Your Guide to the Atlanta Dogwood Festival at Piedmont Park

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is one of the city’s signature spring events, turning Piedmont Park into a weekend-long celebration of art, music, food, and Atlanta culture. Whether you live in Midtown, are visiting from out of town, or planning a family day in the city, 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 an annual spring festival held in Piedmont Park to celebrate the blooming of dogwood trees around the city. It typically takes place over a long weekend in April, and features:

• A juried arts festival with artists from across the country
• Live music on multiple stages
• Food vendors and food trucks
• A kids’ zone with rides, games, and crafts
• Community performances and cultural showcases

The festival is known for being family-friendly, pet-friendly (on leashes) in most outdoor areas, and welcoming to both locals and visitors.

When and Where the Festival Happens

Location

Piedmont Park
1320 Monroe Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30306

Piedmont Park sits between Midtown and Virginia-Highland, next to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail. Most activities are spread across the park’s lawn areas and walkways.

Typical Dates and Hours

• Usually held one weekend in April (Friday–Sunday)
• Hours vary by day, but daytime and early evening are most active

Because dates and schedules can change, it’s smart to check the current year’s festival dates, hours, and specific event schedule before you go.

What to Expect: Main Attractions

Artist Market and Fine Arts

One of the biggest draws is the artist market, featuring hundreds of artists across categories such as:

• Painting and drawing
• Photography
• Sculpture and mixed media
• Jewelry and wearable art
• Ceramics, glass, and woodwork

Expect a mix of local Atlanta artists and creators from across the country. Many people use the Dogwood Festival to:

• Find unique home décor or gifts
• Start or add to an art collection
• Meet artists and learn about their work directly

Prices range widely, so you’ll see everything from small, affordable pieces to larger investment works.

Live Music and Performances

The festival usually features live music on staged areas throughout the weekend, ranging from:

• Local rock, pop, and indie bands
• Jazz, blues, and funk groups
• Community choirs or school ensembles
• Dance performances and cultural showcases

If you live in Atlanta, it’s a good way to discover local musicians or support neighborhood arts groups that often appear on the schedule.

Food, Drinks, and Snacks

You’ll find:

• Festival food staples: funnel cakes, corn dogs, roasted corn, lemonade
• Regional favorites: barbecue, wings, Southern comfort foods
• Food trucks and specialty vendors
• Sweets like ice cream, shaved ice, and pastries

Alcoholic beverages are typically available in designated areas, with ID checks and wristband systems. Bring a valid photo ID if you plan to drink.

Family-Friendly Activities and Kids’ Zone

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is popular with families across metro Atlanta.

Kids’ Village and Rides

Depending on the year, there may be:

• Inflatables and bounce houses
• Carnival-style rides and games
• Face painting and craft activities
• Hands-on art experiences

Some activities are free, while others require tickets or a wristband. Many parents find it helpful to:

• Set a spending limit with kids in advance
• Bring cash or a card specifically for rides and games
• Plan breaks in shaded areas or near the playgrounds in Piedmont Park

Tips for Families

• Strollers are generally fine, but paths can be crowded at peak times.
• Consider arriving earlier in the day if you have younger children and want to avoid heavier crowds.
• Pack sunscreen, hats, and water, especially if you’ll be out during midday.

Dogs at the Dogwood Festival

Atlanta is a dog-loving city, and the festival is usually pet-friendly in outdoor, open areas of the park.

Basic expectations:

• Dogs should be leashed at all times.
• Bring waste bags and clean up after your pet.
• Be mindful of noise levels, crowds, and hot pavement for sensitive or older dogs.
• The Piedmont Park Dog Park (enter near 12th Street Gate) offers an off-leash option before or after your festival time, but off-leash rules apply only inside the fenced dog park.

If your dog is anxious, reactive, or not used to large crowds, it may be more comfortable to leave them at home.

Getting to the Atlanta Dogwood Festival

Piedmont Park’s central location gives you several transportation options.

By MARTA (Public Transit)

Using MARTA is one of the simplest ways to reach the festival and avoid parking challenges.

• Midtown Station (Red/Gold Line)

  • Walk east along 10th Street (about 10–15 minutes) to reach the 10th Street entrance of Piedmont Park.

• Arts Center Station (Red/Gold Line)

  • From here, you can walk or transfer to a bus or use a scooter/ride-share to reach the 14th Street or park entrances.

If you’re arriving from the airport, you can take the Red or Gold line directly to Midtown or Arts Center without transferring.

By Car and Parking

Driving is possible, but parking around Midtown can be limited and expensive, especially during the festival.

Common options include:

• Colony Square Garage (around 14th & Peachtree)
• Paid decks and lots along Juniper St, West Peachtree St, and Peachtree St
• Limited on-street metered parking, usually time-restricted

Expect:

• Traffic slowdowns near 10th Street, 14th Street, Monroe Drive, and Piedmont Avenue
• Street closures or restrictions around park entrances

If you drive:

• Allow extra time for parking and walking.
• Take a photo of your parking location and level.
• Check posted signs carefully to avoid tickets or towing.

By Bike, Scooter, or Walking

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail runs along the east side of Piedmont Park, so:

• You can bike or walk in from Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Poncey-Highland, or Virginia-Highland.
• There are bike racks in and around Piedmont Park, but they can fill quickly during the festival.

If you’re staying in Midtown, walking from your hotel or rental is often the most convenient option.

Costs: What’s Free and What’s Not

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is known for being budget-friendly at its core.

Typical Costs

Bring a mix of card and some cash, as vendor payment options may vary.

What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)

Helpful Things to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Reusable water bottle (check if refill stations or fountains are available)
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Small backpack or crossbody bag
• Blanket or small folding chair for relaxing on the lawn
• Photo ID if you plan to drink alcohol
• Leash and waste bags if you bring a dog

Things to Avoid Bringing

Policies can change, but in general:

• Large coolers and outside alcohol are usually restricted or not allowed.
• Drones and professional camera gear may be limited or require special permission.
• Anything that could be considered a weapon will not be permitted.

Check the current year’s festival guidelines and park rules if you’re unsure about a specific item.

Accessibility and Comfort

Piedmont Park includes paved paths and relatively flat areas, but some routes are hilly or uneven.

For visitors with mobility needs:

• Many areas of the festival are accessible via paved walkways.
• Arriving earlier in the day can sometimes make navigation easier before crowds peak.
• If you require special accommodations, it may help to contact festival organizers in advance to ask about accessibility services, viewing areas, or parking options.

Shade can be limited in some open lawns, so planning for sun exposure is important for everyone.

Safety, Security, and Local Norms

At a large event in a busy part of Atlanta, basic precautions help:

• Keep valuables secured in a front-facing bag or zippered pocket.
• Decide on a meeting spot if you’re attending with a group and get separated.
• Stay aware of your surroundings as you move between festival areas, streets, and MARTA stations.
• Follow any posted security or entry guidelines, including bag checks at designated entrances if required.

Atlanta police, park staff, and festival personnel are usually visible throughout the weekend.

Nearby Atlanta Attractions to Pair With the Festival

If you want to turn the Dogwood Festival into a full Atlanta day or weekend, you’re close to several major city highlights:

• Atlanta Botanical Garden (adjacent to Piedmont Park, via Piedmont Avenue entrance)
• Midtown’s dining and nightlife along Peachtree St, Juniper St, and Crescent Ave
• The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail leading to Ponce City Market and Old Fourth Ward
• High Museum of Art and Woodruff Arts Center, a short ride or longer walk away

This makes the festival a convenient anchor for visitors looking to experience a broad slice of Midtown and intown Atlanta.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

• Local residents: Consider walking, biking, or using MARTA to avoid Midtown parking stress. If you live nearby, visiting early or later in the day can help you dodge peak midday crowds.
• Visitors staying in Downtown or Buckhead: Plan your MARTA route in advance (Red/Gold line to Midtown) or use a ride-share drop-off along 10th Street, 14th Street, or Piedmont Avenue as traffic allows.
• Art-focused attendees: Arrive earlier in the day if you’re serious about shopping, when booths are less crowded and artists have more time to talk.
• Food-focused attendees: Explore beyond the festival food stalls and consider nearby restaurants in Midtown, Virginia-Highland, or along the BeltLine if you want a sit-down meal before or after your visit.

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is one of those events that shows how Atlantans use their city: outdoors, creative, and community-oriented. With some planning for transportation, weather, and crowds, it can be an easy and enjoyable addition to your spring in Atlanta.