When people think of events near Atlanta, there are a few things that normally come to mind: business, music, traffic, professional sports, and shopping.. But parks aren’t necessarily something Atlanta is associated with. What most don’t know is that Atlanta’s green space is composed of 343 parks, nature preserves, gardens, and public spaces. What better way to make use of these areas than festivals? Fall is the perfect season in Atlanta to get outside and enjoy the beauty the city’s parks offer.
Piedmont Park is one of Atlanta’s more well-known parks, and has been coined “Atlanta’s Central Park.” Piedmont attracts visitors from all over and hosts various cultural events throughout the year. However, Atlanta boasts many other parks across the city, with many great events throughout the year.
Piedmont Park: Green Market
Every Saturday, 9am-1pm, 12th Street Park Entrance:
The Green Market, a local farmers market, serves Midtown’s population with fresh, clean local food. Voted one of the top five farmer’s markets in Atlanta by Access Atlanta, Green Market encourages sustainable communities by providing shoppers with direct access to local farmers and merchants. Local farmers, bakers, sauce makers attend, and there are all sorts of fun and fresh things to purchase. While you shop you can enjoy prepared foods and drinks for breakfast and lunch.
Cabbagetown Park: Chomp and Stomp
Saturday, November 1, 11am-6pm, Cabbagetown Park:
Music and food have always helped to define Cabbagetown’s spirit, and what better way to celebrate it than a chili cook-off and bluegrass music? The festival begins with a 5k through the neighborhood. Don’t worry, running is not required! Over 100 samples of chili will be available beginning at 12:30, with the chili winner announced at 5:30. Along with 4 stages for bluegrass music, there will be Cabbage Games (including a slaw-eating competition) and an Artist Market! Unfortunately, this festival does NOT allow dogs, so leave the pups at home!
Chastain Park: Arts Festival
Saturday, November1- Sunday, November 2, 10am-6pm, 4469 Stella Dr., Atlanta, GA 30327:
The Chastain Park Arts Festival is a two-day outdoor event with an emphasis on the visual arts. In its sixth annual event, Chastain Park Arts Festival will transform the park into an outdoor art gallery. This event will feature up to 185 fine painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metal crafters, glass blowers, and jewelers. Festival goers can also enjoy artist demonstrations, live entertainment, hands-on arts and crafts, and enjoy festival foods and beverages. The festival supports a local artist scholarship fund, so this is an event which will be fun AND benefit the community!
Stone Mountain Park: Indian Festival & Pow-Wow
Thursday, October 30- Friday, October 21, 9am-3pm, Saturday November 1- Sunday November 2, 10am-6pm:
The four-day Indian Festival and Pow-Wow was named a Top 20 Event by the Southeastern Tourism Society. The event showcases Native American culture through dance, music, authentic craft demonstrations, cooking traditions, storytelling, wildlife presentations and more. It is the largest Native American gathering in Georgia, and event not to be missed!
