Virginia-Highland Kicks Off Summer

MIDTOWN, GA - From Virginia-Highland Summerfest: The 36th annual Virginia-Highland Summerfest celebrates the season of fun in one of the city’s most charming historic neighborhoods June 1-2, 2019. Presented by the Virginia-Highland Civic Association, Summerfest brings together a juried Artist Market featuring 200+ artists, the popular Makers Market, fantastic live music on multiple stages, children’s activities, a 5K and tasty offerings to eat and drink.

ART

The juried Artist Market includes 200+ fine artists from the Southeast and beyond displaying works in a variety of media and representing numerous price ranges to appeal to any level of collector. Festival visitors can expect to find works in a wide range of media, such as painting, sculpture, jewelry, textiles/fiber arts, photography, clay, wood, metal, graphics and mixed media.

MAKERS MARKET
For 2019, Summerfest is thrilled to expand the local market, now called Makers Market, where visitors will find handcrafted, locally produced items like honey, soaps, dog treats and candles. This popular area features 50+ artisans and vendors this year who offer one-of-a-kind items that ignite the senses.

MUSIC
Summerfest has earned recognition for its live music stage, where renowned local musicians and nationally acclaimed singer-songwriters perform throughout the entire weekend. The music line-up will be published in April at http://www.vahisummerfest.org/. What’s more, all musical performances at Summerfest are free!

In addition to the main stage, Summerfest hosts an Acoustic Street Party at Virginia/Highland Island on Friday, May 30 from 8 to 11 p.m. and on Saturday, June 1 from 9 to 11 p.m.

KIDS
Each year, families enjoy visiting KidsFest, a special area for younger festival attendees with games, crafts, kid-themed entertainment and activities, many of which are free. This year’s KidsFest will take place on Arcadia Street and in John Howell Park adjacent to Arcadia on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

5K
The Summerfest 5K Road Race takes place the morning of Saturday, June 1 and welcomes runners, walkers and strollers to enjoy winding their way through the streets of the charming Virginia-Highland neighborhood. Registered runners 21 and older will receive a complimentary beer following the race. Advance registration via Active.com is encouraged: https://www.active.com/atlanta-ga/running/distance-running-races/virginia-highland-summerfest-5k-2019?int=. The Summerfest 5K is an official AJC Peachtree Road Race Qualifier!

FOOD
Summerfest features a range of delicious food from an array of festival vendors and local restaurants. Beverages, beer, wine and cocktails are available throughout the festival grounds.

WHEN:
Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Artist Market and Makers Market close at 6:30 p.m.)
Sunday, June 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

LOCATION:
Virginia Avenue between North Highland Avenue and Park Drive and John Howell Park.

PARKING:
Summerfest offers an onsite bike valet. Limited, paid parking is available in certain business lots. Handicap parking is also available.

FEES:
Admission to Summerfest is free!

WHO:
Summerfest is sponsored by the Virginia-Highland Civic Association (VHCA), a volunteer-run, non-profit organization that helps maintain Virginia-Highland as one of the most livable urban communities in the United States. The VHCA leads and supports planning and zoning initiatives and the development and maintenance of North Highland Park along with other neighborhood initiatives, such as recent improvements to John Howell Park, sidewalks, safety, lighting and crime prevention programs. The VHCA also provides financial support to local schools, the public library, the historic firehouse and other organizations serving Virginia-Highland residents.

The 36th annual Virginia-Highland Summerfest is generously supported by Smirnoff, Bulleit and Captain Morgan.

More information is available at www.vahisummerfest.com or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/vahisummerfest.