MIDTOWN. Held in Piedmont Park each April, the Dogwood Festival heralds the arrival of spring with plenty of events for the entire family. The expanding schedule includes children's activities, outdoor concerts, house and garden tours, bicycle tours, musical performances, juried arts and crafts exhibition, food, kites, Frisbees, hot-air balloon races and Earth Day celebrations. MARTA: Midtown Station
Atlanta Jazz Festival
Atlanta, GA 30309*404-817-6851
MIDTOWN. This nine-day festival culminates in free jazz concerts presented Memorial Day weekend (Sat-Mon) in Piedmont Park. Concerts held throughout the week in numerous venues showcase the talents of local and national performers. The weekend provides a perfect opportunity for an outdoor picnic. An artists market is also featured, and food vendors sell a variety of lunchtime treats. Sponsored by the City of Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairs. MARTA: Midtown
Georgia Renaissance Festival
I-85, Exit 61, Atlanta, GA * 770-964-8575
Presented several weekends in spring on a 30-acre site known as Willy Nilly. The festival aims to recreate the traditional English county fair , complete with costumes and characters from the 16th century. There are also a juried craft show, artists demonstrating crafts from the period, and 12 stages offering ongoing entertainment.
Georgia Shakespeare Festival
4484 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30319 * 404-264-0020
BUCKHEAD. Several productions are offered each season ( June through October) in the theater tent located on the grounds of Oglethorpe University. Musical entertainment on the lawn precedes each performance. Many attendees enjoy a picnic on the lawn while enjoying the works of the Bard.
Laser Light Shows at Stone Mountain
Hwy 78, Stone Mountain, GA 30087-3409 * 800-317-2006
STONE MOUNTAIN. Offered nightly during the summer, this fantastic laser light and fireworks show is accompanied by a powerful sound system. The mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop for historic dramas, humorous tales and stirring music.