Celebrating Springtime in Atlanta (1/4)   

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March. The start of spring. A time of growth and new beginnings. Ushered in by the blossoming of redbud, bradford pear, cherry and dogwood trees, springtime in Atlanta is magical. Blooms of showy pinks and whites stand in beautiful contrast against the greening grass and bright yellow blooms of forsythia and daffodils. As warmer weather pushes out the darker, dormant days of winter, everything starts to come alive in a symphony for the senses. From the sweet sound of birds chirping to the cotton-candy-topped trees to warm balmy days, springtime is arguably one of the best times of the year to be out and about in Atlanta.

In addition to Mother Nature’s gifts, springtime in Atlanta brings with it the start of festival season and a full calendar of events. Typically beginning in early March and running through Memorial Day weekend, there are many wonderful ways to shake off the dust and celebrate the start of the season. From food, music and arts festivals to fairs, carnivals and more, there is a lot happening, so start marking your calendars! Here are some great options being held around Metro Atlanta over the next couple of months that will help you get into the springtime spirit.

• Atlanta Fair  – Calling all fair lovers! The Atlanta Fair is once again in town for five full weeks! From March 3 – April 9, Atlanta’s only urban fair will be at the old Turner Field ballpark. Take a spin on the Ferris wheel, grab a funnel cake and enjoy a day out in the fresh air and sunshine. Come enjoy mouthwatering carnival foods, exciting entertainment and thrilling rides and make memories to last a lifetime.

• Tulip Festival at Yule Forest – You do not have to travel to Holland to see fields of tulips. Yule Forest is hosting its second annual Tulip Festival on weekends between March 18 – April 2. Celebrate the season with a u-pick tulip field, farm animals, an artist market, food trucks and tons of activities for all ages. Pick your own tulip bouquet, take spring photos with a stunning backdrop and chase away the winter blues.

• Georgia Food + Wine Festival-Presented by Georgia Grown, The Georgia Food + Wine Festival will celebrate the best of Georgia and the South, from its culinary superstars and beverage experts to farmers, artisans, live musicians and more. Located at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta, the festival will run from March 23 – 26 and feature a variety of mini events, including “Fired Up” – an evening celebrating everything grilled, smoked, barbecued and more, and Savor Saturday – an unbelievable afternoon of sumptuous food and drink, with some of Georgia’s best chefs, restaurants and more offering a variety of delicious bites. 

• Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival – Designed as a way to encourage cultural understanding and friendship through international music, dance, games, food and crafts, the Cherry Blossom Festival in Conyers will be held March 25 – 26. This event has received many awards over the years for Best Event in the Southeast by the Southeast Festival and Events Association. It has also been selected over the years as a Top 20 Event in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. Shop hundreds of unique art and craft exhibitors, eat your way through the multiple food courts, enjoy cultural performances, listen to live music and play in the children’s area.

• Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival – If you are looking for something a little closer to downtown Atlanta to celebrate the blossoming of springtime, Brookhaven is hosting its annual music and arts extravaganza on March 25 – 26 at Blackburn Park. Conveniently located just inside the perimeter on Atlanta’s north side, this free event has plenty of vendors serving up delicious food and beverages. There is also an artists’ market with more than 100 fine art vendors, a 5k road race (March 18), a classic car show and live music featuring The Fray, Don McLean, Hanson and others. 

• Festival on Ponce – Being held April 1 – 2, the Festival on Ponce is an Atlanta arts and crafts festival set in the historic park, Olmsted Linear Park. Visitors will enjoy the gorgeous landscape designed by one of America’s most celebrated landscape architects, Fredrick Olmsted Sr., along with over 125 displays of fine arts and crafts, folk and “outsider art.” In addition to the fine arts, there will be a children’s area and local food and beverage. Attendance at this fun-filled event is free.

• Sandy Springs Artsapalooza – Located in the heart of Sandy Springs, the Sandy Springs Artsapalooza will be held on April 8 – 9 this year. This festival is a two-day outdoor event bringing art to the streets of the city. Come see up to 150 painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metal craft persons, glass blowers, jewelers and more! The festival will also offer visitors the opportunity to view artist demonstrations, enjoy live entertainment, participate in hands-on art activities, and enjoy festival foods and beverages. Plus, there will be art activities for the children!

• Atlanta Dogwood Festival – The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is back again this year in Piedmont Park. A staple for more than 80 years, it features hundreds of artists from around the country. Virtually every kind of art imaginable is represented at the festival, with a nationally renowned juried Fine Artist Market that includes sculpture, paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography and much more. In addition to the fine art for adults and art collectors, there is a Kids Village featuring arts & crafts, interactive make-and-take activities, face painting and more for all ages. Music has become an essential feature of the weekend’s festivities, and this year will be no different. A wide array of diverse musical offerings will fill the springtime air throughout the weekend! 

• Lemonade Days – Hosted by the Dunwoody Preservation Trust, Lemonade Days will be back for its 23rd year, April 19 – 23. This premier event is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, with all proceeds used within the community for historic preservation, community celebrations and education. Featuring full-scale carnival rides, fabulous food and beverage vendors, two days of center-stage performances and the popular Dunwoody Idol contest, Lemonade Days has become a highlight of the city’s calendar and its most popular family event of the year.

• Georgia State Fair – Another annual favorite, the Georgia State Fair, is returning April 28 – May 7 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Featuring exciting attractions and shows, including pig races, camel rides and a petting zoo, as well live music, all your favorite fair food, spectacular carnival rides and kiddie rides, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

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