Atlanta, GA
Festival guide for metro Atlanta and Georgia | 2024
ATLANTA – The following is a list of festivals that are taking place in metro Atlanta and other parts of the state in 2024. This list will be updated as new information is received. If you would like to submit information to be added, send an email to joyce.lupiani@fox.com.
MARCH
The Spring Into Main Street Market is happening in Fayetteville from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 9. There will be shopping, live music, food trucks, and beverages.
The Atlanta Brunch Festival is happening on March 9 at Atlantic Station. Unfortunately, if you don’t have tickets, it is SOLD OUT. There will be brisket breakfast tacos, bourbon wings, Cajun rasta pasta, and much more for those who are attending.
The Forsythia Festival is taking place on March 9-10 in Forsyth. There will be arts and crafts, a 5K, sporting tournaments, mouth-watering foods, and activities for the whole family.
The Yule Forest Tulip Festival in Stockbridge is taking place on March 9 and 10. The festival features giant tulip fields, farm animals, food trucks, an artisan market, educational exhibits, and more.
The Fitzgerald Wild Chicken Festival is happening on March 15 and 16. The festival celebrates Fitzgerald’s Famous Wild Burmese chickens with a 5K run/walk, a crowing contest, live music, arts, crafts, food, and more.
Scottish Heritage Days are happening on March 15 and 16 in Darien. Visit Fort King George and witness a variety of Scottish living history demonstrations.
The International Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon is taking place on March 15-24, featuring multiple events including a dog show, sea lion splash, a performance by Nerveless Nocks, hot air balloon rides, and more.
The Lake Oconee Food & Wine Festival is happening on March 15-17 at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, featuring more than 200 wines from around the world, creative chefs, culinary talent, live performances, and more.
The 16th annual Memories in Monroe Car Show is happening on March 16 in downtown Monroe with dozens of classic cars on display.
The Suwanee Beer Fest is happening on March 16 at the Town Center, featuring beer, games, food, and live entertainment.
The Fire Ant Festival is happening on March 22 and 23 in Ashburn. The festival is known for its wacky and off-the-wall activities, including a fire ant calling contest and the infamous Manty Hose contest.
The Georgia String Band Festival takes place on March 22 and 23 in Calhoun with performances by Hubby Jenkins and the Gordon County Fiddlers Convention.
The Georgia Food and Wine Festival in Marietta is happening on March 22-24, featuring wine, beer, spirits, live music, cooking demonstrations, an artisan market, and more.
The Wayne County Arts Council Dogwood Festival is happening on March 23 at the fairgrounds in Jesup with handmade crafts, food vendors, and activities for children.
The Taste of Suwanee will take place on March 23 with 25 local restaurants participating, a kids zone, artists market, and live entertainment starting at 11 a.m.
The Sweet Tooth Festival in Madison is happening on March 23 with a cake bake-off, cake sampling, arts and crafts, praise dancing, food, giveaways, and more.
Madyson Square Gardens in Jefferson is hosting Spring Fest ’24 on March 23 with small business vendors, food, live entertainment, raffles, and more.
The Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival at Blackburn Park is happening on March 23 and 24, featuring live entertainment, arts and craft vendors, a kids’ zone, food, and beverage vendors.
The Wing & Rock Fest in Canton is happening at Etowah River Park on March 23 and 24, with more than 60 types/flavors of chicken wings, a wing eating contest, live music, and more.
The Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival is happening on March 23 and 24 with multiple food courts, cultural performances, live music, unique arts and crafts, and a children’s play area.
The Sandy Springs Artsapalooza Spring Arts Festival is happening on March 30-31 with up to 125 arts and crafts participants, a children’s play area, interactive art stations, local musicians, food, and more.
APRIL
The Cherokee of Georgia annual Spring Powwow is happening on April 4-6 in St. George with children’s activities, demonstrations, flute players, storytellers, cultural displays, traders with arts, crafts, and supplies.
The 20th annual Swampfest is taking place on April 5-6 in Waycross with performers like Austin Lane, The Pine Box Dwellers, and Derrick Flowers.
The Williamson Wisteria Festival is happening on April 5-6 with arts and crafts, home decor, antiques, delicious baked and fried goods, other food and drinks, inflatables, ponies, and more.
The State Banana Pudding Festival of Georgia is happening on April 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Irwinton with a 20-mile Puddin’ Pedal, individual pudding contest, car show, banana carving contests, vendors, and a puddin’ path.
The Toccoa Ritz Bluegrass Festival is happening on April 5-7 in the Historic Ritz Theatre in Toccoa with various performers.
The Ball Ground BBQ and Brews Festival is taking place on April 6 with live music, food, and vendors.
The L5P Fest is scheduled for April 6 in Little 5 Points with multiple vendors, live entertainment, a hot dog eating contest, and more.
The Americus Hot Glass Craft Beer Festival is taking place on April 6 with craft beer, live glassblowing, live music, food, and more.
HauntFest 2024 is happening on April 6-7 at Southern Brewing Company in Athens with live music, art vendors, themed entertainment, and other activities.
The Spring Festival on Ponce is happening on April 6-7 at Olmsted Linear Park with more than 125 fine arts and crafts booths, a children’s area, and local food and beverages.
The Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival is happening on April 12-13 at The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge with featured storytellers.
The Rhododendron Festival is happening on April 12 through May 12 at Hamilton Gardens in Hiawassee with food trucks, dessert vendors, ice cream, a wine and mimosa bar, musical performances, and more.
The 88th annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival is happening on April 12-14 at Piedmont Park with a juried Fine Artist Market, food, beverages, kids village, Mimosa 5K, Disc Dogs, and live entertainment.
The Amplify Decatur Music Festival is scheduled for April 13 with performers including Melissa Etheridge, Dawes, Blind Boys of Alabama, Run Katie Run, and many more.
The Wolf Creek 8th Annual Spring Festival is happening on April 13 at Wolf Creek Plantation in Americus with local food vendors, arts and crafts, wine and wine slushies, and more.
The Tallapoosa Dogwood Festival is scheduled for April 13 with music, food, arts and crafts, and a parade.
The National Grits Festival featuring a grits-eating contest, parade, corn shelling contest, live entertainment, food vendors, and arts and crafts is happening on April 13 in downtown Warwick.
The Summerville Spring Market is happening at Jr. Dick Dowdy Park in Summerville on April 13 with arts and crafts, jewelry, baked goods, body & hair care products, wooden items, food, live plants, live music, and more.
The Taste of Mableton is happening on April 13 with food trucks, arts and crafts, local business booths, and more.
The Perry Dogwood Festival is happening on April 13-14 with food trucks, an adult zone with beers, wines and cocktails, a kids zone, arts and crafts, and more.
The Acworth Art Festival will take place on Main Street on April 13 and 14 with multiple arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, and more.
The Georgia Renaissance Festival in Fairburn is happening on April 13 through June 2 with themed weekends, entertainment, multiple food vendors, an artisans market, and more.
The Alpharetta Wine Festival is scheduled for April 14 on the Town Green with wine samples from participating restaurants and businesses.
Taste of Camden 2024 is happening on April 21 at Orange Hall with seafood, BBQ, and more.
Lemonade Days is scheduled for April 17-21 at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody with carnival rides, live entertainment, and more.
The Thomaston Art & Soul Festival will take place on April 18 and 20 with music, art, food trucks, arts and crafts, a film festival, a spoken word competition, a photograph competition, and more.
The Valdosta Blueberry Festival at the Unity Park Amphitheater in Valdosta is happening on April 19 and 20 with live music, brews, and blues.
The Georgia Mountain Needle Arts Festival is taking place on April 26-28 in Ellijay with multiple vendors.
Music + Makers ’24 is happening on April 20 in downtown Washington with live music, food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, boutique shopping, and more.
The 41st National Mayhaw Festival in Colquitt is happening on April 20 with food, fun, music, exhibits, children’s activities, a parade, and more.
The Pondtown Festival is taking place on April 20 in Rhine with a street dance, Miss Pondtown Pageant, a festival, a car show, a parade, and a cook-off.
The Wings & Things Festival and Fly-In is happening on April 20 at Douglas Municipal Airport in Coffee County with antique military vehicles, food trucks, vendors, a car show, a hot wing cook-off, live entertainment, airplanes, and more.
The Flowery Branch Spring Festival is happening on April 20 in downtown Flowery Branch with food trucks, live music, vendors, games, and more.
The Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival will take place on April 20-21 with fine arts and crafts, a children’s area, local food and beverages, live music, and more.
The Bear on the Square Mountain Festival in Dahlonega is happening on April 20 and 21 with food, music, an artist market, and more.
The Sweetwater 420 Fest at Pullman Yards on April 20 and 21 will feature performances by Beck, Slightly Stoopid, Big Gigantic, Black Pumas, Gov’t Mule, Trombone Shorty, and many more.
The Big Shanty Festival in Kennesaw on April 20 and 21 will feature live music, food and beverages, over 250 arts and crafts booths, and more.
The Vidalia Onion Festival from April 25 to 28 features an air show by the Blue Angels, a concert, a carnival, and more.
The 37th annual Woodbine Crawfish Festival will take place on April 26 and 27 at the Satilla Waterfront Park with food, arts and crafts, live bands, a children’s area, and more.
The Georgia Strawberry Festival is happening April 27 in Reynolds. There will be a strawberry patch, antique tractor show, parade, 5K race, food vendors, arts and crafts, petting zoo, and more.
Madison Fest at Town Park in Madison is happening April 27. There will be more than 80 arts and crafts booths, garden plants, 6 live bands, festival food, icy cold beer and more.
The Kingston Spring Fling on Main Street in Kingston will feature arts and craft vendors, food trucks, music and more.
Spring in the Valley Festival in Rome is happening April 28 at the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds. There will be local bands, craft vendors, children’s activities, food and more.
The Atlanta Seafood Festival is happening April 27 at Atlantic Station. There will be seafood, beer, wine, mimosas, live music and more. Cost is $50 in advance.
Canton’s Upriver Music Fest & 5K is happening April 27 at The Mill on Etowah. There will be a 5K run/walk followed by a festival with local live music and fun for the whole family.
The Yellow Pollen Festival is happening April 27 in downtown Hampton. There will be artisans, homemade goods, food trucks, live music and more.
The Hornyhead Fish Festival and Tournament in Newborn is happening April 27 in Newborn. There will be homemade crafts, food, a car show, music and fishing tournament.
The Blue Ridge Trout & Outdoor Adventures Festival in Blue Ridge is taking place April 27. There will be multiple exhibitors offering wildlife art, outfitter gear, guide services/information and more; craft beer and food; and live entertainment.
The Cedar Valley Arts Festival is happening April 27 and 28 in Cedartown. There will be arts and crafts, food vendors, a 5K and 10K, and more.
The 9th annual Georgia Tiny House Festival is happening April 27 in Madison at the Lion’s Club Fairgrounds. There will be tiny houses, skoolies, vardos, DIYs, professional builds, and private-home owners.
The Summerville Porchfest in Augusta is scheduled for April 28. Local musical talent will play on some of the finest, historic porches in town.
The annual Taste of Marietta is taking place April 28 at the Historic Marietta Square. Multiple local restaurants will participate in the yearly event. There will also be live entertainment.
The Sassafras Artisan Market is taking place April 27-28 at the Rabun County Pavilions in Clayton. The market will feature the finest art and artisans of the region offering unique and original works of art.
The rest of the year is coming soon!!
Omari James. Photos provided by Atlanta police
ATLANTA – Atlanta police are asking for the public’s help locating 11-year-old Omari James, who has been classified as critically missing.
What we know:
Investigators said Omari ran away from his home around 9:30 p.m. Thursday after getting into an argument with his parents over his cell phone.
Police said Omari was last seen wearing a black shirt, red, white and blue shorts, black Nike slides and a Nike ski hat.
What you can do:
Anyone who has seen Omari or knows where he may be is asked to call 911 or contact the Atlanta Police Department’s Special Victims Unit. The investigation remains ongoing.
Atlanta, GA
Georgia Secretary of State opens investigation into voter registration mailers sent to deceased residents
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced Thursday that his office has opened an investigation into Ready to Register and other third-party organizations after reports that voter registration mailers were sent to deceased Georgians and other ineligible recipients.
According to the Secretary of State’s Office, election officials have received numerous complaints about voter registration solicitations being mailed to people who have died. In one unusual case cited by the office, a deceased family dog reportedly received one of the mailers.
State officials said they are reviewing whether the mailings violate Georgia law or otherwise undermine confidence in the state’s election system.
The Secretary of State’s Office said third-party voter registration groups frequently conduct mass mail campaigns ahead of major elections but often rely on commercial databases that can contain outdated or inaccurate information, unlike Georgia’s official voter registration system.
“Groups like this highlight the unreliability of commercial data,” Raffensperger said in a statement. “Georgia maintains one of the cleanest voter rolls in the nation through continuous list maintenance and citizenship verification. These outside organizations don’t use those standards. Instead, they flood mailboxes with inaccurate solicitations that confuse voters and waste election officials’ time.”
Raffensperger also thanked voters who alerted his office to the mailings.
“I want to thank the voters who have flagged the inaccurate mailings and sent them to our office,” he said. “Whether checking their ballots for accuracy or keeping their own registration information up to date, voters are a crucial line of defense in election security.”
Georgia officials said the issue mirrors problems recently identified in North Carolina, where election officials warned residents about similar mailings from Ready to Register. According to the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, North Carolina officials said the organization mailed registration forms to deceased individuals, used outdated forms, listed incorrect election office addresses and included QR codes that raised privacy concerns.
Raffensperger criticized the mass mailing campaigns, saying they create confusion while increasing the workload for local election offices.
“Whether intentional or simply reckless, these mail campaigns operate like a grift — raising money and generating activity while shifting the costs onto taxpayers, election officials, and voters,” Raffensperger said. “Georgia taxpayers should not have to clean up the mess created by organizations that prioritize volume over accuracy.”
The Secretary of State’s Office is encouraging Georgians to verify their voter registration through the state’s My Voter Page and says voters who are already registered at their current address should disregard unsolicited voter registration mailers.
Project aims to curb dengue by releasing millions of mosquitoes
Google-backed researchers are taking an unusual approach to fighting mosquito-borne diseases: releasing more mosquitoes. The effort, known as Debug, is designed to reduce populations of mosquitoes that spread illnesses such as dengue fever by using specially bred male mosquitoes that cannot produce viable offspring.
Fox – 35 Orlando
Mosquitoes in the Grant Park neighborhood of Atlanta have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to Fulton County health officials.
Fulton County Board of Health Environmental Health mosquito control staff say the mosquitoes were tested following trapping in Fulton County.
“Mosquitoes can be dangerous if infected and may pose a serious health risk to people in our area,” Environmental Health Director at the Fulton County Board of Health, Brandon Leftwich, said in a statement from the agency. “We want to make sure communities are aware and take necessary precautions to protect themselves.”
Grant Park is in southeast Atlanta, south of Old Fourth Ward and west of East Atlanta.
Here’s what to know.
What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile Virus is the illness caused by infections from a pathogen in the Flaviviridae family. Mosquitoes are hosts for the pathogen, meaning they can spread it to people and other animals without dying.
It is the leading cause of mosquito-borne illness in the contiguous United States, infecting more than 2,000 people each year. About 1,300 people develop a severe illness, and more than 130 people die annually in the U.S. from the infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It spreads during mosquito season, or the period between June and October each year. Infections typically peak in late August and early September.
Many people infected may never show symptoms, and others will only experience mild, flu-like symptoms. It can take between 2 and 6 days after a mosquito bite to feel poorly, and then people may experience headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash. Those with mild illness can recover completely, but some fatigue and weakness can last much longer, even weeks or months.
In cases of severe illness, West Nile Virus attacks their central nervous system and can result in hospitalization or death. Patients may experience a very high fever, headaches, neck pain, stupor, disorientation, muscle weakness and other serious symptoms. Recovery can take weeks or months, and some effects could become permanent.
How is West Nile Virus treated?
There is no medicine that can treat West Nile Virus, so those with mild symptoms can take over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen to manage pain, fever or headaches. Those with West Nile Virus should not take ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, according to the CDC. Patients should stay hydrated and take lots of rest to let your body fight the virus and recover.
Those with severe illness may need intravenous fluids, pain medication and nursing care at the hospital level, though there is still no medication that can be taken to cure the infection.
It is believed that those who have been infected by West Nile Virus develop a lifelong immunity or protection, meaning they can’t get the virus again, according to the CDC.
How to prevent mosquito bites
Fulton County health officials recommend following the “5Ds of mosquito bite prevention” to keep yourself safe from mosquito-borne illnesses.
- Dusk/Dawn: Avoid being outside during periods when mosquitoes are most active, including in the early morning and as the sun is setting.
- Dress: Loose-fitting clothes and items with long sleeves or pants will reduce the amount of exposed skin for a mosquito bite and make it difficult for a mosquito to bite through clothes.
- DEET: Insect repellant should contain DEET. It is the most effective ingredient in mosquito repellant.
- Drain: Standing water is a great place for mosquitoes to breed, so make sure to dump out water from buckets, barrels, flowerpots and tarps outside that could harbor mosquito larvae. You should also cut overgrown grass or weeds.
- Doors: While it might be nice for a breeze to pass through your house in the evenings, make sure doors and windows are closed and sealed to keep mosquitoes out of the house.
Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.
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