Kirkwood Spring Fling: Your Guide to One of Atlanta’s Favorite Neighborhood Festivals 🌸

The Kirkwood Spring Fling is a beloved spring festival in Atlanta’s historic Kirkwood neighborhood, blending a neighborhood street party with a laid-back intown festival vibe. If you live in Atlanta, or you’re visiting in late spring, this is one of the most approachable, family-friendly festivals to put on your calendar.

Below is a practical guide to how the event works, what to expect, and how to make the most of it as an Atlantan.

What Is the Kirkwood Spring Fling?

The Kirkwood Spring Fling & Tour of Homes is a one-day spring festival typically held on a Saturday in May in Kirkwood’s downtown area and Bessie Branham Park.

It usually features:

• A neighborhood street festival with vendors and food
• Live music on an outdoor stage
• A 5K road race
• A kids’ area with activities and games
• An artist and maker market
• The Kirkwood Tour of Homes (usually the same weekend)

The event is organized by community volunteers and supports neighborhood projects and improvements, making it feel like a true local, intown Atlanta festival rather than a large commercial event.

Where the Festival Takes Place in Atlanta

The Kirkwood Spring Fling is centered around:

• Bessie Branham Park
  2051 Delano Drive NE
  Atlanta, GA 30317

The surrounding streets in Kirkwood’s business district and side streets typically host:

• Vendor tents
• Artist booths
• Food trucks and stands
• Kids’ activities

Kirkwood is on Atlanta’s east side, roughly between Edgewood, East Lake, and Oakhurst (Decatur).

Typical Dates and Schedule

Exact dates change year to year, but the festival is usually:

• Month: May
• Day: A Saturday
• Timeframe: Morning through evening, often something like:
  • 🏃 5K race: early morning
  • 🎨 Festival and artist market: late morning to late afternoon
  • 🎵 Live music: mid-day into the afternoon/early evening
  • 🏠 Tour of Homes: festival day and possibly Sunday (varies)

Because details can shift from year to year, it’s wise to:

• Check the most recent event details closer to May
• Confirm times for the 5K, tour of homes, and music schedule if you’re planning your day around them

Getting to Kirkwood Spring Fling

By Car

Kirkwood is accessible from several major Atlanta routes:

• From Downtown/Midtown:
  Take I-20 East, exit at Moreland Ave, head north, then go east into Kirkwood along neighborhood streets such as Memorial Dr SE or Hosea L. Williams Dr NE.
• From Decatur:
  Head southwest via College Avenue or East Lake Drive into Kirkwood.

👀 Parking tips:

• There is no large central parking deck specific to the festival.
• Expect street parking on residential streets near Bessie Branham Park and the business district.
• Follow all posted parking signs—Kirkwood is residential, and blocking driveways or parking too close to corners can lead to tickets or towing.
• Plan to arrive earlier in the day if you want a closer spot.

By MARTA

Kirkwood is served by the Blue Line:

• Closest station: East Lake MARTA Station
  2260 College Avenue NE
  Decatur, GA 30030

From East Lake Station, you can:

• Walk to the festival (about 15–20 minutes depending on your route), or
• Use rideshare for a short trip to Bessie Branham Park or the center of Kirkwood

You can also approach from Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station and use rideshare or bikes/scooters to reach Kirkwood.

By Bike or Scooter

For intown Atlantans, biking can be one of the easiest ways to reach the Kirkwood Spring Fling:

• Neighborhood streets like Hosea L. Williams Dr NE, Rogers St NE, and College Ave are common routes.
• Lock your bike to public racks or sturdy poles away from emergency access points and vendor pathways.

Main Attractions at the Kirkwood Spring Fling

1. The 5K Road Race

Many locals kick off the day with the Kirkwood Spring Fling 5K.

Common features:

• Neighborhood course through Kirkwood’s tree-lined streets
• Open to walkers and runners
• Often stroller-friendly, though hills can be a factor
• Usually starts early morning before the festival fully opens

If you’re planning to run:

• Register in advance if possible; day-of registration may be limited.
• Expect road closures around the course during race hours.
• Plan extra time for parking and bib pickup.

2. Artist & Vendor Market

The heart of the festival is the artist and vendor market, typically lining streets near Bessie Branham Park.

You’re likely to find:

• Local art and crafts
• Handmade jewelry, home decor, and gifts
• Neighborhood or Atlanta-themed prints and designs
• Some local business booths

This is a good place to:

• Support Atlanta-based makers
• Pick up unique gifts or souvenirs
• Get a sense of Kirkwood’s creative community

3. Food, Drinks, and Local Flavor

Kirkwood has its own cluster of restaurants and cafes, and the Spring Fling usually adds:

• Food trucks and tents
• Festival-friendly food like:
  • Tacos
  • Barbecue
  • Sandwiches
  • Sweet treats (ice cream, pastries, etc.)
• Non-alcoholic drinks and sometimes adult beverages in designated areas (depending on that year’s permits and setup)

Since Kirkwood is a neighborhood setting, many festival-goers:

• Grab food from local restaurants within walking distance
• Pair that with snacks or drinks from food vendors on-site

4. Live Music and Entertainment

A central feature of the Kirkwood Spring Fling is its live music stage.

Expect:

• A mix of local bands and performers
• Styles that may include rock, folk, funk, or singer-songwriter sets
• Performances spread across the afternoon and early evening

The stage area often becomes a casual gathering spot where people:

• Spread blankets or chairs
• Let kids dance near the stage
• Relax between exploring vendors and food

5. Kids’ Activities and Family Fun

Kirkwood Spring Fling is generally very family-friendly.

You’ll often see:

• Kids’ activity zones with games or crafts
• Open park space at Bessie Branham Park for informal play
• Families with strollers, wagons, and small bikes

If you’re attending with kids:

• Plan for sun protection (hats, sunscreen)
• Bring water bottles and snacks, though plenty are available for purchase
• Consider a small blanket or mat if you want a spot to sit and rest

6. Kirkwood Tour of Homes

Paired with the festival is the Kirkwood Tour of Homes, usually on the same weekend.

What to know:

• Showcases historic homes, renovations, and new builds in the neighborhood
• Requires a separate ticket from the free outdoor festival
• Great for anyone interested in:
  • Architecture
  • Neighborhood history
  • Home design and renovation ideas

Tickets are typically:

• Sold in advance
• Sometimes available at a designated check-in or booth at the festival

If you are planning both the Spring Fling and Tour of Homes, consider:

• Doing the festival and music earlier in the day
• Scheduling home visits in the afternoon or next day, depending on that year’s schedule

Costs and What to Bring

Admission and Costs

• Festival admission: Usually free to walk in and enjoy the public areas.
• 5K race:Registration fee required.
• Tour of Homes:Ticket purchase required.
• On-site expenses:
  • Food and drinks
  • Art, crafts, and vendor purchases
  • Kids’ activities if some are fee-based

Plan your budget around:

• What you’d typically spend at an Atlanta street festival
• Any special purchases (art, gifts, decor)
• Extras like race entry or tour tickets

What to Bring

To enjoy the Kirkwood Spring Fling comfortably:

• ✅ Comfortable walking shoes – you’ll be on your feet quite a bit
• ✅ Small bag or backpack – to carry purchases and essentials
• ✅ Water bottle – refill or buy drinks as needed
• ✅ Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen – Atlanta May sun can be intense
• ✅ Portable phone charger – helpful if you’re taking lots of photos or using rideshare apps
• ✅ Cash and card – most vendors take cards, but cash can be useful for smaller purchases or tipping

If you plan to stay for live music:

• A folding chair or blanket can make the lawn seating more comfortable.

Neighborhood Feel and Local Etiquette

Kirkwood is a historic, mostly residential neighborhood, so the festival has a community feel rather than a purely tourist vibe.

To fit in smoothly as an Atlantan or visitor:

• Be respectful of residents’ yards and driveways.
• Keep noise levels reasonable when walking in from parking or MARTA, especially early or late.
• Dispose of trash and recycling properly in provided bins.
• Keep pets leashed and prepared for crowds and heat if you bring them.
  • Check that year’s guidelines to confirm whether pets are allowed in all festival areas.

How Kirkwood Spring Fling Compares to Other Atlanta Spring Festivals

If you’re trying to decide where to spend your spring weekends in Atlanta, here’s how the Kirkwood Spring Fling fits alongside other events:

The Kirkwood Spring Fling is a strong choice if you want:

• A festival that feels local and walkable
• A mix of music, art, and family activities
• A chance to see a historic Atlanta neighborhood in its spring best without overwhelming crowds

Practical Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

• Check event details early: Dates, race times, and Tour of Homes schedules can change year to year.
• Plan your transportation: Decide in advance if you’ll drive, MARTA, bike, or rideshare, and account for crowds.
• Arrive earlier in the day for easier parking and less heat.
• Wear layers: Atlanta spring weather can shift from cool morning to hot afternoon.
• Keep an eye on weather forecasts: The Spring Fling is outdoors, so rain or storms may affect timing or turnout.
• If you love it, consider volunteering: Many Atlanta residents help staff festival activities, which can be a great way to connect with the Kirkwood community.

Key Takeaways

• Kirkwood Spring Fling is a one-day spring festival and community event in Kirkwood, on Atlanta’s east side.
• It typically includes a 5K race, artist market, food and drinks, live music, kids’ activities, and the Kirkwood Tour of Homes.
• The festival centers around Bessie Branham Park (2051 Delano Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30317) and nearby streets.
• It’s free to attend the outdoor festival, with separate costs for the 5K and Tour of Homes.
• For Atlantans, it’s a manageable, neighborhood-scale spring festival that showcases local art, music, and community life without needing to leave the city.