KENNESAW, Ga. (May 1, 2026) — The City of Kennesaw invites residents and visitors to experience Art Blooms, a community-wide celebration of art, nature, and creativity taking place across Downtown Kennesaw, Smith-Gilbert Gardens and beyond. Centered on the theme “Inherent Resilience: Healing Through Art and Nature,” this multi-faceted initiative features public art installations, interactive activities, performances, and hands-on experiences for all ages.

As part of Art Blooms, colorful, student-designed art eggs are now on display throughout Downtown Kennesaw, Smith-Gilbert Gardens, Swift-Cantrell Park, and along the Noonday Creek Trail. These specially painted wooden eggs, created by Cobb County high school students, highlight artistic expression while encouraging exploration of the community.

A community-wide scavenger hunt invites participants to explore local businesses and destinations while engaging with the Art Blooms experience. Scavenger hunt cards are available at participating locations, including 1885 Grill, 22one Realty Co., the Artful Rabbit, Bernie’s Social Bar, Brown Dog Bookshop, Big Shanty Barber Shop, Elite Retreat Salon & Spa, ETO Martial Arts, Honeysuckle Biscuits & Bakery, Kol Koi, Lazy Guy Distillery, Lazy Labrador Coffee House, Main Street Eats, Pisano’s Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen, Smash Hit Burgers, Smith-Gilbert Gardens, the Southern Museum, Turquoise Otter, and Watson Injury Law. Each location will stamp the card, and completed cards can be submitted to Kennesaw City Hall by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 29, for a chance to win prizes donated by local businesses. Additional prizes include registration opportunities for select art workshops at Smith-Gilbert Gardens. Prizes may be redeemed at Smith-Gilbert Gardens.

Throughout the season, Downtown Kennesaw businesses are offering additional opportunities to engage with the arts. Turquoise Otter will host painting parties providing hands-on creative experiences for participants. Horned Owl Brewing regularly features live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, adding to the arts-focused atmosphere. Smith-Gilbert Gardens is also offering a variety of art workshops throughout the season, with opportunities for participants to register and create their own nature-inspired works.

Downtown Kennesaw will also host the 2026 Art Blooms Flower Walk on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants may purchase a $15 ticket and visit participating businesses throughout Downtown to collect fresh flowers at each stop, creating a custom mixed bouquet along the way. An artisan market featuring local vendors and handmade goods will also be open to all visitors during the event.

Participating businesses include 1885 Grill, The Artful Rabbit Art Studio + Gift Shop, Bernie’s Social Bar, Big Shanty Barber Shop, The Brown Dog Bookshop, Kennesaw Florist, Kol Koi Pondscapes, Lazy Labrador Coffee House, Metaeo Couture Studio, Pisano’s Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen, Smash Hit Burgers, Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, WellSpa Med Kennesaw, and Wreckon Skate + Vinyl. Please note that 1885 Grill, Bernie’s Social Bar, Pisano’s Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen, Smash Hit Burgers, and Wreckon Skate + Vinyl open at 11 a.m. on Saturdays.

Guests are encouraged to gather friends and family and enjoy a relaxed spring day exploring Downtown Kennesaw.

Tickets for the Art Blooms Flower Walk are available at: https://secure.rec1.com/GA/kennesaw-ga/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQyNzI1Nzc

New for 2026, the City of Kennesaw is partnering with the Marietta Arts Council to expand Art Blooms through a regional Sculpture Tour, featuring installations in Depot Park as well as locations throughout the City of Marietta. Three featured sculptures are currently on display in Depot Park:

• “Oh Joy 2” by Sally Myers (mild steel), inviting visitors to pause and find joy in the natural world
• “Learning Curve” by Cecelia Moseley (mild steel), reflecting resilience as a process shaped by time and growth
• “Songs of the Canopy” by Deedee Morrison (aluminum), exploring nature’s role in renewal, balance, and connection

Throughout the season, Downtown Kennesaw businesses are offering additional opportunities to engage with the arts. Turquoise Otter will host painting parties, providing hands-on creative experiences for participants. Horned Owl Brewing regularly features live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, adding to the arts-focused atmosphere. Smith-Gilbert Gardens is also offering a variety of art workshops throughout the season, with opportunities for participants to register and create their own nature-inspired works.

Art Hatch is made possible through the support of Town Center Community and the Cobb County School District Fine Arts Department.

Art Blooms is additionally supported by the Georgia Council for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information about Art Blooms, event details, and ways to participate, visit kennesaw-ga.gov.