Virginia-Highland Summerfest Returns June 8-9!
When it’s time to welcome the year’s most relaxing and enjoyable season, Atlantans on the prowl for outdoor, intown activities need look no further than the 39th-annual Virginia-Highland Summerfest. Returned to its two-day format – Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9 – this event is free to attend and celebrates the beauty and spirit of its historic neighborhood setting.
Here are five delightful ways to embrace the summer season at this year’s Summerfest:
1. Hit the Pavement
A local favorite for 31 years, the Summerfest 5K Run is an AJC Peachtree Road Race Qualifier taking place festival Saturday morning (June 8 at 8 a.m.). With a scenic course, a free drink at the finish line and a commemorative T-shirt, the run offers an energetic way to start the weekend. There is also a Tot Trot for kids 10 and younger following the 5K (more on this below).
Summerfest 5K Run registration $40 (price increases to $45 on May 8): https://www.vahisummerfest.org/run/.
2. Support a Community Park
Summerfest is sponsored by the Virginia-Highland Civic Association (VHCA), a volunteer-run, nonprofit organization that supports neighborhood initiatives, such as recent improvements to John Howell Park. Funds raised at the Summerfest Friday Night Kick-off Party go directly to park renovations.
This outdoor party for the park includes a special live music performance from Downbeat Daddy, a hefty raffle and silent auction, and the option to purchase food and beverages from select vendors and food trucks. The Kick-off Party takes place Friday, June 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. https://www.vahisummerfest.org/kick-off-party/
3. Enjoy Tunes Alfresco
Long recognized for its exceptional music line-up, Summerfest once again brings a variety of performers to the stage throughout the weekend. In addition to live music, DJ Sky will spin Saturday and Sunday afternoons in the triangle near the intersection of Virginia and North Highland avenues.
Saturday, June 8
1:30 p.m. The Mammoths
3 p.m. Illiterate Light – alternative rock duo
4:45 p.m. The Whigs
6:30 p.m. Mo Lowda & 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
4. Browse Fine Art & Artisan Crafts
Summerfest is a fine art festival that also celebrates the allure of handcrafted goods. Visitors will find a juried Artist Market featuring fine artists working in a variety of mediums, styles and price points, as well as the Makers’ Market where vendors offer crafts and artisan products — 250 booths in all. In all booths at the markets, the artists and craftspeople themselves will be on-site to talk about their work and inspiration.
5. Get Kiddie with It
It wouldn’t be summer without something special for those elementary school escapees, so Summerfest includes Kidsfest, a dedicated area with games, hands-on arts and crafts, and kid-focused activities. 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.
Festival Saturday following the Summerfest 5K, runners 10 and younger can participate in Tot Trot, a fun run with a kid-sized T-shirt. Tot Trot registration is $10: https://www.vahisummerfest.org/run/.
Dates & Times – Virginia-Highland Summerfest
Friday Night Kick-off Party – June 7 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Kidsfest hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Summerfest 5K Run 8 a.m.
Tot Trot 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, June 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kidsfest hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Summerfest Location
Virginia Avenue between North Highland Avenue and Park Drive and John Howell Park.
Parking at the Festival
Summerfest offers an on-site bike valet. Limited, paid parking is available in certain business lots. Handicap parking is also available.
Complimentary Entrance
Summerfest is free to attend!
About Virginia-Highland Civic Association
Summerfest is sponsored by the Virginia-Highland Civic Association (VHCA), a volunteer-run, nonprofit 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 39th-annual Virginia-Highland Summerfest takes place June 8-9, 2024. More information is available at www.vahisummerfest.org.
