Spring is the perfect time for planting flowers, getting outside and giving your home a refreshing clean. But for Atlanta natives, there is something that trumps it all: spring festival season!

From food to music and more, here is your guide to the metro festival season.

Atlanta Dogwood Festival 

An annual salute to our state’s vibrant dogwood trees blooming, this annual event brings together artisans from all over the state. In addition to vendors, The Dogwood Festival also hosts the Atlanta High School Art Exhibition (AHSAE), which gives young artists a platform to display their work and compete for scholarships and prizes.

This year’s festival will be held April 12 through 14, featuring pottery, jewelry, photography and other mediums from local artists. Admission is free, so there is no reason to stay home!

For more information, visit https://dogwood.org/.

Georgia Renaissance Festival

Go back in time to the Georgia Renaissance Festival. This spring festival entertains the whole family and features live shows, artisan vendors, unique dining, and much more. Check out a glass-blowing demonstration, or try juggling in the Old Towne area. Looking for high-energy entertainment? The jousting demonstration is sure to take your breath away.

Kids are always welcome! In the Midlands area, younger visitors can go for a camel ride, participate in the Courtier’s Academy, and learn manners from the King and Queen. In the Royal Highlands, children are encouraged to play in the Kids Kingdom and stop by the Reptile Farm.

The season pass, priced at $175, allows visitors to attend every day of the festival season from April 13 to June 2, including weekends and Memorial Day. Don’t forget to dress up when you visit the Georgia Renaissance Festival!

For more information, visit www.garenfest.com/.

Inman Park Festival

Experience Atlanta’s rich history in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods during the Inman Park Festival. Held April 26 to 28, this is the metro area’s largest all-volunteer event. Join the Inman Park Neighborhood Association for a whole weekend spotlighting music, kids’ activities, a tour of historic homes, a street parade and an artists’ market.

General admission is free, and the Tour of Homes is $40 per person. Bring all your friends and family to learn more about Inman Park and its important role in Atlanta’s history.

For more information, visit https://festival.inmanpark.org/.

Shaky Knees Music Festival

Well-known artists Noah Kahan, Weezer, Queens of the Stone Age and Foo Fighters will be headlining the Shaky Knees Music Festival this year, drawing in fans of all ages. With over 60 performances across four stages, this celebration is a must-do for music lovers. Experience Shaky Knees in Central Park May 3 through 5. Tickets range from $165 to $1,030.

For more information, visit www.shakykneesfestival.com/.

Sweet Auburn Springfest

The Sweet Auburn Springfest welcomes everyone to a weekend of music, food and celebration in the historic Sweet Auburn district. Music flows all day from the festival’s 10 stages, including R&B, Jazz, Gospel and more! Highlights include kids’ activities, comedy shows and vendors.

Free admission is a perfect reason to bring the whole family May 11 through 12 and celebrate the vibrant culture of the historic Sweet Auburn district with your community.

To learn more about this spring festival, visit www.sweetauburn.com/.

Alpharetta Arts Streetfest

This is your one-stop shop for local art. The Alpharetta Arts Festival hosts over 100 artists from across the country. During your visit, browse vendor booths, check out children’s activities, and enjoy festive foods.

This free event occurs May 25 through 26 at The Grove at Wills Park in Alpharetta. Stop by between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to meet artists and secure your unique piece of art.

For more information, visit www.awesomealpharetta.com/alpharetta-streets-festival/.

Atlanta Jazz Festival

Held in the heart of Atlanta, this celebration highlights jazz music, culture, and art. Its mission is to entertain jazz enthusiasts and expose the heritage of the music genre to a more diverse audience.

Join the fun this Memorial Day weekend in Piedmont Park to experience one of the largest jazz festivals in the country. You do not want to miss 15+ artists from all over the world.

The Atlanta Jazz Festival is free to all from May 25 to 27.

For more information, visit https://atljazzfest.com/.

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