Explore Georgia Fall Festivals Featuring Family-Friendly Activities Across the Peach State
Georgia’s fall festivals are a vibrant celebration of Southern charm, culture, and the changing seasons. From the lively streets of Atlanta to the scenic mountain towns in North Georgia, these events offer a perfect blend of music, food, and family fun. Whether you’re a fan of classic Southern BBQ, live bluegrass music, or picturesque pumpkin patches, Georgia’s fall festivals have something for everyone.
Premier Festivals and Celebrations
Georgia Mountain Fall Festival
Location: Hiawassee, GA
Dates: October 11-19, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 50,000
Theme: Mountain Heritage & Family Fun
The Georgia Mountain Fall Festival in Hiawassee is a nine-day celebration of the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty. Held at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, the event features live performances by country and bluegrass artists like Jo Dee Messina, Diamond Rio, and Trace Adkins on multiple stages. Over 100 arts and crafts vendors display handmade goods, and food booths offer local specialties like fried apple pies and barbecue. Unique attractions include clogging demonstrations, flower shows, and antique car exhibits. Kids will love the carnival rides and games, while history buffs can explore the Pioneer Village, which recreates mountain life from the 1800s with demonstrations of traditional skills.
Dragon Con
Location: Atlanta, GA
Dates: August 29 – September 2, 2024
Attendees: Over 85,000
Theme: Pop Culture & Sci-Fi
Dragon Con kicks off the fall season in Atlanta with a massive celebration of pop culture, sci-fi, and fantasy. This iconic convention draws fans worldwide to enjoy panels, celebrity appearances, and the famous Dragon Con parade, which showcases elaborate costumes inspired by favorite movies, TV shows, and video games. Highlights include appearances by stars like William Shatner and Gillian Anderson and a sprawling vendor hall filled with collectibles, comics, and memorabilia. The event also features cosplay, writing, and game design workshops, making it a must-attend for pop culture enthusiasts.
Dahlonega Gold Rush Days
Location: Dahlonega, GA
Dates: October 19-20, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 20,000
Theme: Gold Mining Heritage & Appalachian Culture
Dahlonega Gold Rush Days transforms the historic town of Dahlonega into a lively celebration of its gold mining past. The festival kicks off with a parade featuring antique cars, marching bands, and colorful floats. Over 300 art and craft booths line the streets, offering handmade items ranging from jewelry to home décor. Visitors can try panning for gold in the town creek and enjoy live music, clogging performances, and gold mining demonstrations. The festival’s King and Queen, crowned in period costumes, add to the historical charm of this unique event.
Ellijay’s Georgia Apple Festival
Location: Ellijay, GA
Dates: October 12-13 & 19-20, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 40,000
Theme: Apple Harvest & Mountain Traditions
Nestled in the picturesque North Georgia mountains, the Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay celebrates the region’s apple-growing heritage. The festival offers a chance to sample a variety of apple treats, from fresh cider to apple pies, all made with locally grown apples. Visitors can explore more than 300 vendors selling handmade crafts, jewelry, and home décor. The festival also features live music, a classic car show, and an apple-themed parade that winds through the charming streets of Ellijay. Sponsored by Georgia Grown and Reece Orchards, this event is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience fall flavors in Georgia.
Stone Mountain Highland Games
Location: Stone Mountain Park, GA
Dates: October 19-20, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 15,000
Theme: Scottish Heritage & Highland Traditions
The Stone Mountain Highland Games brings a touch of Scotland to Georgia with its vibrant celebration of Scottish culture and heritage. Set against the stunning backdrop of Stone Mountain, this event features traditional Highland games, including caber tossing and hammer throwing, as well as live performances by bagpipe bands and Celtic dancers. Visitors can enjoy authentic Scottish cuisine, such as haggis and Scotch eggs, and browse stalls selling kilts, tartans, and other Scottish goods. The event also includes a clan gathering, where families with Scottish ancestry can connect and celebrate their heritage. Sponsored by VisitScotland and Stone Mountain Park, the Highland Games offer a unique and festive way to experience Scottish culture in the heart of Georgia.
Culinary Delights and Craft Beverages
Atlanta Food & Wine Festival
Location: Atlanta, GA
Dates: September 26-29, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 12,000
Theme: Southern Cuisine & Culinary Excellence
The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is a premier event showcasing the best Southern cuisine and culinary talent. Held in Midtown Atlanta, this festival features tastings, cooking demonstrations, and exclusive dinners led by some of the South’s most renowned chefs, including Hugh Acheson and Deborah VanTrece. Attendees can sample everything from traditional Southern barbecue to innovative dishes highlighting regional ingredients like Georgia peaches and Vidalia onions. The event also offers wine and spirits tastings, with a special focus on Southern distilleries and craft breweries. VIP experiences include intimate chef meet-and-greets and behind-the-scenes tours of Atlanta’s culinary hotspots.
Crush Fest at Yonah Mountain Vineyards
Location: Cleveland, GA
Date: September 14, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 3,000
Theme: Wine Harvest & Vineyard Celebration
Crush Fest at Yonah Mountain Vineyards celebrates the wine harvest season in North Georgia’s wine country. This annual event offers visitors the chance to stomp grapes, tour the vineyard, and taste a variety of wines produced on-site. Live music by local bands adds to the festive atmosphere, and food trucks offer gourmet bites to pair with the wines. Attendees can also browse an artisan market featuring local crafts and products. The stunning mountain views and the opportunity to experience the winemaking process firsthand make Crush Fest a unique and memorable event.
Shrimp & Grits Festival
Location: Jekyll Island, GA
Dates: September 20-22, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 20,000
Theme: Coastal Cuisine & Lowcountry Traditions
The Shrimp & Grits Festival on Jekyll Island celebrates one of Georgia’s most iconic dishes in a beautiful coastal setting. This three-day event features shrimp and grits prepared in various styles by chefs from across the Southeast. Visitors can sample traditional Lowcountry recipes as well as creative twists on this classic dish. The festival also includes cooking demonstrations, a craft beer garden, and live music from local bands. The scenic beaches of Jekyll Island provide the perfect backdrop for this celebration of Southern cuisine, making it a must-visit for food lovers.
Artistic Flair and Handcrafted Goods
Yellow Daisy Festival
Location: Stone Mountain Park, GA
Dates: September 5-8, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 200,000
Theme: Arts & Crafts Fair
The Yellow Daisy Festival is one of the Southeast’s largest arts and crafts fairs, attracting hundreds of artisans and vendors to Stone Mountain Park annually. Visitors can browse various handmade goods, from pottery and jewelry to paintings and home décor. The festival also features live entertainment, food vendors, and children’s activities, making it a fun outing for the whole family. The scenic setting of Stone Mountain Park, with its beautiful fall foliage, adds to the charm of this beloved event.
Cotton Pickin’ Fair
Location: Gay, GA
Dates: October 5-6, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 30,000
Theme: Southern Heritage & Traditional Crafts
Held in the small town of Gay, Georgia, the Cotton Pickin’ Fair celebrates Southern heritage and traditional crafts. The festival features over 350 artisans and craftsmen, offering everything from handmade quilts and furniture to vintage collectibles. Visitors can enjoy live bluegrass music, Southern comfort food, and demonstrations of traditional skills like blacksmithing and basket weaving. The fair also includes a classic car show and an antique tractor parade, adding to the nostalgic charm of this event.
Norcross Art Splash & Wine Festival
Location: Norcross, GA
Dates: October 12-13, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 15,000
Theme: Art & Wine
The Norcross Art Splash & Wine Festival brings together art, wine, and community spirit in the charming downtown area of Norcross. This festival features the work of over 100 artists, including painters, sculptors, and jewelry makers, who showcase their creations in outdoor galleries. Visitors can also enjoy wine tastings from local vineyards, live music performances, and gourmet food trucks. The festival’s family-friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to discover unique art and enjoy delicious wine make it a popular fall event in Georgia.
Family Fun and Carnival Thrills
North Georgia State Fair
Location: Marietta, GA
Dates: September 19-29, 2024
Attendees: Over 300,000
Theme: Family Fun & Classic Fair Attractions
The North Georgia State Fair in Marietta is one of the largest fall festivals in the state, drawing crowds with its mix of thrilling rides, live entertainment, and classic fair food. Visitors can enjoy everything from fried Oreos to giant turkey legs while taking in performances by country music stars like Luke Combs and Miranda Lambert. The fair also features an impressive lineup of agricultural exhibits, including livestock shows and a petting zoo, making it a perfect family-friendly outing. Local artisans and vendors offer unique crafts and goods, adding a touch of Georgia charm to this beloved event.
Rock Ranch Fall Family Fun Days
Location: The Rock, GA
Dates: Saturdays from September 28 – November 2, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 10,000
Theme: Farm Adventures & Outdoor Fun
The Rock Ranch Fall Family Fun Days offer a series of themed Saturdays that provide outdoor adventures and farm fun for the whole family. Located in the small town of The Rock, this agritourism destination offers activities such as corn mazes, pumpkin picking, and zip-lining. Each weekend features a different theme, such as Pumpkin Destruction Day or Hot Air Balloon Day, ensuring there’s always something new to experience. The Rock Ranch also offers wagon rides, petting zoos, and live entertainment, making it a perfect fall destination for families.
Travel Tips for Enjoying Georgia Fall Festivals
Planning your visit to Georgia’s fall festivals can enhance your experience by ensuring you find the best accommodations and transportation options. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your autumn adventure.
Preferred Hotels and Lodging
Book your stay early, especially for popular festivals like the Georgia National Fair and the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. For a luxurious stay, consider The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee near Greensboro, or The St. Regis Atlanta for easy access to the city’s events. In North Georgia, cozy cabins and mountain resorts offer stunning views and a peaceful retreat after a day of festival fun. Many of these accommodations offer fall packages that include festival tickets or special amenities.
Transportation and Accessibility
Georgia’s major cities have well-developed public transportation systems, including MARTA in Atlanta, which can help you get to and from festival sites without the hassle of parking. For rural areas, renting a car is advisable, especially if you plan to explore the scenic backroads and small towns where many of the state’s fall festivals take place. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available, offering a convenient option for shorter trips. If you’re planning to visit multiple festivals, consider mapping out your route to make the most of your time in the Peach State.
Start Exploring
Ready to explore the best of Georgia’s fall festivals? Start planning your trip by finding the perfect place to stay. Search for vacation rentals near your favorite festival at Lake.com. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin in the mountains or a stylish apartment in the city, Lake.com has a wide range of options to suit your needs. Book your ideal getaway today and experience the charm and excitement of Georgia’s autumn celebrations!
