Autumn is a popular time of year to attend an outdoor arts festival in the Atlanta area. Festivals are scheduled around town nearly every weekend in October, as residents and visitors look for ways to enjoy the cooler weather. Many people are ready to get a head start on their holiday shopping. Here are some of the popular arts festivals on the north side of town.
The Norcross Art Fest is scheduled for October 6-7, 2012 in the historic downtown area. This two day festival is one of best juried arts festivals in the Southeast, featuring more than 180 artists. Attendees will also enjoy a variety of live musical entertainment as well as a Kids Korner with crafts, games, and inflatables. Festival admission is free, and hours are 10am-6pm on Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday. Shuttle service is available from Jefferson Plaza at 3169 Holcomb Bridge Road and Norcross First United Methodist Church, located at 2500 Beaver Ruin Road.
The Harvest Square Arts and Crafts Festival will take place on October 20 from 9am-6pm. The annual festival is located on the historic square in downtown Marietta. Adults can shop at the arts and crafts booths while the kids enjoy Halloween Happenings. There will be carnival games, a children's costume contest with prizes, and a pet costume contest. Local schools, businesses, and civic organizations will display scarecrows all around the square. Admission to the festival is free, and free parking is available at the Cobb County Parking Garage on Cherokee Street.
The Fall Jonquil Festival 2012 is scheduled for October 27-28 on the Village Green in downtown Smyrna. The festival will feature 175 artists in the Artist Market. Attendees can also enjoy a Fresh Harvest Market, musical entertainment, a kids' zone, and shows by master puppeteer Peter Hart. Festival hours are 10am-6pm on Saturday and noon-5pm on Sunday. Admission is free.
The Johns Creek Arts Festival is scheduled for the same weekend, October 27-28. This exciting new festival is an expansion of Arts on the Creek. The arts festival will feature 100 artisans showcasing their work. Categories will include paintings, pottery, jewelry, glass, metalwork, and more. The kids will enjoy a pet parade, children's costume parade, and a kids' zone with rides and inflatables. The Johns Creek Symphony will perform at 7pm Saturday night, followed by fireworks. Festival hours are 10am-6pm on Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday. The event will be held in the meadow across the street from Atlanta Athletic Club on Medlock Bridge Road.