Here’s a spring festival that’s been around for ages. The 77th annual Dogwood Festival is set for April 19 through 21, 2013, in Piedmont Park, Atlanta, Georgia (map).

Although the excuse is that marvelous flowering tree, the festival also includes fine art, live music, cultural performances, a disc dog competition, both gourmet and festival food options and children’s programming.

Admission is free, but some areas and events require tickets. Several Midtown hotels have weekend packages featuring the fest.

The artists’ market is a juried selection of 250 participants in variety of media, from oil painting to jewelry to sculpture and fiber. The international village and stage highlights the diverse communities that make up Atlanta.

The music schedule includes a Saturday night concert. And the disc dog show? That’s talented canines taking to the field to run, jump and catch special dog discs. Note that pre-registration is required for this competition, and the city does not allow non-competing pets in the park.

(This Road Trips Gardener just likes to be in Atlanta when the dogwoods are in bloom!)

(Image courtesy of Atlanta Dogwood Festival)