Sweetwater 420 Festival

If you're planning to head to Atlanta this summer in your RV, stop by the SweetWater 420 Festival for some great music, food, and craft beer.

Event information

The SweetWater 420 Festival is a music event that is held in Atlanta, Georgia every year. The SweetWater Brewing Company conceptualized it as a way to bring together great live music and beer in their hometown of Atlanta. The festival was first held in 2004 and moved to its new home, Centennial Olympic Park in 2014, the year that it celebrated its tenth anniversary.

The first ever festival took place in Oakhurst, Georgia with a San Francisco based band named Tea Leaf Green serving as the headlining act. It was shifted to a new venue, Little Five Points' Candler Park home in 2006 where it remained until 2014.

Well-known national bands, as well as local musicians, are featured at the event. Artists like Widespread Panic, The Avett Brothers, The Record Company, Slightly Stoopid, Kid Rock, Disco Biscuits, Cypress Hill, Snoop Dogg, Sublime with Rome, Perpetual Groove, Arrested Development, and Chris Robinson Brotherhood have performed at SweetWater 420 Festival in the past.

In addition to the music, conservation and environmental awareness are a big part of the festival. A portion of the venue is dedicated to non-profit activities and environmental workshops. You will also find several live stages, a market featuring the work of local artists, beer stations, and food trucks.

Tickets

Passes are available for single days or all three days of the festival. You have the option of choosing between General Admission and Big Fish VIP tickets. They range in price from $80 for one-day General Admission tickets to $450 for Big Fish three-day VIP passes. The VIP passes include access to VIP viewing areas, separate entrances, complimentary beverages, and many more perks.

If you commit to the festival early, you'll be able to purchase Early Bird tickets, which are available at discounted rates. Check out the official festival website for more information on tickets and pricing.

Explore Sweetwater 420 Festival RV Rentals


Transportation

Driving

The festival takes place in Centennial Olympic Park, located in Downtown Atlanta. You'll need to get there via Baker Street if you're coming from the North or via Marietta Street if you're getting in from the west. It can take a bit of extra patience to navigate traffic on the days of the event. You may be better off parking your rig at your campsite and using public transport to get to the venue.

Parking areas

Paid parking for cars, buses, RVs and oversized vehicles is available at the Georgia World Congress Center. You can purchase a parking pass through the festival website if you plan to take a tow vehicle or will otherwise need one. It's a good idea to do this in advance since parking can be expensive and prices tend to go up closer to the days of the event.

Public Transportation

The best way to get to the festival venue is by taking the Atlanta Streetcar. It has it's own mobile app which you can use to book your ride. It goes right past the east side of the park and stops at Centennial Olympic Drive. You also have the option of taking a bus or using a ride-hailing app.

Where to stay

Onsite

Onsite camping and overnight parking are not permitted at Centennial Olympic Park. Fortunately, there are several RV parks nearby where you can book a spot.

Nearby

Most of the RV parks in Atlanta are located outside the Metropolitan area. These are usually 20-30 minutes away from the venue by vehicle. The advantage of getting out of the city center is that you can enjoy being surrounded by nature. These parks come with facilities like full hookups, pool access, pet-friendly areas, and WiFi.

Getting around

Skateboards, skates, Segways, cycles, ATVs, or other personal vehicles will not be allowed on the venue. The park is ADA compliant, and all the entrances are accessible. There are also cement pathways that snake through the park, so patrons with disabilities can use these to get around the park. There is an ADA viewing platform near the main stage.

What to pack

Clothing

The vibe at StreetWater 420 Festival is casual and relaxed. Most people will be dressed in shorts, sundresses, and other comfortable summer clothing. Opt for attire made from light, fabrics, and add a touch of individuality with a unique hat or sunglasses. Put on a pair of comfortable shoes, preferably sports shoes or flats, since you're likely to be on your feet all day.

Gear

Your bag or purse must either be clear or no larger than the size of your hand. Pack this with all the essentials you'll need to stay comfortable like bug spray, a portable charger, and earplugs. You can bring in a stroller if you're with an infant or small child. Take a blanket or an inflatable couch, so you have some form of seating.

Health & Safety

Free water refill stations will be present throughout the festival grounds. Carry an empty water bottle with you and refill it frequently. It can get pretty hot during the day, so wear plenty of sunscreen and protect yourself with a hat. Outside alcohol and illegal drugs are strictly prohibited.

Where to eat

Cooking

Cooking is not allowed on the festival grounds. You can prepare your own meals at your campsite on the stove associated with your RV. Many of the campgrounds in the area have convenience stores in the vicinity or a short drive away. So you don’t need to worry about loading your RV up with food but do so would help limit the time needed away from the music and fun for restocking. Open fires may be prohibited, so call ahead and check if your RV park allows this.

Restaurants

Thanks to the festival's central location, you'll be within walking distance of the city's best hotels, bars, and restaurants. You may not want to leave Atlanta without dining on some delicious Southern comfort food. Also, soak in the city's legendary nightlife by grabbing a nightcap or an after show snack at one of the local hotspots.

Vendors

Since the festival is organized by the SweetWater Brewing Company, there will be some great craft brews on offer. Vendors will also be selling plenty of non-alcoholic beverages and tasty food; snack on tasty burritos, fried chicken, and burgers. If you're in the mood for something sweet, try one of the indulgent desserts or ice creams.

Safety

Security

The safety of festival patrons is taken very seriously at the SweetWater 420 Festival. All bags and strollers will be checked before entry, and you may be subjected to an airport-style pat down as well. If anyone is seen breaking the rules, their wristband will be removed by security or festival staff and will not be replaced.

Weather

The festival will take place rain or shine. Warm, summer weather is what you can typically expect in April. A light drizzle will not interfere with the festivities. However, if the weather changes unexpectedly and turns severe, alerts will be put out on the website and social media pages. Carry a rain poncho in case it does shower.

Medical

There will be a centrally located first aid area where you can get medical assistance if necessary. You can also flag down a staff member and ask them for help. Every bathroom area will have ADA accessible porta-potties. Medically necessary items will be allowed, but prior permission must be obtained.