12 Don't-Miss Georgia Fall Festivals
From barbecue to hot air balloons, local performers to living history, these festivals have everything you need to celebrate fall.
When the temperatures start to cool down, the festival calendar starts to heat up in Georgia, and communities all over the state celebrate the season in their own unique ways. Travel around Georgia in the fall, and you'll notice not only the beautiful colors, but events that bring everyone together with food, games, art, music and activities for the whole family.
Taste the flavors of fall at festivals for apples, peanuts and barbecue, and experience different cultures at festivals that celebrate heritage and history. Fall is the perfect time to get out to enjoy the weather along with music and art.
Use the list below to start filling in your festival calendar for fall!
Labor Day Weekend at Callaway Resort & Gardens
Labor Day Weekend at Callaway Resort & Gardens features a number of hot air balloons that light up for a spectacular balloon glow at night followed by fireworks over Robin Lake Beach. Enjoy a weekend full of swimming at the beach, seeing butterflies and birds of prey take flight, and all the resort amenities along with three nights of balloon glows.
Sheriff's JeepFest, Labor Day weekend
Thousands of Jeeps gather near Jasper each year for JeepFest, three days of exhibition and adventure benefiting Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes and the Sheriff’s Foundation of Pickens County. Bring your Jeep to drive over obstacles, through trails and mud, and enjoy concerts, food and more. Advanced registration is recommended.
Yellow Daisy Festival, September
The Yellow Daisy Festival at Stone Mountain Park hosts hundreds of artisans from all over the country in early September. Shop for handmade pottery, paintings, jewelry and more. You'll also enjoy mouth-watering festival foods and live entertainment.
Music Midtown, September
As one of the state's largest music fests, Music Midtown draws fans to Atlanta every September. The long list of acts in the weekend lineup covers many musical genres and features some of the industry’s biggest names. The fest, held outdoors in Piedmont Park in September, has seen acts by the likes of Ludacris, Jane's Addiction, Pearl Jam, Artic Monkeys, Red Hot Chili Peppers and T.I.
ArtsCity Festival, September
The annual Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival is being modified this year because of the pandemic and will be the ArtsCity Festival instead. Browse work at more than 100 juried artist booths, and enjoy live music and entertainment on two stages. Dine on cuisine from around the world at international food booths, as well as take-out from downtown restaurants. The two-and-a-half-day celebration won't be as large as it has been previously, but it will have all the elements that have made it a beloved festival for years.
Brooklet Peanut Festival, September
Celebrate one of Georgia's famous crops at the annual Brooklet Peanut Festival in September. Watch the parade and tractor races, as well as shop for arts & crafts and enjoy festival food. Admission is free to the family-friendly fall festival.
Ocmulgee Indian Celebration, September
You'll be amazed at the Ocmulgee Indian Celebration at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in Macon in September. The event draws thousands of visitors each year for dancing storytelling, music, crafts, games, food and Native American demonstrations. See warriors on horseback, living history camps, primitive technology and cooking, pottery and more.
Georgia Mountain Fall Festival, October
The nine-day Georgia Mountain Fall Festival in Hiawassee features exciting musical performances, arts and crafts vendors, educational demonstrations, a flower show and more! Music performances for 2021 will feature Pam Tillis, Neal McCoy, Lee Greenwood, Ronnie Milsap and Mark Wills.
Gold Rush Days, October
Dahlonega’s Town Square is taken over each October by Gold Rush Days festival-goers ready to enjoy a parade, children's activities, a fashion show, gold panning contest, wheelbarrow race, King and Queen coronation, hog calling, buck dancing contest, live musical entertainment, wrist wrestling, and delicious food. Free to attend.
Shady Days in Gay Arts & Crafts Festival, October
All the hallmarks of a great country fair and festival come together during the annual Shady Days in Gay Arts & Crafts Festival in Georgia’s Meriwether County. Admission is free.
Georgia Apple Festival, Ellijay
If you're looking for a food festival that's geared toward family fun, then the Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay in October is the perfect fit. Families from all over the country flock to this North Georgia town for two exciting fall weekends. Vendors offering food, art and crafts, and all things apples are ready to serve you. Stick around for the craft and apple cooking demonstrations, parade and the annual classic car show.
Deep Roots Festival, October
Explore historic downtown Milledgeville at the Deep Roots Festival in October. Live music ranges from bluegrass to rock and roll, an antique car show features rare automobiles, and the artist market and kids activities keep the whole family entertained. Oh yes, and there is a barbecue cook-off, too. What could be better?
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