Event Information: M2R TrailFest 2026
Join us for an exciting celebration of art and community at the M2R TrailFest on Saturday, May 9, 2026. This annual public arts festival takes place along the Mountain to River Trail and will showcase the debut of various art installations and performances exclusive to the festival. Enjoy artistic performances, professional chalk art, live music, and visual installations as you walk along the trail, which spans from Lewis Park near Wellstar Kennestone Hospital to the pedestrian bridge near Brown Park, with a stop at Marietta Square.
During the festival, new sculptures will be unveiled, enhancements to the existing mural program will be showcased, and there will be free art drops. The popular M2R Fence Art Gallery, featuring photography and original artwork, will line nearly a mile of the trail and will be on display for sixty days before beginning a yearlong tour throughout the county.
This year marks the fourth annual Fur Folly Pet Parade, where pets and their owners are encouraged to don costumes and participate in the festivities. The parade will proceed along the M2R trail from Lewis Park Dog Park to Atherton Square in historic downtown Marietta (approximately one mile) prior to the Opening Ceremonies, which commence at 11:00 AM. Staging for the parade starts at 9:30 AM, with the parade beginning at 10:00 AM.
The Opening Ceremonies will take place at 11:00 AM in Atherton Square, located behind Cool Beans and the Marietta Welcome Center, the festival’s central hub. Enjoy performances by dancers, musicians, and aerialists in Atherton Square and along the trail. Festival attendees can choose to head north or south along the trail, passing notable sculptures and vibrant murals. Brightly colored lucite bridge installations, a tradition since 2020, will once again be featured over the North and South 120 Loops, showcasing the work of students from KSU’s College of Architecture and Construction Management, thus fostering professional development for future creative placemakers.
Details:
- Date: May 9, 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Event Categories: Art, Festival, Kid-Friendly, Music
- Website: M2R TrailFest
Organizer:
