That pollen coating all of Atlanta is a definite signifier of Spring, but be sure to clear a way through the sneezy stuff and head to Piedmont Park for the official rite of Spring in the city as the 76th annual Dogwood Fest promises art, music and funnel cakes.

And, because it's held at Piedmont Park, there is an automatic gay angle for this story. Also, Jamie Ensley, who is openly gay, serves as chair on the Dogwood Festival board of directors.

The city's iconic fest highlights the best in art and kicks off Friday, April 20, at noon in Piedmont Park and includes a headline performance on Saturday by R&B Grammy-winning singer Roberta Flack on Saturday, April 21.

The fest concludes on Sunday, April 22. Plenty of live entertainment and activities take place throughout the weekend as well as the art from around the country being the major attraction

"Virtually every kind of art imaginable is represented at the festival, with a nationally renowned-juried Fine Artist Market that includes sculpture, paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography and much more," states a press release about the fest.

The major highlight for this year's Dogwood Fest is a free concert by Roberta Flack in the meadow on Saturday at 7:30.

Flack is known for such hits as "Killing Me Softly with His Song," "The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face," and "The Closer I Get to You,"

Also included at this year's fest is the La Fete, an international wine testing on Friday from 7-10 p.m. at the Greystone. The wine testing includes foods from around the world as well as a silent auction. Advance tickets $29, $35 at door if available.

Special guests attending this event include Peter Pasternak from A&E's "Flip this House," as well as Atlanta City Council President Cesar Mitchell and City Councilmember Alex Wan, the openly gay District 6 representative. Former mayoral candidate Mary Norwood will also be in attendance.

The unveiling of the Dogwood Fest poster will also take place at the La Fete event.

Also on Friday on the International Stage there will be the Dogwood Comedy Fringe: The Art of Comedy stand-up contest at the Laughing Skull Lounge. Tickets are $12 in advance, $18 at the door.

VIP Supporter tickets are available for $45 which includes a tented seating area, private bathrooms and free beer and wine at the Robert Flack concert.

For a $100 donations, guests receive weekend-long benefits including tickets to the La Fete or the Friends of Dogwood Pavilion and Dogwood Comedy Fringe on Saturday and Sunday.

Wait, don't they have dogs at this fest? Yes — disc dog competitions take place all weekend. Click here for the schedule.

Festival hours
Friday: Noon - 10 p.m. 
Saturday:10 a.m. - 11 p.m. 
Sunday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Artist market closes at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Download the full program guide for the weekend at this link.