12 Don't-Miss Georgia Fall Festivals
From hot air balloons to beer, 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 in Pine Mountain, Georgia
1. Labor Day Weekend Hot Air Balloon Show & Glow in Pine Mountain
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.
Yellow Daisy Festival at Stone Mountain Park in Stone Mountain, Georgia
2. Yellow Daisy Festival in Stone Mountain
The Yellow Daisy Festival at Stone Mountain Park in Stone Mountain hosts hundreds of artisans from all over the country in early September. Named for the yellow flowers that bloom in September on the mountain's hiking trails, the festival welcomes families and friends to spend time browsing the artists' booths, enjoying great festival food and spending the day at one of Georgia's most popular attractions. Shop for handmade pottery, paintings, jewelry and more. You'll also enjoy mouth-watering festival foods and live entertainment.
Atlanta Food & Wine Festival near Ponce City Market in Atlanta, Georgia
3. Atlanta Food & Wine Festival in Atlanta
As one of the state's largest food fests, Atlanta Food & Wine Festival draws fans to Atlanta every September. The four-day event showcases more than 200 chefs, sommeliers, mixologists and industry insiders – each with a unique story to tell and a tradition to share. The fest, held in various locations throughout the city, including Historic Fourth Ward Park near Ponce City Market, is an adults-only event.
Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival in Augusta, Georgia
4. Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival in Augusta
The annual Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival showcases fine arts and crafts, music and international cuisine in Augusta. Browse work at more than 100 juried artist booths, and enjoy live music and entertainment on five stages. Dine on cuisine from around the world at international food booths, as well as take-out from downtown restaurants. The three-day celebration also features family-friendly performances on the Family Stage and interactive arts and crafts activities for children, ensuring guests of all ages enjoy the festivities.
Oktoberfest in Helen is a fall tradition in Georgia. Photo by @floridadonny
5. Oktoberfest in Helen
Get out your lederhosen and dirndls and get ready to dance to the polka in Helen this fall. Alpine Helen's Oktoberfest celebrations have been going on for more than 50 years, involving multiple weeks of traditional dancing, food, and of course, beer from September through October.
Learn more in this Guide to Helen Oktoberfest.
St. Marys Seafood Festival
6. St. Marys Seafood Festival in St. Marys
The St. Marys Seafood Festival in November brings a full day of family fun in St. Marys, including a parade and seafood concessionaires. You’ll also find entertainment, demonstrations, arts and crafts vendors, and more.
A favorite part of the day is the food! Local restaurants offer seafood festival specials, and food trucks and vendors serve sensational seafood fare. The festival is on the waterfront in St. Marys historic district and offers visitors a relaxing small-town feel.
Shady Days in Gay Arts & Crafts Festival in Gay, Georgia
7. Shady Days in Gay Arts & Crafts Festival in Gay
All the hallmarks of a great country fair and festival come together in October during the annual Shady Days in Gay Arts & Crafts Festival in Georgia’s Meriwether County. Exhibitors continue the spirit of craftsmanship, skill, talent and vision that many area farmers, homemakers, craftsmen and students began in town. Enjoy food and entertainment throughout the fairgrounds. Admission is free.
Gold Rush Days in Dahlonega, Georgia
8. Gold Rush Days in Dahlonega
Crisp mountain air and peak fall foliage set the stage for the Gold Rush Days festival in October. Thousands gather to celebrate the anniversary of the 1828 discovery of gold in Dahlonega by panning for gold, mining gemstones, attending the annual parade, and purchasing local art.
Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay, Georgia
9. Georgia Apple Festival in 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.
Georgia Mountain Fall Festival in Hiawassee, Georgia
10. Georgia Mountain Fall Festival in Hiawassee
The Georgia Mountain Fall Festival in Hiawassee, over two weekends in October, features exciting musical performances, arts and crafts vendors, educational demonstrations, a flower show, and more! Don't miss the music performances by Neal McCoy, Josh Turner, Trace Adkins, and more.
Fall Arts in the Park in Blue Ridge, Georgia
11. Fall Arts in the Park in Blue Ridge
Bring friends, family, and even your pet to Blue Ridge for the Fall Arts in the Park, which showcases more than 170 juried fine arts and crafts exhibitors. Enjoy tasty food, watch artist demonstrations, and let kids experience the children's activity booth. Admission is just $5 for adults, and children under 12 are free.
While you're in Blue Ridge, don't miss the chance to ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and gather fresh apples from area orchards. Find more things to do in the Guide to Blue Ridge.
Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival on Jekyll Island, Georgia
12. Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival on Jekyll Island
The savory Southern delicacy is especially delicious when prepared with locally caught Georgia shrimp. At this award-winning festival on Jekyll Island in October celebrating the beloved dish, you can sample myriad variations from renowned chefs. Live music and numerous art vendors make this an especially entertaining affair in one of Georgia’s most naturally beautiful locations.
Check the Explore Georgia event calendar for many more things to do this fall, and sign up for the Explore Georgia email newsletter to receive updates about these and more events directly in your inbox.
