Your Guide to the Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival in Atlanta

The Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival is one of Atlanta’s favorite fall arts events, blending local creativity, neighborhood history, and easy BeltLine access into a weekend that feels very “Atlanta.” If you love outdoor festivals, local art, live music, and people‑watching, this one belongs on your calendar.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to what to expect, how to get there, and how to make the most of the weekend.

What Is the Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival?

The Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival is a free, outdoor arts and crafts festival held each year in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward neighborhood, usually in early fall. It’s designed as a fine arts and crafts show with a relaxed community feel—more creative and neighborhood-centric than a big commercial fair.

You’ll typically find:

• Dozens of artist booths with painting, photography, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, woodwork, and mixed media
• Interactive art activities and demonstrations
• Live music or acoustic performances
• Food trucks and festival eats
• Easy access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail

The festival is family-friendly and walkable, and it attracts a mix of long-time Atlanta residents, in-town families, and BeltLine strollers who happen to wander into the park.

Where the Festival Takes Place

The Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival is typically held at:

Historic Fourth Ward Park
680 Dallas Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30308

This modern city park is just east of Ponce City Market and directly connected to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, making it one of the more scenic places to host an arts festival in the city.

Why this location is a big perk

• BeltLine access: You can walk or bike in from Inman Park, Midtown, or Virginia‑Highland.
• Near major attractions: Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and Edgewood Avenue are all nearby if you want to turn the festival into a full day in the area.
• Water features & green space: The park’s lake, walkways, and open lawns give the festival a spacious, relaxed layout.

When It Happens: Timing & Seasonal Context

The Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival is part of Atlanta’s broader fall fairs and harvest festival season. It typically lands:

• On a weekend in early fall (often September or early October)
• Running both Saturday and Sunday
• During daytime hours, usually late morning through evening

Because Atlanta’s fall weather can swing from hot and sunny to breezy and cool, it’s smart to:

• Check the forecast for rain or heat
• Dress in layers
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for mid‑day sun

Festival dates can shift year to year, so locals often confirm details through the festival’s official online listings or through Atlanta event calendars closer to the season.

What You’ll See: Art, Vendors, and Activities

Types of art and vendors

Expect a curated mix of:

• Fine art: Paintings, drawings, photography, mixed media
• Handmade crafts: Ceramics, glass, fiber arts, metalwork
• Wearable art: Jewelry, accessories, printed apparel
• Home décor: Woodwork, prints, sculpture, decorative pieces

Many artists are local to metro Atlanta or the Southeast, and it’s common to meet the artists directly in their booths.

Food, drink, and entertainment

The festival usually includes:

• Food trucks and pop-up food vendors with festival staples like tacos, burgers, barbecue, vegan options, sweets, and cold drinks
• Live music or acoustic sets, often with local performers
• Shaded seating areas around the park where you can relax with food and listen to music

Alcohol availability can vary; if it’s important to you, plan to check the year’s details or consider pairing your visit with a nearby stop at Ponce City Market or the bars along Edgewood Avenue.

Is the Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival Family-Friendly?

Yes. The festival is generally very family-friendly and works well for a daytime outing with kids.

Common family perks include:

• Open lawns for kids to move around
• Stroller-friendly paths around the park and along the BeltLine
• Visual art that’s fun for kids to explore, even if they’re not buying anything

Parents often bring:

• Small blankets or camp chairs for rest breaks
• Snacks and water, especially for younger kids
• Sun hats and sunscreen, since shade can be limited in some areas

If you’re looking for a full family day, you can pair the festival with:

• A walk or bike ride on the BeltLine
• A stop at Ponce City Market’s food hall or rooftop (The Roof at Ponce City Market is a separate admission area)

Getting There: Transportation and Parking Tips

Because this is in one of Atlanta’s busiest in-town neighborhoods, it pays to plan your route. Here’s how most locals approach it.

MARTA and transit options

While there isn’t a station directly at the park, you can use MARTA with a short walk, bike, or rideshare:

• Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station (Blue/Green Line):
  • Walk or bike north along the BeltLine Eastside Trail toward Historic Fourth Ward Park and Ponce City Market.
• North Avenue or Midtown Stations (Red/Gold Line):
  • Transfer to a bus or use a rideshare for the last mile.

For general transit questions, you can contact:

MARTA Customer Service
2424 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Phone: 404-848-5000

Driving and parking

Driving is common, but street parking can fill quickly on festival weekends.

Tips if you’re driving:

• Look for paid decks or lots near Ponce City Market or nearby office buildings, then walk via the BeltLine.
• Watch for temporary “No Parking” signs on neighborhood streets around Historic Fourth Ward Park.
• Allow extra arrival time if there’s a simultaneous event at Ponce City Market or on the BeltLine.

If you’re parking in a deck, snap a quick photo of your level and entrance—it can be easy to get turned around after a long day outside.

Walking, biking, and scooters

Many in-town residents avoid driving entirely and:

• Walk in from Old Fourth Ward, Midtown, Inman Park, or Virginia‑Highland
• Bike along the BeltLine Eastside Trail and lock up near the park
• Use scooters or e‑bikes, which are common along the BeltLine

If you’re biking or scootering, bring:

• A sturdy lock
• Lights and reflectors if you plan to ride back around dusk

What to Bring: Practical Packing Tips

A little preparation goes a long way, especially in Atlanta’s fall weather.

Helpful things to bring:

• 💳 Payment options: Many vendors take cards or mobile pay, but having some cash can be useful.
• 🧴 Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
• 🧃 Water bottle: The park has fountains, and vendors sell drinks, but having your own saves money and time.
• 🧥 Light layer: Mornings can be cooler, especially near the water.
• 🛍️ Reusable bag or small tote: Handy for carrying art or smaller items.
• 📸 Phone/camera: To capture artwork and the skyline views around the park.

If you plan to purchase larger artwork, consider driving or arranging a pick‑up time with the artist.

Accessibility Considerations

Historic Fourth Ward Park and its surrounding paths are generally walkable and relatively flat, but there can be some slopes and occasional crowding during peak hours.

Points to keep in mind:

• Paved paths make much of the festival accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
• Some grass or mulch areas may be uneven or muddy after rain.
• Portable restrooms are typically on-site during the festival; some may include accessible units, but availability can vary.

If you or a family member has mobility needs, aiming for earlier morning hours can help you avoid the heaviest crowds and heat.

Comparing the Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival to Other Atlanta Fall Events

Atlanta has a busy fall festival calendar. Here’s how the Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival often compares to other popular fall events:

The Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival is a great fit if you:

• Want an art-heavy event with a strong neighborhood feel
• Prefer a walkable, car-optional location
• Enjoy combining a festival with a BeltLine stroll, Ponce City Market, or local dining

Buying Art: What Atlanta Shoppers Should Know

If you’re planning to buy:

• Arrive earlier in the day for the best selection.
• Ask artists about:
  • Custom sizes or commissions
  • Framing options
  • Whether they ship pieces if they’re too large to carry
• Keep in mind that original art can range from affordable prints to higher-end works, so there’s usually something at different price points.

Many local residents use this festival to:

• Start or expand a home gallery wall
• Pick up holiday gifts early
• Support Atlanta-based and regional artists directly

Safety, Rules, and Etiquette

Because this is a neighborhood-based, public event, a little courtesy helps keep things pleasant for everyone.

• Follow posted rules about pets, alcohol, smoking, and glass containers.
• If you bring a dog, keep it leashed, watch for hot pavement, and be mindful of crowds and kids.
• Avoid blocking booth entrances when chatting or taking photos.
• Ask artists before taking close-up photos of their work; some welcome it, others prefer you don’t.

In an emergency, you can always contact:

Atlanta Police Department (non‑emergency)
Phone: 404-658-6666

For emergencies, call 911.

Making a Full Day of It in Old Fourth Ward

If you want to turn the festival into a full Atlanta experience, consider adding:

• A BeltLine walk or bike ride heading north toward Piedmont Park or south toward Inman Park and Krog Street
• A visit to Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308) for food hall options and shopping
• Exploring Edgewood Avenue for local bars and late‑day snacks
• A quick detour into Inman Park for neighborhood architecture and tree‑lined streets

Pairing the festival with nearby attractions is one of the reasons many locals look forward to this particular event each fall.

How Atlantans Typically Plan for the Festival

To keep things simple, many residents:

1. Watch for the date in late summer or early fall on city event calendars.
2. Decide on their route first: BeltLine, MARTA + walk, or parking near Ponce City Market.
3. Aim for morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak midday heat.
4. Bring a small bag, water, and a spending budget for art and food.
5. Meet up with friends and turn it into a BeltLine + festival + food kind of day.

If you live in the metro area or are visiting Atlanta during fall, the Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival is a very approachable, distinctly local way to experience the city’s creative side while enjoying one of its most walkable in-town neighborhoods.