Forward Warrior mixes up mural magic in Cabbagetown

Forward Warrior, the free weekend festival that gives artists a larger-than-life canvas and Atlantans a chance to watch murals come to life, returns on Saturday and Sunday.

Why it matters: The annual event is one of the city's best gatherings in one of its best neighborhoods and is a great chance to become more familiar with the city's talented arts communities.

State of play: Starting Saturday, dozens of artists including Debbie Snax , Fabian Williams, Lotus Eaters Club. Alex Wolf, Dosa Kim and Zwist make their first appearances.

Catch up quick: Atlanta artist Peter Ferrari founded the festival in 2011 with the goal of uniting and uplifting the city's creative community.

• In 2014, Cabbagetown residents asked Forward Warrior to turn a retaining wall along Wylie Street long covered with graffiti into panels of murals.

The big picture: "We don't want to be a bumper sticker festival," Ferrari told WABE. "I like for the murals themselves to reflect a message [and] provoke thoughts that the passersby will pick up on."

Zoom in: In addition to artists on scaffolds working in real time, Forward Warrior's a street festival.

• Look for a vintage market and maker's space and "Mini-Krog," a pint-sized version of the famed tunnel that gives kids a chance to try their mural-making skills using non-toxic spray paint.

Pro tip: Ride a bike, take transit, or plan for your ride to drop you off. Cabbagetown is a historic mill village with narrow streets so parking will be next to impossible.

Get involved: People who volunteer and donate cash get access to a VIP-only lounge.