Festivals & Events
Favorites Return for 2025 Peachtree Corners Festival
Returning for its 14th year, the Peachtree Corners Festival will take to the Town Green and surrounding area for a full weekend of entertainment and family fun, September 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and September 21 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
As in previous years, the community celebration will offer a dynamic mix of live performances, vendor booths, good food and hands-on activities for all ages — all with free admission and parking.
An annual tradition
Dave Huffman, Peachtree Corners Festival president, has been heavily involved in organizing the event for over a decade and is proud of how it’s grown.
What started in June 2011 as a one-day celebration to gather the community and showcase local businesses has become a signature, weekend-long fall tradition for city residents, as well as visitors from around metro Atlanta. And this year promises to deliver the same fun and festivities that people have come to expect, with maybe a few new surprises.
“I think that our residents like to have a festival to call their own,” Huffman shared at last year’s event. “It is fun to come out and see what kinds of crafts there are for sale, eat some food that you might not normally get a chance to sample, see some exotic cars and listen to music while doing all of these things in a convenient location.”
“Hopefully, we have gained a reputation for being well-organized and enjoyable,” he added.
Festival highlights
While the list of entertainers and activities for 2025 is still being finalized, Huffman shared a few of the treats guests can expect over the weekend, including musical acts, the return of the Classic Car Show and the popular Kids’ Korner.
Live entertainment has always been a staple of the festival. This year, musical guests include local acts Good Jenny, Casual Cadenza and The New Bridge Band; performances by School of Rock, Metro Atlanta Dance and the Hip Hop All Stars Dance Team; and a rocking set from Bulletproof Atlanta on Sunday afternoon to close out the weekend.
Performances take place on the VoxStage at Town Green, and the full lineup, along with show times, can be found on the Peachtree Corners Festival website.
For car enthusiasts and casual admirers, the Classic Car & Bike Show will be back with its impressive, picture-perfect display of gleaming chrome, vintage muscle and rare models lined up along Peachtree Corners Circle.
Huffman has said that the two-day car show is one aspect of the Peachtree Corners Festival that sets it apart from other local craft festivals, and he’s right.
An attendee favorite every year, the show is a thrilling competition as well as an exhibit. Anyone who wishes to participate can enter their car or bike with a $25 registration fee. Expert judges will examine the competing vehicles, and trophies will be awarded for top car, top bike and top class.
Spectators can enjoy the car show free of charge, getting an up-close look at the stunning (and well-cared-for) vintage and contemporary rides.
Finally, for the younger crowd, the Kids’ Korner will be loaded with fun games and activities again this year. Along with the incredible permanent play spaces at Town Green, you can expect face painting, caricature artists, clowns, super-sized bubbles and plenty of space to run around and have a great time.
The da Vinci surgical robot experience
Another returning attraction is Intuitive’s da Vinci robotic surgical system. This mobile, roving laboratory — equipped with a mock operating room — will once again give festival goers “the opportunity to get hands-on with the da Vinci system and discover more about robotic-assisted surgical technology.”
Intuitive, a global leader in minimally invasive care and the pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery, proudly calls Peachtree Corners its East Coast hub.
According to the company, “Intuitive’s da Vinci surgical system recently made it through to the final four in the “Coolest Thing Made in Georgia” competition. In celebration of its role within Georgia’s thriving innovation community, Intuitive will showcase its most advanced technology — the da Vinci 5 system — at the annual Peachtree Corners Festival.”
Arts & crafts and handmade goods
This year’s arts & crafts vendor lineup showcases the talent and creativity of local artisans as well as creators from around the state.
With a mix of festival favorites coming back for 2025 and new vendors debuting this year, guests will find a wide range of art, handmade goods and specialty crafts to browse or buy.
Some of the 2025 festival vendors are:
- Built By Bees: Founded in 2015, Built by Bees is a gourmet honey company whose products include raw, infused and whipped honeys, honey butters, honey vinegars and other honey-based items. Learn more at builtbybees.com.
- Can Cakes: This Snellville-based dessert company specializes in internationally-inspired cakes in a can as well as specialty drinks. Enjoy cloud-like Japanese cheesecake, silky caramel flan and banana pudding alongside bold Vietnamese coffee or a taro latte. Learn more at cancakes.com.
- Crafted Curiosities: This family-run 3D print shop based in Duluth “brings imagination to life” with novelty items, creative gifts and unique game-related accessories. They pride themselves on being a place where gamers, collectors and fellow makers can find their next favorite thing. Visit craftedcuriosities.net to learn more.
- Half Pint Tie Dye: Featuring unique, hand-dyed clothing for kids, this small family-run business has been a popular addition to craft shows and fall festivals for years. The owner and creator has come up with over 40 designs to work from, and each item made is one-of-a-kind. Learn more at facebook.com/HalfPintTieDye.
- Misty Morning Glass: This Roswell-based artist creates and sells lovely stained glass art, plant stakes and window hangings, as well as fused glass platters, dishes and bowls. The pieces can be found online as well as at this year’s festival. Visit etsy.com/shop/mistymorningglass for more.
- Portabakes Cakes: Located in Decatur Ga., Portabakes is back for its second year at the Peachtree Corners Festival. This homegrown, family business offers cakes by the slice, mini pound cakes and other treats. See the full menu at portabakes.com.
- Snuggly Throws: If you’re looking for something warm and cozy, Snuggly Throws specializes in hand-knit chunky throw blankets, playmats and toys, using ultra-soft chenille yarn. Each piece is lovingly made with care for the ultimate one-of-a-kind gift. Learn more at snugglythrows.com.
- Whiskers ‘n Wags Delights: This small Johns Creek-based business offers handmade, all natural, limited-ingredient dog treats. A variety of flavors, including peanut butter, sweet potato and a grain-free cinnamon apple, keeps things fun and yummy for your canine companion. Learn more at instagram.com/whiskersnwagsdelights.
Food and drink
Of course, no festival is complete without great food!
The offerings this year build on all of the delicious treats that festival goers have enjoyed in the past, with new food trucks and vendors added for 2025. Savory, sweet, soft, crunchy, icy, warm — there are snacks, meals, drinks and desserts to satisfy just about any craving.
While additional food vendors are still being added, a few already scheduled are:
- Abuelita’s Flans: This popular Atlanta-based Cuban bakery serves up rich, creamy flan, golden tres leches cake and authentic, flaky pastelitos at pop-ups, festivals and for special events. Learn more at instagram.com/abuelitasflans.
- Cactus Jacks Concessions: This professional, family-owned event concessions company features a mobile kitchen setup and full menu of classic fair foods. All of the items are halal certified and prepared by an expert staff. Stop by for turkey legs, po’ boys, funnel cakes and more. Visit cjstreetfood.com for more information.
- Gimme Grits: New this year, Gimme Grits is all about creative Southern flavors. From classic shrimp and grits taken to the next level with adobo seasoning to creamy coconut cheese grits or any combination of toppings that you choose, you’ll have as much fun building your grits bowl as you do eating it. Check them out at instagram.com/gimme.grits.
- Palachinx: Delighting tastebuds since 2024, this company has turned delicious crepes into a decadent, chocolate-soaked indulgence. Made fresh to order with quality ingredients, their signature crepes come in deluxe flavors such as Dubai chocolate and Kinder Bueno as well as Nutella, Oreo, pistachio and build-your-own. See the full menu at palachinx.com.
Long-time favorites such as Al’s Kettle Corn, Kona Ice and King of Pops will also be onsite with treats to keep you happy all weekend long. And Ohana Lemonade and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck will help you stay hydrated and caffeinated.
Giving back
Though the festival itself takes place once a year, the volunteer organization behind it works year-round not only to plan for the big event but to give back to the Peachtree Corners community in other ways as well.
Using proceeds from the festival to fund education and beautification projects within the city is another way the nonprofit Peachtree Corners Festival gives back to the community, not just for one weekend in September, but throughout the year.
Participation: Vendors, volunteers and sponsors
To pull off an amazing weekend-long festival, organizers count on festival vendors, volunteers and sponsors.
Volunteers for this year’s event are still being accepted, with roles available in setup, logistics, hospitality and safety. Pitching in to help is a great way to give back to the community and experience the festival from a different point of view.
Sponsors are the driving force behind the Peachtree Corners Festival, ensuring that the community celebration happens year after year. A list of this year’s sponsors can be found on the Peachtree Corners Festival website.
If you’d like to become a business sponsor or “friend of the festival” sponsor for 2025, volunteer to help out for the weekend or join the fun as a vendor or entertainer, it’s not too late! Check the website for applications before the end of August deadlines.
Festival details
- When: Saturday, September 20, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, September 21, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
- Where: Town Green at Peachtree Corners Town Center (5200 Town Center Blvd.)
- Admission: Free
- Pet Policy: Leashed dogs welcome
- Weather: Rain or shine
Parking for the festival
Parking is free for both days. Spaces are available at the Town Center parking deck and at office lots located off of DaVinci Court. Parking at the large lot at DaVinci Court will put you immediately adjacent to the festival’s vendor craft booths.
Guests can also park across the street at The Forum and use the Peachtree Corners pedestrian bridge to access Town Center.
Town Center has designated handicap parking spaces that are clearly marked. There will also be marked spaces in the DaVinci Court lot adjacent to the booth area.
Edited 8/14 to update parking information
Every fall, thousands of people from across metro Atlanta and the Southeast make their way to Duluth for JapanFest, one of the largest Japanese cultural festivals in the country.
This year’s event takes place September 20–21 at the Gas South Convention Center and promises to be especially memorable as it celebrates the 20th anniversary of the cross-cultural, sister-city relationship between Atlanta and Fukuoka, Japan.
Featuring two full days of performances, interactive experiences, delicious food and a Japanese marketplace, JapanFest 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Highlights and headliners
Blending traditional taiko rhythms with dynamic choreography and a powerful stage presence, the world-renowned Matsuriza Taiko drummers — a festival favorite — will fill the room with heart-pounding percussion and energy.
Samurai Sword Soul, a theatrical martial arts group led by Yoshi Amao (fresh off the TV series “Shogun”), also returns with dramatic swordplay and interactive demonstrations that put you right in the action.
Another highlight this year is Hakata Koma, a traditional Japanese spinning-top performance from the Fukuoka region. Chikushi Shuraku the 3rd and his protégé, Chikushi Saira, bring this rare Edo‑period art to life, spinning iron‑tipped wooden tops and delivering breathtaking feats that date back centuries.
Attendees will also enjoy comedic rakugo storytelling, performances by J-pop idol group, LinQ, the O-mikoshi parade, traditionalmartial‑arts demos and more.
Hands-on experiences
While the performances alone are worth the trip, JapanFest invites attendees to do more than watch — it encourages participation. Throughout the venue, guests can explore traditional arts and cultural practices, including calligraphy, origami, tea ceremonies, ikebana flower arranging and even kimono try-ons.
For children and families, there’s a Kids’ Zone with games, crafts and cultural activities.
And for anime and pop culture lovers, an anime marketplace, Japanese video game experiences and cosplay add to the weekend’s fun.
There will also be over 100 vendor booths this year, displaying regional crafts and the latest in tech, electronics and automotive technology and selling a variety of Japanese goods.
From street food to sake
One of the best parts of JapanFest is the food. And this year, the Japanese Food Court & Beer Garden is expanding to include even more favorites. From steaming bowls of ramen and savory yakisoba to sushi rolls, mochi and kakigōri (shaved ice), there will be something to please every palate. Adults can also enjoy a selection of Japanese beers and sake in a relaxed, open-air setting or while taking in live performances.
Planning your visit
JapanFest 2025 takes place September 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and September 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gas South Convention Center on Sugarloaf Parkway.
Parking: $5 (online in advance); $10 at gate. Payment is credit or debit card only.
Advanced tickets: $16 (through September 19); At the door: $20
Family & Friends package: $70 for 4 tickets or $90 for 5 (at the door)
Children 6 and under: FREE
Group tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations looking to support the festival and gain a larger presence in the Japanese-American community.
Peachtree Corners Magazine has JapanFest tickets to give away! To request your free tickets for this year’s event, email editor@livinginpeachtreecorners.com.
Rules and new bag policy
JapanFest has implemented a new bag policy for 2025.
Approved bags include clear vinyl, plastic or PVC bags, diaper bags and small clutch bags. Suitcases and other large bags are not allowed. Random checks may be performed by security.
Rules for cosplay, attire and weapons are also in place. Check the website for the full list.
Full event schedules, performer updates and ticket info can be found at japanfest.org.
This article appears in the August/September issue of Southwest Gwinnett magazine. You can find the digital edition here.
Maggie Rose, Sunny Sweeney and Chatham County Line lead a celebration of music, art and nature on August 30.
With just weeks to go, anticipation is growing for the Festival of the Painted Rock, taking place Saturday, August 30 at the scenic Chattahoochee Nature Center.
Presented by Roswell Arts Fund, this one-day outdoor festival offers a rich blend of live music, art installations and natural beauty — creating a unique experience at the intersection of creativity and community. The event also serves a greater purpose: supporting public art and environmental education in Roswell.
Headline acts bring national talent to the stage
Leading this year’s lineup are three acclaimed national performers:
- Maggie Rose delivers a dynamic mix of rock, soul and Americana. A Grammy nominee praised by Rolling Stone and Billboard, she has performed at Bonnaroo, Newport Folk Festival and the Grand Ole Opry. Her acclaimed podcast, “Salute the Songbird,” highlights conversations with women in music. Expect a powerful and genre-spanning closing set.
- Sunny Sweeney, a Texas country standout, combines heartfelt songwriting with sharp wit. She was the first female artist to earn back-to-back No. 1 singles on the Texas Music Chart and has been nominated for an ACM Award. Her performances offer a compelling mix of honesty, humor and classic country sensibility.
- Chatham County Line, a Raleigh-based trio, brings rich harmonies and a blend of bluegrass, folk, country and rock. With nine albums under their belt and multiple Billboard Bluegrass Chart-toppers, they’ve collaborated with artists like Judy Collins and Sharon Van Etten and have developed a global following.
These national acts are joined by a talented supporting lineup, including Athens favorites Wim Tapley & The Cannons and Hotel Fiction, Atlanta’s atmospheric Slow Parade and local singer-songwriter Solo Lowit, adding regional depth and fresh energy to the day.
A full-sensory experience at the Chattahoochee Nature Center
Festivalgoers will enjoy full access to the Nature Center’s trails and gardens, including the final weekend of the popular Butterfly Encounter. Temporary art installations will be featured throughout the site, offering opportunities for inspiration and interaction.
Guests will also enjoy delicious food and drink from local favorites like From the Earth Brewing Company and Bask Steakhouse, plus other creative experiences designed to spark imagination.
A celebration with purpose
More than a day of performances, the Festival of the Painted Rock is a fundraiser supporting two cornerstone organizations in Roswell’s cultural and environmental landscape.
Proceeds benefit the Roswell Arts Fund, which champions public art and cultural initiatives, and the Chattahoochee Nature Center, a leader in environmental education, conservation and stewardship.
By attending, guests help sustain and grow Roswell’s creative vitality and natural beauty for future generations.
The details
- Festival of the Painted Rock takes place August 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- The festival’s name was inspired by the Chattahoochee River, whose Creek language name means “rocks-marked” or “painted.”
- General admission tickets: $80
- VIP Experience: $135 (includes gourmet meal, snacks, two alcoholic beverages + unlimited non-alcoholic drinks)
- Group tickets are available at a special rate for groups of 15 or more.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit FestivalOfThePaintedRock.com.
About Roswell Arts Fund
Roswell Arts Fund (RAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the arts in our community and contributing to the thriving cultural landscape of the City of Roswell.
RAF strives to IGNITE imagination and conversation, IMPACT economic growth and INSPIRE engagement and connection to the arts through high-quality and accessible public and performing art programming.
According to their website, they are committed to supporting local artists, introducing nationally recognized work to residents and visitors and offering access and opportunity for everyone to enjoy the arts.
Since 2015, RAF has led the implementation of public art initiatives as directed by the city and defined by the city’s Imagine Roswell Arts and Culture 2030 Study and the Public Art Master Plan.
Projects include, Where We Wander; Food is Art; ArtAround Roswell: Pathways; ArtAround Roswell Sculptures; Bike Rack Project; Painted Utility Box Project; Pop Up Concerts; Pop In Performances for Seniors and the Beaucoup Jazz and Blues Festival.
Roswell Arts Fund is funded in part by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and Georgia Council for the Arts.
To learn more about RAF, visit roswellartsfund.org.
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