Atlanta Metro
JapanFest, Duluth
Celebrating 35 years in 2022, JapanFest is one of the largest festivals in the country that celebrates Japanese culture. Experience taiko drum concerts and traditional Japanese dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, cultural workshops, children’s games, Japanese food and beer, contemporary and traditional musical performances, and so much more. JapanFest is a great chance to be immersed in all things Japanese!
North Georgia
Georgia Mountain Fall Festival, Hiawassee
Each October, the nine-day Georgia Mountain Fall Festival features exciting musical performances, arts and craft vendors, educational demonstrations, a flower show and the ever-popular Georgia’s Official State Fiddlers’ Convention. Performers at this year’s event, Oct. 7-15, 2022, include Oak Ridge Boys, Malpass Brothers, The Bellamy Brothers, and Ashley McBryde.
Prater’s Mill Country Fair, Dalton
Browse arts and crafts by nearly 200 artisans while you listen to mountain music, sample Southern foods and watch living history exhibits at the Oct. 8-9, 2022, event at Prater’s Mill Historic Site. Craft demonstrations include blacksmithing, spinning, quilting and woodcarving, and you can even see the mill grind corn.
Finster Fest, Summerville
Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden hosts the annual Finster Fest art and music extravaganza in October. Featuring more than 60 artists, live music, barbecue, and other southern fares, a children’s art activity area, and the chance to tour Howard Finster’s famous folk art environment the family-friendly festival is truly one-of-a-kind.
Gold Rush Days Festival, Dahlonega
More than 300 art and craft exhibitors and food vendors gather around the Dahlonega Public Square and Historic District in support of Gold Rush Days the third full weekend in October (Oct. 15-16, 2022). It is estimated that a crowd of over 200,000 visit over the weekend to join in the fun and excitement!
Wings Over North Georgia Air Show, Rome
Don’t miss the high-flying action at the annual Wings Over North Georgia Air Show Oct. 15-16, 2022, in Rome. Watch some of the top military and civilian aviation performers, including the USAF F-16 Viper Demo Team, USAF Heritage Flight Team, and a B-25 Panchito Demo.
Bostwick’s Cotton Gin Festival, Bostwick
Taking place Saturday, October 22, 2022, the festivities at Bostwick’s Cotton Gin Festival include a tractor parade, a full day of cotton-ginning, and festival fun! There will be hayrides from the parking to the event, booths of hand-made arts and crafts, and treats at the many food vendors. The gin will be operating all day long for tours.
Central Georgia
Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival, Augusta
Clear you calendar for Sept. 16-18, 2022, so you don’t miss out on all that the Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival has to offer – from international cuisine to local art vendors to jazz musicians. See more than 100 arts and crafts booths and five stages of non-stop entertainment, including a Global Stage with cultural music and dance and Jazz Stage with Jazz, Blues and Roots performances. The popular Family Stage features performances that appeal to children and families.
Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration, Macon
Celebrate the cultures of the Southeastern Native Americans at the Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park Sept. 17-18, 2022. Experience traditional cultural crafts, storytelling, educational programs, live demonstrations, music, and dance. Native American arts and crafts vendors will be selling their crafts as well as food. Rediscover the mounds and Earth Lodge, artifacts, trails, and nature within the park.
Oliver Hardy Festival, Harlem
Remember Laurel & Hardy, the classic comedy duo from the 1940s? Celebrate their legacy in Oliver’s hometown Oct. 1, 2022, at the Oliver Hardy Festival, a fun‑filled day for the whole family. Don’t miss the look-alike contest, music, dance, great food, and classic movies all day at the Laurel & Hardy Museum.
The Georgia National Fair, Perry
For 11 days each autumn, The Georgia National Fair brings rides, concerts, agricultural exhibits and competitions, food stands, arts and crafts, and horse shows to the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. The best part? Fireworks each night! Visit Oct. 6-16, 2022.
Olde Town Fall Festival, Conyers
Join the fun Oct. 15, 2022, at the Olde Town Fall Festival, a full day of arts and craft vendors, festival food, entertainment, and kids’ activities. There are two stages of entertainment, so plan your browsing, shopping, and snacking around some great local acts. Parking and admission are free.
Deep Roots Festival, Milledgeville
A cultural arts and music festival Oct. 22, 2022, Deep Roots also features a barbecue cook-off, more than 100 vendors with handmade arts and crafts, an antique car show, and the KidZone — complete with the best collection of rides and inflatables.
South Georgia
Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair, Statesboro
Take a spin on the carnival rides, visit the petting zoo, check out local agriculture and eat delicious food at the annual Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair Oct. 17-22, 2022, in Statesboro. Explore the Heritage Village, where you can see an old-fashioned store, a chicken barn, and blacksmith shop. Be sure to stop by The Pancake House, a local fair tradition!
Coastal Georgia
Tybee Island Labor Day Beach Bash
Bring the family to celebrate the end of summer at the Tybee Island Pier. This annual event is free and will feature live music from the Swingin’ Medallions Band under the open-air pavilion. Bring cash for food and drinks available at the pier bodegas.
CoastFest, Brunswick
The annual CoastFest Oct. 1, 2022, pictured above, highlights Georgia’s unique coastal environment in a family-friendly day of fun and education. Activities range from recycling to coastal weather, native plants to sea turtles, water conservation to archeology, herpetology to geology, sharks to shrimp.
Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival, Richmond Hill
Eat some of the best seafood you’ll find anywhere while you enjoy live entertainment on two stages at this must-try fall food festival Oct. 14-16, 2022. Thrill-seekers will love the carnival midway, and shoppers will love the handmade arts and crafts.
Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival, Jekyll Island
Chow down on one of the coast’s most famous dishes at the Shrimp & Grits Festival. Held every fall, the event features various interpretations of the dish, along with family-friendly entertainment, an artist market, live music and craft beer. Visitors can welcome the return of the festival Nov. 4-6, 2022, as it marks its 15th anniversary!
