Inman Park Festival Arts & Crafts: Atlanta’s Favorite Intown Art Fair

The Inman Park Festival Arts & Crafts show is one of Atlanta’s most beloved spring traditions. Centered in the historic Inman Park neighborhood, just east of Downtown, it combines a juried arts show, local artisan market, food, music, and neighborhood charm into one packed weekend.

If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are simply trying to understand what this festival offers, this guide walks through what to expect, how to plan your visit, and how the arts and crafts side of the event really works.

Where and When the Inman Park Festival Happens

The festival typically takes place over a spring weekend (usually April) in the Inman Park neighborhood.

General area:

• Neighborhood: Inman Park, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Core streets for booths: Often along Euclid Ave NE, Elizabeth St NE, Hurt St NE, and surrounding blocks
• Nearby landmarks: The Inman Park/Reynoldstown MARTA Station, the BeltLine Eastside Trail, and Little Five Points are all close by

Because the festival is run by neighborhood organizers and volunteers, exact maps, dates, and layouts vary year to year. It’s wise to:

• Check the current year’s festival map and schedule before you go
• Verify arts & crafts hours, as they sometimes differ from parade or music times

What Makes the Arts & Crafts Show Special in Atlanta

The Inman Park Festival is known in Atlanta for feeling more like a neighborhood block party meets serious art market than a formal gallery environment.

Key things that stand out:

• Juried arts section: A curated selection of regional and national artists showing fine art and high-quality crafts
• Artist variety: You’ll see everything from painting, mixed media, photography, and sculpture to jewelry, pottery, textiles, woodwork, metal art, candles, and handmade body products
• Historic backdrop: Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, and front porches create a distinctly Atlanta intown vibe
• Accessible atmosphere: It’s free to walk through, casual, and family-friendly, with lots of chances to meet artists directly

If you enjoy places like Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, or smaller Atlanta art festivals, the Inman Park arts and crafts area offers a bigger, more immersive neighborhood version of that experience.

Layout: Arts & Crafts vs. Festival Extras

The festival usually divides into a few main areas:

H2: Juried Arts & Crafts Section

This is where you’ll find professionally curated booths and a more “fine art” feel. Expect:

• High-quality handmade work (no mass-produced items)
• Artists who often travel the regional festival circuit
• Booths organized in straight rows, usually with clear signage or a designated “Artist Market” section

H2: Non-Juried and Local Artisan Vendors

Outside the juried section, you’ll find:

• Local crafters and makers selling jewelry, clothing, home goods, candles, soaps, and decor
• Some Atlanta-based small businesses showcasing their products
• A more casual, “browse and discover” feel

H2: Surrounding Festival Features

While the arts & crafts are the focus here, they sit amid other classic Inman Park Festival elements:

• Parade: A colorful neighborhood parade, usually on Saturday
• Food vendors: Festival food, snacks, and drinks scattered around key intersections
• Live music: Stages with bands, often playing rock, funk, and local favorites
• Tour of Homes: Ticketed tours through historic Inman Park houses

These extras can impact crowd flow around the arts & crafts booths, especially right after the parade.

What You’ll Find: Types of Art and Crafts

Here’s a simple overview of what shoppers typically see in the Inman Park Festival Arts & Crafts area.

Selection changes each year, but you can expect a mix of price points—from small under-$20 items to larger art pieces or furniture.

Tips for Attending the Arts & Crafts Festival as a Local or Visitor

Getting There

Because Inman Park streets are narrow and the festival is crowded, parking can be difficult. Most Atlanta attendees plan ahead:

• MARTA:
  • Take the Blue/Green Line to Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station
  • Follow signage or crowds toward festival streets
• Rideshare:
  • Set your drop-off slightly outside road closures (e.g., along DeKalb Ave or Austin Ave) and walk in
• Biking or walking:
  • If you’re near Old Fourth Ward, Cabbagetown, Virginia-Highland, or Little Five Points, you can often bike or walk via neighborhood streets or the BeltLine Eastside Trail

If you’re not sure about current road closures, checking City of Atlanta or Atlanta Police Department event advisories can help.

What to Bring

To enjoy the arts and crafts area comfortably:

• Comfortable walking shoes – you’ll be on pavement and sometimes uneven sidewalks
• Small bag or backpack – for purchased items and water
• Reusable tote – helpful if you plan to buy multiple pieces
• Sun protection – spring sun in Atlanta can be strong, and shade is inconsistent
• Payment options – many artists accept cards or mobile payments, but bringing some cash can be helpful if cell service is spotty

Navigating the Arts & Crafts Booths

To make the most of your visit:

1. Start earlier in the day

   • Mornings are less crowded, cooler, and better for longer conversations with artists.

2. Walk one full loop first

   • Scan what’s available before committing to big purchases.
   • Take quick phone photos of booth numbers or cards so you can find them again.

3. Ask questions

   • Many artists are happy to explain their process, materials, and whether they take custom orders or commissions.

4. Think about where art will go in your home

   • Atlanta homes range from small BeltLine condos to larger intown houses. Measure wall spaces beforehand if you’re considering art or mirrors.

5. Plan for carrying fragile items

   • Some vendors offer wrapping, but if you’re coming from farther away (e.g., North Fulton or outer suburbs), consider when you’ll be dropping things back at your car or hotel.

Family-Friendly Considerations

The arts & crafts area is kid-friendly, but it’s a real street festival environment:

• Strollers:
  • Possible, but can be tricky in peak crowds. A smaller stroller or carrier is easier to maneuver.
• Kid activities:
  • While not strictly an “art center” with classes, many booths have visually engaging work, and some vendors may sell kid-oriented art or toys.
• Noise and stimulation:
  • Live music, parade crowds, and street performers can make some areas loud and busy.

Families often take advantage of nearby parks and green spaces in and around Inman Park for a break between browsing booths.

Buying Art: Practical Considerations for Atlanta Residents

Pricing and Payment

• Most artists in the juried section price their work based on materials, size, and time invested, not haggling.
• It’s normal to pay the listed price. If you’re buying multiple pieces, some artists may offer small discounts, but that’s up to them.
• Many booths accept credit/debit cards and mobile payments; cash can be a backup.

Delivery and Large Pieces

If you fall in love with a large canvas, sculpture, or furniture piece:

• Ask whether the artist offers local delivery in the Atlanta area
• Some artists can hold a piece until later in the day so you can retrieve it after you’re done exploring
• For visitors staying in Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead hotels, coordinate timing so you’re present when items arrive

Opportunities for Atlanta Artists and Makers

If you’re an Atlanta-based artist or craftsperson, the festival can be a significant opportunity.

Applying to the Arts & Crafts Show

The festival typically:

• Opens applications several months before the event
• Separates submissions into juried (fine arts and select crafts) and non-juried/vendor categories
• Requests photos of your work and booth setup

Artists are usually evaluated on:

• Quality and originality of work
• Consistency of style
• Fit with the festival’s overall mix of media and price points

Because application processes and deadlines can change, most artists:

• Monitor the official Inman Park Festival website each winter
• Follow festival announcements or neighborhood associations for updates

Connecting with Atlanta’s Art Scene Year-Round

If you want more chances to show or see work beyond this festival:

• Look into local art hubs like Krog Street Market area galleries, Westside arts districts, Castleberry Hill, and neighborhood art walks.
• Nearby art-focused spaces and events often keep community boards or mailing lists where you can learn about future festivals and shows around metro Atlanta.

Accessibility and Comfort

The festival occurs on city streets and neighborhood sidewalks, so conditions vary.

Things to be aware of:

• Surface: Curbs, occasional uneven pavement, and some grassy or sloped areas
• Shade: Some tree cover, but many booth rows are in full sun at mid-day
• Restrooms: Portable restrooms are typically placed at key points around the festival area
• Seating: Limited; you may want to plan short breaks at nearby parks or bring a small, portable seat if needed

If you rely on mobility aids or need quieter spaces, planning shorter visits earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon can make the experience more manageable.

Nearby Atlanta Attractions to Pair With the Festival

If you’re visiting from out of town or making a full day of it, it’s easy to combine the Inman Park arts and crafts experience with nearby Atlanta spots:

• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail: Walk or bike north toward Ponce City Market or south toward Krog Street Tunnel for more local art and murals.
• Little Five Points: A short walk away, with vintage shops, record stores, and more street art.
• Old Fourth Ward: West of the festival area, with access to parks, restaurants, and skyline views.

This cluster of neighborhoods gives you a strong sense of intown Atlanta’s creative culture, both at the festival and beyond.

How to Stay Updated for Future Festivals

Because details change year to year—especially exact dates, vendor lists, and maps—Atlanta residents and visitors usually:

• Check the official Inman Park Festival site or social channels before making plans
• Look at local event listings and Atlanta tourism resources each spring
• Confirm information like arts & crafts hours, MARTA service alerts, and street closures in the week leading up to the event

Doing a quick check before you go ensures you know where the arts and crafts booths are concentrated, when they open and close, and how to get in and out of Inman Park with as little stress as possible.

For anyone in or visiting Atlanta who loves handmade work, local creativity, and historic neighborhoods, the Inman Park Festival Arts & Crafts show is one of the city’s most rewarding, distinctly local art experiences.