Hello, local readers. Here’s this week’s edition of our weekend guide, and we hope that it’s helpful in finding you plenty of things to do in and around Atlanta. Don’t forget to view our tips at each venue when you check in on Foursquare, and as always, be sure to add anything we missed in the comments section. Let us know where you end up!
75th Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Piedmont Park. Friday, 12pm – 9pm; Saturday, 10am – 9pm; Sunday, 10am – 5pm. Free.
This weekend marks the 75th anniversary of this iconic springtime event. Along with art, food, bands, shows, and featured events, a fully restored 1965 vintage carousel and a 9-story classic Seattle Ferris Wheel will give visitors a unique look at Piedmont Park and Midtown. Entrance to the festival is free, but make sure to check the website for specific ticketed events. The Dogwoods are blooming, so get outside and enjoy these three great days in the park!
More info and directions.
2011 La Fete International Wine Tasting
Piedmont Park. Friday, 7pm – 10pm. $35 in advance; $40 at the door.
To kick off the Dogwood Festival, the international community will come together in the newly renovated, multi-million dollar Greystone event facility during La Fête. With fare from local restaurants serving various global cuisines and an international wine tasting, La Fête celebrates the city’s globally influenced gastronomy. The event also features live entertainment and a silent auction, plus tickets include a commemorative wine glass.
More info and directions.
SweetWater 420 Fest
Candler Park. Friday, 4:20pm – 10pm; Saturday, 12pm – 10pm; Sunday, 12:30pm – 7pm. Free; $5 wristband for attendees 21+.
Come enjoy a weekend filled with music, activities, food, and fun while still learning how each and every person affects the earth. SweetWater’s 7th Annual 420 Fest will begin at 4:20pm on Friday afternoon and continue through 7:00pm on Sunday evening. Admission is free, but those 21 and up have the option of purchasing a $5 wristband to enjoy beer throughout the day. In addition to a music line-up featuring artists such as Galactic, Rusted Root, and The Broadcast, attendees can enjoy a wide range of environmentally themed activities suited for all ages. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Park Pride to benefit Candler Park.
More info and directions.
Alpharetta Arts Streetfest
Alpharetta Historic District. Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 6pm. Free.
Take a stroll down Main Street this weekend and explore the various outdoor galleries filled with works from over 100 artists. You can also enjoy a variety of performing arts, ranging from traditional Irish dances to contemporary jazz music and everything in between. Lastly, don’t miss the festival cuisine, provided by favorite local restaurants.
More info and directions.
Photo credit: alpharetta.ga.us
Big Shanty Festival
Downtown Kennesaw. Saturday, 9:30 am – 6pm; Sunday, 12pm – 5pm. Free.
A parade through Downtown Kennesaw kicks off the 35th annual Big Shanty Festival, a celebration of the city’s rich heritage that stems from the Civil War era. In addition to floats, high school bands, marchers, and more, festival-goers can enjoy more than 200 booths featuring the area’s best food vendors, arts & crafts, merchants, and live entertainment.
More info and directions.
Atlanta Steeplechase 2011
Kingston Downs. Saturday, 9am – 6:30pm. $30.
Ladies and gentlemen, break out your bowties and seersucker: Atlanta Steeplechase 2011 is here. This event, which now benefits Camp Southern Ground and the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, has been a tradition in Georgia since 1966. In addition to the horse races, the hat parade and contest starts at 12:45 PM, and other activities throughout the day include the Disc Dog Southern Nationals, an air show and skydiving demonstration, hay rides, camel rides, and even pig races. Keep in mind that no vehicles will be allowed to enter the grounds after 2 PM and all vehicles must have a parking pass.
More info and directions.
What a great weekend guide!