The 79th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival presented by PNC Bank will be open from Friday, April 10 to Sunday, April 12 at Piedmont Park. This event is free to the public and hosts several activities for all Atlantans.
The Artist Market features a variety of artistic products for sale from over 250 talented vendors including mediums such as: painting, printmaking, clay, metal, wood work, mixed media, photography, glass work, jewelry and many more. This year’s Artist Market will be held before a panel of six judges from the Atlanta area. The Artist Market will open when the festival begins on each day and close at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Also, the Atlanta High School Art Exhibition (AHSAE) welcomes entries from young artists with the chance to win awards worth more than $40,000. This event is open to all high-school students from any of the 12 regional Atlanta counties. Students are able to showcase their work and win prizes like scholarships and art supplies. This festival event is a juried competition which selects the top works out of up to 700 entries. The AHSAE will begin at 1 p.m. in the Community Center near the 12th Street Entrance. Awards will be presented at 3 p.m.
There will also be 18 musical acts performing widespread genres from pop and rock to R&B, funk and soul. Musicians will perform during the afternoon and evening over the course of all three days at the Coca-Cola Main Stage. In addition, the International Stage will feature cultural music from all over the world around the clock on Saturday and Sunday.
Attendees are welcome to experience numerous hotspots divided throughout Piedmont Park that appeal to every man, woman and child such as: the International Village, Eco-Village, Kids Village and the dog Frisbee competition, Disc Dogs Southern Nationals Qualifier.
Only dogs that are competing in the Disc Dogs Southern Nationals Qualifier from Saturday to Sunday 11-5 p.m. are allowed entrance to the festival. All dogs are required to register in advance and are only allowed at the event site.
Runners and walkers are encouraged to participate in the Atlanta Dogwood Festival 5K at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 11. Let it be known that this is an AJC Peachtree Road Race Qualifier.
Visitors must purchase a ticket for some events like Backyard Barbecue and Brews, which will be held in a spacious tent overlooking the Main Stage. This tasty community get-together showcases local beers, wine, barbecue and picnic fare from some of Atlanta’s best restaurants. Attendees will be offered picnic-style seating, games like corn hole and access to private bathrooms. VIP tickets offer food, beer and wine tasting are $35 per person at the door and Platinum VIP tickets also offer a pint glass and full-size beer drink tickets are $50 per person at the door.
In addition, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival will host a Family Friday on April 10 from 12-10 p.m., providing family-oriented entertainment on the Lake Clara Meer Stage. Visitors will receive unlimited access to all activities and rides like puppet shows, a carousel, Ion ride, Rock-N-Tug ride, Giant Fun Slide and inflatables. They will also be guaranteed a 20 percent discount with select food vendors and a 10 percent discount with select beverage vendors with the purchase of a wristband. Wristbands are available for $10 per person in advance or $12 per person at the door.
For more information visit The Atlanta Dogwood Festival website.