74th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival

Mark you calendars for one of Atlanta’s favorite Spring traditions, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. The 2010 Atlanta Dogwood Festival is scheduled for April 16 – 18 at Piedmont Park. The festival has been an annual event for over 70 years and draws people from all over the state with one-of-a-kind activities, vendors, crafts and more. It is definitely something you don’t want to miss.

There is enough going on during the festival to keep both you and your kids busy in the park all day. For starters, take a leisurely stroll through the Artist Market and browse local photography, clay, glass, jewelry, metal and paintings. In the afternoon head to the entertainment area where the line up of performers will change throughout the day with a mix of local and international performers: a German Choir, Royal Scottish Country Dancers and Greek Dancers.

Other Dogwood Festival Events include:

• The Dog Disc Exhibit (exhibition dogs only)
• “Friends of the Dogwood Pavilion” with Atlanta’s favorite restaurants and special wine offerings that includes a variety of foods and desserts including Eclipse de Luna, TAO, Bakeshop, The Melting Pot, Legal Sea Foods, Dolce and Veni Vidi Vici
• The Home Grown Comedy Binge Finale is April 16th and will be  hosted by comedian Marshall Chiles. This will be the final competition to select the best stand up comedian in Atlanta
• Movie on the Meadow, April 17th at 9 pm celebrating the 50th Anniversary Screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s PSYCHO on the big screen in black and white.

The kids will undoubtedly need a chance to unleash some energy at the festival in the Kids Village. They will be entertained for hours with art projects, games and activities. The hours for the Kids Village are Friday noon to 6 pm, Saturday 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday noon to 5 pm.

The great thing about the Dogwood Festival is it is a nearby, wholesome, annual event that is inexpensive and has something for everyone. This festival is the perfect time to celebrate spring in your favorite Atlanta park. Bring your family to this annual event Friday, April 16th from noon until 9 p.m., Saturday, April 17th from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Sunday, April 18th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Piedmont Park.