Atlanta Dogwood Festival: Thanks to fundraising efforts and a new entrance fee, the 90th event will go on this April

Image courtesy of Atlanta Dogwood Festival

Back in August, we told you that the Atlanta Dogwood Festival was facing unprecedented financial challenges, and was in danger of shuttering for good in advance of its 90th year. 

Since then, the Dogwood Festival has received community, corporate, and philanthropic support, along with allowances from the City of Atlanta, which will permit the 90^th annual event to move forward in April 2026. 

Even so, fundraising must continue to ensure we don’t lose this iconic event. 
Please donate even $5 0r $10 if you can!

Festival leadership announced on Aug. 26th that the festival needed to raise a total of $250,000 by Nov. 1, 2025, to cover its 25% budget shortfall.

As of Oct. 29th, the festival has raised $71,867  from community supporters and generous donations from philanthropist Deen Day Sanders and The Rich’s Foundation.

Additionally, the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office has agreed to allow the festival to charge an entrance fee going forward — without requiring the fencing and gating that is typically required for a permit for a ticketed event. Details below.

“We are delighted to announce that the 90^th annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival will take place in April 2026,” said Brian Hill, executive director, Atlanta Dogwood Festival, in a press statement. “The ability to charge an entrance fee — something previously not allowed under our permit — will be a tremendous help.”

Because the organization still faces a shortfall in its fundraising goal, producing the 2026 event will be challenging. However, with the potential for additional revenue from ticket fees, the festival has decided to move forward. The expectation is that the event will return to stable financial footing in future years once this challenge is met.

For the 90^th annual event, taking place from April 10 to 12, 2026, Atlanta Dogwood Festival entrance will require a paid ticket – $5 for Friday, $10 for Saturday, and $10 for Sunday. Weekend passes and family packages will be offered, and tickets will be available in advance and at the gate.

This info was received in a press release.