Atlanta’s largest and longest-running fine arts festival is facing a permanent closure, and they’re calling on the community for some help staying afloat.
What is the Dogwood Festival’s history in Atlanta?
Founded in 1936 by Walter Rich, (and yes, that’s THAT Rich, the founder of Rich’s department store), the Atlanta Dogwood Festival was created in an effort to bring cheer to residents in the midst of the 1930s Great Depression and to highlight the blooming of the beautiful dogwood tree.
Now, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is the city’s largest and longest-running fine arts festival. Every April, the Dogwood Festival welcomes 250+ fine artists from across the country, supports youth art with the Atlanta High School Art Exhibition, hosts the International Stage with hundreds of performers representing Atlanta’s global communities, offers a platform for local and nationally recognized bands, and features creative activities for children.
And most importantly: the Dogwood Festival is free and open to the public.
What does the Dogwood Festival need to stay afloat?
Put simply, the Dogwood Festival needs a financial bailout. By November 1st, 2025, the festival needs to raise $250,000 the 25% budget shortfall. Without this level of support and funding, there will be no 90th annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival in 2026.
Why does the Dogwood Festival need more money?
As with other major festivals and events throughout the country, and especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival’s Board of Directors has faced significant budget challenges.
Production costs have risen by 25% to 30% over the past few years, driven mostly by heightened expenses in areas such as security, equipment rental, and required support services that are essential to produce a safe, secure and high-quality event.
When is the 2026 Dogwood Festival?
Currently, the 90th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival is scheduled to take place April 10 – 12, 2026, in Piedmont Park.
How can I help?
The Atlanta Dogwood Festival needs your donation. And they need it quickly. It’s not too late to save the festival, but time is running short.
You can donate to the festival here!Help Atlanta keep our longest-running festival just that… running! Donate to the cause and we’ll see ya at the Dogwood Festival next year!