By Ellie Ritter, contributor 

The annual Grant Park Summer Shade Festival will return this year on August 26 and 27 at Grant Park in Atlanta. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the tradition benefitting the Grant Park Conservancy (GPC), a non-profit, membership-based organization “with a mission of protecting, enhancing and preserving Atlanta’s oldest park.”

Kicking off with a 5K on Saturday morning at 8 a.m., the Adams Realtors Run for the Park will feature races for runners, walkers and kids alike, including a stroller stroll along the side of the race and a tot trot for children under 5. The race, which starts and ends at the main entrance to Zoo Atlanta, will raise funds to support the Grant Park Conservancy and its efforts to restore the park. Pre-registration for is available at active.com or onsite at 7 a.m.

The festival, which raised over $87,000 for the GPC last year, will continue to feature a large lineup of music performers and arts vendors, according to a GPC press release. There will also be a KidsZone and a dedicated VIP section.

For Atlanta’s food lovers, several food trucks will be available along with a selection of craft beers, including Monday Night Brewing craft beer, Bold Rock Cider, Frida Khalo Tequila and Status Vodka cocktails.

Additional details about the 2017 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:  15th Annual Grant Park Summer Shade Festival

Where:  Grant Park, 840 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

When: Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27, 2017

Cost: Free; All Ages Welcome

Benefiting: The Grant Park Conservancy – a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration and enhancement of Grant Park.

Parking: Parking lots are available off Boulevard Avenue or off Cherokee Avenue. There will also be street parking along Cherokee Avenue, Park 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 with a mission of protecting, enhancing and preserving Atlanta’s oldest park. At 131 acres, Grant Park is the fourth largest park in metro Atlanta. The Conservancy’s role is to spearhead and supplement projects in the park that could not otherwise be undertaken by the city due to reduced staff and budget cuts. Visit www.gpconservancy.org for more information.