GRANT PARK SUMMER SHADE FESTIVAL CELEBRATES ITS 16TH ANNUAL TWO-DAY EVENT AND 135TH ANNIVERSARY OF T

Free, Family-Friendly Festival Featuring Live Music, an Expansive Artist Market,

Food Trucks, Craft Beer, a 5K Run, Farmer’s Market and Much More

Saturday, August 25 and Sunday, August 26, 2018

Atlanta, Georgia (June 26, 2018) – An annual tradition, the Grant Park Summer Shade Festival will welcome music and art lovers to Atlanta’s oldest park for its 16th year on Saturday, August 25 and Sunday, August 26, 2018. Presented by and benefiting the Grant Park Conservancy, the two-day, fun-filled festival will once again feature an impressive lineup of live music throughout the weekend on two stages in addition to an expansive artist market, Kids Zone, 5K run, and a dedicated VIP area. Open to all ages and free to attend, the 16th annual festival will also have a diverse selection of local food trucks with offerings for all tastes, cocktails, craft beer and more. Raising more than 100 thousand dollars in 2017 for the Grant Park Conservancy and its mission of protecting, enhancing and preserving the park while planning for its future needs, the 16th annual festival will also celebrate the historic park’s 135 anniversary. A special birthday bash and auction hosted by The Beacon Atlanta is set to kick-off the weekend’s festivities on Friday, August 24th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Additional details will be released in the coming weeks. On Saturday morning at 8 a.m., runners, walkers and strollers are invited to take part in the annual Adams Realtors Run for the Park 5K, which includes a free kid’s tot trot for ages 5 and under and a stroller stroll along the race course. Raising funds to support the Grant Park Conservancy, the course map start and finish will be at the main entrance to Zoo Atlanta. Pre-registration is available at www.summershadefestival.org or active.com or onsite at 7 a.m. Additional details about the 2018 festival including the full performer lineup will be announced in the coming months. For the most up to date information, visit www.summershadefestival.org. Stay connected on Twitter and Instagram at @GPSummerShade and Facebook at www.facebook.com/SummerShadeFestival. What: 16th Annual Grant Park Summer Shade Festival Where: Grant Park 840 Cherokee Ave SE Atlanta, GA 30312 When: Saturday, August 25 and Sunday, August 26, 2018 Cost: Free; All Ages Welcome Benefiting: The Grant Park Conservancy - a non-profit, membership-based organization committed to the restoration, beautification, and maintenance of historic Grant Park.

Parking: A parking lot is available off of Cherokee Avenue and there is street parking along Cherokee Avenue, Atlanta Avenue, Berne Street and Sydney Street. There will also be a free bike valet courtesy of the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition. About The Grant Park Conservancy: The Grant Park Conservancy (GPC) is a non-profit, membership-based organization committed to the restoration, beautification, and maintenance of historic Grant Park. Created in 1883, Grant Park is the oldest park in Atlanta and covers 131 acres. The Conservancy’s role is to spearhead and supplement projects in the park that could not otherwise be undertaken by the city due to staff and budget limitations. Visit www.gpconservancy.org for more information.