What better way to enjoy the warm rays of the sun than at a festival.
The weather has finally broke in Atlanta and the south has something to say. You can count on the city to keep you thoroughly entertained throughout the spring and summer months. Festivals are clearly Atlanta’s thing; they’re are easy going, usually family friendly and a cute option for a date. While the pollen count rises you may be tempted to stay indoors but I assure you these aren’t festivals that you want to miss.
GEORGIA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL April 15-June 4
For eight weekends every spring, The Georgia Renaissance Festival brings a 16th-century European country fair to the Atlanta area. With nearly 1,000 characters wearing period costumes, the renaissance festival offers visitors a variety of activities from jousting tournaments to glass-blowing demonstrations to sword-swallowing shows. Info at Garenfest.com
SWEET AUBURN SPRINGFEST May 13-14
The Sweet Auburn spring festival offers a great mix of live music, food and fun for the whole family. Visitors are invited to walk the mile-and-a-half avenue lined with 10 stages and dozens of vendors with art, jewelry and fashion, all with the legacy of Sweet Auburn as the backdrop. And the children can get their fill of rides and games in the Fantastic Fun Zone. From the famed Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. served as pastor, to Auburn Avenue Research Library, home to chronicles of the rich history of African-Americans in Atlanta and beyond, the neighborhood itself is reason enough to attend! Further details at sweetauburn.com
ATLANTA JAZZ FESTIVAL May 26-28
Don’t miss the fun and excitement at the annual Atlanta Jazz Festival in Piedmont Park, one of the country’s largest free jazz festivals. During the entire month of May, more than 100 of the best jazz performers showcase their talents in venues throughout the metro area before coming together in a huge weekend celebration at Piedmont Park. The festival showcases local and national jazz greats, a neighborhood jazz series, youth jazz band competition, a kids zone and many other family-friendly activities. Find out more on their website atlantafestivals.com
ATLANTA CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL May 27
The annual Caribbean Carnival continues to offer even more music and marvels. Kick off this Memorial Day weekend with Mas and Music – a celebration of Caribbean culture, cuisine and costumes. Festival highlights include the annual parade of bands through downtown, an artist market and tons of dance demos. See more info atlantacarnival.org
