill, executive director, Atlanta Dogwood Festival. “The ability to charge an entrance fee — something previously not allowed under our permit — will be a tremendous help.”

Because the organization still faces a shortfall in its fundraising goal, producing the 2026 event will be challenging. However, with the potential for additional revenue from ticket fees, the festival has decided to move forward. The expectation is that the event will return to stable financial footing in future years once this challenge is met.

Launched in 1936 by Walter Rich, founder of Rich’s department store, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival has been a beloved family tradition for generations and a favorite local springtime event. 

The city’s largest and longest-running fine arts festival, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival regularly welcomes 250+ fine artists from across the country, supports youth art with the Atlanta High School Art Exhibition, hosts the International Stage with hundreds of performers representing Atlanta’s global communities, offers a platform for local and nationally recognized bands, and features creative activities for children.