Your Guide to the Atlanta Dogwood Festival in Piedmont Park

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is one of the city’s signature spring events, bringing art, food, music, and family fun to Piedmont Park just as the dogwood trees bloom. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or simply want to understand how this festival works locally, this guide walks you through what to expect and how to make the most of it.

What Is the Atlanta Dogwood Festival?

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is a long-running spring arts and culture festival held in Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta. It typically takes place over a weekend in April, celebrating the blooming dogwood trees that are common throughout the city.

You’ll find:

• Fine art and craft booths
• Live music and performance stages
• Food trucks and festival food vendors
• Kids’ activities and rides
• Community groups and local organizations

The festival is generally free to attend, with costs only for food, drinks, rides, and certain premium or ticketed activities.

When and Where It Happens

Dates and Timing

• Typical month: April
• Duration: One weekend (usually Friday–Sunday)
• Hours: Often mid-day to evening, with some variation by day

Because exact dates and hours change each year, Atlanta residents and visitors usually check the current year’s schedule as spring approaches.

Location in Atlanta

Piedmont Park
400 Park Drive NE
Atlanta, GA 30306

Key nearby Atlanta landmarks and neighborhoods:

• Midtown business district to the west
• Virginia-Highland and Morningside to the east and northeast
• Ansley Park to the north
• MARTA’s Midtown and Arts Center stations within reach

Most of the festival activity is centered around the Meadow, Lake Clara Meer, and main walkways inside the park.

Getting to the Festival: Transportation & Parking Tips

Traffic and parking can be challenging around Piedmont Park during the Dogwood Festival, especially if you’re new to Atlanta or not used to Midtown events. Here’s how locals typically handle it.

Using MARTA 🚇

Many Atlanta residents choose public transit to avoid parking headaches.

Closest MARTA rail stations:

• Midtown Station (Red/Gold lines)
• Arts Center Station (Red/Gold lines)

From these stations, visitors usually:

• Walk 10–20 minutes to the park, or
• Use a short rideshare trip or e-scooter/bike share if available

Driving and Parking

If you plan to drive:

• Arrive early in the day to improve your chances of finding parking.
• Look for paid parking garages in Midtown, such as near:
  • Colony Square (14th St area)
  • Buildings along Peachtree Street NE
• Expect heavy congestion on:
  • 10th Street NE
  • Monroe Drive NE
  • Main roads surrounding Piedmont Park and the BeltLine

Street parking near Piedmont Park is limited and often has time restrictions and enforcement, especially during major events. Always check posted signs.

Rideshare and Drop-Off

Many locals use rideshare services and get dropped off near:

• 10th Street entrance to Piedmont Park
• Intersections along Monroe Drive or Piedmont Avenue

Expect some street closures or detours; drivers may need to follow event signage or police directions.

What You’ll Find at the Festival

Artists’ Market and Crafts

One of the main draws is the juried artists’ market that typically features:

• Paintings, photography, and illustration
• Ceramics and sculpture
• Jewelry and handmade accessories
• Woodwork, glass art, and mixed media

For Atlanta residents, it’s a chance to:

• Discover regional and national artists
• Purchase art for homes, offices, or gifts
• Talk directly with makers about their process and work

If you’re visiting Atlanta, it can be a memorable way to take home something uniquely tied to the city’s art scene.

Live Music and Performances

The festival usually includes multiple stages with:

• Local bands and regional performers
• School and community groups
• Genres that often range from rock and pop to jazz, R&B, and acoustic sets

Schedules change each year, but the idea is to provide an easygoing soundtrack for walking the park, grabbing food, and relaxing on the grass.

Food, Drinks, and Treats

You’ll generally find:

• Food trucks with a mix of local and regional flavors
• Classic festival food like funnel cakes, corn dogs, and lemonade
• International options depending on the year’s vendors
• Beverage areas that may require an ID check for alcoholic drinks

Locals often plan to eat at the festival rather than eating beforehand, treating the Dogwood Festival as both an art fair and a casual food outing.

Family and Kids’ Activities

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is generally family-friendly, with options that may include:

• Kids’ play zones
• Rides or inflatables (usually ticketed)
• Games and craft activities
• Performances suitable for children

Parents in Atlanta often bring:

• Strollers for younger kids (though it can get crowded)
• Snacks and water to supplement festival food
• Blankets for sitting on the grass

What to Bring (and What to Skip)

Here’s a quick reference list to help you plan your day.

Helpful to Bring

• Photo ID (especially if you plan to buy alcoholic beverages)
• Blanket or lightweight chairs for lounging in the grass
• Refillable water bottle (check rules each year about containers)
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses – Atlanta sun can be strong in April
• Portable phone charger
• Cash and card – many vendors accept cards, but having some cash can help

Check Rules Before You Go

Event guidelines may change year to year, but visitors typically check in advance about:

• Outside food and drinks
• Coolers
• Tents or shade structures
• Any specific bag or security rules

Pets at the Festival 🐾

Piedmont Park is traditionally dog-friendly, but large events can be overwhelming. Festival organizers sometimes offer specific guidance about bringing dogs, especially around:

• Crowded vendor aisles
• Loud music stages
• Areas with heavy foot traffic and kids’ activities

Local pet owners often consider:

• Whether their dog is comfortable in crowds and noise
• Bringing water and a bowl
• Keeping dogs on a short leash and away from food lines

Costs and Budget Planning

While entry is usually free, you’ll want to budget for:

• Parking or transit costs
• Food and beverages
• Art or handmade goods
• Kids’ rides or attractions
• Possible premium or VIP experiences

Many Atlanta residents treat it as a day out similar to a ball game or concert, loosely planning how much they’d like to spend so it doesn’t catch them by surprise.

Weather and Crowds: What Atlanta Locals Expect

Typical Weather in April

Atlanta’s April weather can be:

• Mild and sunny on some days
• Cool in the mornings and evenings
• Occasionally rainy or windy

Locals usually:

• Dress in layers
• Bring a light jacket or sweater
• Pack ponchos or umbrellas if the forecast looks uncertain

Managing Crowds

The Dogwood Festival is a major Atlanta event, so crowd levels can be high, especially:

• Mid-day Saturday and Sunday
• Around the performances and food court areas

To have a smoother experience, many Atlantans:

• Arrive earlier in the day
• Visit on Friday if their schedule allows
• Plan meet-up points in case phones lose signal or battery in crowds

Accessibility and Getting Around the Park

Piedmont Park includes:

• Paved walkways that help with stroller and wheelchair access
• Sloping areas and grass fields that can be uneven or muddy after rain

People who need accessible routes often:

• Use main paved paths rather than cutting across lawns
• Choose drop-off points closer to park entrances
• Allow extra time to move between areas, especially when it’s crowded

If you have specific accessibility needs, it can help to review park maps in advance and look for any festival information about accessible viewing areas or restrooms.

Nearby Atlanta Neighborhoods and Things to Combine with Your Visit

Because the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is right in Midtown, many people combine it with other local stops.

Popular add-ons include:

• Midtown Atlanta
  • Restaurants and cafés along Peachtree Street NE
  • Shops and offices around 14th Street and Colony Square
• Virginia-Highland
  • Boutique shopping and dining east of the park
• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
  • Walkable and bikeable trail with public art and restaurant access

Locals sometimes spend part of the day at the festival, then head into Midtown or Virginia-Highland for a quieter meal or coffee.

Staying Informed and Finding Official Details

Because details change over time, it’s wise to check current-year information close to the event, especially for:

• Exact dates and times
• Artist and music lineups
• Rules for pets, coolers, or outside beverages
• Any security or bag policies
• Updates on weather-related changes or delays

You can also keep an eye on:

• City of Atlanta general event communications
• Piedmont Park Conservancy information about large events
• Local Atlanta news outlets and community calendars

Key Takeaways for Enjoying the Atlanta Dogwood Festival

Quick summary for Atlanta residents and visitors:

For anyone in Atlanta, the Dogwood Festival is both a neighborhood tradition and a citywide celebration of spring, art, and community—right in the heart of Midtown.