Best Fall Festivals in Georgia

As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, fall in Georgia is the perfect time to celebrate the season with festivals. Whether you’re looking for live music, artisan crafts, or delicious food, there’s no shortage of events to choose from. From the mountains to the coast, here are the best fall festivals in Georgia.

Greek Festival in Atlanta 🇬🇷

For over 40 years, the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation has hosted the Atlanta Greek Festival, an annual celebration of Greek culture and cuisine. From spanakopita to baklava, there’s no shortage of delicious food to indulge in. There’s also live music, dancing, and a marketplace featuring Greek imports and crafts. Opa!

Oktoberfest in Helen 🍺

Every year, the Alpine village of Helen hosts Oktoberfest, a German-style celebration of beer and bratwurst. In addition to traditional Bavarian food and drink, there’s also live music and dancing. Don’t forget your lederhosen!

Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay 🍎

Ellijay, located in the north Georgia mountains, is known for its apple orchards. Every October, the Georgia Apple Festival celebrates the harvest season with arts and crafts, live music, and of course, plenty of apple products. From apple pies to cider, it’s a sweet celebration in the mountains.

Savannah Food and Wine Festival 🍷

If you’re a foodie, the Savannah Food and Wine Festival is a must-attend event. With over a week of tastings, dinners, and seminars, there’s something for everyone. From local seafood to international wines, it’s a feast for the senses.

Shrimp and Grits Festival in Jekyll Island 🍤

Located on the Georgia coast, Jekyll Island is a popular destination for beachgoers. But every year in September, the island hosts the Shrimp and Grits Festival, a celebration of the classic southern dish. In addition to plenty of shrimp and grits, there’s also live music and a craft market.

Georgia State Fair in Perry 🎡

Every October, the Georgia State Fair comes to Perry, featuring carnival rides, games, and food. From funnel cakes to corn dogs, it’s a classic fair experience. There’s also livestock exhibits and a petting zoo for animal lovers.

Atlanta Pride Festival 🏳️‍🌈

The Atlanta Pride Festival, held every October, is a celebration of the city’s LGBTQ+ community. With a parade, live entertainment, and educational events, it’s a chance to come together and show support for equality.

Mountain Moonshine Festival in Dawsonville 🥃

The Mountain Moonshine Festival, held every October in Dawsonville, celebrates the town’s history of moonshining. In addition to live music and food trucks, there’s a parade featuring vintage cars and a shine run through the mountains.

Georgia Mountain Fall Festival in Hiawassee 🍁

The Georgia Mountain Fall Festival, held every October in Hiawassee, features live music, arts and crafts, and delicious food. But the highlight of the festival is the daily demonstrations of traditional crafts, like basket weaving and blacksmithing.

Atlanta Black Pride Festival 🖤

The Atlanta Black Pride Festival, held every September, is the largest queer pride celebration for people of African descent in the world. With a full calendar of events, including parties, panels, and cultural events, it’s a chance for Black LGBTQ+ people to come together and celebrate their identities.

Tybee Island Pirate Fest 🏴‍☠️

Every October, Tybee Island hosts the Pirate Fest, a celebration of all things pirate. With a costume contest, live music, and a parade, it’s a chance to let your inner pirate shine. But watch out for Blackbeard!

Atlanta Horror Film Festival 🎥

If you’re a fan of horror movies, the Atlanta Horror Film Festival is a must-attend event. With screenings of independent horror films from around the world, it’s a chance to discover new talent and scare yourself silly.

Harvest Festival in Decatur 🌽

Decatur’s Harvest Festival, held every October, is a celebration of fall harvest. With live music, food trucks, and a farmers market, it’s a chance to sample the best of the season. There’s also a pumpkin carving contest and a children’s costume parade.

Chastain Park Arts Festival 🎨

The Chastain Park Arts Festival, held every November, is an outdoor art extravaganza. With over 200 artists showcasing their work, it’s a chance to discover new talent and add to your collection. There’s also live music and food vendors to keep you fueled up.

Georgia Renaissance Festival 🎭

The Georgia Renaissance Festival, held every April and May, transports visitors back in time to the 16th century. With jousting tournaments, live entertainment, and artisan crafts, it’s a chance to experience life in the age of knights and ladies.

FAQs

1. When is the best time to attend these festivals?

The fall season is the best time to attend these festivals. Most events take place in September, October, or November.

2. Are these festivals family-friendly?

Yes, most festivals are family-friendly and offer activities for children.

3. Can I bring pets to these festivals?

It depends on the festival. Check with the event organizers for their pet policy.

4. Are there any free festivals?

Some festivals are free to attend, while others require a ticket purchase. Check the festival website for more information.

5. Can I volunteer at these festivals?

Many festivals rely on volunteers to help with various tasks. Contact the festival organizers to inquire about volunteer opportunities.

6. Is parking available at these festivals?

Most festivals offer parking options, but it’s always a good idea to check in advance and plan accordingly.

7. Can I bring my own food and drinks to these festivals?

Most festivals do not allow outside food and drinks, but there are usually plenty of options available for purchase.

8. How much do tickets cost?

Ticket prices vary by festival. Check the festival website for more information.

9. How long do the festivals last?

Most festivals last for one or two days, but some may span a weekend or longer.

10. Are there any age restrictions for these festivals?

Most festivals are open to all ages, but some may have specific age restrictions for certain activities.

11. Do I need to bring cash to these festivals?

Many vendors at festivals only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to bring some with you. However, many festivals also offer credit card payment options.

12. Can I purchase festival merchandise?

Yes, most festivals offer merchandise for purchase, such as t-shirts and souvenirs.

13. Can I bring my own chairs or blankets?

It depends on the festival. Check the event website for their policy on bringing your own seating.

Conclusion

As you can see, there’s no shortage of fall festivals to enjoy in Georgia. From traditional celebrations to unique events, there’s something for everyone. So why not grab your friends and family and head out to one of these festivals to make some memories?

Don’t miss out on the fun – mark your calendar now and start planning your fall festival tour of Georgia! And remember, stay safe, have fun, and enjoy all that the Peach State has to offer.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only. The author assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of this article. In no event shall the author be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence, or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the information provided in this article.