Your Guide to the EAV Strut Festival in Atlanta’s East Atlanta Village

The EAV Strut Festival is one of Atlanta’s most beloved neighborhood fall events, bringing together music, art, food, and community in East Atlanta Village (EAV). If you live in Atlanta, are visiting for the weekend, or just trying to understand what this festival is all about, this guide walks you through what to expect and how to make the most of it.

What Is the EAV Strut Festival?

The EAV Strut is a long-running, volunteer-driven neighborhood festival that usually takes place in early fall, often in September. It’s held right in the heart of East Atlanta Village, centered around the intersection of:

• Flat Shoals Avenue SE
• Glenwood Avenue SE

The festival typically features:

• Multiple live music stages with local bands and performers
• Artist and maker markets with local vendors
• Food and drinks from EAV restaurants, food trucks, and pop-up stands
• Community booths from neighborhood groups, nonprofits, and local organizations
• Family- and pet-friendly activities like contests, games, and kids’ areas

It feels like a classic Atlanta neighborhood block party, expanded into a full fall street festival.

When and Where the EAV Strut Happens

Because the festival is organized locally and details shift year to year, exact times and lineups change. However, there are some consistent patterns:

Typical Timing

• Season: Fall (often late September)
• Day: Usually a Saturday
• Hours: Commonly runs from late morning through evening

To get the latest festival date and schedule, locals typically:

• Check neighborhood postings and flyers in East Atlanta Village
• Look at official EAV Strut communication channels before the event
• Follow East Atlanta community and neighborhood association updates

Location Overview

Most of the action centers around:

• East Atlanta Village commercial district
  • Approximate focal point:
    • East Atlanta Village
    • Intersection of Flat Shoals Ave SE & Glenwood Ave SE
    • Atlanta, GA 30316

During the festival, you can expect:

• Some street closures around the intersection
• Designated vendor and music areas
• Clearly marked entry points and info booths

What to Expect at the EAV Strut

Even though it’s a neighborhood event, the EAV Strut pulls in people from all over Atlanta. Here’s what locals typically look forward to.

Live Music and Performances

You’ll usually find:

• Multiple stages featuring local bands and DJs
• A mix of rock, indie, hip hop, funk, and experimental acts
• Performances staggered throughout the day

The lineup tends to showcase Atlanta-based talent, making it a good way to discover new local artists.

Artist, Maker, and Vendor Market

The EAV Strut often includes:

• Local artists and crafters selling prints, jewelry, clothing, and home goods
• Handmade items and small-batch products
• Neighborhood-focused art and EAV-themed merchandise

It’s a popular spot for early fall gift shopping and supporting smaller Atlanta-based businesses.

Food, Drinks, and Local Restaurants

One of the biggest draws is the food and drink scene. Expect:

• East Atlanta Village restaurants and bars operating at full energy
• Food trucks and pop-ups filling in the gaps
• Festival-friendly favorites like tacos, barbecue, sliders, and handheld bites

Because EAV already has a strong bar and nightlife presence, adults often make a full afternoon and evening out of it, moving between:

• Street vendors
• Nearby patios and bars
• Music stages and vendor areas

If you prefer a quieter sit-down meal, it’s smart to:

• Go a bit earlier in the day
• Be prepared for longer waits during peak festival hours

Kids’ and Family Activities

While the festival has a strong music and nightlife vibe, the daytime portions are usually family-friendly. You may see:

• Kids’ zones with crafts or simple games
• Face painting or small carnival-style activities
• Families with strollers earlier in the day

As the day goes on, the atmosphere often shifts a bit more adult-focused, especially around bar areas and later performances.

Pets and Neighborhood Vibe

It’s common to see:

• Leashed dogs with their owners
• Neighborhood residents greeting friends and neighbors
• A casual, come-and-go atmosphere

Because the streets are busy and music can be loud, it’s worth considering how comfortable your pet is in crowded, noisy outdoor settings before bringing them along.

Getting to the EAV Strut

Parking and transportation are big topics for any Atlanta festival, especially in a dense neighborhood like EAV.

Driving and Parking

East Atlanta Village is a residential area with a compact commercial core. During the Strut, you can expect:

• Limited street parking near the village
• Temporary no-parking zones and street closures
• Many visitors parking on nearby residential streets and walking in

If you plan to drive:

• Arrive earlier in the day to improve your chances of finding parking
• Be respectful of driveways, crosswalks, and residential signage
• Look for clearly marked public or paid lots if available nearby

Rideshare and Taxis

For many Atlantans, using rideshare (or a traditional taxi) is the easiest option. A few tips:

• Set your drop-off point a block or two away from the main closures to avoid traffic bottlenecks
• When leaving, walk to a less crowded side street so your driver can reach you more easily

MARTA and Other Transit Options

While there is no MARTA rail station directly in East Atlanta Village, you can:

• Use MARTA bus routes that serve the East Atlanta area (routes and numbers can shift, so check current schedules in advance)
• Connect from a MARTA rail station, such as Inman Park/Reynoldstown or King Memorial, and then take a bus or rideshare to EAV

Public transit can be useful if you want to avoid parking while still staying relatively close to the core of the festival.

EAV Strut Festival at a Glance

Use this quick-view guide to orient yourself before you go.

Details vary annually, so it’s smart to confirm specifics shortly before the event.

How Much Does the EAV Strut Cost?

The core of the festival is typically free to enter along the public streets. However, you should budget for:

• Food and drinks from vendors and restaurants
• Art and merchandise from local makers
• Tips for performers if there are buskers or donation-based acts
• Any special activities that might have individual fees

Many Atlantans treat the EAV Strut as a pay-as-you-go experience, similar to other in-town festivals: you can walk around for free, but the fun is in supporting local vendors and performers.

Tips for Enjoying the EAV Strut as an Atlantan

A little preparation can make the day smoother, especially if you’re not from the immediate neighborhood.

Dress and Weather

• Atlanta’s fall weather can be warm in the afternoon and cooler at night
• Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll likely be walking and standing a lot
• Bring sunscreen and possibly a light layer for evening

Cash vs. Card

Most vendors accept cards or mobile payments, but some smaller booths may prefer:

• Cash for speed or minimum purchase reasons

Having a small amount of cash on hand can be helpful, especially for:

• Quick snacks
• Small purchases
• Donation buckets or tip jars

Crowd and Noise Considerations

Expect:

• Crowds, especially mid- to late afternoon
• Music volume that can be quite loud near stages

If you’re sensitive to noise, consider:

• Earplugs
• Taking breaks on side streets or quieter pockets of the neighborhood

How the EAV Strut Fits into Atlanta’s Fall Festival Scene

Atlanta is known for a packed fall calendar, and the EAV Strut holds a particular place in that mix:

• It’s neighborhood-driven and organized with strong community involvement
• It showcases local East Atlanta character: quirky, creative, and laid-back
• It often appeals to people who enjoy smaller, more grassroots festivals compared to large citywide events

If you enjoy exploring different parts of the city, the Strut is a chance to experience East Atlanta Village’s personality in full force.

Who Puts on the EAV Strut and How to Get Involved

The festival is typically run by local volunteers and neighborhood organizers. Each year, they may look for:

• Volunteers to help with setup, cleanup, information tables, or logistics
• Vendors and artists to apply for booth spaces
• Sponsors or community partners

If you live in Atlanta and want to get involved in future years, your best options are to:

• Watch for signs and flyers posted around East Atlanta Village in late summer
• Connect with East Atlanta neighborhood organizations that support the festival
• Ask at local EAV businesses if they have information on volunteer or vendor opportunities

Nearby Atlanta Resources and Services

If you’re coming from out of town or another part of metro Atlanta, a few public resources can be helpful when planning your visit:

• City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Special Events

  • Oversees permitting for major events and festivals within city limits
  • City Hall Address: 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main City of Atlanta information line: (404) 330-6000

• MARTA Customer Service

  • For bus routes, schedules, and connections near East Atlanta
  • Headquarters: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
  • Customer Information: (404) 848-5000

These contacts aren’t specific to the EAV Strut, but they’re useful if you’re trying to coordinate transit, accessibility questions, or general city services around your visit.

The EAV Strut Festival is, at its core, a celebration of East Atlanta Village and the people who call it home. If you enjoy discovering different corners of Atlanta, want to support local artists and businesses, and like the feel of a neighborhood street festival, the EAV Strut is one of the most distinctive fall events to put on your Atlanta calendar.