Atlanta's Piedmont Park will be the site of several large festivals this fall. The popular public park, located in midtown, has been hosting events for more than a century. During the fall of 2012, the Atlanta Arts Festival, Music Midtown, and the Atlanta Gay Pride Festival are scheduled to take place at Piedmont Park.
Art lovers can enjoy the 6th Annual Atlanta Arts Festival the weekend of September 15-16. The festival will feature a juried art show with 200 participants from around the country. Artist categories will include painting, sculpture, photography, glass blowing, leather work, and metal craft. Attendees may participate in interactive learning experiences and classes, as well as watch demonstrations. The festival will also have live musical entertainment, children's activities, and food. Festival hours will be 10am-7pm on Saturday and 10am-6pm on Sunday. Admission to the festival is free.
Music Midtown is scheduled for September 21-22 at Piedmont Park's 10th Street Meadow. Music Midtown is one of Atlanta's favorite musical festivals. The 2012 festival has a full lineup of musical talent that will be performing on two stages. Artists will include Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Van Hunt, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, TI, the Avett Brothers, Girl Talk, Atlanta's own Ludacris, and others. A full food court will be available on site for festival attendees. Festival hours are 4-11pm on Friday evening and 1-11pm on Saturday. Advance purchase general admission tickets are $100 for 2 days and $55 for 1 day. VIP ticket packages are also available.
The Atlanta Gay Pride Festival is the largest Pride event in the Southeast. The 2012 event is scheduled for October 12-14 at Piedmont Park. A variety of booths will be set up at the festival site including businesses, service organizations, churches, and health organizations. Scheduled entertainment for the weekend will be Andy Bell of Erasure, Rita Ora, dance diva Kristine W., and Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls. Other featured festival activities are parades and a popular cabaret show. The festival kicks off at 7pm on Friday evening.
Atlanta's Piedmont Park is located 2 miles northeast of downtown, north of 10th Street between Piedmont Avenue and Monroe Drive. Entrance gates are located at 12th St, 14th St, Westminster, Worcester Dr, Park Dr, and Charles Allen Dr at 10th St. Vehicle parking in the park is limited, especially during large events. Parking in surrounding neighborhoods is restricted. The multilevel SAGE Parking Garage is located at Atlanta Botanical Garden. Festival attendees are encouraged to take MARTA transportation to midtown and walk to the park.