The city, community, and local partners come together to keep Atlanta’s longest-running spring tradition alive.
Atlanta’s cherished Dogwood Festival has been given a new lease on life. After announcing a critical financial shortfall earlier this year, the nonprofit organization behind the city’s signature spring event confirmed that the 90th annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival will move forward in April 2026, thanks to an outpouring of support from the community, corporate sponsors, and the City of Atlanta.
In August, festival organizers shared that they needed to raise $250,000 by November 1, 2025, to close a 25% budget gap caused by rising production costs. Now, as of late October, the festival has raised over $71,000 through individual donations, philanthropic contributions from Deen Day Sanders and The Rich’s Foundation, and newfound flexibility from the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office.
The city’s approval to allow a nominal entrance fee—while keeping Piedmont Park open and unfenced—proved to be a game-changer. “We are delighted to announce that the 90th annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival will take place in April 2026,” said Brian Hill, the festival’s executive director. “The ability to charge an entrance fee — something previously not allowed under our permit — will be a tremendous help.”
Even with this progress, challenges remain. The festival still faces a shortfall and will need continued financial support to ensure its long-term sustainability. Yet, optimism is high. “With the potential for additional revenue from ticket fees, we’re confident this will stabilize the festival for years to come,” Hill said.
Founded in 1936 by Walter Rich, the Dogwood Festival is Atlanta’s oldest outdoor arts festival and one of the top fine arts festivals in the nation. Each spring, the event transforms Piedmont Park into a vibrant showcase of creativity and culture. More than 250 artists from across the country exhibit their work, while the Atlanta High School Art Exhibition highlights young local talent. The International Stage celebrates the city’s global diversity through music and dance, and families enjoy creative activities, food, and live entertainment all weekend long.
Like many arts organizations, the Dogwood Festival has faced financial headwinds in recent years, from the pandemic’s lingering effects to rising production costs—up 25–30% since 2020. Expenses tied to security, rentals, and infrastructure have made it increasingly difficult to sustain a large-scale, free event.
To help close that gap, the 2026 festival will implement modest ticket prices: $5 on Friday and $10 on Saturday and Sunday, with family packages and weekend passes available both online and at the gate.
As Atlanta gears up to celebrate 90 years of art, music, and springtime blooms, the Dogwood Festival stands as a reminder of what community can do when creativity and collaboration come together.
The Atlanta Dogwood Festival returns April 10–12, 2026, at Piedmont Park. Learn more and donate at www.dogwood.org, and follow updates on Instagram @dogwoodfestival and Facebook /atlantadogwoodfestival.
