Festivals in Atlanta
Be it spring, summer, fall or winter, Atlanta has something to celebrate every season. The mild and sunny climate of Atlanta makes it conducive for outdoor festivals year around. Be it food or music, full blooms or Films, the city of Atlanta has an appetite for all.
Music festivals in Atlanta
Music is celebrated in full glory at Atlanta. One of the most popular music festivals is held in the city annually. From perennial favourites to newbie’s, world-class talent is staged in the city’s music festivals. One such very popular festival is the Shaky Knees music festival. Held in the month of May in the city’s Central Park, the Shaky Knees music festival features big-ticket musicians like David Byrne, Jack White, The National, Queen of Stone age and many more. On the same lines, the Shaky beats festival, also held in the month of May, at the same venue, features more than 40 electronic, indie and hip-hop acts. It’s a party you don’t want to miss. SweetWater 420 Fest, sponsored by Atlanta-owned Sweetwater brewing company, is held annually in the month of April, features big bands taking the stage. In addition to enjoying foot-tapping music, you can also taste SweetWater beers at the festival. The other very popular music festivals around are the Music Midtown, the state’s largest music festival held in the month of September at Piedmont Park, Imagine Music festival – the festival of dance and music, also held in September at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and also Tunes from the Tombs is a unique music festival held at historic Oakland Cemetery. This music fest features local musicians and food.
Atlanta’s Film Festivals
Apart from the various music festivals in the city, the people of Atlanta also witness the Atlanta film festival. Since its inception in 1976, the festival is held annually in the spring season. The Atlanta film festival showcases a diverse range of independent films and is an Academy award-qualifying, international festival. Over the years, the film fest has had many venues till it finally moved to The Plaza Theatre and the Seven Stages theatre. The other film festivals held in the city are Atlanta underground film festival aiming at non-mainstream movies, the 23-day long Atlanta Jewish film festival and last but not the least Atlanta international documentary film festival.
Seasonal festivals in Atlanta
The city of Atlanta welcomes each season in style with a festival. For example, when the native Dogwood trees start blooming, Atlanta celebrates The Dogwood festival. You can witness beautiful arts and crafts at this festival held on a weekend in the month of April. Early summer, in the month of May, June, Midtown Atlanta hosts the Food and wine festival. This festival is a unique opportunity to taste all of the southern cuisines at one venue. The attendees have the privilege to taste exclusive wine and food from more than 250 restaurants, artisans and chefs. Cooking enthusiasts get a chance to attend over 90 cooking classes.
The summer in July beacons Ice creams and the people of Atlanta celebrate it in style with a festival dedicated to ice creams. The Icecream festival held at Piedmont Park is enjoyed with over 200 varieties of scoops and samples of ice creams and fun-filled competitions. Not only that the festival focuses on health and exercise too.
Held in the month of September, Atlanta Belt line Lantern parade is an illuminated procession of light, music, and colour. Thousands of participants hold a lantern and start their parade at Beltline’s Eastside Trail and parade all the way to Piedmont Park amidst musical bands. Another lantern festival gaining popularity is the Chinese lantern festival and acrobat show. Open three days a week from November to January, awes its visitors by 30 feet tall illuminated sculptures and Beijing Acrobats.
Atlanta likes to celebrate and has over 30 festivals throughout the year.
