Atlanta Dogwood Festival: 10 things to do in April

“Pete the Cat” at Center for Puppetry Arts

Cat lovers and families alike are sure to enjoy the Center for Puppetry Arts’ production of “Pete the Cat,” based on the series created by illustrator James Dean. Atlanta native Eric Litwin wrote the original book in the series, “Pete the Cat: I Love my White Shoes.”

If you don't make it to see this puppet show in April, don't worry. "Pete the Cat" will be at the Atlanta venue through May.
Times vary. Through May 28. $20.50. Center for Puppetry Arts, 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. puppet.org. 

Atlanta Hawks’ “Swipe Right Night” 

The Atlanta Hawks will once again host a Tinder-themed “Swipe Right Night” this year. The event will take place April 6 during the Atlanta team’s game against the Boston Celtics. R&B singer Monica will provide musical entertainment.

The singer found love in NBA player Shannon Brown, so it’s fitting that she’s a part of an event where Hawks fans take a shot at romance.

8 p.m. April 6. $31-$190. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. philipsarena.com. 

Attend a spring festival

Several of our can’t-miss spring festivals take place this month.

From the highly anticipated Atlanta Dogwood Festival to the Inman Park Festival, which features the popular Tour of Homes, many of the local spring festivals that take place in April have been staples among Atlanta residents for decades.

The Georgia Renaissance Festival offers an opportunity to experience a festival 16th century style, and SweetWater 420 Fest will provide beer and music enthusiasts with a chance to enjoy their two passions at one festival in Centennial Olympic Park.

Atlanta Dogwood Festival: Noon-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. April 7-9. Free admission. Piedmont Park, along 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue in Atlanta. www.Dogwood.org.
Georgia Renaissance Festival 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day. April 15-June 4. $19-$22, adults 13 and older; $8-$10, children 6-12; children 5 and younger free. 6905 Virlyn B. Smith Road, Fairburn. www.Garenfest.com. 

Sweetwater 420 Festival 1-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-10 p.m. Sunday. April 21-23. $138 (three-day pass), $56-$66 (single-day pass). Centennial Olympic Park, 265 Park Ave., Atlanta. Sweetwater420fest.com. 

Inman Park Festival Tour of homes preview: noon-4 p.m. April 28. Tour of Homes: noon-6 p.m. April 29-30. Festival: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. April 29-30. Free admission for festival. Tour of Homes, $15-$20. Various locations. Inmanparkfestival.org.

“Minecraft” at MODA

Museum of Design Atlanta is hoping to teach young kids about coding with the help of “Minecraft.” The daylong camp is designed to teach children who are in kindergarten, first or second grade, essential keyboarding skills and programming basics.

9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. April 7. $55 (members), $65 (non-members). MODA, 1315 Peachtree St., Atlanta. museumofdesign.org.

SCAD FASH’s “Shoes: Pleasure & Pain” exhibit

SCAD FASH will provide an opportunity for locals to explore the history of shoe design beginning April 11. The exhibit was curated around five themes: “Transformation,” “Status,” “Seduction,” “Creation” and “Obsession.” “Shoes: Pleasure and Pain” will feature Princess Diana’s shoes, David Beckham’s soccer cleats and more.

Noon-5 p.m. Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays, Fridays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays. April 11-August 13. Free (museum members, SCAD students and faculty, and children under 14), $5 (SCAD alumni, college students), $8 (seniors and military personnel), $10 (general admission), $20 (families of three or more). SCAD FASH, 1600 Peachtree St., Atlanta. scad.edu.

Attend a concert

Whether you’re a young pop fan hoping to see “Dangerous Woman” Ariana Grande, or a country music fan looking to see country music power couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, you’re in luck this month.

The superstars are amongst the list of musicians who will perform in metro Atlanta in April.

Ariana Grande 7:30 p.m. April 12. $49.95-$249.95. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. philipsarena.com.

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill 7:30 p.m. April 22. $25-$406. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. philipsarena.com.

Atlanta Ballet’s “Firebird”

Atlanta Ballet presents “Firebird” this month as a part of the company’s “modern masters” program that will honor three 20th- and 21st-century choreographers. Beginning with Yuri Possokhov’s take on the Russian fairytale “Firebird,” the program will also feature George Blanchine’s homage to classical ballet, “Allegro Brillante,” and Jiří Kylián’s sensuous “Petite Mort.”

8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. April 14-16. $20-$128. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. Atlantaballet.com.

 "Bey Day 3" at The Basement 

Ahead of the anniversary of the release of “Lemonade,” The Basement is hosting an “All Beyonce Dance Party.” The Atlanta venue is promising the event will be, well, flawless.

Head to East Atlanta Village on April 15 if you’re looking to party with the Bey Hive all night long!

10 p.m. April 15. $11.49. The Basement, 1245 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta. basementat.com.

Attend a Braves game at Suntrust Park

While two of the Braves’ upcoming home games are already sold out, there are still a few opportunities to see Atlanta’s baseball team play in their new ballpark this month. Tickets are still available for the team’s April 16 and 17 games against the San Diego Padres, as well as their April 18, 19 and 20 games against the Washington Nationals.

Times vary. Prices Vary. Suntrust Park, 755 Battery Ave., Atlanta. mlb.com/braves.

“Matilda”

Based on the popular novel of the same title, the Tony Award-winning play “Matilda” will head to Fox Theatre later this month for eight shows, starting April 18. Younger fans of “Matilda” may remember the smart and quirky young character from the 1996 film adaptation.

Times vary. April 18-23. $33.50-$128.50. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta. foxtheatre.org.