The ultimate guide to Atlanta’s 2019 spring festivals

Say goodbye to winter with a slew of can’t-miss, outdoor activities this spring.

From film events to art celebrations, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the budding flowers and warmer days. Take a look at our annual list of spring festivals, which includes fun activities for all ages.

Atlanta Dogwood Festival

For more than 80 years, this festival has been a staple for many Atlantans. The three-day bash offers a kids village, live music, tons of food trucks and an artist market, where you can purchase sculptures, paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography and other art.

Noon-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. April 12-14. Free admission. Piedmont Park, along 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta. 404-817-6642, dogwood.org.

Atlanta Film Festival

If you’re a fan of movies, the Atlanta Film Festival might be the event for you. The 10-day showcase, which draws nearly 25,000 people annually, will include a plethora of screenings, panels and demos, which will include dialogue with filmmakers, artists and other industry professionals.

April 4-14. $10-$12 for individual screenings, $50 for opening and closing screenings, $125-$725 for badges. Various locations including Plaza Theatre, 1049 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta and The Highland Inn, 644 N Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-352-4225, atlantafilmfestival.com.

Big Shanty Festival

Make your way to Kennesaw to attend one of the town’s largest and most popular events of the year. It draws about 70,000 attendees, who walk the streets noshing on bites and purchasing goodies from local vendors.

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. April 13-14. Free admission. Downtown Kennesaw, 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-423-1330, kennesaw-ga.gov.

Decatur Arts Festival

Each year, thousands flock to the Decatur Arts Festival to hear live musical performances, watch improvisational and standup comedy, and attend literary events. The artist market is also a popular area. It features more than 150 creatives ready to show off their latest masterpieces.

5-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. May 24-26. Free admission. Downtown Decatur, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur. 404-371-9583, decaturartsfestival.com.

Georgia Renaissance Festival

Transport back to 16th century England at this two-month long affair. With more than 150 artisan craft shops, 10 stages for live entertainment and food galore, you’ll be treated like royalty at every turn.

10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day. April 13-June 2. $20-$24 for adults, $10$12 for children 6-12, free for children 5 and under. 6905 Virlyn B. Smith Road, Fairburn. 770-9648575. garenfest.com.

Inman Park Festival

Visit one of Atlanta’s oldest and most scenic neighborhoods during the Inman Park Festival. Tour the historic homes throughout the area, participate in the parade, dance to live music or stroll through the artist market during your visit.

Tour of homes preview: noon-4 p.m. Friday. Tour of Homes: noon-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.

$20-$25. Festival: 11 a.m.8:30 p.m. Saturday. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. Apr. 26-28. Free admission. Various locations. 770-635-3711, inmanparkfestival.org.

Sandy Springs Artsapalooza

The weekend-long gathering features up to 150 painters, photographers, sculptors, glass blowers and jewelers, who are prepared to talk all things art. You can even stick around for demonstrations and participate in hands-on activities available for both kids and adults.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. April 20-21. Free admission. 6100 Lake Forrest Drive, Sandy Springs. 770-730-5600, sandyspringsartsapalooza.com.

Smyrna Spring Jonquil Festival

Artisans from all over the southeast will be on deck to present their paintings, clothing, furniture and more. There will also be lots of snacks, like cotton candy, corn dogs and snow cones, as well as a variety of children’s activities.

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. April 27-28. Free admission. Village Green, 2800 King St., Smyrna. 770-423-1330, smyrnaga.gov.

Snellville Days Festival

The Snellville Days Festival is back for the 46th year, and the city is inviting the community to the two-day jamboree, which will provide tons of crafts, treats and entertainment for all. There will also be shuttles available to help you travel to and from the celebration.

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. May 4-5. Free admission. Bris- coe Park, 2500 Sawyer Park- way, Snellville. 770-985-3535, snellvilledays.org.

Sweet Auburn Springfest

Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend at the Sweet Auburn Spring Fest. You’ll hear music from acts, including Soul For Real, GABE and more. There will also be a fun zone for kids, a health pavilion and a pop-up library.

11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 1-8 p.m. Sunday. May 11-12. Free admission. Historic Auburn Avenue District, 230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave., Atlanta. 678667-1375, sweetauburn.com.

STEVE SCHAEFER PHOTOS/ SPECIAL TO THE AJC A sign points the way to the many available activities during the annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival. This year’s fest is April 12-14.

The Seed & Feed Marching Abominables community band is a staple on the parade route during the Inman Park Festival Parade. This year’s festival is being held April 26-28.

STEVE SCHAEFER PHOTOS / SPECIAL TO THE AJC Horseback riders compete during the jousting demonstration during the Georgia Renaissance Festival in Fairburn.

A large crowd walks past the food and artist booths during the 82nd Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival in Piedmont Park.

The Sehwe Village Percussion ensemble plays during the Decatur Arts Festival in downtown Decatur.