Blue Stone Arts & Music Festival Returns

Blue Stone Arts & Music Festival Returns with Headlining Acts, Blue Stone 5K-9, and Open Call for Artists

July 13, 2026

Now in its fourth year, the Blue Stone Arts & Music Festival returns to Sandy Springs September 25 and 26. This vibrant, free event features live music from nationally acclaimed acts, an expansive Artist Market showcasing more than 60 artists and makers, Emerging Artist Exhibit, a Kids and Sports Zone, and much more.

Music Headliners

Friday, September 25 will feature alternative rock sensation Nicotine Dolls as the festival's opening night headliner. The Blue Stone Arts & Music Festival performance marks a rare and exciting opportunity for fans, as the band is making a special trip to Sandy Springs for what will be their final United States performance before departing overseas to begin an international tour.

On Saturday, September 26, acclaimed singer-songwriter Allen Stone will headline the festival with his signature blend of soul, R&B, funk, and pop. Currently touring alongside Chris Stapleton and scheduled to join Teddy Swims for additional dates later this fall, Stone is also completing work on a highly anticipated new album. His appearance at the Blue Stone Arts & Music Festival offers audiences an opportunity to experience his latest music before he embarks on a major album tour.

On Friday and Saturday don't miss the Georgia premiere of Squonk's Joy Machine, an exhilarating outdoor spectacle that transforms public space into a larger-than-life celebration of music, art, and community. Joy Machine is Squonk's newest large-scale outdoor spectacle, powered by audience participation. Featuring live music, giant visual inventions, and hands-on interaction, audiences help animate puppets, play a massive drum wall, and power the action. Every performance is unique, transforming the public space into a joyful celebration of collective creativity and play.

Artist Call for Entries and Vendor Applications

The City of Sandy Springs is calling on artists to submit proposals for the official 2026 Festival Poster. This annual poster will represent the spirit of Blue Stone. Whether an emerging or established creator, submit entries now through July 31 at: https://spr.gs/bsfcallforentries

Vendor applications for the 2026 Blue Stone Arts & Music Festival are now officially open. Interested vendors can review application details and submit their materials online at spr.gs/bluestone-vendor-application. Applications will be reviewed through a competitive selection process, and early submission is encouraged. Deadline for submission is September 18, 2026.

Blue Stone 5K-9

The Blue Stone Arts & Music Festival also means the return of the Blue Stone 5K-9, a family-friendly fun run that invites participants to hit the course with their favorite four-legged companions. Whether running, jogging, or walking, all ages are welcome to participate with or without a furry friend.

The primarily flat, out-and-back course is also an Official Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race Qualifying Event, giving runners the opportunity to earn a qualifying time for Atlanta's iconic Fourth of July tradition while enjoying one of the festival's signature community events. Register at: runsignup.com/Race/GA/Atlanta/BlueStone5k9

The Blue Stone 5K-9 is committed to making the event accessible for everyone. In partnership with Catalyst Sports, Sandy Springs Recreation & Parks will offer a limited number of adaptive handcycles for participants with disabilities. Those interested in reserving an adaptive cycle may email [email protected] in advance.

A full schedule, including the complete calendar of events and musical line-up, will be announced soon. Admission to the festival is free.

For further details, visit the Blue Stone homepage at www.bluestonefest.com. For information on sponsorships, visit the Sandy Springs Foundation fundraising site at https://givebutter.com/BlueStoneArts.