Sweet Auburn Festival Date Time Location and Artists
The Sweet Auburn Festival is one of the most vibrant and historic festivals in Atlanta, Georgia. This event brings people together to celebrate music, art, food, and the deep African American heritage of the Sweet Auburn district. With thousands attending every year, this street festival keeps growing in popularity.
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History of the Sweet Auburn Festival
The Sweet Auburn Festival, founded in 1984 by Hosea Williams, celebrates the rich history of Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn District, once a thriving center for African American culture and commerce. It was created to revitalize the area and honor its significance. Over the years, the festival grew, especially under the leadership of Charles Edward Johnson, who expanded it to include music, art, and community activities. Today, it continues to celebrate the legacy and contributions of Atlanta’s African American community.
What Type of Festival it is?
The Festival is a free, family friendly street festival celebrating African American culture in Atlanta. It features live music, art, food, kids’ activities, and wellness booths.
This event promotes community pride, supports local businesses, and honors the rich Black heritage of the Sweet Auburn district.
Festival Location
The Sweet Auburn Festival is held in the Sweet Auburn Historic District, located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The exact spot is John Wesley Dobbs Avenue NE, a location rich in Black history. The area is famously known as the birthplace of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Every May, this historical neighborhood transforms into a lively street celebration filled with people, performances, and culture. Its central location makes it easy to reach using public transport like MARTA, Atlanta’s train system. Parking in the area is limited, so using public transit or rideshare is strongly advised.
Festival Features
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Event | Music concerts, dance shows, live DJ sets |
| Kids Area | Games, bounce houses, storytelling |
| Art Section | Paintings, sculptures, local crafts |
| Food Court | Soul food, BBQ, vegan dishes, desserts |
| Wellness Zone | Health screenings, mental health education |
Who Is HeldingThis Festival?
The Festival is organized by Sweet Auburn Works, a nonprofit group dedicated to revitalizing and promoting the Sweet Auburn neighborhood. They work closely with community leaders, local business owners, and city organizations to bring the event to life.
The team behind the festival includes event planners, cultural advisors, and Atlanta city officials, all working together to ensure the festival runs smoothly. Their mission is to keep the spirit of Sweet Auburn alive while supporting Black entrepreneurs and artists.
Motive Behind This Festival
The main goal of the Sweet Auburn Festival is to honor the cultural and historical importance of the Sweet Auburn neighborhood. This district was once called the “richest Negro street in the world” during the early 20th century because of its thriving Black owned businesses.
By hosting this festival each year, the organizers aim to:
- Support small businesses and local artists
- Celebrate African American achievements and culture
- Educate visitors about the civil rights movement
- Create a space for families to enjoy quality time
- Promote health awareness through wellness booths
This festival is not just a fun event. It is also a movement to preserve history and build a stronger future for the community.
Sweet Auburn Festival Dates
| Festival Name | Dates | Time | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweet Auburn Music Fest | September 27-28, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily | Free |
| Sweet Auburn Springfest | May 10-11, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily | Free |
Sweet Auburn Festival Highlights
| Edition | Timing | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| SpringFest | May 10–11, 2025 | Free concerts, kids’ zone, wellness booths, dance offs, community vendors |
| Music Fest | Sept 27–28, 2025 | Urban music lineup, 500+ exhibitors, global food court, motivational talks |
Attendance at the Sweet Auburn Festival
The Festival draws thousands of attendees from across the United States each year. Families, students, tourists, artists, and community leaders come together to enjoy a weekend of culture, music, food, and history.
The event offers a safe, welcoming environment for all age groups. Its focus on heritage and community pride makes it especially popular among those who value African American history and local art.
Performers at the Sweet Auburn Festival
Some of the performers at the Festival:
| Performer Name | Performance Type |
|---|---|
| Melissa Cross | Live Vocal Performance |
| Queen Isis | Rap & Spoken Word |
| TeAüna Symone | Vocal & Acoustic Set |
| Travis Daniel | Solo Act |
| Cellus | Featured Artist |
| Low Key | Smooth Vocal Performance |
| Kimmestry | Band Act |
| Marii the Entertainer | Dance & Comedy |
Conclusion
The Sweet Auburn Festival is a must-see event if you love music, food, and history. It is a celebration of pride and progress. Set in one of America’s most historic Black neighborhoods, it brings the past and present together in the best way.
From families with kids to solo travelers, from food lovers to music fans—everyone finds joy at the Festival. It’s more than a festival. It’s a feeling. A connection to something real and lasting.
