As summer approaches, Georgia is buzzing with exciting festivals and events that cater to a diverse array of interests and communities. These festivals offer a fantastic way to enjoy the season, engage with local culture, and partake in fun activities for all ages.
One of the highlights is the AthFest, taking place from Friday, June 20 to Sunday, June 22, in downtown Athens. This festival features free outdoor concerts, where attendees can rock out while enjoying various musical performances. For those looking for an elevated experience, VIP packages range from $107 to $186.50, while food enthusiasts can indulge in the Gospel Brunch plate for just $22.20. A Club Crawl pass is also available for $38.10. Location details for the event are 285 W. Washington St., Athens, along with a contact number of 706-548-1973. More information can be found at athfest.com.
On Saturday, June 21, the National Pollinator Week Festival will buzz with excitement at Decatur Square, located at 103 Sycamore St., Decatur. Running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., this free event focuses on the essential role of pollinators, featuring engaging activities for both children and adults. Attendees can learn about bees, butterflies, and native plants, with fun activities like free face-painting by Bubble Squad Entertainment. Refreshments will be provided by King of Pops and Monks Meadery. For inquiries, the contact number is 404-371-1920, and additional details can be found on their Facebook event page.
Also on Saturday, June 21, the R&B Wine & Food Festival will take place at Coolray Field, located at 2500 Buford Drive, Lawrenceville. With sessions scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m., attendees can experience complimentary barbecue and wine while enjoying R&B hits. The ticket price for each session is $47.10. For those looking for more details, they can contact 706-333-9513 or 229-376-4180, or visit eventbrite.com.
Celebrating Juneteenth, the Beauté Noir Fest is set to unfold from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, at Pullman Yards, 225 Rogers St. NE, Atlanta. This 5th annual festival will showcase Black beauty, culture, and changemakers through a variety of performances, DJs, a hair and fashion show, workshops, and engaging panels. The ticket price for this vibrant festival is $59.62. More details can be found at beautenoirfest.com.
Families looking for nighttime entertainment should mark their calendars for the Light Up the Night Music and Arts Festival in Union City on July 19. This inaugural festival will provide plenty of family-friendly activities, live music, and a grand finale featuring illuminated displays and a laser light show. The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. at Ronald Bridges Park, located at 5285 Lakeside Drive, Union City. Best of all, admission is free! For more information, call 770-964-2288 or visit unioncityga.gov.
The Atlanta African Dance & Drum Festival will offer an immersive cultural experience from July 25 to 27. This event provides a diverse range of music and movement workshops covering dance styles from Afro-Cuban to Mali. Attendees will also enjoy a performance by the Afriky Lolo African Dance Company and have the opportunity to shop at a marketplace featuring cultural clothing, musical instruments, and body care products. One-day passes are available for $85, while an all-access pass is priced at $245. The concert on July 26 costs $35, and individual dance or drum classes can be attended for $20. The festival will be held at Tri-Cities High School, located at 2575 Harris St., East Point. For more information, visit aaddf.org.
Sweet-toothed festival-goers should not miss the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival on July 26. This event, celebrating its 15th year, offers the chance to indulge in delicious scoops of ice cream alongside live music, food, and wellness vendors. The festival promotes health and wellness, featuring a Wellness Zone where attendees can engage in various fitness programs. The festivities will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Piedmont Park, 400 Park Drive, Atlanta, and admission is free. For any inquiries, contact 678-964-5944 or visit their Facebook page.
For peach lovers, Peachfest is a must-attend event scheduled for July 27 at Peachtree Center Plaza, 225 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. Running from 3 to 7:30 p.m., this festival features over 65 chefs, bartenders, and artists showcasing creative peach-inspired dishes and drinks, along with a silent auction. General admission is priced at $95, with proceeds benefiting CURE Childhood Cancer and Piggy Bank.
Celebrating veganism, the Georgia Vegfest will take place in Marietta on August 2 and 3. This festival provides a platform for vegans to shop, listen to educational speakers, and enjoy delicious vegan food from various vendors and food trucks. The admission fee is a suggested donation of $10, with a $15 option for a swag bag filled with samples and $35 for a VIP experience. The event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. at the Cobb County Civic Center, 548 S. Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta. More details can be found on their Facebook page.
For barbecue enthusiasts, the Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival promises flavorful bites from regional barbecue joints and pitmasters. Scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. on August 15 and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on August 16, this Kennesaw festival, now in its 24th year, features free admission. However, advance tickets for barbecue tastings are available for $21, with day-of-event tickets costing $30. This culinary event will be held at the United Bankshares Amphitheater at Depot Park, 2828 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. For inquiries, call 770-422-9714 or visit kennesaw-ga.gov/pigsandpeaches.
The Piedmont Park Arts Festival, taking place from August 16 to 17, features around 250 artists and crafters showcasing their work along with live demonstrations. The festival, which is free to attend, will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on August 16 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on August 17 at Piedmont Park, 1071 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. More information is available at piedmontparkartsfestival.com.
Finally, the Summer Shade Festival is set to celebrate Grant Park, Atlanta’s oldest public park, later this summer. Scheduled with a 5K run/walk in the morning, followed by the festival, attendees can enjoy artist markets, food from various vendors, and live performances.
With such a wide array of events suggested across Georgia, everyone is sure to find something enjoyable to experience this summer!
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