Your ultimate guide to navigating the Atlanta Dogwood Festival like a pro

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival, a celebration of the city’s gorgeous dogwood trees, is back for its 87th year. The festival features live music, art, food, and family-friendly activities at Piedmont Park in Midtown, and it’s all free! This event is the city’s biggest and longest-running fine arts festival, so you won’t want to miss out on the unique entertainment and art on display.

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Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, we’ve got some pro tips straight from the festival organizers to ensure you have the most epic festival weekend ever. So get ready to have a bloomin’ good time!

Live music and entertainment

The festival’s got it all: live music, dancing, and even burlesque! Starting each day with global performances on the Coca-Cola Main Stage, the mid-afternoon boasts genres ranging from bluegrass to indie rock to R&B. And for those looking for an extra chill, head to the Corona Beer Garden or AARP Block Party - the perfect spots to kick back and enjoy the fun!

Amusement park rides are back

The fairway and amusement park rides are back after a pandemic hiatus! From gentle to thrilling, there’s something for everyone in the Meadow. And don’t worry about the little ones - they’ll love the Kids Village with art, puppets, inflatables, and fun features like the Teddy Bear Hospital and Topplin’ Tots Mobile Play Area.

Getting to the festival and parking

Getting to the festival is easy with MARTA, and attendees can exit at the Arts Center or Midtown station and walk a few blocks to Piedmont Park. Drivers can also reserve a guaranteed parking space in advance with SpotHero.

Here’s what the Party in the Park VIP Experience includes

For those looking for a VIP experience, Party in the Park has got you covered. The fenced VIP area offers seating, private bathrooms, a private bar, beer and wine tastings, and delicious food from food trucks, all with a perfect view of the Coca-Cola Main Stage. With several ticket levels available, guests can customize their experience and enjoy the festival in style.

Don’t forget these rules

Get ready to have a blast while keeping the festival grounds clean and safe! No smoking or tobacco products of any type are permitted anywhere in the park, and while we may love our pets, no dogs or other pets are allowed in Piedmont Park during the festival. Feel free to bring along a small chair for comfort, but keep it light and easy by leaving the tents and coolers at home.

How can I support the Atlanta Dogwood Festival?

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that supports youth arts programs throughout the year. Unfortunately, with the changes necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, costs have increased by 30% to 40% to produce this beloved tradition. Although the event is still free to attend, audience support is needed to keep the festival running. Visitors can make a requested donation of $5 at the door or choose to make an online donation through the website.

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So mark your calendars for April 14-16 and head to Piedmont Park in Midtown for the 87th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival. It’s the city’s largest and longest-running fine arts festival with art, music, fare, and fun — a springtime experience you won’t want to miss!