Get Ready for a Day of Family Fun!
Looking for an exciting way to spend your weekend in Atlanta? Let me introduce you to the Piedmont Park Arts Festival, where art, food, music, and endless good vibes come together in one of Atlanta’s most gorgeous parks. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this is the perfect way to soak up the summer and keep the spirit of adventure alive—even after school has started back up!
What’s the Festival Like?
Picture this: strolling through one of Atlanta’s most beautiful parks, surrounded by stunning local art, live music playing in the background, food trucks lined up with mouth-watering options, and, of course, the excitement of discovering hidden gems at every turn. That’s what the Piedmont Park Arts Festival is all about.
Now, let’s talk atmosphere—this festival is the place for families, couples, and anyone looking for a chill, artsy weekend. Super dog-friendly (seriously, bring your fur babies), with water stations throughout the park for pets and humans alike. It’s the perfect combo of peaceful and lively. The kids? They’ll love it. My little ones were buzzing with excitement as they explored the different art stalls, even chatting up the artists. Alex was so into it, asking one of the jewelry makers how she made her pieces—and the artist was so sweet, walking him through the whole process.
So yes, it’s totally worth visiting. Our day got cut short by one of those classic summer storms, but that didn’t stop us from having a great time. We were laughing and running through the rain (the kids thought it was the best thing ever!). Despite the weather, we loved every second, and I can’t wait to go back next year.
Festival Details You Need to Know
Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning to attend:
- When: The festival takes place every August, for one weekend, from about 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Where: Piedmont Park—smack in the middle of Atlanta.
- What: Arts, crafts, live music, food trucks, and more art! Over 250 artists from all over the country come to show off their work, and there’s something for every taste and budget.
Getting There
- By MARTA: If public transit is your jam, hop on MARTA and get off at Midtown Station. It’s only a 10-minute walk from there, straight down 10th Street.
- Driving and Parking: If you’re driving, heads up—parking is $35 during the festival. If you’re cool with splurging for the convenience, go for it. Otherwise, arrive early and snag a good spot. It’s worth it to plan ahead, especially if you’re coming from out of town like we did.
We love using this clear backpack—it’s practical, stylish, and perfect for events like the Piedmont Park Arts Festival!
What to Bring: Fun Edition!
Okay, let’s ditch the survival mode. This is Atlanta in August—you know it’s gonna be hot, so you may as well embrace it like a pro.
- Clear Backpack = Hero Gear: You can’t go wrong with a clear backpack. Security loves it, and you’ll love how easy it is to find your stuff (goodbye, endless digging for sunscreen).
- Portable Fan? Yes, Please: The ultimate move is bringing a handheld fan that doubles as a power bank. You’ll thank yourself when that cool breeze hits your face around 2 PM.
- Quick-Dry Towels for Double Duty: Think towels are boring? Not when they double as a picnic blanket and save you from the post-pool sogginess. Plus, with random summer rain showers, you’ll be prepared for anything.
- Sunscreen & Hats: These might not be the coolest accessories, but trust me, when you’re walking through the festival and the sun is beaming down, you’ll be glad you came prepared.
- Refillable Water Bottles: Stay hydrated, folks! Piedmont Park has water stations throughout, so keep that bottle handy.
Our go-to essentials: quick-dry towels for picnics, a portable fan to beat the heat, and trusty Nike and Adidas caps to stay cool and stylish all day long!
What Else is There to Do?
The festival is awesome, but Piedmont Park is a treasure trove of fun. If you want to make a full day out of it, here’s how:
Start with a Splash: Begin your day at the outdoor pool (yep, there’s a pool!). It’s the perfect way to cool off before diving into the arts and crafts. Kids love it, and let’s be real, you’ll enjoy a dip too.
Explore the Playground: The playgrounds here are top-tier. Perfect for a quick energy release after strolling through the art stalls. Plus, it’s a great way to take a break if you’ve got little ones who need some playtime.
Festival Loop: The festival is set up in a loop, which makes it super easy to walk around and see everything. The kids loved wandering around, and the vibe is super relaxed—you can really take your time. We loved chatting with artists and discovering cool, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Picnic Break: Once you’ve seen the sights, grab a spot under a shady tree, spread out your quick-dry towel, and enjoy a picnic! It’s the perfect breather before you dive back into the festival.
What About Food?
The food trucks at the festival are on point. We grabbed a variety of bites—burgers for the kids and Alfredo (which they loved), while I had a falafel wrap. Okay, it wasn’t the best falafel I’ve ever had, but it hit the spot. And for dessert? Popsicles! It was the perfect sweet ending to our meal.
If you’re looking to extend the fun after the festival ends, I recommend heading over to Park Tavern in Midtown. It’s just a short walk or drive from the park and has a laid-back vibe that’s great for families. Bonus: They are also dog-friendly! Their menu has something for everyone—whether you’re in the mood for burgers, salads, sushi or something a bit more creative, you’ll find it here. A great way to wrap up the day!
Our Funny Rainy Day Moment
So, here’s the thing about Atlanta summers—you never know when a pop-up storm is going to roll through. We weren’t exactly prepared (no umbrella or poncho, oops!), but when the rain started, we just went with it. The kids thought it was hilarious running through the rain, and honestly, it turned into one of the best memories of the day. So, if you’re caught without rain gear, don’t stress—just embrace it!
Final Tips
- Stay Cool: Wear light, comfy clothes and make sure you’ve got that fan and water bottle ready to go.
- Budget for Parking: If you’re driving, the $35 for parking is worth planning for.
- Check the Weather: Those afternoon storms are no joke—come prepared or just enjoy the chaos like we did!
- Explore the Whole Park: Even though the festival is amazing, Piedmont Park has so much more to offer—take your time to explore all its hidden gems.
Conclusion
The Piedmont Park Arts Festival is hands-down one of the best ways to spend a summer day in Atlanta. Between the incredible art, the laid-back vibe, and the beauty of Piedmont Park itself, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re there for a few hours or want to make it a full-day affair, you’ll leave with amazing memories (and maybe a little bit of rain-soaked fun!). We had a blast and can’t wait to come back next year. If you’re in Atlanta in August, this festival should definitely be on your radar!
Let me know how your experience goes—drop a comment or check out more of our adventures on The Wandering Kin!
Happy Travels!
