The first Sunday in October, Atlanta’s Historic Oakland Cemetery reconnects with its Victorian roots with Sunday in the Park, the most unique fall festival in the South. 

Many come dressed in Victorian finery harkening back to Oakland’s founding 161 years ago as a garden cemetery for the Victorian street festival presented by Historic Oakland Foundation on Sunday Oct. 2 from noon – 6:00pm. Now in its 32nd year, Sunday in the Park draws thousands of visitors to one of the most historically and architecturally significant cemeteries in the United States.

The 48-acre cemetery features meticulously landscaped gardens and burial sites, old growth trees, fully restored mausoleums, a Jewish section, an African-American section, the graves of Civil War soldiers and historical monuments. Set among all this during Sunday in the Park are musicians, artists, food, spirits and much more.

Sunday in the Park features an artists’ market, living history demonstrations, storytellers, Irish dancers and a variety of live musical entertainment. There will also be a Victorian costume contest and photography contest. Carriage tours and free walking tours, with an opportunity to enter some of the magnificent mausoleums, will be offered.

The children’s area will feature crafts and old-fashioned games. Oakland’s traditional Teddy Bear Tea will entertain kids of all ages with storytelling. The Bubbleman will also keep the kids amused in the children’s area. Food will be provided by Six Feet Under, Pallookaville, The Varsity and others.

Patrons are encouraged to take MARTA to the King Memorial Station. Free bike valet service will be provided by the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition and parking will be available for a nominal fee.

Proceeds from Sunday in the Park benefit the Historic Oakland Foundation. Through donations and volunteer efforts Historic Oakland Foundation restores, preserves, and shares the period gardens, monuments, walls, walkways and grounds of the cemetery with the public. Oakland Cemetery is open to all 365 days a year.

For more information about donations, tours, events and other ways to support Oakland, please visit www.oaklandcemetery.com or call 404.688.2107.

Tags: atlanta, family events, festivals, GA, Oakland Cemetary