Virginia-Highland Summerfest

This June, Virginia-Highland Summerfest returns for its 39th year and once again offers a full weekend of fun. After condensing to a one-day event during the pandemic, the annual welcome to summer has returned to its original two-day format with fine art, crafts, live music, a 5K run, children's activities and more.

39th-Annual Virginia-Highland Summerfest
Summerfest takes place Saturday, June 8 (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and Sunday, June 9 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) on Virginia Avenue between North Highland Avenue and Park Drive and John Howell Park. The weekend begins with the Friday Night Kick-off Party June 7 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Complimentary Entrance
There is no admission fee to attend Summerfest - entrance is free!

Artist Market
Known for its Fine Art Market, Summerfest welcomes 200 artists working in a variety of mediums, such as clay, fiber, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography sculpture and more. For this juried market, local and national artists are on-site, ready to discuss, share and sell their work. Visitors will find a breadth of styles and price points to accommodate any taste and budget.

Makers' Market
In addition to the Fine Art Market, Summerfest features the popular Makers' Market, where vendors offer crafts and artisan products. Visitors to this market will find shoppable options like handmade self-care items, plants, pet accessories and treats, one-of-a-kind snacks and spreads, gourmet food items and more. Everything here is handcrafted by the participating vendor.

Live Music Stage
Summerfest is also known for its live music that hits the John Howell Park stage throughout the weekend. From recognized local acts to nationally acclaimed singer-songwriters, performances at Summerfest have introduced many attendees to their new favorite band. And like the festival itself, this local concert in the park is free.

This year's music line-up includes:

Saturday, June 8
1:30 p.m. The Mammoths
3 p.m. Illiterate Light - alternative rock duo
4:45 p.m. The Whigs - rock trio
6:30 p.m. Mo Lowda and the Humble - indie rock

Sunday, June 9
12:15 p.m. Kobanova - folk rock/alternative
1:45 p.m. The Vegabonds - Southern rock
3:30 p.m. Stop Light Observations - rock, pop, indie with electronic beats and soulful vocals

Summerfest 5K
Before the summer heat ascends, fleet-footed Atlantans can hit the pavement at the Summerfest 5K Run, taking place festival Saturday morning. An AJC Peachtree Road Race Qualifier, this 5K has been a local favorite for 31 years and welcomes runners, walkers, rollers and strollers. It features a scenic course through the tree-lined streets of the beautiful historic Virginia-Highland neighborhood, and participants get a free drink and a commemorative T-shirt.

The Summerfest 5K Run takes place Saturday, June 8 at 8 a.m. Registration starts at $35: https://www.vahisummerfest.org/run/.

Tot Trot
Family-friendly Summerfest has an opportunity for young runners to get a taste of the racing bug at Tot Trot 2024. Kids 10 and younger can participate in this quick run, get their own T-shirt and cross their own finish line.

The Summerfest Tot Trot takes place Saturday, June 8 at 9:30 a.m. Registration starts at $10: https://www.vahisummerfest.org/run/.

Kidsfest
Located in the field next to Virginia Highland Elementary, Kidsfest features games, hands-on arts and crafts, and kid-focused activities for the festival's younger attendees. Many activities are free, and Kidsfest is open festival Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Summerfest Food and Beverage Options
Because the festival is located in the thriving Virginia-Highland neighborhood, visitors can enjoy a wide range of fare from local restaurants. The festival site also includes an array of festival food vendors, as well as beverages, beer, wine and cocktails.

Friday Night Kick-off Party
Summerfest officially gets started at the Friday Night Kick-off Party, an annual event in support of John Howell Park renovations. This outdoor celebration includes a special live music performance, raffle, silent auction, and the option to purchase food and beverages from select vendors.

General admission tickets are $10 for VAHI residents, and $15 for non-residents. Children younger than 2 are free. The Kick-off Party takes place Friday, June 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. https://www.vahisummerfest.org/kick-off-party/

URLs:
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2435863-0?pid=176
Facebook: https://go.evvnt.com/2435863-2?pid=176
Instagram: https://go.evvnt.com/2435863-3?pid=176 

Artists / Speakers: Mo Lowda and the Humble, Illiterate Light, The Whigs, The Mamoths, Kabanova, The Vegabonds, Stop Light Observations

Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm