ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The Atlanta Police Department is increasing its presence at Piedmont Park for the Atlanta Dogwood Festival this weekend.

The festival comes less than a week after the shooting death of Tianah Robinson during 404 Day celebrations at the park.

“Weather is going to be beautiful; everyone is still on spring break,” Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said. ”I’m going to be there, you’re going to have a good time and you’re going to see the Atlanta Police Department.”

The Atlanta Police Department will have extra uniformed officers in addition to the already “robust” existing security plan. Schierbaum said there will also be extra 911 operators working this weekend.

The 90th Dogwood Festival will display works from more than 260 artists.

“It’s probably the biggest arts festival in the Southeast,” longtime festival Executive Director Brian Hill said. “It’s multi-generational. Families get together, oftentimes because of the festival. They come back together, and people have friends that come from out of town because of the Dogwood Festival.”

Artist Blake Gore came in from Virginia to showcase his intricate miniature art pieces. He says he hopes the increased security will help attendees focus on what they came to the festival for.

“It’s a big deal. If you want to really give your full attention to something, then you can’t be distracted by outside worries and things like that,” Gore said. “That’s one of the big reasons people come to art shows, is to kind of escape from all of the crazy stuff that’s out there in the world right now.”

Alexa Kelser, who lives near Piedmont Park, said she’s never felt unsafe there.

“There are so many points of entry, so I think adding security is good,” she said. “This festival has been going on for 90 years, and nothing’s happened yet.”

Hill said that for the event organizers, normal security means a lot of security.

“We’ll have uniformed police, we have T-shirt security, and we have people that go through the audience that you wouldn’t even know are part of that,” he said.

The festival is ticketed this year because operating costs, including security, have gone up.

Hill said he expected thousands in attendance beginning at noon on Friday.

“Quite frankly, this is going to be the safest place in Atlanta this weekend, and it’s going to be the best place to be. It’s going to be fabulously beautiful,” he said. “The art is wonderful, the music is going to be great, the food is what you crave, and there’s just going to be a whole variety of things, and you’ll come for a couple of hours and you’ll be here all day.”

What to know if you’re attending the Atlanta Dogwood Festival

Here are the answers to some common questions about the festival.

Where can I buy tickets?

You can buy tickets at the gate or in advance on the festival’s website. Tickets are $10 on Saturday and Sunday, or $15 for a weekend pass. Children 12 and younger can enter for free.

How do I get to the festival?

Officials recommend that the public use MARTA to get to the Piedmont Park festival. The closest stations are the Arts Center or Midtown. Otherwise, a bike valet is also available on 10^th Street near Charles Allen Drive, and you can reserve parking for your vehicle through SpotHero.

Can I bring my pet?

No pets are allowed in Piedmont Park during the festival. You also can’t smoke or bring in tents and outside food. The Piedmont Dog Park is still open through the Park Drive entrance, however.

What are the festival’s hours?

On Saturday, the hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., although the artist market closes at 7 p.m. On Sunday, they’re 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Who’s performing during the festival?

A number of bands and other acts are taking the Coca-Cola Main Stage during the festival. Click here for the full lineup.

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