Atlanta Dogwood Festival in Piedmont Park

April kicks off the festival season in Atlanta.  With warm days and cool evenings it is the perfect time to go to the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, April 15 thru April 17, 2011. To celebrate their 75th Anniversary this year, you can ride the 9 story classic Seattle Ferris Wheel or a 1965 Vintage carousel. This Atlanta Arts Festival  is located just four blocks from our Atlanta bed and breakfast in Piedmont Park.

One of my favorite parts of the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is to stroll thru the Artists Market with over 250 artists in twelve different mediums from the United States and Canada.  This year I am looking forward to seeing Michael A. Barnes work.  Selected as an artist winner in the 3-D- Clay Category, he uses clay, either porcelain or stoneware to create wonderful faces, heads or figurines. Don’t miss him in Booth 31.

The International Stage at Lake Clara Meer Dock will hosts over 400 performers sharing their native cultures. At the International Stage on Sunday the coveted  “Best in Show” award for the best decorated golf cart will be awarded to one of twelve countries.

If you are looking for the latest products in Green Building don’t miss the Eco Village.  The Atlanta Dogwood Festival focuses on Green Initiatives by having LED lighting on all stages, food vendors will convert cooking grease into 75 gallons of bio diesel fuel.

Saturday afternoon is a great time to wander over and see your favorite breed of dog compete in  the 20th Annual Disc Dog Show. The winners will compete in the World Finals in October.  

For all you music lovers, there are two live music stages to select from the Coca-Cola & Xfinity Main Stage and the Acoustic Stage.  Relax with your friends and enjoy your favorite bands.

Two other Atlanta events  you will not want to miss this spring are the Inman Park Festival and Tour of Homes, April 30 thru May 1, 2011. Stroll the tree-lined streets filled unique artists selling their wares and tour the Victorian  homes in Atlanta’s first suburb. Experience a culinary weekend with some of Atlanta’s finest chefs at the Food and Wine Festival, May 19 thru the 22nd, 2011.

See you at the Dogwood Festival!

Dogwood Festival Exhibits & Participants

April is the beginning of the Atlanta Festivals that meander through our parks and neighborhoods during the year.  We are looking forward to the Atlanta Dogwood Festival 2010 in Piedmont Park on April 16 thru April 18, 2010.  A few of the other festivals you will not want to miss are the Atlanta Jazz Festival and the Atlanta Arts Festival.

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival began in 1936 when Atlanta invited the world to look at all the beautiful dogwoods in bloom.  Dogwood trees were planted by Atlanta’s garden clubs, the  Junior League and spirited citizens in our parks, city streets and private gardens.  In 1941 it was discontinued because of World War II.  Atlanta’s Woman’s Chamber of Commerce renewed  its revival in 1964.  A few years later it was the largest civic celebration showcasing a parade, fashion show and symphony performances.

During the 1970′s to the present it has became a well-known juried art show with a variety of musical performances on  different stages, food vendors and the Frisbee Disk Dog Exhibition.  The general festival is free.

Friends of Dogwood Pavilion offers a wonderful opportunity to experience cuisine from some of our local restaurants at the newly renovated Greystone facility in Piedmont Park.  Patrons will be wowed  with a variety of food, deserts and wine.  This ticketed Atlanta event is for Saturday and Sunday, with ticket prices from $10 to $45.  A few of our favorite restaurants that will be participating are:

1. TAP
2. Bakeshop
3. Veni Vidi Vici
4. Dogwood
5. Thrive

An insiders secret is to go to the Atlanta Dogwood Festival on Friday afternoon. The crowds are less and you will have the best selection.  We will wander thru Piedmont Park in amazement at the varied artist and their wonderful wares.  My favorite mediums are the wood turned into fine bowls and other objects, paintings in brilliant watercolors and beautiful jewelry of glass and clay.  As always, I give into temptation and find that perfect piece to bring back to our Atlanta Bed and Breakfast.