How Great Thou Art: Midtown Festival of the Arts
Nothing is better than following something from the very beginning. There is a sense of kinship and a personal element when you are among the first to witness a special event. Such is the case with the first annual Midtown Festival of the Arts, which will join the elite group of Atlanta festivals as the resident newcomer. This weekend all of Atlanta will have a chance to check out the city’s finest art, including that of the edible and wearable variety. Bring the whole family down to the inaugural celebration of Midtown’s finest artistic representatives.
Taking place on the “Midtown Mile” (an area on Peachtree between 5th & 10th street) and with official endorsement from Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, the Midtown Festival of the Arts is off to a great start. The cool thing about this festival is it flows through Midtown, with each attraction at a different street. For a two-day event, it is jam-packed with things to do. On Saturday September 25, the festival commences with the Midtown Road Race at 9 a.m.on 14th and Peachtree in Colony Square. Between 5th & 10th is the Artist Market where over 100 of the nation’s most talented artists from various mediums such as ceramics, painting, photography and jewelry, will have their wares set up inside booths for sale from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Also on 10th is a Kids Zone where Atlanta kiddies can have all the fun their little hearts desire until 7 p.m. Food, activities and performances are scheduled to keep them well entertained and satisfied. Down on 8th is the culinary stage where the Chef Demos begin. Some of the city’s best and brightest showcase their superior skills in the kitchen, complete with samples from the stable of restaurants from Fifth Group for the audience. Each demonstration starts every hour from noon to 5 p.m. Also sponsored by Fifth Group is the highly anticipated Plates on Peachtree on 7th street. This ticket-only event ($30 in advance, $40 at the door) includes restaurant-sized portions and beverages from 14 of the hottest eateries in the city, and it’s an hourly occurrence from noon to 5 p.m. Rounding out the day at the main stage on 5th, 6th and 7th streets is the Acoustic Café from 1- 10 p.m., Performing Arts starting at 10:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. and the Choral Arts from 2- 5 p.m., showcasing live performances by local bands, choirs and solo acts. Once the sun sets Driving Miss Daisy will be played on a huge screen in front of Margaret Mitchell House on 8th street.
If Saturday finds you tied up or if you just had to go back for another round of fun, the itinerary for Sunday is practically the same with exception of hour later start times for events that previously began at 10 a.m. With so many things to do, I can guarantee that Midtown Festival of the Arts will become an instant Atlanta favorite. Run, don’t walk down Peachtree and enjoy all the festivities!
For more information visit Midtown Festival of the Arts.