For nearly three decades, the Reynoldstown Wheelbarrow Festival has drawn neighbors, friends, and visitors together for a day that feels more like a family reunion than a festival. Set in the heart of one of Atlanta’s most historic neighborhoods, the annual event is a celebration of everything that makes Reynoldstown—its people, culture, food, and fierce sense of community—so unforgettable.
This year’s festival returns to Lang-Carson Park on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 12 to 7 p.m., and promises a full slate of lively, local fun: live music, a local artist market, yard games and family-friendly activities, including an expanded Kids Zone and cornhole, pickleball and volleyball tournaments.
And of course, the fan-favorite .5K, Atlanta’s tiniest race, will once again wind its 0.31-mile route through the neighborhood, offering a cheeky, inclusive twist on the typical 5K. Whether you sprint, stroll, or strut in costume, the point is celebration, not sweat.
More Than a Festival
Founded in 1996, the Wheelbarrow Festival is the flagship event of the Reynoldstown Civic Improvement League (RCIL). Originally established to honor the neighborhood’s working-class legacy and tight-knit spirit, the festival has grown into Reynoldstown’s largest annual fundraiser and community event.
“Wheelbarrow is more than a festival,” says RCIL Chair Lindalisa Severo. “It’s a celebration of community. It’s a coming together of neighbors. And it’s an honoring of the unique spirit and resiliency of Reynoldstown.”
RCIL, founded in 1952, is a volunteer-led organization focused on fostering a welcoming, connected, and inclusive neighborhood. Through 10 active committees, the group tackles everything from affordable housing and greenspace improvements to public safety and senior outreach. The Wheelbarrow Festival helps fund many of these initiatives, ensuring that neighborhood pride translates into year-round support.
For the Neighborhood, by the Neighborhood
