The Roswell Arts Festival turns 60 Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19-20, at Roswell City Hall with a free weekend of art, live music, food trucks and children's activities.

The milestone comes weeks after the Roswell Recreation Association, which organizes the festival, handed the city a $48,000 check for parks upgrades. Roswell City Council unanimously approved the donation at its Aug. 24 meeting.

The money splits three ways: $25,208 to fully fund two shade structures at East Roswell Dog Park, $16,000 to enhance a gathering space at Liberty Square Park, and $6,792 to add seating and movable platforms at the Crabapple Center Performing Arts Studio, according to Appen Media.

Since residents founded the festival in 1966 to support Roswell's parks and recreation system, proceeds have topped $1.6 million. Past projects include playgrounds, athletic fields, recreation centers, trails, spraygrounds along the Chattahoochee River and a serenity garden at Roswell Area Park.

"I'm very, very excited with the projects that we'll be able to fund this year with that [donation], but also about the festival which is coming up," Council Member Eren Brumley said at the Aug. 24 meeting.

Roswell Recreation Association chair Valerie Morelli told Appen Media the event grew from a small group of residents with a big vision for Roswell's parks. She said the organization is still carrying that vision forward thanks to artists, entertainers, sponsors and volunteers.

State Sen. John Albers, a Republican representing District 56, recognized the festival's six-decade legacy with a formal proclamation.

The festival runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at 38 Hill St. Parking is available at City Hall. Offerings include work by local artists, live entertainment and children's activities such as sand art and face painting. Admission is free.

Volunteers from the National Charity League help run the event. The Roswell Rotary Club is among the 2026 sponsors.