18 Can't-Miss Fall Events for Family Fun
Experience the season's best and create family memories at Georgia's fall festivals and fairs.
Fall beckons families outdoors to enjoy Georgia's festivals, fairs and crisp weather. From festivals in the mountains to the Georgia National Fair in the middle of the state, fall adventures await families around the state. Sample a few events around Georgia to fully experience the season, and share your favorite fall finds using #ExploreGeorgia.
JapanFest in Duluth, Georgia
September
Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival in Augusta
Clear you calendar for Sept. 15-17, 2023, so you don’t miss out on all that the Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival has to offer – from international cuisine to local art vendors to jazz musicians. See more than 100 arts and crafts booths and five stages of non-stop entertainment, including a Global Stage with cultural music and dance and Jazz Stage with Jazz, Blues and Roots performances. The popular Family Stage features performances that appeal to children and families.
Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration in Macon
Celebrate the cultures of the Southeastern Native Americans at the Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park Sept. 16-17, 2023. Experience traditional cultural crafts, storytelling, educational programs, live demonstrations, music, and dance. Native American arts and crafts vendors will be selling crafts and food. Rediscover the mounds and Earth Lodge, artifacts, trails, and nature within the park.
JapanFest in Duluth
JapanFest is one of the largest festivals in the country that celebrates Japanese culture. Sept. 16-17, 2023, experience taiko drum concerts and traditional Japanese dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, cultural workshops, children's games, Japanese food and beer, contemporary and traditional musical performances, and so much more. JapanFest is a great chance to be immersed in all things Japanese!
Big Red Apple Festival in Cornelia
Cornelia's 35th annual Big Red Apple Festival on Sept. 23, 2023, will feature hayrides, cornhole games, a car show, a kids zone, arts and craft vendors, fresh apples, train rides, food vendors, live entertainment, axe throwing, historical tours, and more!
Finster Fest in Summerville
Howard Finster's Paradise Garden hosts the annual Finster Fest art and music extravaganza Sept. 23-24, 2023. Featuring more than 60 artists, live music, barbecue, and other Southern fares, a children's art activity area, and the chance to tour Howard Finster's famous folk art environment the family-friendly festival is truly one-of-a-kind.
Georgia National Fair in Perry, Georgia
October
The Georgia National Fair in Perry
For 11 days each autumn, The Georgia National Fair brings rides, concerts, agricultural exhibits and competitions, food stands, arts and crafts, and horse shows to the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. The best part? Fireworks each night! Visit Oct. 5-15, 2023.
Georgia Mountain Fall Festival in Hiawassee
Each October, the nine-day Georgia Mountain Fall Festival features exciting musical performances, arts and craft vendors, educational demonstrations, a flower show and the ever-popular Georgia’s Official State Fiddlers’ Convention. Performers at this year's event, Oct. 6-14, 2023, include Jo Dee Messina, Diamond Rio, The Bellamy Brothers, and Trace Adkins.
Oliver Hardy Festival in Harlem
Remember Laurel & Hardy, the classic comedy duo from the 1940s? Celebrate their legacy in Oliver's hometown Oct. 7, 2023, at the Oliver Hardy Festival, a fun‑filled day for the whole family. Don't miss the look-alike contest, music, dance, great food, and classic movies all day at the Laurel & Hardy Museum.
Atlanta Air Show
Expect to see dramatic, high-flying stunts at the Atlanta Air Show on Oct. 7-8, 2023, at Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field in Peachtree City. The event will feature flight performances from some of the nation’s top military and civilian pilots, and aircraft displays on the ground.
Prater's Mill Country Fair in Dalton
Browse arts and crafts by nearly 200 artisans while you listen to mountain music, sample Southern foods and watch living history exhibits at the Oct. 14-15, 2023, event at Prater's Mill Historic Site. Craft demonstrations include blacksmithing, spinning, quilting and woodcarving, and you can even see the mill grind corn.
Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair in Statesboro
Take a spin on the carnival rides, visit the petting zoo, check out local agriculture and eat delicious food at the annual Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair Oct. 16-21, 2023, in Statesboro. Explore the Heritage Village, where you can see an old-fashioned store, a chicken barn, and blacksmith shop. Be sure to stop by The Pancake House, a local fair tradition!
Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival in Richmond Hill
Eat some of the best seafood you'll find anywhere while you enjoy live entertainment on two stages at this must-try fall food festival Oct. 20-22, 2023. Thrill-seekers will love the carnival midway, and shoppers will love the handmade arts and crafts.
Olde Town Fall Festival in Conyers
Join the fun Oct. 21, 2023, at the Olde Town Fall Festival, a full day of arts and craft vendors, festival food, entertainment, and kids' activities. There are two entertainment stages, so plan your browsing, shopping, and snacking around some great local acts. Parking and admission are free.
Deep Roots Festival in Milledgeville
A cultural arts and music festival Oct. 21, 2023, Deep Roots also features a barbecue cook-off, more than 100 vendors with handmade arts and crafts, an antique car show, and the KidZone -- complete with the best collection of rides and inflatables.
Gold Rush Days Festival in Dahlonega
More than 300 art and craft exhibitors and food vendors gather around the Dahlonega Public Square and Historic District in support of Gold Rush Days the third full weekend in October (Oct. 21-22, 2023). An estimated 200,000 people visit over the weekend to enjoy the fun and excitement!
Bostwick's Cotton Gin Festival in Bostwick
Taking place Saturday, October 28, 2023, the festivities at Bostwick's Cotton Gin Festival include a tractor parade, a full day of cotton-ginning, and festival fun! There will be hayrides from the parking to the event, booths of hand-made arts and crafts, and treats at the many food vendors. The gin will be operating all day long for tours.
Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival on Jekyll Island, Georgia
November
Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival on Jekyll Island
Chow down on one of the coast's most famous dishes at the Shrimp & Grits Festival Nov. 3-4, 2023. Held every fall, the event features various interpretations of the dish, along with family-friendly entertainment, an artist market, live music and craft beer.
Kingsland Catfish Festival in Kingsland
Crispy Southern-fried catfish and all the fixings — grits, hush puppies, coleslaw, and plenty of sweet tea — that's reason enough to pack up and go to Kingsland for the annual Kingsland Catfish Festival on Nov. 18, 2023. The parades, specialty crafts and musical performances? That’s just gravy.
