The Atlanta Dogwood Festival Announces Its 90th Anniversary — ATL’s Nearly Century-Long Tradition Saved From Closure Thanks To A Major Fundraising Effort

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Last year, an Atlanta tradition faced imminent doom due to lack of funding. But after a massive fundraising effort and a new presenting partnership, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is coming back to the A this spring to celebrate Atlanta, the blooming dogwoods, and artists from all over the city. Keep scrolling for all the details.

First of all… what happened with the festival?

If you’ve lived in Atlanta for any amount of time at all, then you know about our iconic Atlanta Dogwood Festival. Drawing thousands to Piedmont Park every year, this massive artisan festival is a wonderful way to celebrate the start of spring and all things Atlanta.

Last year, due to financial burdens left over from the shut-downs of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival faced the very real possibility of closure. But thankfully, the festival is saved.

Brian Hill, executive director, Atlanta Dogwood Festival, says,

We are absolutely delighted that the hard work of our board and leadership team combined with support from the community, corporate and philanthropic organizations, and the City of Atlanta has allowed the festival to continue in 2026 and hopefully, for years to come

Along with community and city support, the festival is also getting a boost from its new presenting sponsor, Associated Credit Union.

Chadwick Evans, the EVP-chief lending officer at Associated Credit Union, says,

Associated Credit Union is incredibly honored to be the presenting sponsor of the 90th Annual Dogwood Festival. For us, this isn’t just about a weekend of celebration; it’s a reflection of our deep-rooted commitment to the people and neighborhoods we serve. This festival brings our communities together to celebrate our shared culture and vibrant spirit, and we are proud to support an event that creates such lasting memories for our members and neighbors alike.

And there’s another change to the festival. In years past, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival has always been free to the public. But, beginning in 2026, the festival will require a nominal entrance fee, an authorization granted by the City of Atlanta. Weekend passes and family packages will be offered, and tickets will be available in advance and at the gate.

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.

• Mimosa 5K: Festival Saturday kicks off with the Atlanta Dogwood Festival Mimosa 5K, a run through Midtown’s beautiful streets that ends with a celebratory toast in Piedmont Park. (The 5K is an AJC Peachtree Road Race Qualifier.)

• Party in the Park: The ticketed Party in the Park VIP area welcomes attendees to an exclusive festival experience. Food tastings; beer, wine and cocktail samplings; a private bar; seating and access to real bathrooms make this space the perfect way to upgrade a festival experience.

• 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.

• Family Fun: In the Kids Village, presented by Dollywood Parks and Resorts, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, families will find entertainment and activities perfectly themed for younger audiences.

Basically, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival! And we’re THRILLED that it’s officially coming back in 2026!

Okay, I’ve gotta check it out! Gimme the details.

When: April 10th – 12th, 2026

Where: Piedmont Park