Atlanta Dogwood Festival

On April 19, 1936, Atlanta invited the world to attend her first Dogwood Festival. Walter Rich, president of ADF and founder of Rich’s department store, sought to make Atlanta internationally known for the blooming of the dogwood trees during the, then, week-long event. Trees were planted in all parts of Atlanta under the sponsorship of garden clubs and spirited citizens interested in the beautification of the city. Over the last 85+ years, the Festival has continued its springtime tradition of showcasing fine artists from all over the country, and local high school artists (AHSAE), over the course of a weekend, right here in Piedmont Park. The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is a 501(c)(3) organization, Atlanta's oldest event and the third oldest festival in the country.