Virginia-Highland Summerfest 2023

Saturday, June 10 on Virginia Avenue between North Highland Avenue and Park Drive and John Howell Park

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Photo credit: Virginia-Highland Summerfest
The 38th-Annual Event Brings Art, Music and a 5K to Atlanta’s Most Charming Neighborhood

The 38th-annual Virginia-Highland Summerfest begins with the Summerfest 5K Run (Saturday, June 10 at 8 a.m.). This AJC Peachtree Road Race Qualifier welcomes runners, walkers and rollers to enjoy the route through the tree-lined streets of the neighborhood, with its stately historic homes and buildings. Registration is $35 and available here. Immediately following the run, kids 10 and younger can participate in the Tot Trot (online registration required).

At 11 a.m., Virginia-Highland Summerfest officially opens and offers a full day of art perusing in the juried Artist Market, shopping in the Makers’ Market, fun for kids in the Kidsfest area (11 a.m. – 3 p.m. only), and food and beverages from an array of festival vendors and local restaurants.

 

Summerfest is recognized for its excellent music lineup, as renowned local musicians and nationally acclaimed singer-songwriters hit the stage each year. This year’s headliner is jam scene luminary Perpetual Groove, and the day also features performances from David Ryan Harris, Flannel Nation and Jive Talk.

Summerfest is known for its outstanding Artist Market, a gathering of more than 150 local and national artists. With a focus on breadth and diversity, the participating artists are chosen to represent a variety of mediums, as well as a range of price points and styles. Nearby, the festival’s popular Makers’ Market features crafts and artisan products. Summerfest is also recognized for its excellent music lineup, and this year’s headliner is jam scene luminary Perpetual Groove. Young visitors will find lots to do in the Kidsfest area, such as games and hands-on arts and crafts activities. The Summerfest 5K Run welcomes all registrants and follows a beautiful route through the tree-lined streets of the neighborhood. There is plenty to eat and drink on-site from festival vendors and local restaurants.

Virginia-Highland Summerfest officially takes place for one day only, but those in the know get started early at the Friday Night Kick-off Party. Held on the eve of the main event, the party is an annual dinner with live music, family-friendly activities, beer and cocktails, and lots of community spirit that raises funds for the John Howell Park renovation.

The Friday Night Kick-off Party takes place on June 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets include fare from local food trucks The Queso Truck and The Cereal Lab; beer, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages courtesy of Coca-Cola and Post Meridiem Spirits; and live music from The Unmentionables and Backyard Birds. Haygood Church’s Happy Camper will provide treats and games for the kids.

All-inclusive tickets to the Friday Night Kick-off Party are $35 for general admission and $10 for kids 12 and younger.