Now that all those spring showers have turned into May flowers, metro Atlanta is bustling with activities, including festivals and fairs , that are taking center stage.
From barbecue and beer to artwork and pets, there's a little something for everyone in your family at some of the best festivals in the state. So, pack up your lawn chairs, bring along an appetite and get ready for some fun in the sun with these community-rich, not-to-miss festivals taking place in May.
Credit: Courtesy of Big South Productions
Credit: Courtesy of Big South Productions
Gwinnett Beer Fest. 1-5 p.m. May 5. $40-$50 per person. Coolray Field. 2500 Buford Drive, Lawrenceville. www.gwinnettbeerfest.com.
The Fourth Annual Gwinnett Beer Fest takes over Coolray Field on May 5th with over 150craft beer samplings, live music, delicious food, fun activities and more. This festival is for adults only.
Credit: Contributed by Pigs and Peaches BBQ Festival
Credit: Contributed by Pigs and Peaches BBQ Festival
Atlanta BBQ Festival. 1-5 p.m., 5-9 p.m. Saturday, May 5, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, May 6. $45-$60 per person. Atlantic Station. Market Street, Atlanta. 404-406-1403. www.atlbbqfest.com.
The two-day Atlanta BBQ Festival is back and this year's event will include food from some of Atlanta's best barbecue restaurants, a competition with over 30 professional barbecue teams from around the South, live music and an interactive children's play area.
Snellville Days. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, May 5 noon-5 p.m. Sunday, May 6. Free. Briscoe Park. 2500 Sawyer Parkway, Snellville. www.snellvilledays.org.
Briscoe Park will host Snellville Days on May 5 and 6 with over 200 vendors featuring crafts, organizations, food and sponsors ad well as field running for the kids, live entertainment and a farmer's market with Master Gardeners.
Woofstock. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, May 6. Free. Suwanee Town Center Park. 404-238-9445. www.woofstockatl.com.
Star 94.1 and more than 50 non-profits and rescues will host Woofstock, one of the biggest events for pet adoption in the Southeast. This year's event will include dog contests, live music, pet adoptions, arts and crafts, pet vendors, food trucks and more.
Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival. 4-10:30 p.m. Friday, May 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 12. Cauble Park at Acworth Beach. 4425 Beach St., Acworth. 770-714-7135. www.smokeonthelake.org.
Hang out on Lake Acworth May 11 and 12 during the Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival, which will feature mouth-watering food, family-friendly performances and entertainment, inflatables, dance competitions and live music.
Slingin' Wings Festival. Noon-8 p.m. May 12. $14-$35 per person. Brookhaven Park. 2660 Osborne Road, Brookhaven. www.slinginwingsfestival.com.
Enjoy some of the best wings in the Metro at the Slingin' Wings Festival taking place at Brookhaven Park on May 12. Along with great eats from local restaurants, guests will enjoy cool drinks, live music, contests and activities to benefit Releash Atlanta.
Credit: Jonathan Phillips
Credit: Jonathan Phillips
Chastain Park Arts Festival. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 12, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 13. Free. Chastain Park. 4469 Stella Drive, Atlanta. www.chastainparkartsfestival.com.
Don't miss the Chastain Park Arts Festival with over 185 artists and crafters showcasing their works, a children's area, gourmet food trucks, acoustic musicians, local food and beverage concessions and more.
Dunwoody Art Festival. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, May 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 13. Free. 1449 Dunwoody Village Parkway, Dunwoody. www.splashfestivals.com.
With over 50,000 visitors last year, the Dunwoody Art Festival will fill Dunwoody Village with a sweeping array of arts and crafts, live music, a Kidz Zone that includes rides, crafts and games, local food and entertainment.
Marietta Greek Festival. 3-11 p.m. Friday, May 18, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, May 20. $5 per person, free for children ages 12 and under. Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. 3431 Trickum Road, Marietta. 770-924-8080. www.mariettagreekfestival.com.
Experience the traditions and flavors of Greek culture at the Marietta Greek Festival, which takes place at Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church from May 18 to 20. You'll see authentic Greek performances in the only Greek amphitheater in the South, traditional foods, live music, games and activities, arts and crafts and a guided tour of the Byzantine-themed sanctuary.
PAWfest. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 19. Free. Briscoe Park. 2500 Sawyer Pkwy, Snellville. www.gwinnetthumane.wixsite.com.
The PAWfest pet festival s back in it's 25th year with a pack hike, silent auction, cake walks, free dog nail trims, low-cost vaccines, vendors and kid's activities.
Decatur Arts Festival. 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 25-27. Free. Downtown Decatur. Old Courthouse Square, Decatur. www.decaturartsfestival.com.
Make sure to visit Downtown Decatur on Memorial Day weekend for the Decatur Arts Festival, which will include an artist's market, live music and performances, comedy, literary events, a children's festival and parade, dancing and the Artwalk.
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