Sandy Springs built its own downtown from scratch after incorporating in 2005, centered on the City Springs complex. Annual Events in Sandy Springs Georgia now run nearly year-round, from a civic tribute in January to a lantern-lit river walk in spring. Because most of them share the same few venues, one visit to City Springs can cover a lot of ground.
Each January, the City of Sandy Springs hosts a family tribute to Dr. King at the Performing Arts Center. Children’s activity stations focus on themes like justice, equality, and liberty. Afterward, families can watch a screening of the animated film “Our Friend, Martin.” The event has run for more than a decade and keeps growing each year. Admission and parking in the City Springs deck are both free.
Every spring, marchers carry handmade lanterns from Steel Canyon Golf Club to Morgan Falls Overlook Park. Live music, food trucks, and children’s activities fill the parking lot before the parade steps off. Meanwhile, oversized floating lanterns, including a 25-foot albino alligator, drift out onto the Chattahoochee. The parade began in 2016 and has no fees or registration. Because lantern kits sell out, organizers suggest picking one up in advance.
Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and Brookhaven jointly present a Juneteenth Celebration each June at City Springs. The free outdoor event mixes live performances, local vendors, and a digital art gallery by area students. Additionally, a genealogy program helps attendees research their own family history. Since its 2023 debut, attendance has grown past 4,000 guests. As a result, the event has expanded into a fully outdoor format on the City Green.
The city marks the Fourth of July with a fireworks show over City Green. Guests bring picnics or buy from on-site food trucks before the show begins. Live music keeps the lawn dancing until the fireworks light up the sky. Plus, nearby restaurants stay open for anyone who prefers a sit-down meal first. Parking fills quickly, so early arrival is worth planning for.
Sandy Springs’ signature taste-of event returns to City Springs each September. More than 40 local restaurants set up under a tent on the Green for three days. Guests sample dishes while enjoying live entertainment throughout the weekend. Over time, the event has become one of the city’s best-attended culinary gatherings. Proceeds support ongoing programming at City Springs.
Bavarian culture takes over the City Green each fall for OktoberFEAST. The Swinging Bavarians provide live polka music alongside German beer and authentic cuisine. Additionally, free polka lessons let first-timers join in without embarrassment. Admission is free, though food and drink are sold separately. Because the event draws a crowd, arriving early secures the best table.
Sandy Springs closes the year with Sparkle, its award-nominated holiday parade and celebration. More than 50 illuminated parade units wind through the City Springs District each December. The night ends with a Christmas tree lighting followed by a menorah lighting. Meanwhile, Sparkle Village displays miniature holiday houses decorated by local schools. Skate City Springs, an outdoor rink on the Green, runs for weeks afterward.
Sandy Springs packs most of its traditions into the City Springs district, making them easy to combine. Still, dates and details change yearly, so confirm specifics on each event’s official page before attending.