10 Oct Five fun Fall festivals in Atlanta

Festivals and celebrations are perfect any time of the year. During the fall, however, Atlanta is overflowing with events for every interest. From art to science fiction to food, the city squeezes dozens of festivals into this single time of the year. The following are five of the more interesting fall festivals in Atlanta.

Festival on Ponce

The Festival on Ponce is an arts and crafts festival set in historic Olmsted Linear Park. The landscape was designed by Fredrick Olmsted Sr. and showcases over 125 displays of fine arts and crafts. There is a children’s area and attendance is free. The event partners with the Greater Atlanta Hadassah Chapter to raise funds for the Hadassah Medical Organization. This organization is world- renowned as a pioneer in medical research that benefits people all over the world. Hadassah Medical Organization provides care to over one million patients a year.

JapanFest

This festival focuses on the modern aspects of American and Japanese cultures as well as preserving traditions. Its mission is to improve understanding and appreciation between Japanese and Americans in the Southeast. Events include kimono fashion shows, odd foods and ethnic cuisine, anime film screenings, and introduction to the latest technological innovations from the fast-paced country. Also included are music and traditional dance performances and demonstrations of martial arts styles. The festival has won the distinction of being selected as a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society on three occasions.

Indian Festival at Stone Mountain Park

Celebrations of the nation’s first people are a part of the Indian Festival and Pow-Wow at Stone Mountain Park. The festival features dancing and drumming competitions in addition to storytelling, authentic food and arts and crafts. There are skills workshops teaching pottery, open-fire cooking and bow-making. Visitors make participate in interactive experiences and purchase pieces from world-renowned artists in the marketplace. This four-day festival was also named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society.

Dragon Con

Hailed as the nation’s largest multimedia multi-genre pop culture convention, Dragon Con focuses on science fiction and fantasy entertainment. It features comics, literature, games, art, film and music. There are also panel discussions and costumes. On Saturday morning the Dragon Con parade is a must-see event. Strolling down Peachtree Street, attendees dress in themed costumes from Star Wars to Star Trek or Harry Potter to Lord of the Rings. The 2012 parade reached over 3000 participants making it the largest parade in Atlanta. Charity events at the convention earned over $45,000 for the Georgia Chapter of the ALS Foundation.

Taste of Atlanta

This celebration of culinary wonder features the best chefs of the city. They join forces to give visitors a hands-on presentation of Atlanta’s sustainable dining mission. In addition to cooking classes, visitors will also be surrounded by samples of local cuisine. More than 80 local restaurants participate and the event also hosts demonstrations from celebrity chefs. Also featured are street performers, live music, kids’ activities and vendors. The three-day festival is located in Technology Square in Midtown.

Some of these festivals are fairly new while others have lasted over 20 years. No matter the time or season, Atlanta is always busy with excitement and culture. What are some of the great Atlanta events of spring and summer?