I’ll be the first to admit it, this has been a tough winter. As the days get longer and weather gets warmer, locals are seriously jonesing for activities and gatherings. Looking for something fun to do? Need a reason to get out of the house? Look no further than this list of great springtime events!

Atlanta Fair
Gray Lot at Georgia Stadium, 688 Central Ave. SW Atlanta, GA 30303
Now through April 10
Since 1972 the Atlanta Fair has been a beloved event in this city. Offering carnival rides, classic fair eats like cotton candy and funnel cake, games, and more, this event is great fun for families, outings with friends, and date nights alike. More info. 

Orchid Daze
Atlanta Botanical Gardens, 1345 Piedmont Avenue, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30309
Now through April 10
Celebrate the return of spring with thousands of fragrant orchids on display as well as an exhibition of sculptures by artist Kristine Mays at the Fuqua Orchid Center. Make a day of it by wandering through the 30 acres of beautifully manicured gardens, stop by the Longleaf restaurant, Quick Café, and snack stations throughout the grounds. More info. 

Friday Jazz
High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA 30309
Multiple dates through April 15, starting at 6PM
Hosted by Jazz 91.9 WCLK’s Jamal Ahmad, on the third Friday of the month this event features music, drinks, and art. Experience different kinds of jazz including free jazz, bebop, and swing. More info.  

Spring Concert Series
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, 980 Briarcliff Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30306
Multiple dates until April 8, starting at 7:30PM
Callanwolde’s idyllic outdoor amphitheater invites visitors to spend an evening in a serene natural setting with friends and loved ones while being entertained by live music. Bring blankets, chairs, and a picnic dinner with drinks! Performers include Robin Latimore, Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics, and David Berkeley. More info. 

Dogwood Festival
Piedmont Park, 929 Charles Allen Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
April 8 through April 10
For more than 80 years Atlanta’s Dogwood Festival has been one of the most popular art festivals in the southeast. Taking over the beautiful grounds of Piedmont Park, this event boasts a nationally renowned-juried Fine Artist Market which features hundreds of artists exhibiting a variety of sculpture, paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography and more. The Kids Village offers arts and crafts and face painting, and art lovers of all ages can try their hand at artmaking at the Sip & Paint activity. Enjoy live music and delectable eats all weekend long! More info. 

Georgia Renaissance Festival
Weekends, April 9 through May 30
6905 Virlyn B. Smith Rd. Fairburn, GA 30213
It’s time! Don your best medieval garb, buy yourself a turkey leg, and step back in time at Georgia’s Renaissance Festival. This year represents the 37th year of this fun outdoor event where visitors can experience an array of fun activities, sights, sounds, and eats. Whether you’re interested in watching the jousts, jugglers, performances, and live music, or if you’re hoping to find artisan-made items like flower crowns, knives, pottery, woodworking, and clothing, there’s something for everyone at this fun and festive event. Early bird tickets are only $17 for adults when purchased by March 17 with code LUCKY at checkout. More info. 

Food-O-Rama Food Truck Festival
Grant Park, 90 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30308
April 16
Do you love food? Who doesn’t, right? Well the Food-O-Rama Food Truck Festival will have something to offer for every palate. With more than 50 food trucks and restaurants, Grant Park will be transformed into a foodie paradise. This year’s iteration even includes a Vegan Alley! More info. 

Lemonade Days
Brook Run Park, 4770 N Peachtree Rd Dunwoody, GA 30338
April 20 through April 24
The 22nd annual Lemonade Days Festival will return to Brook Run Park from Wednesday April 20 through Sunday, April 24. This free family-friendly event features full-scale carnival rides, food and beverage vendors, musical performances, center stage performances, and the popular Dunwoody Idol contest. More info. 

Atlanta Film Festival + Creative Conference
Plaza Theater, 1049 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
April 21 through May 1
Atlanta’s preeminent film festival returns for its 46th year, bringing world-class feature films, shorts, award ceremonies, conferences, socializing, and more to the Plaza Theater in Poncey Highlands. The initial lineup has been announced, with more showings to come. More info. 

Inman Park Festival, Tour of Homes, and Parade
Inman Park, 1055 DeKalb Ave, NE Atlanta
April 23 & April 24
Taking place in one of Atlanta’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods, the Inman Park Festival is a beloved tradition celebrating 50 years in 2022. Three stages with live music, a joyous parade, tour of homes, kids activities, vendors and artisans selling their goods, and a kids zone welcome visitors and ensure that there is something fun for everyone at this fun event. More info.

Sweetwater 420 Fest
Centennial Olympic Park, 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
April 29 through May 1
Sponsored by Atlanta’s own Sweetwater Brewing Company, this annual festival will bring together artists from across the country for beer, food, and fun. Performances include Snarky Puppy, Oysterhead, the Stringcheese Incident, Dirty Heads, Thievery Corporation, among others. More info.  

Shaky Knees
Central Park, 400 Merritts Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
April 29 through May 1
This annual event is a music-lover’s delight. More than 60 bands will bring the noise to Central Park with a diverse lineup of world-renowned acts partnered with up-and-coming artists. This year’s performers include Nine Inch Nails, My Morning Jacket, Billy Idol, Death Cab for Cutie, Phantom Planet, Spoon, Travis, and The Happy Fits among others. More info. 

Atlanta Grilled Cheese Festival
Atlantic Station, 245 18th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30363
April 30
Melt in your mouth goodness abounds at the Atlanta Grilled Cheese Festival. Come out to enjoy live music, tasty drinks, and of course all the cheese and bread you can handle. More info. 

Sweet Auburn Springfest
Historic Sweet Auburn District, 230 John Wesley Dobbs Atlanta, Ga 30303
May 7 & 8
This family-friendly event features live R&B, jazz, hip hop, country, and gospel music set in the historic streets of the Sweet Auburn District. Visitors can enjoy delicious eats at the International Food Court, a kids zone, and guaranteed good vibes at this event that celebrates the history, heritage and achievements of Atlanta’s African Americans. More info. 

Chastain Park Arts Festival 
Chastain Park, 4469 Stella Dr NW Atlanta, GA 30342
May 14 & 15
The Chastain Park Arts Festival was named one of tne of the Nations Top 100 Arts Festivals Nationwide by Sunshine Artist Magazine. This year, the 13th annual event at Chastain Park along Park Drive will enlist approximately 175 artists and artisans, kids area, acoustic musicians, food trucks, and even gourmet food trucks! Free to attend. More info. 

MomoCon
Georgia World Congress Center, 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
May 26 through 29
This all-ages geek culture convention is staging a triumphant return after disruptions in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19. This event highlights American and Japanese animation and celebrates costuming and cosplay, celebrity meet-and-greets, video games, board games, and live action role play gaming. More info.

 

Flying Colors Butterfly Festival
Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Rd Roswell, GA 30075
June 4 & 5
Butterfly lovers, rejoice! The Chattahoochee Nature Center is hosting an event that’s all about our fluttery friends. This year’s Flying Colors Butterfly Festival is the 23rd annual event and will feature butterfly encounters, photo ops, and pollinator education, plus live music and food vendors. $15 general admission, $13 for CNC members. Kids aged 2 and under are free. More info.

Originally written for Homestead Stories.