85TH ANNUAL ATLANTA DOGWOOD FESTIVAL
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/20/21
Friday – Sunday, August 6-8, 2021
Piedmont Park
Just in time to have fun again, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is back! This beloved outdoor event welcomes attendees for three days of fine art, live music and family fun. Usually held in the spring, the 85th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival shakes things up and will take place this summer from August 6-8.
Hosted by the festival’s nonprofit organization and held in Piedmont Park, this annual event has remained a favorite with metro-area residents and visitors for many decades. In fact, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is the city’s largest and longest-running fine arts festival and the third oldest in the country.
FESTIVAL
The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is a fine arts festival and so much more. Each year, attendees head to Piedmont Park to enjoy this annual tradition, just as they have for nearly a century.
Due to financial constraints from the COVID-19, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is requesting a donation of $5 at the gate. This donation is needed to sustain the financial viability of the 85-year-old event. Those donating in advance will receive priority entrance into the festival.
WHEN & WHERE
85th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Piedmont Park – Charles Allen Dr. and 10th Street, Atlanta
Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8, 2021
www.dogwood.org
ARTIST MARKET
Featuring the top 200 artists selected from more than 1,000 entries each year, the juried, fine art Artist Market at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival welcomes art lovers to peruse and purchase.
The Atlanta Dogwood Festival offers a variety of live entertainment throughout the weekend. From local bands and dance troupes to international performers and children’s choirs, there is always something exciting to see and hear on the Coca-Cola Main Stage. Adults can take a break from art collecting and kick back in the Corona Light Beer Garden.
Following a course through the beautiful and historic Midtown neighborhood, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival Mimosa 5K welcomes runners and walkers to start festival Saturday off right. The morning race ends with an OJ & Cupcake Vineyards bubbly toast in Piedmont Park after which registered runners can stay and enjoy the festival FREE.
The award-winning Atlanta High School Art Exhibition (AHSAE) offers Atlanta-area high school students the chance to take part in a real artist competition. More than 700 submissions are received each year, and a panel of professional judges selects the top works to exhibit in the park’s Community Center during the festival.
Sponsored and supported by the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, the AHSAE provides prizes and scholarships for top submissions.
This year attendees have a new way to enjoy the festival in high style. With a primo view of live music, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival VIP Experience is the best spot in the park, complete with culinary events overlooking the Coca-Cola Main Stage. Guests will be treated to fabulous food from local chefs plus wine, beer and cocktail tastings throughout the weekend. Each event is an all-inclusive culinary experience with private restrooms and a great view of the stage. Limited tickets and reserved tables with umbrellas are available.
The festival includes plenty of pursuits to keep young attendees entertained. In the Kids Village presented by Visit Tallahassee, children can enjoy hands-on activities, while the Midway offers rides and inflatables for young and old.
A festival staple for more than two decades, the onsite disc dog competition hosted by The Greater Atlanta Dog & Disc Club amazes onlookers with the feats of super-talented canines. This AWI and Skyhoundz World Qualifier has grown to be one of the most prestigious competitions in the world today and a favorite with festival attendees. New this year, there will be Freestyle and Toss-and-Fetch competitions on both Saturday and Sunday of the festival.
Friday through Sunday, August 6 – 8, 2021. www.dogwood.org
