Marietta Art in the Park festival returns Labor Day weekend Archives

Submitted information and photo: Marietta Art in the Park festival returns Labor Day weekend

For three days during Labor Day weekend, the Marietta square will come alive with 200+ fine artists, painted pots, chalk art, activities for children, live music and more at Marietta Art in the Park.

Cobb County’s only fine art festival, this 39th annual event is expected to draw more than 55,000 attendees. In addition to enjoying the festival features, visitors can browse numerous businesses, restaurants and cultural institutions located in the historic neighborhood. A portion of the proceeds from Art in the Park benefits the Marietta Business Association.

FINE ART & FINE ARTISTS

More than 200 fine artists from throughout the country have been chosen to be part of the juried Art in the Park Artist Market. Showcasing work in numerous mediums, genres and styles, these artists are present and ready to discuss their work and creative process with festival attendees.

The Artist Market gives visitors the chance to view and purchase works in acrylic, oil and mixed media, as well as jewelry, pottery, glass, photography, metal, wood and digital media. There are styles and price points to appeal to every art lover on site. Art in the Park attendees can also admire the Painted Pots display, a long-time favorite feature that brings together stunning and sometimes surprising examples of ceramic craft.

STREET PAINTING WITH CHALK

Once again, Art in the Park has teamed up with the Marietta High School Visual Arts Program to host the Chalk Spot street art experience, presented by GPB. This year, Chalk Spot also welcomes chalk artist Jessica Gurell, senior graphic artist at GPB, who will be on-site Saturday, creating fleeting masterpieces featuring PBS Kids characters and Georgia and Marietta themes on the street.

Art in the Park will also include elevated chalk activities and games throughout the festival, such as hopscotch, an obstacle course or tic-tac-toe.

For participants, Chalk Spot offers the chance to make their mark on a 3-ft. square space on a closed street festival Saturday, Aug. 30. Using chalk, young artists will draw their own one-of-a-kind illustrations, which will remain on display throughout festival weekend (weather permitting). The fee to participate is $10, and pre-registration is not required. Participating children will receive a box of sidewalk chalk and two tickets to the North Georgia State Fair (while supplies last).

CHILDREN’S ART ALLEY

There are plenty of possibilities for younger kids to enjoy themselves at Art in the Park too, and the emphasis is on creativity! Families can head to Children’s Art Alley to find activities, games and crafts for kids, many of which offer free participation. Activities like face painting and sand art require a small fee.

FOOD & BEVERAGES

The historic square features a variety of local eateries that will be open during Art in the Park, and Glover Park Brewing will be on-site with ice cold brews on tap. Additional beverages, including wine, soft drinks and water will be sold throughout the festival.

LIVE MUSIC

The gazebo in the center of Marietta Square comes alive throughout the three-day festival with complimentary performances from local singer/songwriters. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to sit back, relax and enjoy the tunes. Sponsored by the North Georgia State Fair.

TAKING A TOUR

Attendees can make even more of their Art in the Park experience by visiting the shops, boutiques, museums and galleries throughout Marietta Square or taking a self-guided walking tour of the city’s historic district.

DATE & TIME

Saturday, Aug. 30 – Monday, Sept. 1, 2025

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, includes Children’s Art Alley

Chalk Spot – Saturday, Aug. 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

LOCATION

Glover Park on the Historic Marietta Square

50 N. Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060

Free Festival Admission

PARKING

There are many options for Art in the Park parking. The Marietta City Hall Parking Deck (205 Lawrence Street) has free weekend and weekday evening parking, and free on-street parking is available around Marietta Square. Additional free and paid parking is available in nearby lots. Parking information is available here:

https://www.mariettaga.gov/1462/Downtown-Parking

FEES

Attendance at Marietta Art in the Park is free! Chalk Spot registration $10 on-site (supplies are limited).

WHO

Professionally managed, Art in the Park’s mission is to showcase fine art, support local downtown business and bring a positive economic impact to the historic square. Marietta Art in the Park is one of the oldest annual events in the city.

Marietta Art in the Park and Marietta Business Association awarded a $1,000 scholarship to a Marietta High School student toward a post-secondary degree in the arts.

AWARDS

Since 2007, Art in the Park has been honored as a Top 200 Event, ranked in the Top 100 in the nation in the Classic and Contemporary Craft Shows by Sunshine Artist Magazine.

Festival Map & More Information: http://www.artparkmarietta.com/
Festival hotline – 404-966-8497

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!