When the calendar points toward spring, it’s time to forego the hibernating and start exploring. This year offers plenty to do: beer tastings, arts and craft displays, live music and more. Some events have attracted over 25,000 patrons. Others, such as the Sandy Springs Artsapalooza, are new. Here is a sampling of festivals coming to Reporter Newspapers communities.
Buckhead Spring Arts & Crafts Festival
Celebrate the season at the third annual Spring Arts & Crafts Festival at Chastain Park in Buckhead. More than 185 painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metalworkers, glass blowers, jewelers and other crafts workers are to display their works. View artist demonstrations, enjoy live, acoustic music, participate in hands-on arts activities, visit the professional children’s area, and enjoy festival foods and beverages. The event benefits a scholarship fund for local artists administered by the Georgia Foundation for Public Spaces.
When: Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 6, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Rain or shine.
Where: 4469 Stella Drive, Atlanta, 30327 (near the Chastain Park Amphitheater and Horse Barn).
How much to get in: Free admission. Pets on a leash welcome. Beer and wine available for purchase.
For more information: www.buckheadartsfestival.com or email: info@affps.com.
Dunwoody Art Festival
An annual Mother’s Day weekend event! There’ll be an artists market, featuring over 170 vendors from across the United States, showcasing wood, fiber, clay, folk art, photography and much, much more. A “Kidz Zone” offers rides, sand art, crafts and games. The festival also offers a food court with eats from neighborhood restaurants. A rain or shine event.
When: Saturday, May 12, 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 13, 12:30-6 p.m.
Where: 5506 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, 30338 (between Mt. Vernon Road and Dunwoody Village Parkway).
How much to get in: Free admission. Pet-friendly (on a leash).
For more information: http://dunwoodyartfestival.splashfestivals.com.
Sandy Springs Artsapalooza
The first Sandy Springs Artsapalooza features a two-day outdoor fair in the heart of Sandy Springs that celebrates “Founders Day” for the city. The event includes a carnival for children, local musicians, information on the history of the city, plus up to 150 arts and crafts participants, showcasing glass blowers, jewelers, painters, sculptors, photographers and others. Food and beverages sold onsite.
When: Saturday, July 7, 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. and Sunday, July 8, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Rain or shine.
Where: 174 Johnson Ferry Road, Sandy Springs, 30328 (former Target property).
How much to get in: Free admission for all ages. Pets on a leash welcome. Beer and wine available for purchase.
For more information: http://sandyspringsartsapalooza.com or email: info@affps.com.
Brookhaven Beer Fest
Join other beer lovers at the second annual Brookhaven Beer Fest, where admission gives you the chance to sample more than 150 brews, including the familiar – Sierra Nevada, Red Hook or Honey Brown – and some not so common – Magic Hat, Peak Organic or Circus Boy. There will be food trucks, rock bands, a DJ, and the first 3,000 attendees may take home a commemorative tasting glass. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Atlanta Fundraising Foundation.
When: Saturday, June 9, 3-8 p.m.
Where: Apple Valley Road in Brookhaven, (4047 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, 30319), behind the MARTA station.
How much to get in: $35 general admission in advance; $50 at the door.
For more information: www.brookhavenbeerfest.com to purchase tickets or email: events@usaentertainment.net.