Georgia Renaissance Festival

Every weekend from mid April to early June, Atlanta steps back in time into a magical era where kings and queens ruled the land and knights in shining armor battled to the death for a fair maiden’s hand. The Georgia Renaissance Festival is one of the most popular events of the year as it combines food, fun and family-oriented festivities all in one show-stopping venue.

Whether you are a Georgia Renaissance Festival newbie or a seasoned veteran, there is something for everyone at this entertaining festival held just south of Downtown Atlanta. Located in a huge outdoor space, the Georgia Renaissance Festival is set up like a miniature kingdom with three key areas; Olde Town, Royal Highlands and the Queen’s Garden which offer different activities, entertainment and food.

The festival also features themed weekends, which highlight special entertainment or activities that the entire family can enjoy. One of the most popular themed weekends is the Highland Fling weekend, which is a celebration of Irish culture, dance and music. Another popular weekend is the Arrgh! Pirates Weekend, where visitors dress up as their favorite pirate characters and participate in fun pirate themed activities.

One can’t experience the Georgia Renaissance Festival without indulging in the sumptuous food options. Whether you want to experience authentic Renaissance era food by enjoying a giant smoked turkey leg or you simply have a craving for something fried and fabulous, the abundance of delicious food available at the festival is truly a feat in itself.

In addition to the colorfully dressed attendees and the symphony of amusing old world jargon floating through the air, there are plenty of fun rides and games for the children in all of us. Sectioned off according to the three different areas, there are slides, basket toss, rock climbing walls, swinging ships and much more.

With so much to see and do, it comes as no surprise that the Georgia Renaissance Festival is one of the crown jewels of Atlanta’s popular summer festival season.

Dates:
The 2010 Georgia Renaissance Festival takes place on eight different weekends from April 17 through June 6, 2010.

• April 17-18
• April 24-25
• May 1-2
• May 8-9
• May 15-16
• May 22-23
• May 29-31 (Memorial Day)
• June 5-6

Hours:
10:30am to 6pm

Location:
Just minutes south of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
6905 Virlyn B Smith Rd
Fairburn GA 30213

Admission:
Adults $19.95
Senior Tickets (60+) $17.95
Child Tickets (6-12) $8.95
Children 5 and under are free.
All ticket prices include tax.

All entertainment, including the jousting shows and children’s play kingdom and petting zoo, is included with the price of admission. Food, drinks, arts and crafts, souvenirs, games and rides are optional at an additional fee.

Parking:
Free

For more information, call (770) 964-8575.

Atlanta Film Festival

The 2010 Atlanta Film Festival takes place in Atlanta, Georgia every April and is a celebration of film that features over 160 independent, international short, classic, documentary and animated films. The festival began in 1977 and is an Academy Award qualifying, international film festival. The 2010 festival begins on Thursday, April 15, 2010 with a screening of Stanley Nelson’s FREEDOM RIDERS. The last film to be shown at the event takes place on Friday April 23, 2010 with the Southeastern premiere of Barr Weissman’s SECRET TO A HAPPY ENDING, a behind-the-scenes documentary of the Athens, Georgia band Drive-By Truckers.

Opening Night Location – April 15:
The Carter Center
One Copenhill
453 Freedom Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30307

Closing Night Location – April 23:
The 14th Street Playhouse
173 14th Street
Atlanta GA 30309

Location for Regular Screenings – April 16-22:
Landmark Midtown Art Cinema
931 Monroe Drive
Atlanta, GA 30308

For more information, please call the Atlanta Film Festival at (404) 352-4225 or visit http://www.atlantafilmfestival.com

Atlanta Dogwood Festival

The 74th annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival takes place in Piedmont Park on April 16, 17 and 18, 2010. The weekend event features art, music, and food as well as the chance to enjoy the beautiful spring weather in Atlanta.

Admission:
Free

Hours:
Friday, April 16, 2010 from noon to 9pm
Saturday, April 17, 2010 from 10am to 9pm
Sunday, April 18, 2010 from 10am to 5pm

Parking:
Parking is extremely limited so it is recommended that you take MARTA to the Arts Center Station or the Midtown Station on 10th Street and walk east on 10th Street straight to Piedmont Park.

For more information, call (404) 817-6642.

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