With the official arrival of spring in just a few short weeks, I’m forcing the season a little by previewing a few of my favorite things to do around town in March, April, and May. I just can’t help myself as we usher in one of the best, most beautiful times of year here in Atlanta and the return of the outdoor festival season.

For beer, bourbon and BBQ lovers, check out, you guessed it, the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival next Saturday, March 4th at Atlantic Station. This celebration of food, music, brews and bourbon is a perfect afternoon out, Atlanta-style. Your admission gets you unlimited beer and bourbon tastings as you enjoy the smell, taste, and view of some of the best variety of BBQ you can imagine. I’ll be there! For information and tickets visit: www.beerandbourbon.com.

For music lovers, there’s the Sweetwater 420 Fest that takes place in Centennial Olympic Park April 21-23. This year’s headliners feature Georgia’s own Widespread Panic playing FOUR sets, Trey Anastasio Band playing two sets, Ween and Slightly Stoopid. With four stages offering a variety of music, you are likely to find something everyone you go with will enjoy, there are even some great comedians lined up to perform. For more information and tickets, visit:  www.sweetwater420fest.com.

For free family entertainment, head out to the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. This iconic festival is held April 7-9, in Piedmont Park where the Dogwoods will be in full bloom. At its heart this is an art festival but there are so many other attractions too, like the Kids Village with inflatables, climbing wall, and of course arts and crafts. There’s also lots of live music and of course FOOD! For more information, visit: www.dogwood.org.

Sports fans are counting the days until the first Braves baseball game in the new SunTrust Park. The home opener—against the Padres—is Friday, April 14th and kicks off Opening Weekend with fireworks! That weekend there are games Friday and Saturday nights with an afternoon game on Sunday. For more information, visit: atlanta.braves.mlb.com.

For jazz fans, one of the nation’s best jazz fests is our hometown Atlanta Jazz Festival, which takes place on Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-28. Admission is free and open to the public and another great fest for the whole family. This year the festival is adding a Publix KidZone with special activities for kids and families. The artist lineup is also going to offer some fresh sounds and have booked three DJs to entertain audiences between jazz acts on each of the three days of the festival. Should be interesting to see! Check out the full line up at http://atlantafestivals.com.

There are tons of great things to do around here in the Spring, so get out there and enjoy! Of course shopping for a new home is one of them. If you are interested in exploring your options for either listing or buying, give me a call or send me an email. I’m happy to help!

Happy Spring!

Michelle