Your Guide to the Inman Park Festival in Atlanta

The Inman Park Festival is one of Atlanta’s most beloved neighborhood events, mixing historic charm, arts and crafts, a huge parade, and classic festival food into one spring weekend. If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting in late April, this is often considered a “don’t miss” event.

Below is a practical guide to how the festival works, what to expect, and how to make the most of it when you’re in Inman Park, just east of downtown Atlanta.

What Is the Inman Park Festival?

The Inman Park Festival is a large, annual neighborhood celebration held in one of Atlanta’s oldest intown neighborhoods, Inman Park, known for its Victorian homes, leafy streets, and walkable layout.

The festival typically features:

• A large street parade
• Artist and craft booths
• Food vendors and local restaurants
• Live music stages
• A Tour of Homes showcasing historic houses
• Kids’ activities and neighborhood events

It has a strong community feel, with many residents participating in the parade, volunteering, or hosting porch parties. Even though it’s a neighborhood festival, it draws crowds from across Metro Atlanta.

When and Where the Festival Happens

Typical Timing

The Inman Park Festival is usually held once a year in late April, often over a Saturday–Sunday weekend, with some activities sometimes starting on Friday (such as the Tour of Homes).

Because dates can shift slightly from year to year, it’s smart to check the current year’s schedule before you go.

Festival Location in Atlanta

The festival is centered in Inman Park, just east of downtown and the Old Fourth Ward, and west of Little Five Points.

Key streets and areas often involved include:

• Euclid Avenue NE
• Edgewood Avenue NE
• Elizabeth Street NE
• Hurt Street NE
• DeKalb Avenue NE (nearby thoroughfare, often impacted by traffic)
• The area around Inman Park–Reynoldstown MARTA Station

You don’t need a specific “main entrance”—festival activities are spread throughout the neighborhood, and many people just enter from whatever side they arrive on.

Main Attractions and Activities

The Parade

The Inman Park Festival Parade is one of the highlights and is especially popular with families and longtime Atlantans.

You can typically expect:

• Colorful floats and decorated vehicles
• Neighborhood groups and community organizations
• Marching bands and performers
• Costumed participants (from whimsical to quirky)
• Some political or advocacy groups, especially during election years

Parade route and start times can change year to year, but it usually takes place on Saturday late morning or mid-day. If you want a good spot, plan to arrive early and stake out a place along the parade route.

Artist Market and Vendors

One of the biggest draws is the artist market, where you’ll find:

• Local and regional artists selling paintings, prints, and photography
• Handmade jewelry and crafts
• Home décor, ceramics, and textiles
• Gifts and locally themed art (including Atlanta- and Georgia-inspired pieces)

There are also general vendors selling clothing, accessories, and various goods.

If you’re interested in buying artwork or unique gifts, it’s a good idea to:

• Bring a bag or small backpack for purchases
• Carry a payment card, and possibly some cash for smaller vendors
• Arrive earlier in the day for less-crowded browsing

Food, Drinks, and Local Flavor

The Inman Park Festival usually includes a wide variety of food vendors and food trucks, plus many Inman Park restaurants are steps away from the action.

You may find:

• Classic festival food: funnel cakes, lemonade, fair-style snacks
• Food trucks and stands with Southern dishes, tacos, burgers, BBQ, and more
• Dessert stands with ice cream, popsicles, or baked goods
• Areas where you can purchase beer or other beverages (check on ID requirements and wristband systems on-site)

Because the festival is walkable, many attendees also pop into nearby brick-and-mortar restaurants and bars along the main streets of Inman Park and bordering neighborhoods.

Tour of Homes

One of the features that makes this festival unique to Atlanta is the Inman Park Tour of Homes, which typically runs during festival weekend and sometimes starts a day early.

What to expect:

• Guided or self-guided access to a selection of historic and renovated homes
• A chance to see Victorian architecture, restored interiors, and creative modern updates
• A separate ticket is usually required for the Tour of Homes

If you appreciate architecture, interior design, or Atlanta neighborhood history, this is often considered a standout part of the weekend.

Music and Entertainment

Expect multiple stages or performance areas with:

• Local and regional bands and musicians
• A mix of genres—often rock, folk, blues, and more
• Scheduled sets throughout the day

You may also encounter street performers, neighborhood kids’ activities, and informal entertainment on porches or in yards.

Getting There: Transportation and Parking Tips

Because Inman Park is a dense intown neighborhood, transportation is something to plan ahead—especially if you’re visiting from another part of Metro Atlanta.

Taking MARTA

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is the easiest option.

• Closest station:
  Inman Park / Reynoldstown Station
  MARTA East–West (Blue/Green) Line
• From the station, you can walk into the neighborhood where festival activities take place.

Benefits of using MARTA:

• Avoids searching for limited street parking
• Bypasses traffic backups around major intersections like Moreland Avenue and DeKalb Avenue
• Reduces time spent circling through residential streets

If you’re staying downtown, in Midtown, or near Decatur, you can typically reach the Inman Park / Reynoldstown station without transfers.

Driving and Parking

If you choose to drive, be prepared for:

• Heavy traffic near Inman Park during peak festival hours
• Limited on-street parking in surrounding residential areas
• Temporary parking restrictions, barricades, or one-way traffic patterns

Common tips from local attendees:

• Arrive early in the day, before crowds peak.
• Be respectful of residential driveways, crosswalks, and posted signs.
• Consider parking a bit farther away and walking or using a rideshare for the final stretch.

Rideshare (such as pickup and drop-off near the edges of the neighborhood) can be more convenient than trying to park right at the festival.

What It’s Like: Crowd Level, Atmosphere, and Accessibility

Crowd and Atmosphere

• The festival is usually busy and lively, especially on Saturday.
• Expect families with kids, longtime Atlanta residents, young adults, and visitors all mixing together.
• The vibe is casual, friendly, and energetic, with music and chatter throughout the day.

If you prefer a bit more space, earlier morning hours or later afternoon on Sunday can sometimes be less congested than Saturday mid-day.

Accessibility Considerations

Inman Park is an older neighborhood with a mix of:

• Sidewalks in varying condition
• Streets that may be closed or partially blocked for booths and stages
• Some inclines and uneven surfaces

If you or someone in your group has mobility needs:

• Allow extra time to navigate around crowds and vendor tents.
• Consider entering from an area with more open streets rather than the busiest central sections.
• Check the most current festival information for any designated accessible entrances or parking options.

Costs: What You’ll Likely Spend

The Inman Park Festival itself is typically free to enter as a street festival. However, you may spend money on:

• Food and drinks
• Artwork or crafts in the artist market
• Tickets for the Tour of Homes
• Parking, if you choose paid lots or garages nearby

To keep costs manageable:

• Decide ahead of time on a spending budget for food and shopping.
• Bring a refillable water bottle, if allowable, to stay hydrated while walking.

Family-Friendly Tips

Many Atlanta families consider the Inman Park Festival a kid-friendly event, especially during daytime hours.

Helpful tips if you’re bringing children:

• The parade is often a big hit with kids—arrive early for curbside spots.
• Bring strollers or wagons for younger children, but be prepared for crowded areas.
• Pack sunscreen, hats, and water, as Atlanta’s spring sun can be strong.
• Choose a meeting spot (like a notable corner or landmark) in case anyone gets separated.

Quick Reference: Inman Park Festival at a Glance

Practical Planning Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

A few final suggestions to make your visit smoother:

• Check current details: Dates, times, and specific events can change year to year.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll likely walk a lot on pavement and neighborhood streets.
• Plan for weather: Late April in Atlanta can be warm and sunny, or occasionally rainy—bring what you need for shade or light rain protection.
• Have a neighborhood plan: Decide whether you’ll stay primarily near the parade, focus on the artist market, or explore side streets and restaurants.
• Be patient with crowds: This is a major Atlanta neighborhood event; lines and wait times are normal, especially at peak hours.

For anyone interested in Atlanta’s historic neighborhoods, porch culture, and arts scene, the Inman Park Festival offers a very local, very Atlanta experience in one weekend.