Sandy Springs Artsapalooza: Your Guide to This Spring Arts Festival Near Atlanta

Sandy Springs Artsapalooza is one of metro Atlanta’s signature spring arts festivals, drawing artists, families, and casual browsers to the heart of Sandy Springs each year. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a weekend visit, or just want to explore more local spring events, this guide walks you through what to expect and how to make the most of Artsapalooza.

What Is Sandy Springs Artsapalooza?

Sandy Springs Artsapalooza is a two-day outdoor arts and crafts festival typically held in early April along Lake Forrest Drive NE near Mount Vernon Highway in Sandy Springs. It’s designed to feel like a walkable, neighborhood art market, with:

• Original artwork from local and regional artists
• Live music and entertainment
• Food trucks and festival snacks
• Activities for kids and families

For Atlantans, it’s an easy way to enjoy fine art, local culture, and spring weather without leaving the metro area.

Where It Happens and How To Get There

Typical festival area:
The event is usually centered near 6100 Lake Forrest Dr NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328, close to City Springs and Sandy Springs City Hall.

Because exact layouts and road closures can shift from year to year, it’s wise to:

• Check the latest festival map and details from Sandy Springs event listings or the organizer’s official info.
• Look for posted signs and detours along Lake Forrest Drive and Mount Vernon Highway the week of the festival.

Driving from Around Atlanta

From most parts of Atlanta, Sandy Springs Artsapalooza is easiest to reach by car:

• From Midtown/ Downtown Atlanta:

  • Take I-285 west or east to GA-400 North, then exit toward Sandy Springs (typically Exit 5 or 6, depending on your route).
  • Follow signs for Roswell Road and Mount Vernon Highway; watch for festival signage and road closures around Lake Forrest Drive.

• From Buckhead:

  • Take Roswell Road (SR 9) north straight into Sandy Springs, then turn onto Mount Vernon Highway or a nearby cross street as directed by traffic control.

Allow extra time for festival traffic and detours, especially in the late morning and early afternoon.

Parking Options

Parking plans can vary, but common patterns include:

• Street parking in surrounding neighborhoods, where permitted
• Nearby parking decks or lots around the City Springs area
• Designated festival parking areas with signage (sometimes with a short walk)

Tips:

• Arrive early in the day for easier parking.
• Respect residential parking restrictions and tow-away zones.
• If you’re meeting friends, choose a landmark like City Springs, Sandy Springs Library, or City Hall as your meetup point.

MARTA and Rideshare

If you’d rather avoid parking:

• MARTA rail:

  • Take the Red Line to Sandy Springs Station or Dunwoody Station.
  • From there, you can use rideshare, walk a bit farther, or take a local bus if schedules align.

• Rideshare or taxi:

  • Enter a nearby fixed address such as Sandy Springs City Hall, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.
  • Walk from the drop-off point into the festival footprint following signs or staff directions.

Typical Dates, Hours, and Weather

Artsapalooza is generally scheduled in early to mid-April, aligning with other Atlanta spring festivals.

While exact details can change each year, you’ll usually see:

*Always confirm the specific year’s schedule before you go.

Weather prep tips:

• Bring layers – mornings can be cool, afternoons warm.
• Keep a small umbrella or rain jacket handy for surprise showers.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes; many booths are on pavement with some slightly uneven areas.

What You’ll Find at Sandy Springs Artsapalooza

Art and Artists

Artsapalooza focuses on juried, original artwork across multiple categories, which often include:

• Painting & Illustration – from abstract canvases to detailed cityscapes
• Photography – including Atlanta skylines, nature, and travel images
• Jewelry & Wearable Art – handmade pieces you won’t see in big-box stores
• Ceramics & Pottery – mugs, bowls, decorative pieces
• Sculpture & 3D Art – metal, wood, glass, and mixed media
• Textiles & Fiber Arts – bags, scarves, quilts, and decor

If you’re decorating a new condo in Midtown, adding color to a Sandy Springs home, or hunting for a meaningful gift, this is a good place to discover local and regional artists.

Live Music and Performances

A small festival stage or performance area typically features:

• Local bands and acoustic musicians
• Occasional dance groups or community performers
• Background music that makes walking the festival feel lively but not overwhelming

Performances usually run throughout the day, rotating every hour or so. Many Atlantans like to plan a snack or drink break around the sets they’re most interested in.

Food and Drinks

Expect a casual, festival-style food lineup, such as:

• Food trucks with tacos, barbecue, burgers, or global street food
• Dessert stands with funnel cakes, ice cream, or gourmet popsicles
• Coffee, tea, lemonade, and sometimes local beverage vendors

Prices are similar to other Atlanta festivals, so plan for concession-style pricing. If you’re coming with a group, it can be easier to share several dishes so everyone can try something different.

Family-Friendly Activities and Kids’ Options

Sandy Springs Artsapalooza is often described as family-friendly and manageable for kids, especially compared with some larger intown festivals.

You may find:

• Interactive kids’ art areas or make-and-take crafts
• Face painting or simple games
• Space to stroll with strollers along the main festival route

Family tips:

• Go earlier in the day to avoid peak crowds and heat.
• Bring water and snacks for picky eaters, even if you plan to buy food.
• Choose a “meeting spot” (like a particular booth or street corner) in case kids and adults get separated.

How Artsapalooza Fits Into Atlanta’s Spring Festival Scene

Atlanta’s spring calendar is packed with events like the Dogwood Festival, Inman Park Festival, and neighborhood garden tours. Sandy Springs Artsapalooza stands out because it:

• Is north of I-285, convenient for residents of Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell, and North Atlanta
• Focuses on visual art and artisan crafts in a compact, walkable footprint
• Maintains a neighborhood feel, making it approachable even if you’re not a frequent festival-goer

If you’re planning an “Atlanta spring weekend”, you can often pair Artsapalooza with:

• A visit to Morgan Falls Overlook Park or the Chattahoochee River
• Dinner at a restaurant in City Springs or along Roswell Road
• Other seasonal events in Sandy Springs or Buckhead

Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips

What to Bring

• ✅ Comfortable shoes for walking and standing
• ✅ Reusable shopping bag or small tote for art and craft purchases
• ✅ Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses for sunny days
• ✅ Small umbrella or light rain jacket
• ✅ Payment options – many artists take cards or digital payments, but having some cash can be useful

Check in advance whether:

• Pets are permitted (policies can differ by year).
• Outside food and drinks are allowed in certain areas.

Budgeting for the Festival

Admission is generally free, but plan for:

• Art purchases – pieces can range from under $50 to higher-priced originals
• Food and drinks
• Optional kids’ activities or extras

A reasonable starting budget for a casual visit might cover:

• A meal or snacks for each person
• A small art or handmade item
• A bit of wiggle room if you discover a piece you really love

Accessibility and Comfort

Festival organizers typically aim to make Sandy Springs Artsapalooza reasonably accessible, but conditions can vary with weather and layout.

Points to consider:

• Surfaces: Mostly pavement, with some cords, tent stakes, or slight slopes.
• Seating: Limited; you may be standing or slow-walking much of the visit.
• Shade: Tents provide some shade, but sections of the route can be in full sun.

Accessibility tips:

• If you need rest breaks, plan short sits at nearby plazas, benches, or cafes.
• Consider going during cooler morning hours.
• If you use a mobility aid, allow extra time to navigate around crowds and curb cuts.

Who Organizes Sandy Springs Artsapalooza?

Artsapalooza is typically coordinated by professional festival organizers that work with the City of Sandy Springs and local partners to handle:

• Road closures and safety
• Artist selection and booth placement
• Entertainment and food vendor approvals

For official event details, Atlantans often check:

• City of Sandy Springs event calendars and announcements
• Printed or digital festival guides
• Local news outlets and community bulletins

Helpful Local Contact Points

While Artsapalooza itself is run by specific organizers, these stable local offices and resources can help you get broader information about events and logistics in the area:

• City of Sandy Springs – City Hall
  1 Galambos Way
  Sandy Springs, GA 30328
  Main line: (typically listed on the city’s official site)

• Sandy Springs Police Department (Non-Emergency)
  For questions about road closures and traffic patterns around the event.

• MARTA Customer Service
  For up-to-date rail and bus schedules to Sandy Springs and Dunwoody stations.

When you call, ask specifically about “road closures and access around Sandy Springs Artsapalooza” on the dates you plan to attend.

Is Sandy Springs Artsapalooza Worth Going To?

For most Atlanta-area residents and visitors who enjoy:

• Browsing original art,
• Exploring neighborhood festivals, and
• Spending a relaxed afternoon outdoors in spring,

Sandy Springs Artsapalooza is usually worth a visit.

You don’t have to be an art expert to enjoy it. You can simply:

• Walk the route
• Sample food and music
• Pick up a unique piece for your home or a gift for someone special

If you’re building an annual spring festival routine in Atlanta, Artsapalooza is an easy, nearby addition that showcases a different side of the metro area just outside the Perimeter.