The Big Shanty Festival is set to bring two days of entertainment, arts & crafts, and family-friendly activities to downtown Kennesaw on Saturday, April 12, and Sunday, April 13, 2025. With more than 250 booths featuring arts and crafts, food vendors, and specialty exhibits, the festival offers something for all ages. Live entertainment, a beer garden, and plenty of activities make this annual event a highlight of the season.
A Parade to Kick Off the Fun
Nothing says “festival time” like a good old-fashioned parade, and this one starts Saturday at 9:30 am. Expect to see over 1,000 young athletes proudly representing their local sports teams, high school marching bands from North Cobb, Kennesaw Mountain, Allatoona, and Kell, and a variety of colorful floats making their way from Adams Park down Main Street.
Shopping, Food, and Live Music
Once the parade clears, the festival fun begins. Over 150 arts and crafts booths will be ready for browsing, and 25 food vendors will be serving up a mix of festival favorites—because nothing pairs with a springtime festival like a turkey leg or a funnel cake. If all that walking works up a thirst, the beer garden has you covered.
Live music and entertainment will be happening throughout the weekend, and the Georgia Grown Member Village returns this year, offering everything from handcrafted Georgia goods to delicious Georgia-made treats. This is the spot to find that one-of-a-kind item you didn’t know you needed until you saw it.
Admission:
Free
Hours:
Parade is on Saturday at 9:30 am
Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday, April 13, 2025 from 12 pm to 5 pm
Location:
Main Street and Cherokee Street in Downtown Kennesaw near the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History
2871 N Main St, Kennesaw, GA 30144
Kennesaw, Ga 30144
Directions:
- From the North: Take I-75 South to Exit 273 – Wade Green Road. Turn right (west) and continue for approximately two miles until reaching the festival in downtown Kennesaw.
- From the South: Take I-75 North to Exit 273 – Wade Green Road. Turn left (west) and follow for approximately two miles to arrive at the festival.
Parking and Shuttles:
Parking is available at Adams Park, Kennesaw First Baptist Church, and Swift-Cantrell Park. A free shuttle service will run throughout festival hours, transporting visitors between Swift-Cantrell Park and the festival grounds.
This fun filled event is co-sponsored by the City of Kennesaw and the Kennesaw Business Association.
For more information, please contact JRM Management at (770) 423-1330.
2025 Arts and Crafts Application
For more information, please contact JRM Management at (770) 423-1330.