For the 38th year, the historic Marietta Square will come alive Labor Day weekend with Art in the Park, a three-day outdoor event featuring fine art, local live music and creative children’s activities. 

Cobb County’s only fine art festival, the award-winning Marietta Art in the Park is also known for popular features like Children’s Art Alley, Chalk Spot and the Painted Pots. Attracting attendees from nearby neighborhoods as well as the surrounding region, Art in the Park now typically welcomes 50,000 visitors each year.

A portion of the proceeds from Art in the Park benefits the Marietta Business Association, making the event its largest annual fundraiser.

PROFESSIONAL ARTIST MARKET      

The foundation of Art in the Park is the juried fine art Artist Market. During the past three decades, the caliber of artists has only gotten better and better, and in 2024, the festival welcomes more than 220 professional artists from throughout the country.

Working in mediums ranging from acrylics and oils to jewelry, textiles, woodworking and more, Artist Market artists are on-site to talk with visitors, discuss their work and in some cases even offer demonstrations. Artwork is offered in a variety of price ranges and styles, and attendees also have the opportunity to commission work directly from the artists.

CREATIVE CHALK ART

This year’s Chalk Spot, the popular interactive street art display for children, takes place Saturday, Aug. 31 at Art in the Park. Benefiting the Marietta High School Visual Arts Program, Chalk Spot gives young creatives the chance to transform a 3-ft. square space on a closed street into their personal work of art, which remains on display throughout festival weekend (weather permitting). Participation fee is $10 – pre-registration is not required. Participants will receive a box of sidewalk chalk and two tickets to the North Georgia State Fair (while supplies last).

CHILDREN’S AREA

In the Children’s Art Alley, families with young festival attendees will find activities, games and crafts for kids, many of which offer free participation. Activities like face painting and sand art require a small fee.

DRINKING & DINING 

Art in the Park attendees have plenty of options for dining at the numerous restaurants located within and around Marietta Square. Beer, wine, soft drinks and water are sold throughout the festival.  

LIVE TUNES

Throughout the weekend, visitors can head to the center of the square to enjoy live music. The central gazebo will feature a variety of performances by local singer/songwriters, all of which are free to attend. Blankets and chairs are welcome!

TAKING A TOUR        

In addition to attending Art in the Park, festivalgoers can take advantage of the chance to visit nearby shops, boutiques, museums and galleries. There is also a self-guided walking tour of the city’s historic district.

DATE & TIME 

Saturday, Aug. 31 – Monday, Sept. 2, 2024

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

Chalk Spot – Saturday, Aug. 31 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  

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.