The iconic Atlanta Dogwood Festival is returning to Piedmont Park this April, and they’ve got some big news! After a ticketed event last year, the festival will return for FREE to Piedmont Park, with the request of donations to keep the festival going! Keep scrolling to learn more.
When is the Atlanta Dogwood Festival?
The 91st annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival will be April 9th – 11th in Piedmont Park.
The festival stated in an Instagram post,
We couldn’t have done it without the overwhelming support of our community and sponsors earlier this year. Your support will allow this beloved Atlanta springtime tradition to continue.
So the festival is free next year?
Yes! This year, the festival charged a $10 ticket fee, after almost canceling due to lack of funding for the event.
However, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports,
Much to [former Dogwood Festival director] Hill’s surprise, on Saturday afternoon of this year’s event, the City of Atlanta parks department forced organizers to make the event a donations-only setup instead of making entrants pay for a ticket.
This year, the city confirmed that the Dogwood Festival would be able to apply for the more expensive outdoor vending permit in 2027, if they prefer a ticketing option.
If not, the festival may not require tickets for attendees.
As of right now, the festival is opting for a free festival, but is asking for donations.
The festival states,
Requested festival donations played a critical role in the festival’s financial viability this year. In 2027, we plan to pair onsite donations with added benefits as a thank-you for your support.
What can festival-goers expect at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival?
There are SO many fun things to expect at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. Some of the highlights include:
- Artist Market: One of the main attractions of the festival is the massive artist market that the festival hosts each year. Every year, the festival’s juried Artist Market welcomes more than 250 fine artists from throughout the country. Participating artists – chosen from approximately 1,000 applicants – work in a dozen mediums, including oil, watercolor, sculpture, jewelry, fiber arts, ceramics, woodworking and more.
- Live Music & Entertainment: The Coca-Cola Main Stage features live music and international entertainment all weekend.
- Atlanta High School Art Exhibition: The festival supports young local artists with the Atlanta High School Art Exhibition, an annual competition allowing Georgia high school students to submit their work to a jury of professionals who choose the top pieces to be featured at an exhibition during the festival.
And so much more! Learn all about it on their website, here!
So don’t miss out on the 2027 Atlanta Dogwood Festival next April, Atlanta!