It’s time to get out of the house and bring your blanket and whole family weekend for the Grant Park Summer Shade Festival.
This free, two-day festival, one of Atlanta’s best festivals, is organized by the Grant Park Conservancy, is a major fundraiser for the nonprofit dedicated to the restoration, maintenance, and beautification of Atlanta’s oldest public park.
When Is the Grant Park Summer Shade Festival This Year?
The 23rd Annual Grant Park Summer Shade Festival will take place on Saturday, August 23, and Sunday, August 24, 2025, in Atlanta’s historic Grant Park, located at 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315.
Event Details
- Dates and Hours:
- Saturday, August 23: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday, August 24: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Admission: Free for all ages, though food, drinks, and vendor purchases cost extra.
- Location: Grant Park, known for its lush canopy of mature trees providing ample shade, making it a comfortable outdoor experience despite August heat.
- Purpose: The festival supports the Grant Park Conservancy’s mission to preserve and enhance the park’s 131 acres through ecological care and restoration projects.
Key Highlights
- Adams Realtors Run for the Park 5K:
- Kicks off Saturday at 8 a.m. at the main entrance to Zoo Atlanta (800 Cherokee Ave SE).
- Features a 5K, Stroller Stroll, and a free Tot Trot for kids 5 and under.
- Registration: $40 until August 18, $45 from August 19 through race day. Register at summershadefestival.org.
- A Peachtree Road Race qualifier, with proceeds supporting the Conservancy.
- Participants 21+ receive a complimentary draft beer at Dakota Blue (valid ID and race bib required).
- Live Music:
- Performances on two stages (Main Stage and Gazebo Stage) feature local and regional talent.
- While the 2025 lineup hasn’t been announced, past festivals included acts like Magnapop, Higher Choir, and Front Porch Session Players. Check summershadefestival.org for updates closer to the event.
- Artist and Vintage Market:
- Over 140 regional vendors, including a curated artist market and a vintage showcase by GVG Events.
- Features handcrafted items, antiques, furniture, memorabilia, and consumables (no mass-produced goods).
- Artists are juried and non-juried; applications are reviewed in order of receipt (deadline: August 15, 2025).
- Food and Drink:
- A variety of local food trucks and vendors offer traditional festival fare (corn dogs, funnel cakes) and healthier options (salads, frozen yogurt).
- Notable vendors from past years include Williamson Bros. BBQ, Ms. Pearl’s BBQ, Six Feet Under, and Mi Barrio.
- Craft beer, cocktails, and other beverages are available, with alcohol sales benefiting the Conservancy. Outside alcohol is prohibited.
- Free water stations are provided to keep attendees hydrated.
- Family-Friendly Activities:
- Kids Zone: Free activities for all ages, including sensory tables (water beads, moon sand), spin art, magic shows, and instrument-making stations. Paid options include a bungee trampoline, obstacle course, toddler playland, and giant slide.
- Deep South Wrestling: Two daily family-friendly wrestling performances near the Gazebo Stage.
- Move & Groove: A Sunday morning activation hosted by the Grant Park Parents Network, featuring yoga and dancing.
Final Word
Like every year, the festival will kick off early Saturday with the Adams Realtors Run for the Park 5K. There will be a tot trot and a stroller race and runners will be awarded by age group. The funds raised will go to support the Grant Park Conservancy.
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Take a Deep Dive Into Atlanta
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