Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival: A Spring Favorite Just East of Atlanta

Spring in metro Atlanta really starts to feel real when the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival pops up on the calendar. If you live in Atlanta—or you’re visiting in March—this is one of the easiest, most family-friendly day trips you can make for food, music, shopping, and plenty of pink blooms.

Below is a practical guide tailored to Atlanta-area visitors: what to expect, how to get there, what to bring, and how to make the most of the festival.

What Is the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival?

The Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival is a large, outdoor spring festival and cultural celebration held each year at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, about 25–35 miles east of downtown Atlanta (depending on your route).

For Atlantans, it’s known for:

• Cherry blossoms and spring flowers
• Arts and crafts vendors
• Food trucks and international food
• Live entertainment and cultural performances
• Kid-friendly rides and activities

It typically runs over a weekend in March, making it a go-to spring outing for families, couples, and friend groups across the metro area.

Where It’s Held and How to Get There from Atlanta

Festival Location

Georgia International Horse Park
1996 Centennial Olympic Pkwy NE
Conyers, GA 30013

This former Olympic venue is now a large multi-use park that regularly hosts festivals, horse shows, and concerts. For the Cherry Blossom Festival, much of the activity is centered around the main festival fields and vendor areas inside the park.

Driving from Atlanta

From downtown Atlanta, most people take:

• I-20 East toward Augusta
• Exit near Conyers (the exact exit can vary depending on your route and current traffic guidance)
• Follow directional signs for Georgia International Horse Park

Typical drive times from key Atlanta areas (without heavy traffic):

• Downtown/Midtown Atlanta: ~30–40 minutes
• Decatur: ~25–30 minutes
• East Atlanta / Kirkwood / Edgewood: ~25–35 minutes
• Buckhead: ~35–45 minutes

Traffic can back up near the park during peak festival hours, so many Atlanta residents aim to arrive earlier in the day.

Parking

The festival generally offers on-site parking at or around the Georgia International Horse Park.

Typical patterns:

• Parking fee: Often charged per vehicle (cash or card may be accepted; check current details before you go).
• Walk from parking: Expect a short to moderate walk from the lot to the main festival gate, depending on where you park and when you arrive.

Tip: 🅿️ Arrive earlier in the day to get closer parking and shorter entry lines.

When the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival Happens

The festival is usually held once a year in March, often over one full weekend (Saturday and Sunday). Dates shift slightly year to year.

A common pattern:

• Time of year: Mid-to-late March
• Festival hours: Daytime into late afternoon/early evening (for example, morning opening and late afternoon closing)

Because exact dates and hours can change, Atlanta residents typically:

• Check the current year’s dates and schedule before driving out
• Watch for announcements from Rockdale County or the Georgia International Horse Park leading up to spring

What to Expect: Activities, Entertainment, and Vibe

Cherry Blossoms and Spring Atmosphere

You’ll see:

• Cherry blossom trees and other spring blooms throughout parts of the park
• Plenty of photo-friendly spots with flowers, trees, and open lawns
• A light, festival atmosphere that feels like the unofficial start of spring for many locals

The blooming schedule varies with the weather, so the number of blossoms you see can change from year to year. Even if peak bloom doesn’t line up perfectly, the festival still centres on spring-themed decor and activities.

Vendors and Shopping

One of the big draws for many Atlanta visitors is the arts and crafts market:

• Handmade goods: Jewelry, pottery, woodwork, candles, home décor
• Seasonal items: Spring décor, garden-themed crafts
• Gifts: Unique items you don’t usually find at chain stores

Many Atlantans use the festival to:

• Pick up gifts before birthdays, graduations, and Mother’s Day
• Find local or regional artisans they might want to follow for future purchases

Food and Drinks

Expect a wide variety of festival and international foods, such as:

• Classic fair foods: funnel cakes, corn dogs, kettle corn, lemonade
• International dishes: Vendors commonly offer Asian, Latin American, and other global options
• Sweet treats: Ice cream, shaved ice, pastries, and more

You’ll usually find:

• Food trucks and tent vendors spread around the main festival area
• Picnic-style eating: Many people eat at outdoor picnic tables or in open grassy areas

Tip: 🍽️ If you have dietary restrictions, it can help to walk the full food area once before buying to see all options.

Live Entertainment and Cultural Performances

The entertainment schedule is a core piece of the festival. While the exact lineup changes every year, Atlanta-area visitors can usually expect:

• Cultural dance and music performances on the main stage
• Martial arts demonstrations, traditional drumming, or similar shows
• Local and regional performers, including dance groups and musicians

These performances highlight the festival’s cultural and international focus, which many families in metro Atlanta find both fun and educational for kids.

Kids’ Activities and Rides

For Atlanta families, the festival is especially appealing because of its kid-friendly setup, which often includes:

• Carnival-style rides (for younger children and sometimes older kids)
• Games and activity areas
• Occasional face painting or crafts

Access to rides is usually separate from general festival admission costs, so expect:

• Ride tickets or wristbands to be purchased on-site
• Line-ups for the more popular rides during peak afternoon hours

Typical Costs: Admission, Parking, and Spending

Exact prices change year to year, but there are consistent patterns that Atlanta visitors can plan around.

Common Expense Categories

To budget from Atlanta:

• Plan for parking + admission for your group
• Add a per-person allowance for food and rides
• If you enjoy craft markets, consider setting a separate budget for shopping to avoid surprises

Tips for Atlanta Visitors: How to Make the Most of Your Day

When to Arrive

• Early arrival:

  • Helps avoid mid-day heat and larger crowds
  • Makes parking easier
  • Gives you more time before younger kids get tired

• Afternoon visits:

  • Good for those coming from farther parts of metro Atlanta or after morning activities
  • Expect more people and longer lines, especially at food and rides

What to Bring

Consider bringing:

• Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be on grass, gravel, or paved walkways)
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses – spring sun can be strong, even if temps are mild
• Refillable water bottles if allowed (check current rules; vendors will also sell drinks)
• Blanket or small folding chairs if you plan to watch performances for a while
• Small stroller for younger kids; the grounds can be spread out

Some Atlantans also bring a light jacket since March weather can swing from cool mornings to warm afternoons.

Weather Considerations

Early spring in Atlanta and Conyers can be:

• Cool in the morning and evening
• Mild to warm midday, sometimes humid or breezy
• Occasionally rainy

Many Atlanta visitors check the forecast on the morning of their visit and pack:

• A light rain jacket or umbrella if showers are possible
• Layers that can be added or removed throughout the day

Getting There Without a Car

Public transportation from the city of Atlanta to the Georgia International Horse Park is limited. There is no direct MARTA rail or standard MARTA bus service to the park.

If you don’t have a car, common options include:

• Carpooling with friends or family who drive
• Rideshare services from central Atlanta to Conyers (cost varies by distance and time of day)
• Rental car for the day, especially for larger groups

Because the Horse Park is outside core MARTA coverage, most Atlanta visitors find driving or rideshare to be the most practical.

Accessibility and Comfort

Accessibility offerings can change, but the Georgia International Horse Park generally includes:

• Designated accessible parking areas near main entrances (with valid placard)
• Relatively flat walking areas, though parts of the grounds are grassy or uneven
• Portable restrooms in several locations, sometimes including accessible units

If you or someone in your group has mobility needs, it can be helpful to:

• Arrive earlier to secure closer parking
• Bring mobility aids (walker, cane, or transport chair) if long distances are challenging
• Review current festival information before arrival for any updated accessibility details

Family-Friendly Planning for Atlanta Parents

For families coming from Atlanta neighborhoods like Grant Park, Decatur, East Point, Buckhead, or Sandy Springs, a little planning can make the day smoother.

Consider:

• Nap times: Many parents of younger kids choose arrival right at opening, then head home mid-afternoon.
• Snacks: Even with plenty of food vendors, having basic snacks for kids can help while waiting in lines.
• Lost-child strategy: With crowds and multiple activity areas, discuss:
  • A meeting spot near a noticeable landmark
  • What kids should do and who they should talk to (e.g., uniformed staff) if they get separated

Nearby Atlanta-Area Attractions to Pair with the Festival

If you’re making a full weekend out of it, some Atlanta residents pair the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival with:

• Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area (Lithonia):
  Just west of Conyers, offers easy hikes, spring wildflowers, and scenic rock outcrops.

• Downtown Conyers:
  A compact historic district with local restaurants and shops, good for a pre- or post-festival meal.

For those coming from farther parts of metro Atlanta (Cobb, North Fulton, or the Southside), some people plan:

• Saturday at the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival
• Sunday back in the city at Atlanta Botanical Garden or a walk through Piedmont Park to keep the spring theme going

Who Puts It On and Where to Get Current Details

The festival is hosted in coordination with local Conyers and Rockdale County partners, centered at:

Georgia International Horse Park
1996 Centennial Olympic Pkwy NE
Conyers, GA 30013
Main office phone (general park info): Typically listed with park contact details; Atlanta visitors often call ahead for event or parking questions.

For the current year’s:

• Dates and hours
• Admission and parking fees
• Entertainment schedule
• Pet policies and restricted items

Atlanta residents commonly check:

• Official Georgia International Horse Park event information
• City of Conyers or Rockdale County festival announcements
• Local news and metro Atlanta event calendars closer to March

If you’re in Atlanta and looking for a straightforward, festive way to celebrate spring, the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival is an easy day trip: a short drive, plenty of blooms, family-friendly activities, and a strong mix of food, crafts, and cultural performances tailored to all ages.