WHEN THE INMAN PARK FESTIVAL began 37 years ago, at the dawn of the first wave of gentrification, the event was meant to lure lenders into the neglected and disheveled area, a festival spokesperson said. Like its progressive neighborhood, the festival evolved into one of the most celebrated, and eclectic, of Atlanta's many outdoor springtime soirees. These are among this year's high notes:

Tour of Homes: The focus may be on the 100-year-old Victorians the neighborhood is famous for, but a few of the 10 homes included in this year's self-guided tour show off the area's growing architectural diversity. Stops include an artist's loft in an old railroad hotel, an apartment and a townhouse. Noon to 4 p.m. April 25 and noon to 6 p.m. April 26 and 27.

Frank Niemeir/Staff (ENLARGE)
As usual, the Inman Park Festival is likely to draw a large crowd, so visitors are urged to find alternatives to driving.
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Parade: Some of Atlanta's most curious characters — including the Seed & Feed Marching Abominable, the Inman Park Precision Attache Drill Team, live bands and the Trash Monarch, the neighborhood's mascot — will take part in this event that begins at the intersection of Edgewood and Euclid avenues and ends at Euclid and Austin Avenue, near Little Five Points. Mayor Shirley Franklin is the parade's grand marshal. 2 p.m. April 26

Arts and crafts show and street market: More than 100 artists will be displaying and selling sculpture, photos, paintings, mixed media, jewelry, clothing and accessories.

For the little ones: Drought rules are keeping the kids out of Springvale Park this year, but look for the inflatables in the Lizzie Chapel parking lot at the corner of Edgewood and Euclid avenues, near the Delta Park stage.

Entertainment: Nearly nonstop performances on three stages throughout the festival. Colonel Bruce Hampton and the Quirk Alliance perform at 8 p.m. April 26 on the main stage, at Euclid and Springvale Park. Check festival Web site for a complete guide to the weekend's music.

Dance festival: A program of classical and contemporary dance from 4 to 5:30 p.m. April 26 at the Trolley Barn, 963 Edgewood Ave. N.E.

The food: Booths selling corn dogs, ice cream, funnel cakes, barbecue and beer are just a few ways to fuel up.

Getting there: Parking is extremely limited. Festival organizers strongly urge taking MARTA to the Inman Park station, a shuttle from City Hall East, or walking or biking if possible. No pets allowed.

• THE 411: Inman Park Festival and Tour of Homes. Festival admission is free; Tour of Homes tickets $15 in advance, $20 on-site. Noon to 4 p.m. April 25 (Tour of Homes only). 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. April 26. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 27. Euclid Avenue at Elizabeth Street. 770-242-4895, www.inmanparkfestival.org.