[Updated July 25, 2023]
Fall in the state of Georgia is one of our favorite times of year, and thankfully it’s just around the corner.
We love it when the air turns crisp and cool (heat and humidity, begone!), and the kids head back to school (same to you, crowded attractions!).
The myriad waterfalls and majestic mountains of North Georgia are lent an extra dose of magic by the dazzling fall colors, decorating the scene with brilliant yellows, oranges, reds, and greens.
Autumn is also season when the festivals and fairs in Georgia really start to peak.
From the North Georgia State Fair in Marietta and the Cumming County Fair to the Georgia Mountain Fall Festival at the GA Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, all of these Georgia fairs offer rides, food, and other family-friendly fun.
To help you find the best fair in Georgia for you to visit, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 Best Fall Fairs in Georgia, including a handy map to all of the venues.
We’ve also included details about pricing and hours, to help you see which of these fairs fits best for your schedule.
READ MORE: The 25 Best Fall Festivals in Georgia
The Best Fall Fairs in Georgia Guide
- Ellijay Lions Club Gilmer County Fair (Ellijay, August 15-20)
- Polk County Fair (Cedartown, September 6-10)
- Northwest Georgia Regional Fair (Calhoun, September 8-16)
- Kiwanis Coweta County Fair (Newnan, September 14-24)
- Gwinnett County Fair (Lawrenceville, September 14-24)
- North Georgia State Fair (Marietta, September 21-October 1)
- Spalding County Fair (Griffin, September 22-September 30)
- Georgia State Fair (Hampton, September 29-October 8)
- Coosa Valley Fair (Rome, October 3-9)
- Georgia National Fair (Perry, October 5-15)
- Cumming County Fair & Festival (Cumming, October 5-15)
- Atlanta Fair (Downtown Atlanta, October 6-November 5)
- Georgia Mountain Fall Festival (Hiawassee, October 6-14)
- Waynesboro GA Exchange Club Fair (Waynesboro, October 10-14)
- Georgia – Carolina State Fair (Augusta, October 13-22)
- Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair (Statesboro, October 16-21)
- Elberton 12 County Fair (Elberton, October 19-29)
- North Georgia Agricultural Fair (Dalton, October 19-29)
- Columbia County Fair (Grovetown, November 2-12)
- Exchange Club of Brunswick Fair (Brunswick, Dates TBD)
READ MORE: The 25 Best Places to Visit in Georgia (State)
1. Ellijay Lions Club Gilmer County Fair
Ellijay, August 15-20
OK, so technically this mid-August fair in Ellijay GA comes 5 weeks before the first day of Autumn.
But since it’s hosted by the Lions Club (a non-profit that serves humanitarian needs in local communities), we’ll allow it!
The Ellijay Lions Club’s Gilmer County Fair offers an array of family-friendly things to do, including a variety of cool exhibits and rides provided by Peachtree Rides.
Entrance to this Ellijay GA fair costs $5 for adults and $3 for students, while kids under six years old get in free. They also offer “Unlimited Ride” armbands for $25 and have individual ride tickets available for purchase.
We love the fact that you can donate an old cell phone, pair of glasses, or hearing aid and get $1 off the cost of admission.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Ellijay GA & Gilmer County
2. Polk County Fair
Cedartown, September 6-10
The Polk County Fair has been held since 1961 as a fundraiser for the Cedartown Exchange Club, whose mission is to support “Youth and Child Abuse Prevention.”
Each year, the Cedartown GA fair presents a concert series, with live music from an array of artists. The 2023 lineup is still TBD, but previous performers included The Clay Shifflett Band, Bianca Rodriguez, and more.
This community-focused GA fair also holds livestock competitions, with more information on this year’s event to be announced soon.
The 2023 fair’s hours will be from 5-10PM Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5-11PM Fridays and Saturdays, and 1-6PM on Sundays.
General Admission tickets start at $5 for adults, with add-ons (such as ride armbands) available for purchase.
If you’re only able to go at night, special admission for Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights are available. And some people get in for free, including students, veterans, senior citizens, and first responders.
READ MORE: Apple Picking in Georgia: The 14 Best North GA Apple Orchards to Visit
3. Northwest Georgia Regional Fair
Calhoun, September 8-16
Located a half mile from the Calhoun Rock Garden and 7.8 miles from the New Echota Historic Site, this annual Georgia fair features 9 days of activities.
The most popular attractions include an All American Petting Zoo and an All American Exotic Zoo with weird animals from around the world, making this one of the best state fairs in Georgia.
The Northwest Georgia Regional Fair proudly presents live local music each night, as well as shows by local dance troupes and other family-friendly forms of entertainment.
To kick off the fair, a Grand Parade will be held in downtown Calhoun on Saturday, September 9 that will include local bands, floats, and more.
During the festivities, there will also be livestock competitions and beauty pageants. Gates open at 5PM nightly, and armbands for unlimited rides are just $25.
READ MORE: Fall in the Mountains of North Georgia (Where to See the Best Fall Colors)
4. Kiwanis Coweta County Fair
Newnan, September 14-24
The 11-day Kiwanis Coweta County Fair takes place in Newnan GA, about 28 miles southwest of the Atlanta airport.
The annual fair is sponsored by the Newnan Kiwanis Club, which uses its resources to help fund other organizations such as 4-H Clubs and Scout Troops.
This Georgia county fair features a multitude of attractions, including livestock and animal shows, beauty pageants, cook offs, food vendors, and a variety of live entertainment.
Admission for the Coweta Fair is $10, with kids under 5 getting in for free. Sponsored free gate admission takes place September 21-23.
Ride armbands are available for purchase for $35 on weekdays and Sunday, or $40 on Friday and Saturday. Mega Passes are available for $35 as well, with September 13 the last day they’ll be available for purchase.
READ MORE: The 10 Most Haunted Places in Georgia to Visit
5. Gwinnett County Fair
Lawrenceville, September 14-24
The Gwinnett County Fair is sponsored by the Gwinnett County Livestock & Fair Association, whose mission is to support the preservation of the county’s history.
The Gwinnett Fair features an array of unique attractions for attendees, including stunt shows, dairy goat shows, the Victoria Circus, and much more.
While you’re waiting for the next show, you can visit one of the many food vendors and grab a delicious snack or meal.
Their weeknight hours are from 5-11PM, but the county fair runs from 11AM-midnight on Saturdays, and from 1PM-10PM on Sundays.
General admission starts at $5 for kids 6-11 years of age, and $10 for ages 12+. The cost of their carnival rides start at $1.25, or $25 for unlimited day passes.
READ MORE: The 25 Best Easy Hiking Trails to Waterfalls in Georgia
6. North Georgia State Fair
Marietta, September 21-October 1
One of our favorite fairs in Atlanta GA, the North GA State Fair is held annually at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta.
Running since 1932, this has grown into one of the largest fairs in Atlanta, drawing in crowds from all across the southeast with its winning attractions.
This year, the North Georgia State Fair has discontinued its long-running concert series. But they will have a Demolition Derby, the American Bull Riders Tour, Full Throttle Monster Trucks, and the Piccolo Zoppe Boutique Circus.
The 2023 Miss North Georgia State Fair winner will be crowned on September 21, and there will be flower shows happening throughout the fair’s duration.
General admission is $10 for those over 10 years of age, and parking is just $5. Individual ride tickets start at $1.25, or you can purchase bundles of tickets starting at $20.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Christmas Towns in Georgia to Visit
7. Spalding County Fair
Griffin, September 22-September 30
Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Griffin, the 2023 Spalding County Fair will be held at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds.
The fair has been held annually since 1947, with profits used to help fund local community projects.
This year’s Spalding County Fair will feature attractions such as carnival rides, lawnmower racing, Jeep Day, and a demolition derby.
It will also include a Needlework Exhibition and Canning Exhibition, which attendees can watch or compete in.
Feeling hungry? Check out the various restaurants and food trucks for a snack or dinner.
Gates open at 5PM on weekdays, 1PM on Saturday, and 2PM on Sunday. General admission is $7 for ages 6 and up, with free admission kids under 5 years of age.
READ MORE: The 24 Best Pumpkin Patches in Georgia to Visit (2022)
8. Georgia State Fair
Hampton, September 29-October 8
Taking place at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton GA, this annual fair just south of Atlanta offers fun and excitement for all ages with a diverse assortment of classic and modern attractions.
Visitors can roar with excitement when they visit the Georgia State Fair’s “Jurassic Kingdom” exhibit, or laugh the night away with “Ben Jackson: Comedy Hypnotist.
Other attractions include a White Tiger display, the daredevil show known as the “Globe of Death,” a petting zoo, kiddie rides, and of course the classic carnival rides and delicious fair food you’d expect.
Weekday hours for the GA State Fair are 4-10PM (except on Friday, when they’re open until midnight), noon-midnight on Saturday, and noon-10PM on Sunday.
General admission starts at $5 for ages 5-12, $10 for adults ages 13-64, and $5 for seniors over the age of 65. Wristbands may also be purchased, starting at $25 for unlimited rides per day.
READ MORE: 20 Fun Activities Where You Can Experience Fall in Georgia
9. Coosa Valley Fair
Rome, October 3-9
The 75th Annual Coosa Valley Fair is sponsored by the Exchange Club of Rome GA, with the organization’s profits used to help strengthen and support the local community.
Known as “Fall’s Finest Festival,” this North Georgia state fair (which is produced entirely by volunteers) features unique and exciting attractions as well as classic fair staples.
Go out and see shows such as the Aquatic Acrobat Show, the Bickerin’ Blacksmiths, a Jurassic Kingdom Show, and even be a witness as the 2023 Miss Georgia at Coosa Valley Fair receives her crown!
The annual fair’s 2023 hours will be from 5-10PM Tuesday and Wednesday, 1-10PM Thursday, 1-11PM Friday, and from 10AM-midnight on Saturday.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Places to Live in the Georgia Mountains
10. Georgia National Fair
Perry, October 5-15
The 34th annual Georgia National Fair is an 11-night festival full of competitions, rides, and food, offering something for everyone ages “8 to 80.”
Your admissions ticket includes nightly concerts from iconic artists such as Billy Ocean, Smashmouth, Tesla,, and more. Other attractions at this year’s fair include nightly fireworks, magicians, aquatic shows, and stunt shows.
Craving fair food? Food vendors will be open daily from 10AM-10PM, offering classic favorites as well as new concoctions, like fried cheesecake or a jalapeño-stuffed tater keg.
The Georgia National Fair will also be presenting competitions for attendees to participate or view, including horse shows, livestock competitions, and the Fair Bear Creative Writing Competition.
General admission starts at $15 for those ages 11+, and armbands can be purchased as well.
READ MORE: 15 Great Places to Go Horseback Riding in Georgia
11. Cumming Country Fair & Festival
Cumming, October 5-15
Voted “Best Community Event” by the Best of Forsyth for the past four years in a row, this Cumming GA fair takes place at the Cumming Fairgrounds in North Georgia.
Their 2023 Concert Series lineup will include big-name country artists such as Neal McCoy, Mark Wills, and Randy Houser.
Daily attractions for this year’s Cumming Country Fair include Robocars, the North Georgia Petting Zoo, Wolves of the World, and the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show.
There are plenty of classic fair rides to keep you entertained in between shows, and multiple food vendors will be set up around the North Georgia fairgrounds.
General admission for those 11 years of age and up is $10, while kids ages 10 and under get in for free.
READ MORE: The 15 Coolest Covered Bridges in Georgia
12. Atlanta Fair
Downtown Atlanta, October 6-November 5
The Atlanta Fair started way back in 1972, and their 2023 event promises to be fresher than ever!
It will be held at the corner of Ralph David Abernathy Blvd & Central Ave SW in Downtown Atlanta, with rides ranging from Ferris wheels and rollercoasters to options aimed at little kids.
There will also be tons of delicious fair food, including Deep Fried Oreos and Snickers as well as iconic options like Funnel Cakes, Cotton Candy, Candy Apples, Hot Dogs, Burgers & Fries, and more.
This Downtown Atlanta fair will be open from 5PM-10PM Monday to Thursday, 5PM-11PM on Friday, and 1PM-11PM on Saturday and Sunday.
General admission is just $5 on weekdays and $8 on weekend days. They also have unlimited ride armbands for $30, a book of 25 tickets for $25, and individual tickets for $1.25.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Scary Escape Rooms in Georgia
13. Georgia Mountain Fall Festival
Hiawassee, October 6-14
Held at the GA Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, this annual fair is one of the most popular North Georgia events.
The 2023 Georgia Mountain Fall Festival’s concert series lineup includes artists like Trace Adkins, Diamond Rio, and Shenandoah taking the stage in the self-proclaimed “country music capital of Georgia.”
There will be lots of carnival rides for attendees to enjoy, including the classic carousel, ferris wheel, and more. There will also be educational demonstrations and arts & crafts vendors for your shopping pleasure.
Attendees can keep a look out for the Cowboy Circus and Brunon Blaszak Royal Bengal Tiger Show, which you can watch in between rides for the duration of the festival.
The North Georgia fair’s 1-day passes start at $12, and parking is free. Hours for the festival are Monday through Saturday from 10AM-7PM, and Sunday from 10AM-6PM.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Hiawassee GA & Young Harris GA
14. Waynesboro GA Exchange Club Fair
Waynesboro, October 10-14
The Waynesboro GA Exchange Club Fair is smaller than others on this list, giving it a great small town community feel.
But it still goes all out in terms of offering family-friendly fun!
Set up behind the Walgreens on Manau Lane in Waynesboro (about 29 miles south of Augusta), the fair donates proceeds to multiple scholarships for students in Burke County.
This beloved seasonal event features all the usual fair fare, from rides and games to live entertainment and food. Gates open nightly at 5:45 PM, and at 3 PM on Saturday.
There’s a $3 admission at the gate (just $1 for kids under 36 inches tall), and Unlimited Ride Armbands are $25 each. On Wednesday nights, armbands are 2 for $30, so that’s the best night to go if your family’s on a budget.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Campgrounds in Georgia to Visit
15. Georgia-Carolina State Fair
Augusta GA, October 13-22
Presented by the Exchange Club of Augusta, the Georgia-Carolina State Fair dates back to 1923, and is widely considered one of the best state fairs in Georgia.
The 10-day Augusta fair offers myriad different carnival rides, including family-friendly rides that everyone can enjoy.
Other attractions of the 2023 Georgia-Carolina State Fair include the Miss Fair Pageant, a variety of livestock competitions, a plant identification contest, and food vendors set up around the fairgrounds.
The east Georgia fair’s hours will be Monday to Friday from 5-10PM, and from noon-10PM on Saturday and Sunday.
General admission starts at $8, while unlimited rides can be purchased for $25. Advance tickets can also be purchased for a lower price.
READ MORE: 8 Civil War Battlefields in Georgia to Visit
16. Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair
Statesboro, October 16-21
Celebrating its 61st year in 2023, the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair is an annual staple of Autumn in the Statesboro GA community.
This East Georgia agricultural fair features carnival rides, midway games, food vendors, local business booths, live music, and livestock shows.
One of the featured performances at this year’s Statesboro fair will be the Andy Roth Wild West Show, which is a unique and fun experience. There’s also a parade on October 18, and a Heritage Village open for the fair’s duration.
General admission is $10 at the gate, but you can buy them online in advance for $8, while children under age 6 years old are always free!
The Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair is open from 6PM-Midnight on Monday, 4PM-midnight Tuesday to Thursday, 4PM-1AM on Friday, and noon-midnight on Saturday. They’re closed on Sunday.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Train Rides in Georgia & Georgia Railways Museums
17. Elberton 12-County Fair
Elberton, October 19-29
Presented by Big Rock Amusements, the Elberton 12-County Fair is an 11-day Fall Festival that includes food, fun, and games for people of all ages to enjoy.
Back by popular demand, “The Banana Derby” is an utterly unique event in which tiny monkeys riding big dogs race around the track to see who is the fastest.
Visitors can also watch (or participate in) “The Voice of the Elberton 12-County Fair,” a live singing competition that takes place over the duration of the event.
Other attractions of 2023 Elberton Fair include Chattanooga Helicopter Tours, White Tiger Discovery, and a variety of local performers.
General admission starts at $5 per person, and Unlimited Rides Passes are $30 per person.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Kayaking Rivers in Georgia
18. North Georgia Agricultural Fair
Dalton, October 19-29
James H. Drew Expositions presents the 2023 North Georgia Agricultural Fair at the North GA Fairgrounds in Dalton GA.
The fairground is located about 20 miles west of Fort Mountain State Park, 35 miles west of Ellijay GA, and 40 miles northeast of Summerville GA.
Now in its 74th year, the Dalton fair helps to promote community service and provide recognition for those working to improve their local areas.
The 2023 North Georgia Agricultural Fair will feature activities and attractions for visitors of all ages to enjoy, including carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, delicious fair food, and more.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Lookout Mountain GA/TN
19. Columbia County Fair
Grovetown, November 2-11
The 58th annual Columbia County Fair in is unique in that it is the only Georgia fair that takes place in November, ending just before the Christmas holiday season begins.
Presented by the Merchants Association of Columbia County, this 2023 GA fair encourages people of all ages to connect with one another through active engagement in preserving and improving their small town community.
Held in Grovetown (just west of Augusta GA), the fair features unique acts such as a Master Chainsaw Carver, Sea Lion Splash, and Johnny Rockett’s Cycle Show.
Other attractions include the Big Demolition Derby, classic carnival rides, live music, and more.
General admission starts at $8 per person, with the option to add unlimited rides for $15 more. The fair’s hours are Monday through Friday from 5-11PM, Saturday from noon-11PM, and Sunday from 1-10PM.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Lakes in Georgia to Visit
20. Exchange Club of Brunswick Fair
Brunswick, Dates TBD
Located on the state’s southeastern coast, the town of Brunswick is connected by causeways to the 4 barrier islands known as the Golden Isles of Georgia.
Launched in 1946, the Exchange Club of Brunswick has a long history of community service, with fundraising focused on social services, child abuse prevention, and youth development programs.
Now in its 72nd year, their annual Brunswick Fair will find the Exchange Club Fair Grounds transformed into a fantastic array of games, carnival rides, food vendors, and more.
Details on ticket prices, dates, hours, and attractions for their 2023 fair has not been revealed as of our deadline. But we will update this piece as soon as that info becomes available. –by Molly Frazier, with additional reporting by Chloe Burgette & Bret Love
