Atlanta Dogwood Festival 2025 Is Coming Up — What to Know

Atlanta Dogwood Festival

Spring in Atlanta isn’t complete without the iconic Atlanta Dogwood Festival. If you’re planning to attend this beloved event from April 11 to 13 in 2025, we’ve got you covered, from tickets to performances and local tips.

Piedmont Park Hosts Atlanta’s Biggest Spring Party

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival transforms the 185-acre Piedmont Park into the city’s biggest spring party.

The Artist Market showcases over 260 artists selected from more than 1,000 entries each year. Hundreds of artists set up shop while live music fills the air and food trucks serve up everything from funnel cakes to fancy fusion cuisine.

You can wander through art displays, catch performances, or just chill on the lawn while dogwood trees bloom all around. Between 200,000 to 300,000 art lovers and collectors attend the 3-day event.

The festival prides itself on being accessible to everyone with most activities available at no cost but there’s a $5 donation at the gate.

The Festival Started During The Great Depression

The festival got its start back in 1936 during the Great Depression. Walter Rich, who owned Rich’s Department Store, figured Atlanta could use something culturally sound to boost spirits.

The festival weathered World War II, countless rainstorms, and several relocations. The Artist Market showed up in the ’60s and soon became the main attraction. In the late 1980s, the festival regained its prominence.

By the ‘90s, Piedmont Park became the festival’s permanent home. The 2025 festival will mark the event’s 89th edition, making it one of Atlanta’s longest-running traditions.

When And Where To Find The Festival

Piedmont Park hosts the event right in the middle of Midtown Atlanta, bordered by Piedmont Avenue, Monroe Drive, and 10th Street.

The festival runs three days in April when dogwoods hit peak bloom. It starts at noon and closes at 9 PM on Friday, 10 AM to 9 PM on Saturday, with Sunday wrapping up a bit earlier around 6 PM.

You’ll find different zones throughout the park: the Artist Market, Coca-Cola Main Stage, International Stage, Kids Village, and the Food Village. Each spot has its schedule, so you can bounce between areas. Grab a map when you get there.

Special demonstrations like the Mimosa 5K run and the Saturday night fireworks are scheduled at specific times. Best to check the official program upon arrival.

Most Festival Activities Cost Nothing

The best things in life are free like general admission to the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. The festival keeps the lights on thanks to sponsors, vendor fees, and a few premium experiences that do cost money.

Want the VIP treatment? Party in the Park tickets run $75-$95 (this depends on when you buy the tickets). You get comfy seating, lunch from food trucks, craft beer and wine tastings, and private bathrooms without the crazy lines.

The Mimosa 5K starts at $35 for early birds but jumps up to $55 as race day gets closer. Some workshops might set you back $10-$25. All tickets are on the festival website.

But don’t wait too long – the good stuff sells out fast, especially Saturday VIP passes.

Artist Market Features Over 260 Selected Artists

The Artist Market is where the real magic happens. Over 260 artists beat out thousands to earn their spots at this global event.

The selection process is juried, ensuring a diverse and high-quality representation of art forms. You’ll find everything from paintings and sculptures to jewelry, glass, leather, and woodwork.

The market is laid out by type of art, so it’s pretty organized. Each booth has a number that matches the festival map. Throughout the weekend, some artists demonstrate their techniques (like 3-D/2-D Mixed Media, metal or clay work, photography, and fine art painting).

On Saturday afternoon, they announce award winners across different categories. Art prices can easily range from $25 to significant investment pieces worth several thousand dollars.

Mimosa 5K Rewards Runners With Champagne

The Mimosa 5K (3.1 miles) winds through Piedmont Park and nearby Midtown streets on April 12, Saturday at 8 AM.

It kicks off at the corner of Charles Allen Drive and 10th Street before the main crowds arrive, so you get prime dogwood viewing. Cross the finish line and grab your well-earned mimosa (ID required), plus a shirt and medal to prove you didn’t just skip to the champagne part.

Register early (around $35 but climbs as race day approaches) and save some cash. The race route features moderate hills and paved paths, making it accessible yet challenging enough for seasoned runners and folks who’re in it for the bubbly.

Awards are presented to the top finishers in multiple categories and also based on different age groups.

Live Music Plays On Multiple Stages All Weekend

Multiple stages keep the tunes going all weekend long across the festival grounds.

The Main Stage features a mix of headliners: from national names like Nero Simon & the Sunsetters and Tyler Neal to killer local talent like the Guitar Shed Student Showcase that keep the energy high.

Over at the International Stage, you’ll catch everything from traditional dances to music from around the world.

Headliners like Hughes Taylor and Gimme Hendrix typically hit the Main Stage post 6 PM, drawing the biggest crowds of the day. Stake out your spot early if you want a good view.

Many performers also make their sets interactive, encouraging audience participation that extends beyond passive listening. For instance, the Family Stage keeps kids entertained with puppet shows designed for shorter attention spans.

VIP Experience Offers Shade And Private Bathrooms

Festivals mean lines, sun, and competing for space. The Party in the Park VIP Experience fixes all that though tickets are limited for this one.

You get access to a private area right by the Main Stage with actual seating and shade. There, you can gorge on loaded tacos and burgers from local restaurants, plus enjoy a private bar serving beer, wine, and cocktails without the wallet-draining prices.

Bonus: get access to bathrooms equipped with sinks so you don’t have to hold your breath in a porta-potty. VIP guests also receive festival souvenirs and reserved parking passes. Choose single-day ($40 to $80) or weekend passes available at a discount.

The full weekend package often includes additional benefits such as artist meet-and-greets and behind-the-scenes festival tours.

Besides Main Stage, Other Avenues Are Also Fun

The International Stage features performances from over 20 countries, with more than 300 performers showcasing talent that’ll make you forget you’re in Georgia.

Got little munchkins? The Kids Village on Oak Hill keeps them busy with face painting, craft tables, bubble fun, bouncy houses, and games like spider jump. It runs from 10 to 6 on both Saturday and Sunday.

Hit the Food Village which features around 25 local restaurants and food trucks serving everything from classic fair food to dishes you can’t even pronounce (vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free folks get options too).

Need to work off those festival snacks? Join a yoga session in the park. After that workout, reward yourself at the Beer Garden, where local breweries pour craft beers for $5 to $10 while acoustic acts provide the soundtrack.

Outside Alcohol And Large Bags Not Allowed

Gotta follow some basic rules to keep things running. Leave your booze at home, they sell plenty inside. Security might poke through your bag at the entrance, so don’t bring anything weird. Service animals are cool but keep ’em leashed and clean up their business. Cash is good at some spots but ATMs are around if you need ’em. They’ve gone with a clear bag policy like at football games. Small clutches work fine (nothing bigger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″), but the larger ones gotta be see-through. Bad weather might shut down parts of the festival temporarily or in extreme cases, evacuation procedures, since safety first. It’s recommended that you monitor weather forecasts and dress appropriately.

Midtown Hotels Offer Closest Access To The Park

Need a crash pad for festival weekend? Midtown rentals like Virginia-Highland ($100 to $200 per night) are a 30 to 35-minute walk to the park, plus you’re surrounded by restaurants, bars, and the Fox Theatre.

This neighborhood also has great breakfast joints that are a quick Uber with ride-sharing options. It’s advisable to book by December or January.

Inman Park is home to historic homes, many dating back to the late 1800s, including Victorian-style houses lined with well-maintained sidewalks.

Drop by the George Aquarium ($35 for admission) Downtown, 2 miles from the festival, or Olympic Park for a quick reprieve.

Buckhead’s for folks who like luxury shopping and fancy dinners (try upscale shopping districts like Lenox Square Mall and Phipps Plaza) after a day at the festival.

Old Fourth Ward offers trendier options with BeltLine access right to the park. Public transit (MARTA) connects Downtown to Midtown and Piedmont Park.

Atlanta BeltLine And High Museum Worth Visiting Too

Atlanta’s got plenty going on besides the festival. The BeltLine, an old railway turned into a walking path with art installations connects the Old Fourth Ward Park and Ponce City Market.

The Eastside Trail connects right to Piedmont Park. The High Museum in Midtown always has cool rotating exhibits with tickets ranging from $15 to $25. Dive into Atlanta’s civil rights history at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights for just $19.

The Center for Puppetry Arts is great for kids with a museum housing Kermit and Miss Piggy. It’s worth the $10 to $25 you spend for plenty of engagement.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden, next to Piedmont Park, comes alive in spring ($22 per entry). Sports fans can also catch the Braves at Truist Park or Atlanta United FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Try Ponce City Market, it houses an awesome food hall plus rooftop games with skyline views.

Skip Driving And Take MARTA To The Festival

Parking near Piedmont Park during Dogwood? Forget about it. MARTA’s your friend here – the Midtown and Arts Center stations have trains running every 10-20 minutes.

Using Uber or Lyft works too. Rideshare drop-off and pick-up zones are located at Peachtree Place behind Midtown Station and the Bus Depot at 1255 W.

Prefer driving? Look for satellite parking lots with shuttle service at nearby buildings and schools. There’s accessible parking but expect to pay more during peak times (Sage Parking Garage charges a $35 flat fee).

You’ll also find bike parking areas near 10th Street and Charles Allen Drive. Use high-quality locks to secure your bicycle. Staying in Virginia-Highland or Inman Park?

Just walk along the BeltLine which dumps you right into the park. There’s also pathway accessibility throughout most festival areas.