Lace Up for the Run for the Park 5K

The 23rd annual Summer Shade Festival returns to Grant Park on Saturday, August 23, and Sunday, August 24, 2025, kicking off with the annual Adams Realtors Run for the Park 5K. Hosted by Grant Park’s premier real estate firm, Adams Realtors, the scenic neighborhood race sets the pace for a weekend of music, art, food, and fun—all benefiting the Grant Park Conservancy. Open to runners, walkers, and strollers alike, the race begins at 8 a.m., followed by the Tot Trot for kids five and under at 8:45 a.m.  

Race day kicks off at 7 a.m. with registration and check-in at Zoo Atlanta’s main entrance (800 Cherokee Ave), welcoming participants of all ages to support the Grant Park Conservancy’s mission to preserve, maintain, and enhance the park for future generations. The morning continues with a guided stretch led by René of Challenge Aerial at 7:30 a.m., followed by the National Anthem at 7:55 a.m. The certified 5K race begins at 8 a.m., winding through the heart of the historic Grant Park neighborhood and serving as a Peachtree Road Race qualifier. At 8:45 a.m., little ones can take part in the Tot Trot for kids five and under, and an awards ceremony will follow at 9 a.m. After crossing the finish line, participants 21 and older can show their race shirt—featuring original artwork by acclaimed Atlanta artist Greg Mike—along with valid ID to enjoy a complimentary draft beer at Dakota Blue, courtesy of Bill Adams and Adams Realtors. Registration is now open at summershadefestival.org.

Once the race wraps, the momentum carries into the Grant Park Conservancy Summer Shade Festival beginning at 10 a.m. Browse curated artist and vintage markets set to the sounds of a live DJ, treat taste buds to local food truck favorites, and let the little ones burn off energy in the vibrant Bouncy House Village. Festival highlights also include action-packed Deep South Wrestling matches, a rejuvenating Move & Groove session led by the Grant Park Parents Network, a complimentary bike valet for cyclists, live music, and plenty more surprises waiting to be discovered, making for a weekend full of fun for festival-goers of every kind.

Summer Shade Festival is produced by and benefits the Grant Park Conservancy, the non-profit organization committed to the restoration, maintenance, and beautification of historic Grant Park’s 131 acres. From trail maintenance to major restoration projects, the Conservancy works year-round to protect, improve, and activate this vital green space for everyone who enjoys it. Summer Shade is its biggest fundraiser of the year and one unforgettable way to give back to the park that gives so much to Atlanta. 

Additional details about the 2025 festival, including the full performer lineup, will be announced in the coming weeks. For the most up-to-date information, visit www.summershadefestival.org. Stay connected on Instagram at @grantpark.atlanta and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SummerShadeFestival/.

WHAT:           Adams Realtors Run for the Park 5k

WHEN:          Saturday, August 23, 2025, beginning at 8 a.m.

WHERE:        Grant Park / Zoo Atlanta – 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

COST:           $45 for the 5K run; price will increase after August 17, 2025. Tot Trot is free for kids five and under. 

BENEFITS:  The Adams Realtors Run for the Park 5K benefits the Grant Park Conservancy, the nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, maintenance, and revitalization of Grant Park, established in 1883 and spanning 131 acres in the heart of Atlanta. The race precedes the annual Summer Shade Festival, one of the Conservancy’s largest annual fundraisers, supporting year-round efforts to protect this historic urban green space for generations to come. Visit www.gpconservancy.org or https://www.adamsrealtors.com/run-for-the-park for more information.  

PARKING:   Paid parking available at the Zoo Atlanta lot (800 Cherokee Ave SE). Street parking available on surrounding streets. A bike valet will also be available for cyclists.

WEBSITE:    https://www.adamsrealtors.com/run-for-the-park

CONNECT:   @runfortheparkgp on Instagram, and https://www.facebook.com/adamsrunforthepark/.