Tag Archive for: grant park conservatory

THE GRANT PARK CONSERVANCY SUMMER SHADE FESTIVAL RETURNS AUGUST 23-24, 2025

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/2/25


A Free End of Summer Celebration Filled with Art, Eats, Vintage Finds, Live Music, Deep South Wrestling, and Family Fun in Atlanta’s Oldest Park

Now in its 23rd year, the Summer Shade Festival has become one of Atlanta’s most anticipated end-of-summer traditions. Presented by and benefiting the Grant Park Conservancy, the free, two-day festival returns Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24, 2025, with live music, a curated artist and vintage market, family-friendly fun, and some of the city’s best bites and sips—set in one of Atlanta’s most historic and storied green spaces. 

Running 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, this year’s festival brings something for everyone—from families and art lovers to vintage collectors, music fans, and weekend wanderers. The Main Stage and the Gazebo Stage will host a full lineup of live performances all weekend long. Around the restored Milledge Fountain, a curated vintage experience by GVG Events (formerly Georgia Vintage Goods) will join 140+ regional artists around the park, turning this vibrant space into a can’t-miss hub of sound, style, and creativity.

Additional highlights include two daily performances by Deep South Wrestling near the Gazebo, plus free family programming like the Kids’ Bouncy House Village, face painting, and the Sunday morning Move & Groove activation hosted by the Grant Park Parents Network. From yoga in the grass to dancing under the trees and a bike valet for cyclists, surprises and discoveries await around every corner. Whether it’s the twenty-third visit or the very first, this is where summer goes out in style.

What began as a small neighborhood gathering has grown into one of Atlanta’s most beloved traditions. The Summer Shade Festival is more than a party in the park—it’s a celebration of creativity, connection, and the mission of the Grant Park Conservancy, the nonprofit dedicated to preserving and enhancing the park’s 131 acres. From ecological care to major restoration projects, the Conservancy works year-round to preserve, maintain, and beautify this vital green space for everyone to enjoy. Summer Shade is its biggest fundraiser of the year—and one unforgettable way to give back to the park that gives so much to Atlanta. 

Festivities officially kick off Saturday at 8 a.m. with the Adams Realtors Run for the Park 5K, a neighborhood run and community fundraiser that winds through Grant Park’s historic streets and directly supports the Conservancy’s year-round work. Runners, walkers, and strollers are all welcome. Registration is now open at summershadefestival.org. 

To learn more, donate, or get involved, visit www.gpconservancy.org. Forupdates on the festival, visit www.summershadefestival.org or follow along at @grantpark.atlanta on Instagram and Facebook.com/SummerShadeFestival.

Photo credit: Mimi Leake

CHEERS TO 21 YEARS OF THE GRANT PARK CONSERVANCY SUMMER SHADE FESTIVAL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/9/23

Free, Family-Friendly Festival With Live Music, an Artist Market, Food Trucks, Bouncy House Village, 5K Run, and Much More

Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27, 2023

For two decades, the Grant Park Conservancy Summer Shade Festival has welcomed music, art, and event enthusiasts to close out summer during two fun-filled two days celebrating Atlanta’s oldest park. The 21st annual Summer Shade Festival will take place on Saturday, August 26, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, August 27, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Featuring an impressive lineup of live music, an expansive artist market, bouncy houses for the kids, a 5K run, family-friendly activities, local food trucks and vendors, cocktails, beer and more, the festival is free to attend and welcomes all ages.

“I am so proud of the work the Conservancy and the Summer Shade committee do to bring this festival to the community. Their hard work and volunteer efforts are what make this festival a beloved southeast Atlanta tradition. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the park this August for great music, food, and art,” says Michelle Blackmon, Executive Director of the Grant Park Conservancy. 

On Saturday morning at 8 am, runners, walkers and strollers are invited to kick off the festival at the annual Adams Realtors Run for the Park 5K. Raising funds to support the Grant Park Conservancy, the race starts and finishes at the main entrance of Zoo Atlanta. Register for the race today: www.tinyurl.com/runforthepark

To celebrate Grant Park’s 140th birthday, make a $140 donation and become a Summer Shade Festival Sustaining Supporter! In addition to supporting your favorite park and festival, you’ll get a cool Summer Shade themed 6-pack cooler. It takes a lot of resources to produce a free festival, so please consider donating today at gpconservancy.org/get-involved/support/

The festival is produced by and benefits the Grant Park Conservancy, the non-profit organization committed to the restoration, maintenance, and beautification of historic Grant Park. Additional details about the 2023 festival including the full performer lineup will be announced in the coming months. For the most up to date information, visit www.summershadefestival.org.