[Updated August 1, 2024]
When the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to transform into gorgeous shades of red, orange, and yellow, you know it’s Georgia in the fall.
And when this magical time of year comes around, towns all across the state get ready to celebrate the season with an array of fall fairs and festivals in Georgia.
Bringing together food, games, music, and fall activities in Georgia, many of these events become family traditions and are something you can look forward to each year.
From the iconic two-month-long Oktoberfest celebration in Helen GA to the endlessly entertaining North Georgia State Fair, each event offers a unique autumnal experience you won’t want to miss.
Read on to see our staff picks for the 30 Best Fall Fairs & Festivals in Georgia, arranged in chronological order, with information about what makes each one worth visiting.
READ MORE: 25 Fun Things To Do in Georgia for Fall
Fall Fairs & Festivals in Georgia Guide
- Grape Stomp Festival (Blairsville, August 31)
- Japan Fest (Duluth, September 21-22)
- Oktoberfest (Helen, September 5 – October 27)
- Chattahoochee Mountain Fair (Clarkesville, September 6-14)
- Blue Ridge Blues & Barbeque Festival (Blue Ridge, September 21)
- American Made Music Fest (Hiawassee, September 19-21)
- Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration (Macon, September 14-15)
- Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival (Stone Mountain, September 14-October 3)
- Suwanee Fest (Suwanee, September 21-22)
- North Georgia State Fair (Marietta, September 19-29)
- Big Red Apple Festival (Cornelia, September 21)
- Finster Fest (Summerville, September 21-22)
- Atlanta Chili Cook Off (Atlanta, November 16)
- Lula Fall Festival (Lula, September 28-29)
- Indian Summer Festival (Suches, October 4-5)
- Foxfire Mountaineer Festival (Clayton, October 5)
- Wings Over North Georgia Air Show (Rome, October 19-20)
- Cumming Country Fair & Festival (Cumming, October 3-13)
- Georgia Mountain Fall Festival (Hiawassee, October 11-13 & 17-19)
- Georgia Apple Festival (Ellijay, October 12-13 & 19-20)
- Fall Arts in The Park (Blue Ridge, October 12-13)
- Blairsville Sorghum Festival (Blairsville, October 12-13 & 19-20)
- Stone Mountain Games and Scottish Festival (Stone Mountain, October 18-20)
- Gold Rush Days (Dahlonega, October 19-20)
- Heritage Days Festival (Talking Rock, October 19-20)
- Booth West Fest (Cartersville, October 26)
- Bostwick Cotton Gin Festival (Bostwick, October 26)
- Mountain Moonshine Festival and Car Show (Dawsonville, October 25-27)
- Appalachian Brew, Stew, & Que Festival (Hiawassee, October 26)
- Dancing Goats Folk Fest (Ellijay, October 2025)
READ MORE: The 15 Best Haunted Houses in Georgia to Visit
1. Grape Stomp Festival
(Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa in Blairsville GA, August 31)
The Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa in Blairsville GA is bringing back all of the oenophile fun in 2023 for their 10th annual Grape Stomp Fest.
Live music will be played all day by the award-winning Jon Whitlock and Mother Legacy. You can enjoy the tunes while browsing craft booths and enjoying delicious BBQ from Blairsville food trucks.
The grape stomping takes place at 2 and 4 PM, and you won’t want to miss the I Love Lucy look-alike contest, with locally-grown Georgia wines as the prizes.
Admission is $25 and includes a souvenir wine glass. Admission for those ages 21 and under is $15.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Wineries in the North Georgia Mountains
2. JapanFest
(Gas South Convention Center, Duluth GA • September 21-22)
Celebrating its’ 50th anniversary, JapanFest is one of the largest festivals in the USA that celebrates Japanese culture.
Festival visitors can experience music, traditional Japanese dance, martial arts demonstrations, cultural workshops, children’s games, Japanese food and beer, and more.
The festival will include special guests from Japan with Kabuki by Miyabiya Japan (both days) and Rakugo by Katsura Sunshine (Sunday Only).
Guest Performers include: Matsuriza Taiko, Samuria Sword Soul, Kruziki Transatlantica – Shakuhachi & Jazz and Junk Fujiyama – Piano player and singer.
If tickets are bought before the event (before Sept 20th), the price is $16. Tickets at the door cost $20; Senior and Military discount available at $16 per day, and kids ages six and under get in free.
JapanFest is a great way to immerse yourself in all things Japanese!
READ MORE: The 20 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in Atlanta
3. Oktoberfest
(Helen GA Festhalle, September 5 – October 27)
Now celebrating its 54th year, Oktoberfest is the longest-running celebration and one of the most famous festivals in the USA. It’s also one of the most popular cultural festivals in the country.
Running in 2024 from September 5 through October 27, the Helen Chamber of Commerce-hosted event puts a spotlight on the town’s Alpine inspiration.
Rows of long tables are set up so visitors can eat bratwurst from Helen GA restaurants, drink beer, and enjoy German-style polka bands that have come from all over the country.
While every day of Oktoberfest brings all kinds of joy and celebration, the immensely popular Oktoberfest Parade will be taking place on September 7th at noon.
The tapping of the first keg of Oktoberfest will take place immediately after the parade at the Fussen Biergarten at the Helen Festhalle. This is a day you won’t want to miss so book your Helen hotel or Helen cabin rental sooner than later!
Bands performing this year include Prost, Martin Gross und Sonnenschein Express, Polka Cola, Europa, Zweifel Brothers, Alex Meixner Band and Alpenmusikanten.
Admission Monday through Thursday is $10, rising to $12 on Friday and Saturday, and Sundays are free. Active and Retired Military receive free admission with a Military ID.
Kids ages 5 and under enter free every day, while kids ages 6 to 12 are half-price.
Plan on coming back in December for Christmas in Helen GA, which was recently rated the “Top Christmas Town in America” by MSN.com and one of Southern Living‘s Best Christmas Towns in the USA.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Helen GA
4. Chattahoochee Mountain Fair
(Habersham County Fairgrounds in Clarkesville GA, September 6-14)
The Chattahoochee Mountain Fair has been an annual tradition since 1975, providing entertainment for families to enjoy while soaking in the splendor of the autumn season.
The Georgia fair offers live entertainment, thrilling carnival rides, mouth-watering food, craft vendors, face painting, and even a petting zoo, as well as plenty of awesome photo opportunities.
There are a variety of contests you can enter (or just watch), including a 5K, baking, photography, adult/youth crafts, livestock shows, and the Miss Chattahoochee Pageant.
Other fun features include a rodeo on September 12th and 13th and a Kids Farm & Fun Day, where kids can learn about farm animals and watch demonstrations of cow milking and more.
There are four theme nights, Sept 9th – Family Night, wristbands only $20, Sept11th – BOGO night (buy one get one free), Sept 12th – College Night (half-price with College ID) and Sept 12th – 13th – Rodeo Night, $15 to get in.
READ MORE: 40 Facts About the History of the Banjo (From Africa to Appalachia)
5. Blue Ridge Blues & Barbeque Festival
(Downtown Blue Ridge GA, September 21st)
If you want to celebrate fall in Georgia a little early, make your way to Downtown Blue Ridge GA for the 13th annual Blue Ridge Blues & Barbeque Festival.
As you walk through the historic downtown area, the mouth-watering smell of BBQ from more than 10 different local and regional vendors will fill the air and the sound of toe-tapping tunes will fill your ears.
In 2024, the awesome musical lineup includes: Shannon York, William “bluesman” Reed and the Juke Joint Dukes, The Crossroads Band, Ray Fuller and the Bluesrockers and Tee Dee Young.
The festival charges $10 admission, but kids 12 and under can enjoy all the fun for free. You can enjoy great food while supporting charity and celebrating the timeless sound of the blues!
READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Blue Ridge, GA
6. American Made Music Fest
(Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee GA, September 19-21)
The American Made Music Fest offers visitors the best of live Country, Gospel, and Bluegrass music.
Presented at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, the festival presents 10 musical artists over the course of 3 days, including The Kody Norris Show, Dailey and Vincent, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Shenandoah, Neal McCoy, Larry, Steve, Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers and Tracy Byrd.
For those interested in camping, there will be RV hookups and tent space available at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds campgrounds, which are right next to one of the best lakes in Georgia, Lake Chatuge. Daily rates range from $30-$55 and Weekly rates range from $200-$350.
Single-day reserved passes are $75, while 3-day reserved passes start at $180, with VIP add-ons available. Children under 2 years of age get in free if they sit on the lap of an adult.
Note there is free parking and $225 vip tickets include premier parking, a limited edition VIP Badge and lanyard, as well as a signed limited edition festival poster and a meet and greet with Dailey and Vincent.
While you’re there, stop by one of the many local food trucks to grab a snack or dinner while you’re waiting for the next show!
READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Hiawassee GA & Young Harris GA
7. Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration
(Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, Macon GA • September 14-15)
The Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration offers visitors a chance to celebrate the cultures of the Southeastern Native Americans while exploring the Ocmulgee mounds, an Earth Lodge, hiking trails, and nature.
This year’s festival takes place at the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park on September 14-15, from 10 AM to 5 PM.
The fantastic festival is a great place to learn about Georgia’s indigenous cultures and heritages, which played such an important role in the state’s history.
Guests can see traditional crafts, hear stories of history and legends, watch live demonstrations, and enjoy live music and dance. Native vendors will be selling their art, food, jewelry, and more.
Due to a recent change, the festival is FREE in 2024.
READ MORE: 6 Incredible Indian Mounds in Georgia to Visit
8. Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival
(Stone Mountain Park in Stone Mountain GA, September 14-October 3)
Ranking alongside Stone Mountain Christmas among the park’s most popular events, the Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival is one of the most beloved festivals in GA where you can play by day, glow by night.
Whether you’re enjoying a train ride around the mountain or participating in other fun day-time attractions such as Dinosaur Explore, The Wizard of Oz 4-D experience, Summit Skyride or Mini Golf, there’s plenty of fun to be had for all ages.
When the sun goes down, the festivities continue as Stone Mountain Park lights up with the new Glow By Night Events including the World’s Largest Pumpkin Drone & Light Show (NEW for 2024), the Glow-A-Long Party Parade and other non-spooky glowing experiences.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Hiking Trails In Atlanta GA (& Hikes Near Atlanta)
9. Suwanee Fest
(Suwanee GA. September 21-22)
The 40th annual Suwanee Fest is making its return on September 21 & 22 at Town Center Park in Suwanee GA. For 2024, the festival’s theme is “Ultimate 80’s party” .
The Gwinnett County festival features nearly 200 different vendors offering fine arts and crafts and delicious food, as well as a variety of entertainment, and even a parade to celebrate the Suwanee community.
Entertainment acts for the 2024 festival are scheduled to include dance groups, acrobats, solo artists, bands, and other exhibition groups with very diverse backgrounds.
There’s also a special Fun Zone full of rides and games for kids to enjoy, which allows mom and dad some free time for browsing the festival booths.
Admission to the festival is free, and there are free shuttle services to Town Center Park.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Corn Mazes in Georgia (Haunted Mazes, Kids Mazes & More)
10. North Georgia State Fair
(Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta GA, September 19-September 29)
The ever-popular North Georgia State Fair returns for its 92nd year, bringing all the rides, games, shows, and excitement from years past (and some new attractions to boot).
Attracting around 300,000 people each year, the Fair has entertained visitors for generations, yet still manages to take it up a notch each year.
The 2024 event will feature more than 40 amusement rides and carnival-style games courtesy of the Great James H. Drew Exposition.
There will also be yummy food vendors and live music.
You can also enjoy a variety of new shows for 2024, like the Benjamin Jackson Hypnotist Show, Peter Hart – Atlanta Puppeteer, Fireguy Show, & Rock-N-Circus.
Also note the youth policy, after 6pm NO individual under the age of 17 will be allowed admission without a parent and a clear bag policy will be in effect.
Tickets are $10 for admission. Rides tickets are available for an additional fee. Check the website for discounts.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Pumpkin Patches in North Georgia to Visit
11. Big Red Apple Festival
(Downtown Cornelia GA, September 21)
Nestled in the mountains of Northeast Georgia about 8 miles from the Schoolbus Graveyard, Cornelia is a picturesque town known as “The Home of the Big Red Apple.”
Every year, Cornelia hosts the Big Red Apple Festival to celebrate the town and the apples grown there, as well as the impending arrival of fall colors in North Georgia.
Now in its 36th year, the festival will offer hayrides, carriage rides, historic tours, and live entertainment. There will also be arts and crafts, food vendors, a cornhole tournament, kids zone, and car show.
While you’re there, be sure to get a selfie next to the Big Red Apple. Located at the railway depot in downtown Cornelia, the replica measures 7 feet high, 22 feet around, and weighs 5,200 pounds!
READ MORE: Apple Picking in Georgia: The 15 Best North GA Apple Orchards to Visit
12. Finster Fest
(Paradise Garden, Summerville GA • September 21-22)
Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Summerville GA hosts the annual Finster Fest art and music extravaganza in late September.
This year’s festival will feature over 60 folk artists and live music.Their food selection is vast, with lots of barbecue and traditional Southern Appalachian food.
They also have a children’s arts and crafts activity area, and the chance to tour folk art icon Finster’s famously freaky wonderland.
General admission is $10, but kids ages 12 and under are admitted for free. The event runs from 10AM to 5PM, and is an extremely family-friendly festival.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Summerville GA
13. Atlanta Chili Cook Off
(Atlanta GA, November 16)
Think you have the best chili recipe? Or maybe you just want to try the best recipe? Either way, this festival is for you!
Sponsored by Crown Royal, Michelob Ultra, and Ciroc Vodka Spritz, this popular Atlanta festival is held at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody.
The Cook Off is open to amateurs and pros alike, so you’ll likely see chefs many local restaurants striving to be the reigning champs of the chili world.
The annual festival is fun for all ages and features all sorts of vendors as well as a Kid Zone full of family-friendly games and activities. DJ Suspense will be spinning the tunes all day.
Tickets are required for anyone over 10 years of age, and they start at $15/person for general admission.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Scary Escape Rooms in Georgia
14. Lula Fall Festival
(5831 Athens St. Lula GA, September 28-29)
Located in both Hall and Banks counties, Lula is a tiny North Georgia town that hosts the charming Lula Fall Festival in early October every year.
Featuring folk art and pottery, the event celebrates the culture of Northeast Georgia by inviting potters, folk artists, and community crafters from all over the area to display their works for visitors to enjoy.
While at the festival, you can browse a broad array of art mediums and styles, as well as enjoy a variety of children’s activities, delicious food, and live entertainment.
The event is located at the Rafe Banks Park/Lula Ballpark, and admission is totally free.
READ MORE: Where are the Blue Ridge Mountains? A State-by-State Guide
15. Indian Summer Festival
(Woody Gap School in Suches GA, October 4-5)
Located 5.3 miles from Lake Winfield Scott and held in the town of Suches GA–widely known as “The Valley Above the Clouds”– the Indian Summer Festival is a two-day event featuring music, dancing, arts, crafts, and more.
Indian summer, for those who don’t know, has nothing to do with the Cherokee or other Native Americans.
It’s the period of unseasonably warm, dry weather in temperate regions that can last from September into mid-November.
There will be food vendors selling festival classics ranging from hot dogs and hamburgers to funnel cakes and cotton candy, as well as arts and crafts booths stationed throughout.
The elementary students of Woody Gap School (on whose grounds the event is held) will be there to entertain guests with their performances.
There will also be a Mountain Ranger hand-to-hand combat demonstration, archery demonstration, mountain music, and a Country Square Dance featuring a live band!
Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children ages 7-12, and free for children under 6. Parking is free.
READ MORE: Top 20 Things to Do in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia
16. Foxfire Mountaineer Festival
(Rabun County Civic Center in Clayton GA, October 5)
On the first Saturday of October, the annual Foxfire Mountaineer Festival in Clayton puts a spotlight on Appalachian culture for a day packed full of all kinds of traditional art and music.
A wide variety of Appalachian Mountain art will be on display here. The artists themselves will provide demonstrations of historic crafts such as woodworking, blacksmithing, soap making, and more.
Visitors of all ages can also play a ton of traditional games and puzzles, including three-legged races and cross-cut sawing competitions, while enjoying live music from regional performers.
Admission is $8 per person (children 5 and under are free), with all proceeds going to support the Foxfire Museum’s mission of preserving Scots-Irish Appalachian culture.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Clayton GA (the Gem of Northeast Georgia)
17. Wings Over North Georgia Air Show
(Richard B. Russell Regional Airport, Rome GA • October 19-20)
Now in its 12th year of high-flying action, the annual Wings Over North Georgia Air Show takes place on October 19-20 at the Richard B. Russell Regional Airport in Rome GA.
Visitors will have a chance to watch some of the top military and civilian aviation performers, including the USAF F-16 Viper Demo Team, and check out merchandise from an array of vendors.
The regional airport also offers a chance to drive in for tailgating or camping, which makes this an excellent option for a fun weekend getaway for aviation buffs.
Tickets are a bit pricey at around $100, but the fantastic spectacle makes it worth every penny.
READ MORE: The Top 30 Blue Ridge Mountain Towns in GA & NC
18. Cumming Country Fair & Festival
(Cumming Fairgrounds in Cumming GA, October 3-13)
Located 6.7 miles from the Indian Seats Trail at Swanee Mountain Preserve and drawing in 225,000+ people from all across Georgia, the Cumming Country Fair & Festival is celebrating its 30th year.
The festival features fun for the whole family, with over 40 amusement rides and attractions to enjoy including sea lion splash, David Smith- the human cannonball, Rosaire’s Royal Racers, Brian Ruth “master of the chains” and Four Scythes, which is North Georgia‘s newest haunted attraction.
New for 2024 are Jurassic Kingdom and the Fireguy show.
Of course, there’s also plenty of mouth-watering fair food, from classics like hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, and corn dogs to treats like funnel cake, fried Oreos, cotton candy, caramel apples, and more. Presale tickets are $7
READ MORE: 25 Fun Things To Do in Georgia for Fall
19. Georgia Mountain Fall Festival
(Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee GA, October 11-13 & 17-19)
Held annually at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, this Georgia festival features arts & crafts vendors, educational demonstrations, food vendors, and live musical performances.
Well-known musicians who will be performing in 2024 include Joe Nichols, Three Dog Night, Tracy Lawrence, and Nate Smith.
Attractions for 2024 include a Cowboy Circus, Xpogo (extreme pogo stick), chainsaw carving at The Bear Factory, Carnival Midway, a Pioneer Village with “old ways” demonstration.
Admission to this family-friendly event is $6 for Arts & Crafts only, and $16 for Arts, Crafts & Concerts, with children 12 and under able to enjoy the festival for free.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Campgrounds in North Georgia
20. Georgia Apple Festival
(Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds in Ellijay GA, October 12-13 & 19-20)
In 2024 the Georgia Apple Festival returns to Ellijay GA, with even more fun to celebrate its 53rd year!
Apples are so strongly associated with this Georgia mountain town that the festival is often referred to as the “Ellijay Apple Festival“.
Offering two weekends of autumnal celebration, the festival will feature over 300 vendors with food from local Ellijay restaurants, hand-crafted items, and on-site demonstrations of how different crafts are made.
There will also be the ever-popular parade and antique car show, as well as a 5K run. Admission is $10 for adults, but children ages 12 and under can enter for free.
Parking at the Lions Club Fairgrounds is limited, but there’s a free shuttle service. The various shuttle bus routes and parking areas are marked on a map on the Georgia Apple Festival website.
It’s a busy time for this small town so making reservations at Hotel in Ellijay or a cabin rental in Ellijay sooner than later is encouraged.
READ MORE: The 16 Best Things to Do in Ellijay GA & Gilmer County
21. Fall Arts in The Park
(Blue Ridge GA, October 12-13)
The 13th Annual Fall Arts in The Park festival will be taking place this October 12th & 13th in Blue Ridge GA.
Presented by the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, the festival features 170+ artists and local vendors, as well as different crafts, demonstrations, and food trucks to grab a bite at as well.
Not only are local artists represented here, but the festival supports the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association, a non-profit that strives to provide opportunities for artists, as well as economic development for those in the community.
Interestingly, Blue Ridge has been listed as one of the Top 5 Best Art Towns in the state of Georgia by the Georgia Council of the Arts and recognized five years running as one of the top ten fine craft towns in America by American Craft Week.
Admission to the annual festival is just $5.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Blue Ridge Georgia Cabins to Rent
22. Blairsville Sorghum Festival
(Meeks Park in Blairsville GA, October 12-13 & 19-20)
Part of Blairsville GA’s heritage for 55 years now, the Blairsville Sorghum Festival returns in 2024.
Hosted by Blairsville Sorghum Syrup Makers and Enotah CASA Inc., the main event is focused on watching demonstrations and learning how the delicious syrup is made.
But there are also a ton of other activities for visitors to enjoy, including log sawing, pole climbing, rock- and hatchet-throwing, square dancing, and a parade through town.
Handmade arts and crafts vendors will be selling all kinds of soaps, lotions, jewelry, clothing, and wood and metal works.
There will also be live demonstrations where you can see how certain crafts are made, and even try making some yourself.
Admission is just $5, and kids ages 12 and under are free.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Blairsville GA & Union County
23. Stone Mountain Highland Games and Scottish Festival
(Stone Mountain GA, October 18-20)
The 52nd Annual Stone Mountain Games & Scottish Festival brings a little bit of Scotland to Georgia, with the 2024 edition taking place October 18-20.
The festival offers an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Scottish culture by eating and drinking like a native and testing your skills in different competitions.
While you’re there, you’ll also see various Celtic performers, musicians, and bagpipe bands, and vendors will be selling imported goods from the British Isles.
Little lads and lassies will have a chance to participate in different Scottish activities (such as the Haggis Hurl and Scotch Egg Drop), make beaded jewelry and canvas crafts, and even get their face painted.
Admission to the festival starts at $22.50, and children 12 years of age and younger get in free with an adult.
READ MORE: The 15 Coolest Covered Bridges in Georgia
24. Gold Rush Days
(Dahlonega GA, October 19-20)
The 70th annual Gold Rush Days festival returns in 2024 to celebrate Dahlonega GA’s discovery of Gold in Georgia in 1828.
Finds there and in nearby Dukes Creek actually led to the first gold rush in America!
Voted one of the “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society, the festival attracts thousands of visitors to Dahlonega’s Town Square by the Dahlonega Gold Museum and Historic District every year.
The festivities include family-friendly games, wheelbarrow racing, face painting, live music, and a gold panning contest.
There’s also a huge parade with jubilant marching bands and a coronation of the Rush Days King and Queen.
There will also be more than 200 arts and crafts exhibitors scattered throughout the area, as well as a broad variety of food vendors and Dahlonega restaurant specials.
While you’re in town, don’t miss the 8 great wineries in Dahlonega GA.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Cabin Rentals in Dahlonega GA
25. Heritage Days Festival
(Talking Rock GA, October 19-20)
The tiny of Talking Rock GA comes alive every October when they host the Heritage Days Festival.
Now in its 30th year, the festival is filled with all sorts of fun and small town charm, including yummy Southern food as well as bluegrass and gospel music.
Vendors from all across Georgia join with local shop owners for the festival, with booths featuring all sorts of arts, crafts, and antiques lining the street.
Be sure to attend the rubber duck races for charity. Proceeds benefit Pickens Animal Rescue and The Pregnancy Center.
The best part? Admission and parking are free!
READ MORE: The 15 Best Breweries in Georgia
26. Booth Western Art Museum’s West Fest
(The Booth Museum in Cartersville GA, October 26)
Located in Cartersville GA, the Booth Western Art Museum is home to the largest permanent exhibition space in the USA for Western American artwork.
The museum hosts a number of annual events throughout the year, but their West Fest is arguably the most popular. Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in the fun by wearing their Western best.
The festival itself takes place on Saturday, October 26, from 10 AM to 4 PM, and features Catherine Thompson, Native American dancing, living history encampments, roping demonstrations, a reenactment of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral, and more.
Ashlie Rae Parker will be performing Western Music inside the museum from 1:30 – 2:30 PM
READ MORE: Exploring Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site & Trails in Cartersville GA
27. Bostwick’s Cotton Gin Festival
5941 Bostwick Road, Bostwick GA • October 26
With this year’s event taking place on Saturday, October 26, the 2024 Bostwick’s Cotton Gin Festival will include a parade at 11 AM, a full day of cotton-ginning, and all sorts of festival fun!
There will be hayrides from the parking lot to the event, booths offering handmade arts and crafts, and tasty treats from food vendors.
The gin itself will be operating all day long, offering fun and educational tours where you can learn about the important process of separating sticky seeds from the fibers in cotton.
Runners can sign up for the Gin Run 5K, which starts at 6:30 PM. At 7:30 PM, the closing ceremony will begin by giving out the Cotton Bale Awards.
Bostwick’s Cotton Gin Festival has something for everyone, and it’s unique from a historical perspective.
READ MORE: North Georgia Christmas Tree Farms Where You Can Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
28. Mountain Moonshine Festival and Car Show
(Dawsonville GA, October 25-27)
Dawsonville is home to the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia and Amicalola Falls State Park. But it is perhaps most famous among NASCAR fans as the home of racing legend Bill Elliott.
Taking place at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame and Dawsonville City Hall’s Main Street Park, the 57th annual Mountain Moonshine Festival & Car Show is a must-see for fans of classic cars.
The festivities begin on Friday, October 25 at 8 AM, with a car show and swap meet.
At 10:00 AM, the Moonshine Run will depart from Bearden’s, showcasing all kinds of vintage vehicles as they drive throughout North Georgia’s Moonshine Country.
On Saturday, the festival and car show continue with a parade that marches through town at 9 AM. Later that afternoon, the Jacob Bryant Concert will be held 4:30pm – 6:00pm at the stage beside Dawson Junior High Football Field.
The festivities conclude after the Car Show Awards on Sunday.
READ MORE: The 25 Best North Georgia Waterfalls (& How to Get to Them)
29. Appalachian Brew, Stew & Que Festival
(Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee GA, October 26)
Featuring craft beers from GA breweries, NC Breweries, South Carolina, and Alabama, the Appalachian Brew, Stew & Cue Festival is a must-visit for anyone who loves beer.
There will be over 60 breweries offering unlimited tastings, including Akademia Brewing, Golda Kombucha, and Sycamore Brewing. Just remember to drink responsibly.
Along with the drinks, there will be delicious food available from local restaurants and regional arts and crafts showcased throughout the event.
You can also enjoy traditional Appalachian and Americana music, with live performances and many other bands and singer-songwriters.
You’ll leave the festival with a free souvenir glass and a ride on their shuttle service back to the GMF campground or local hotel if needed!
READ MORE: The 10 Best Restaurants in Blairsville GA for Foodies
30. Dancing Goats Folk Fest
(Ellijay GA, 2025)
Unfortunately, the Dancing Goats Folk Fest is not returning until 2025.
Ellijay GA may be best known for its apple picking, but it also has an excellent location in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Dancing Goats Folk Fest is a folk-art festival that seeks to preserve and celebrate Southern Appalachian Culture and History.
The annual event features lots of traditional foods, arts and crafts, and music ranging from bluegrass and country to folksy mountain ballads.
Storytelling is also featured at the festival, continuing the timeless Southern tradition of telling the history of the land through word-of-mouth.
Perhaps the most unique offering at the Dancing Goats Folk Fest is the Goat Pageant. Happening on Saturday and Sunday, it features pampered goats strutting their stuff in hopes of winning the crown!
READ MORE: The Top 10 Treehouse Rentals in the Georgia Mountains
–by Christina Maggitas; with additional reporting by Chloe Burgette, lead photo via Canva
