Experience the Top 8 Unmissable Fall Festivals in Georgia
Before the first leaves fall from the trees, Georgia is already in full fall festival mode. In the Peach State, fall festivals abound to herald cooler temperatures, pumpkin-flavored everything, and beautiful fall foliage attracting thousands of visitors yearly. Best of all, there’s always plenty of festivals to deliver the entertainment you’re looking for. Here’s where you’ll find the best fall festivals in Georgia.
Oktoberfest, Helen, GA
Tucked away in the Northeast Georgia mountains is a little slice of authentic Bavaria that throws the most epic Oktoberfest this side of the Atlantic. This month-long event features all of the best elements of the traditional event, including German dancers, lederhosen, bratwurst, and figurative rivers of the finest German brews. If you only choose to go to one Oktoberfest this year, this one should be it.
Atlanta Greek Festival, Atlanta, GA
Arguably one of the most anticipated festivals of the year, the Atlanta Greek Fest is brimming with some of the best flavors you’ll find outside of the motherland. Food, wine, and live music await attendees and create a pure immersion in the Greek culture. It’s the perfect way to fill your appetite for food, wine, art, and worldly experiences.
Stone Mountain Highland Games, Stone Mountain, GA
There’s always a good reason to take a day trip to Stone Mountain, but the Highland Games make for a unique experience that only happens once a year. Here you can treat your taste buds to fine whiskeys and delight your ears with Celtic tunes. Don’t forget to don your tartan!
Tybee Pirate Fest, Tybee Island, GA
The pirate craze may be over in Hollywood, but it’s alive and well in Tybee Island. This pirate-themed festival lets you escape the ordinary and dive right into your wildest dreams. Pirate performers, a parade, live music, and other attractions make this weekend-long festival one worth walking the plank for.
Gold Rush Days, Dahlonega, GA
There used to be gold in the Dahlonega hills, and the townspeople have never forgotten. Every third weekend in October pays homage to its gold-encrusted history, complete with gold panning, craft vendors, and plenty of food and drink.
Atlanta Horror Film Festival, Atlanta, GA
What better time to enjoy a series of spooky movies than right before Halloween? The Atlanta Film Festival is a much-anticipated event among its fans each year, showcasing some of the best macabre independent films from some of the industry’s top filmmakers. It’s a frightfully good time!
Georgia Mountain Fall Festival, Hiawassee, GA
Nestled on the shoreline of scenic Lake Chatuge is one of the mountain’s most enjoyable fall festivals. Nine days are jam packed with music, craft vendors, food, and, yes, there’s even a Fiddler’s Convention. It’s good, clean family fun with a mountaineer flair guests of all ages can enjoy.
Decatur Craft Beer Fest, Decatur, GA
In case the name didn’t give it away, Decatur’s Beer Fest features some of the best craft brews you’ll find anywhere—and they’re all just waiting to tantalize your taste buds. Your entry fee includes a souvenir tasting glass and grants you access to unlimited samples. It’s not a particularly long event, and only lasts for a day, but if you can’t get enough craft beer it’s an event you won’t want to skip!
Key Insights at a Glance
- Georgia is known for its abundance of fall festivals celebrating cooler temperatures, pumpkin-flavored treats, and beautiful foliage.
- Some of the best fall festivals in Georgia include Oktoberfest in Helen, Atlanta Greek Festival, Stone Mountain Highland Games, Tybee Pirate Fest, Gold Rush Days in Dahlonega, Atlanta Horror Film Festival, Georgia Mountain Fall Festival in Hiawassee, and Decatur Craft Beer Fest.
- These festivals offer a variety of experiences, including German culture, Greek food and wine, Celtic music, pirate-themed fun, gold panning, horror films, mountain music, and craft beer tasting.
