Frequently Asked Questions:
When is the Grant Park Summer Shade Festival this year?
The Grant Park Summer Shade Festival is always held during the last weekend in August. This year’s dates are Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25, 2024 and is the festival’s 22nd year!
What is the Summer Shade Festival?
The Summer Shade Festival is a thriving, two-day in town festival in historic Grant Park, organized by and benefitting the Grant Park Conservancy.
Can I bring my dog?
No, sorry. Dogs are not allowed at outdoor festivals, per Atlanta city ordinance [Section 110-70(d).
What about my cat? Or snake? Or pot-bellied pig?
No, sorry. Can’t bring those (or dogs either). And do you really want to bring your cat to a festival?
Can I bring outside food and drink into the festival?
We strongly encourage all of our festival attendees to patronize the fabulous food vendors we have carefully and thoughtfully selected. We are proud of the wide range of cuisine offerings and are confident that there is something for every craving and budget. You will also find several free water stations throughout the festival, so stay hydrated! It’s hot, even in the shade! Please keep in mind that this is a fundraiser for the Grant Park Conservancy and all the alcohol sales benefit the park. That means you are drinking for a good cause! For this reason, outside alcohol is not allowed.
How many people come to the festival?
Pre-COVID, over the course of both days, the festival gets 30,000 visitors on average. While we do expect to have a high volume of traffic, please be assured that the Festival will take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and fun time for all! It’s a great place to meet your friends, grab a frosty beverage, do some people-watching and enjoy the free entertainment.
Is the festival free?
Yes! There has never been a charge for admission to the Summer Shade Festival. There will be food vendors and an artist market at the festival for your eating & shopping pleasure!
Isn’t there also a 5K race?
Yes! Be sure to register for the Adams Realty 5K Run for the Park held Saturday morning before the festival. Hundreds of runners help kick off the Summer Shade celebration, and you can be one of them! Register here.
Okay, but what about the kids? What does the festival have to offer for them?
Children of all ages can enjoy the Summer Shade Festival Kids Zone. The Kids Zone features art activities, as well as active options such a bungee jump and more. Don’t worry- we’ll keep the kiddos entertained!
What are the hours of the festival?
The festival opens at 10am on Saturday and ends at 10pm on Saturday night. The artist market is open until 6pm on Saturday. The festival opens again at 10:00am on Sunday and wraps up at 6:00pm on Sunday evening.
The festival’s in August. What if I get too hot?
Not to worry! Grant Park houses some of Atlanta’s oldest and shadiest trees to provide relief from the heat. Hence the name “Summer Shade Festival.” And of course, there will be plenty of cold beverages available to keep you hydrated.
What can I do at the festival?
A lot! You can visit our artist market with over 150+ original artists from around the country with both a juried and non-juried component. You can enjoy live entertainment at multiple entertainment venues featuring some of the best local talent in Atlanta. You can eat and drink your face off at one of the many food vendors and beer tents located within the festival. Looking for traditional festival fare or healthy choices? Don’t worry- we have both!
What if I get injured during the festival?
There is an EMT on hand to handle any injuries or medical emergencies that may occur during the festival.
What is the Grant Park Conservancy and why should I support it?
The Grant Park Conservancy (GPC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration and enhancement of Grant Park. We need your support to continue their mission and keep Grant Park a world-class destination for all its visitors. Click here to learn more about becoming a member.
What kind of food can I purchase?
Expect traditional festival fare, such as corn dogs and funnel cakes, but also expect healthier options like salads and frozen yogurt. You will be able to choose from several food vendors serving up everything from BBQ and desserts to tacos and fried fish. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll most likely find something to satisfy your hunger.
Where are the restrooms?
There will be ample port-a-potties & restrooms available throughout the festival. Please refer to the Festival Map for exact locations.
Where can I park?
Grant Park is a high residential neighborhood and street parking is very limited. Two main parking lots can be found by the Zoo on the West (Cherokee) & East (Boulevard) sides of the parks. We hope you will consider using alternative methods of transportation to visit the park and attend the festival.
MARTA Route 9 and MARTA Route 832, are good options for getting here. Of course, you can also walk, rideshare, carpool, ride your bike, ride a Relay Bike, or ride an electric scooter! Don’t ride your horse because there is no place to hitch it while you enjoy the festival, and pets are not allowed.