Beat the Traffic: A relaxing way to get to the Georgia Renaissance Festival

map around the Georgia Renaissance Festival

The mead tents will be calling the Georgia Black Cat Community soon, and we’ll need a good way to get there on the 15th of April. The Georgia Renaissance Festival, held annually in Fairburn, Georgia, is a popular event that attracts visitors from all over the region. However, one of the biggest challenges for attendees is navigating the traffic situation to get to the fairgrounds. With everyone using I-85 Southbound out of the Atlanta Airport area to access several of the Fairburn exits, the congestion can be overwhelming and result in significant delays.

The traffic situation on I-85 Southbound during the Georgia Renaissance Festival is a common problem that has been documented over the years. In 2017, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) issued a warning to drivers about the traffic congestion that can occur during the event. According to GDOT, the heaviest traffic typically occurs on Saturdays between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, with traffic backing up for miles on I-85 Southbound.

To avoid the traffic jams on I-85, some visitors have suggested taking an alternate route to the fairgrounds, such as South Fulton Parkway (GA 14). This approach involves taking a counter-clockwise route around the fairgrounds and coming in from the back way, which can be more efficient than trying to navigate the congested I-85 interchanges.

South Fulton Parkway (GA 14) is a four-lane highway that runs east-west between I-285 and GA 154. The parkway provides a direct route to the Georgia Renaissance Festival from the east, without having to get on I-85. By taking GA 14 to GA 92, visitors can avoid the I-85 traffic altogether and approach the fairgrounds from the backside.

From GA 92, visitors can take White Mill Rd, Rivertown Rd, and finally to Virlyn B Smith Rd, which leads directly to the fairgrounds. While this route may take a few extra minutes than using I-85, it can be a more stress-free and enjoyable experience. This is especially true for those who are traveling from the east or south of Atlanta.

The counter-clockwise encircling approach can also be advantageous for those who are leaving the fairgrounds at the end of the day. By using this approach, visitors can avoid the heavy traffic on I-85 and take the less-traveled roads back to their destination. This can save time and stress, especially for those who are traveling long distances.

It is important to note that the use of South Fulton Parkway (GA 14) to avoid the traffic on I-85 is not a new idea. Many visitors have already discovered this route and use it regularly during the Georgia Renaissance Festival. However, it is important to plan ahead and check for any road closures or construction before taking this route.

In addition, visitors should also be aware of the potential for heavy traffic on the back roads leading to the fairgrounds, especially during peak hours. While this approach may be more efficient than using I-85, it is still important to give yourself plenty of time to get to the fairgrounds, especially if you are traveling from a long distance.

The Georgia Renaissance Festival is a highly anticipated event that attracts visitors from all over the region. However, the traffic situation getting to the fairgrounds can be a nightmare, with everyone using I-85 Southbound to access the event. To avoid the congestion and stress of the interstate, visitors can take the counter-clockwise encircling approach using South Fulton Parkway (GA 14) to GA 92, White Mill Rd, Rivertown Rd, and Virlyn B Smith Rd. While this in some odd chance of a less busy weekend may take a few extra minutes, it can be a more enjoyable and stress-free experience, especially for those traveling from the east or south of Atlanta.

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