Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival offers music, art, food and more
This weekend, Atlanta invites the world to join her and celebrate the 69th annual Dogwood Festival. Started in 1936, the festival " sought to make Atlanta internationally known for its beauty during the Blooming of the Dogwood, " according to a press release.
The festival, held in Piedmont Park, features more than 200 artist booths which makes it " one of the largest art destinations in the country. " In years past, the Dogwood Festival ' s artist market had attracted some of the country ' s top visual artists and craftspeople to display and sell their wares. This year, the festival has partnered with the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. The Recording Academy has been instrumental in supporting the music aspect of the Dogwood Festival, including the Grammy Block Party which will kick off the festival tonight.
The block party will feature recording artists Sean Mullins, Sugarland, Gaelle and the Warm Guns and is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the music offerings of the Dogwood Festival. A plethora of musical offerings will continue throughout the weekend on two stages and will include everything from 15-year-old master guitar player J.P. Blues to culturally-influenced music from Japan, Africa, Mexico and more. If the artist market and the music selections aren ' t your thing, the Dogwood Festival also features one of the widest varieties of food that you ' ll find at any outdoor festival. From traditional fairground munchies like funnel cakes and kettle corn to crab cakes and other fancy foods from some of Atlanta ' s top restaurants, you could probably spend the entire weekend sampling all the food the festival has to offer. For those who attend the Dogwood Festival every year, you ' ll be happy to know that the Disc Dog Southern Nationals is once again in the lineup for the festival ' s miscellaneous entertainment. Also featured is a 24-foot rock-climbing wall and a kids village for any rugrats you may happen to have in tow. With the chance of beautiful weather this weekend, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is a great opportuity to enjoy some sunshine and check out some of the best Atlanta has to offer.
