The annual Kirkwood Spring Fling is set to return on Saturday, May 17, at Bessie Branham Park.
Now in its 22nd year, the family-friendly festival commemorates the historic Kirkwood neighborhood by offering a day full of activities, music and community spirit.
This year’s festival will feature a variety of kid-friendly activities, including bounce houses, bubble blowing, face painting, along with a mini-pitch game provided by the hometown Major League Soccer club, Atlanta United FC.
Kirkwood Spring Fling will also have an Artist Market set up, where visitors can purchase the creative works of local painters, photographers, jewelers, glassmakers, potters and other artists.
Returning for its fourth year is the festival’s “Wing Fling” event, which will once again pit restaurants and home cooks against each other in a competition to answer the all-important question: Who makes the best chicken wings in the city?
Additionally, the festival will also play host to a full day of live music, bringing a diverse mix of local and regional talent to the stage to get everyone dancing, head bobbing, etc.
Taking place prior to the start of the festival is the Spring Fling 5K, a morning road race that has participants run, walk and wheel through the streets of Kirkwood. After crossing the finish line, participants will be able to stay and enjoy the festival (which begins at noon).
In charge of the Spring Fling is the Kirkwood Neighbors Organization (KNO), a local nonprofit that aims to enhance the well-being of Kirkwood neighborhood residents.
Along with hosting the Spring Fling festival, KNO will also be putting on the “Tour of Homes,” a two-day event (May 17-18) that gives guests a chance to take a peek into some of the unique houses that reside in Kirkwood.
Proceeds from the festival will go towards supporting Kirkwood community schools, parks and resident-assistance programs, according to KNO.
While the Kirkwood Spring Fling festival is free to attend, certain events and activities will require advance registration or ticket purchase (details can be found on the KNO website)