Pop Smart - See & Do: Atlanta Dogwood Festival

(Photo courtesy Atlanta Dogwood Festival)

The drought has taken a toll on the city’s cultural scene, evident in this year’s relocation of the ATLANTA DOGWOOD FESTIVAL from Piedmont Park to Lenox Square. The 72-year-old festival, beginning Fri., APRIL 4, may have a hard time convincing Atlantans to celebrate the arrival of spring at the mall, but if the weather turns dismal, everyone can shop! And it’s close to MARTA! There will be the proverbial child-crack of inflatables, music and a large artists’ market where you can purchase art, and if the price is right, maybe an actual artist. Interestingly enough, the festival was originally conceived by Rich’s department store head Walter Rich as a way to lift Atlantans’ mood during the Depression, so perhaps this year’s festival can serve a similar purpose in our post-Bear Stearns economic slump. Through April 6. Free. Fri., noon-9 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m. 3393 Peachtree Road. 404-817-6642. www.dogwood.org.