Small-town feel on the edge of a big city
BROOKHAVEN, GEORGIA–FEBRUARY 2024–There are plenty of reasons to visit Brookhaven, Georgia, this year for food, festivals and fun. Located 19 miles northeast of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and just 10 miles from downtown Atlanta, Brookhaven’s small-town charm and community-focused vibe enchants visitors and locals alike, with a diverse family friendly ambiance. Visitors will find the area’s authentic character interwoven throughout walkable neighborhoods, well-preserved parks, outstanding locally owned restaurants, one-of-a-kind shops and lodging with big city access.
From Saturday morning strolls at the Farmers Market to a spectacular cherry blossom festival, and from sipping and dining experiences to multicultural holiday events, this manageable-sized city near the big city is a welcoming delight. Here are just a few don’t-miss reasons to visit.
Spring
Brookhaven is a tree- and flower-filled small city that puts on a big free show. The Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival (March 23-24, 2024) is a great opportunity for friends and families to road trip for a weekend getaway or just stay for a day. Featuring national headliner bands (+LIVE+ and Barenaked Ladies in 2024), Food Trucks, 100+ Vendors in the Artist Market, Pet World, Kidz Zone and more, this festival continues to grow every year. The 5K run on Saturday a weekend before the festival is a 2024 Atlanta Journal Constitution Peachtree Road Race qualifier and 100% of the proceeds benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta! Cherry blossom festivals are a centuries-old Japanese cultural tradition, where hanami, or “viewing flowers” is combined with parties and picnics. Here, they’re a great reason for a festival of music along with the food and flowers, and Brookhaven’s is one of the biggest music festivals in Georgia, an opportunity to see up-and-comers along with legacy acts that charge hefty admission prices otherwise. Blackburn Park, 3493 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319
Enjoy a Saturday stroll at the Brookhaven Farmer’s Market. This popular market is a go-to spot for anyone seeking fresh finds from local farmers and vendors. Many Brookhaven restaurants also turn to the Brookhaven Farmer’s Market to stock their kitchens with fresh, locally produced food and items for an ultimate farm-to-table experience. Operating Saturdays in April through November, Brookhaven Farmer’s Market features over 50 vendors offering everything from fresh produce, dairy and packaged foods to bath and body products, pet food and treats as well as items from artists and crafters. Brookhaven Farmer’s Market, 1375 Fernwood Circle NE, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319
Sip Brookhaven (April 13, 2024) – NEW for 2024, Sip Brookhaven at Oglethorpe University is an opportunity to sample boutique wines, craft cocktails, local beer along with tasty bites from Brookhaven restaurants, all on Oglethorpe University’s beautiful campus. Ticket links and additional information will be posted on the @SipBrookhaven Facebook and Instagram channels. Oglethorpe University 4484 Peachtree Rd NE Brookhaven, Georgia 30319 (Ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sip-brookhaven-tickets-842046693327)
Summer
Red, White and BlueHaven by the Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce (July) – this annual car show brings the community together to view modern hot rods, classic cars and everything in between. Guests enjoy DJs, local vendors, community organization booths, while viewing all the rides and sipping on cool beverages from the on-site bars. This is a family and pet-friendly event. Find more details, here: https://www.facebook.com/BrookhavenCC.
Brookhaven Restaurant Week (August 1-7, 2024) – mark your calendars to dine out all week for discounts. The first week of August is Brookhaven Restaurant Week, and Brookhaven’s chefs, from upscale white-tablecloth to casual pubs, are planning delicious, filling three-course prix fixe menus. From Thai and Mediterranean to burgers and steaks and much more, view the menus at the link above closer to the date.
Fall
Art Pop Up + Shop (September 12-29, 2024, on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) – Browse a temporary gallery curated with local and regional artists and take a piece or two home with you! Additional details to be announced at a later date, but plans include a wine night and live music activations in the space. Art Pop Up + Shop is a three-week exhibition of paintings, mixed media, photographs, drawings and more. The exhibition opens on September 12 and continues until September 29, 2024. Art lovers and visitors alike are invited to enjoy this temporary gallery and take home a piece of local art. 804 Town Blvd, Suite 1055, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319
Taste Brookhaven (October 3, 2024) – A fundraiser for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and celebration of the Brookhaven culinary scene. Our top restaurants return to the gardens of Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter for a fabulous evening of delicious bites, cocktails, art, live music and dancing. A silent auction features amazing sports tickets, pampering gift packages, lake/mountain house getaways and more. Follow @TasteBrookhaven for the latest details. Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina, 4000 Summit Blvd NE Atlanta, GA 30319
Brookhaven International Festival (October) – The 2nd Annual Brookhaven International Festival is a special event that celebrates the international community along Buford Highway Cultural Corridor. The Brookhaven International Festival will feature a variety of live cultural performances and live music, “food of the world” international cuisine, an art walk, interactive art creation, a Kidz Zone, health and wellness fair and a global marketplace of food and other vendors. A 5K walk/run benefiting We Love Buford Highway will take place. The race is a qualifier for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race. View the USATF-certified course here.
Holiday
Light Up Brookhaven (December) is a must do, celebrating the traditions of both Christmas and Hanukah. Kickstart the holiday season with a fun filled event packed with festive cheer. Light Up Brookhaven is a beloved annual event and a great way to kick off the season with the whole family. No grinches allowed! Between a 40′ Christmas tree and menorah lighting, Santa’s arrival by helicopter, choral performances, a petting zoo, train rides, food trucks and more, this is a manageable-sized holiday spectacular for anyone looking to catch the holiday spirit.
Stay awhile
Choose from a variety of options: traditional hotels and extended stay properties, family/pet-friendly and luxury accommodations, all offering easy access to Atlanta and the metro area. DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta Perimeter Dunwoody is a favorite among families and those traveling with pets. Offering an onsite restaurant and a heated outdoor pool, this property is sure to become your favorite, too. DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta Perimeter Dunwoody, 4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Brookhaven, Georgia 30341; 770-457-6363
Exuding Brookhaven’s charm, Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina is a lavish urban hotel offering a luxurious experience. Nestled into Perimeter Summit, this property offers spacious, suite-inspired guestrooms, a rooftop pool and gym. Convenient to Brookhaven’s neighborhoods, shopping and dining, this pet-friendly property is also close to big city area attractions. Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina, 4000 Summit Boulevard, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319; 678-539-1234. For more of Brookhaven’s lodging options, click here.
Read more about this must-experience destination in Brookhaven Magazine. A new volume is available this April.