The Lake Lanier Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival is Sept. 12 in Gainesville. Photo by Boon Vong
Between Labor Day and Halloween, opportunities abound for gathering and celebrating the changing season. So, make plans now to get outside and enjoy the cooler weather while finding fall fun at these upcoming Georgia festivals and fairs.
SEPTEMBER
September is peak festival season in Georgia with arts, crafts, food and cultural events taking place across the state.
Lake Lanier Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
Sept. 12, Gainesville
Georgia’s biggest Chinese cultural event draws racing teams from across the country and thousands of spectators to the shores of Lake Lanier. International cuisine and cultural performances complement the races. Admission is free but there’s a fee for parking.
Doc Holliday Festival & BBQ Competition
Sept. 12, Griffin
Old West reenactments and a professional BBQ competition are the centerpieces of this family fun event in the Georgia town where Holliday grew up and practiced dentistry. Free admission.
Taste and Brews Music Fest
Sept. 12–13, Canton
This family-friendly weekend event features live bands, diverse food vendors, regional craft beers, farmers and makers market — all in the picturesque Etowah River Park. Free admission.
Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration
Sept. 12–13, Macon
Visit Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park to experience traditional cultural crafts, storytelling, educational programs, live demonstrations, music and dance celebrating Southeastern Native American heritage. Free admission.
A nightly balloon glow is a highlight at the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Buford.
Hot Air Balloon Festival
Sept. 18–19, Buford
A nightly balloon glow and laser show are highlights of the event that also offers tethered balloon rides and a selection of food and drink. Tickets are limited and will sell out, so purchase yours in advance. Proceeds benefit the Georgia Mountain Food Bank.
CULTURA: Fiesta Latina
Sept. 18–19, Lawrenceville
This is the fifth year for this award-winning, family-friendly festival that is an immersive celebration of Latin culture, music, food and art. Free admission.
JapanFest
Sept. 19–20, Duluth
The largest celebration of Japanese culture in the Southeast offers authentic cuisine, live performances, martial arts demonstrations, authentic arts and crafts, outdoor Sapporo beer garden, anime fan experiences and interactive cultural workshops. Admission.
Suwanee Fest
Sept. 19–20, Suwanee
A parade, Family Fun Zone, arts and crafts vendors and food trucks combine to make this one of the region’s largest community celebrations. Free admission and free shuttles from satellite parking areas.
OCTOBER
Georgia communities host a wide variety of harvest, food and arts festivals in October.
Decatur Book Festival
Oct. 2–3, Decatur
Recognized as one of the nation’s largest independent book festivals, the event schedule includes author talks, book signings, storytelling sessions and a “street fair” featuring publishers, booksellers, writing clubs and authors. A children's parade, cooking demonstrations and live entertainment add to the fun. Free admission.
The fireworks boom nightly at the 11-day Georgia National Fair in Perry.
Georgia National Fair
Oct. 8–18, Perry
This huge 11-day event brings rides, concerts, agricultural exhibits and competitions, food stands, arts and crafts, horse shows and nightly fireworks to the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. Admission. Check the website for discounted admission days and special promotions.
Chalktoberfest
Oct. 10–11, Marietta
At the combo beer festival/chalk art extravaganza, you can sample craft beer and enjoy live music while watching professional chalk artists transform the streets into amazing works of art. Shop for arts and crafts from local vendors and grab a bite to eat from food trucks. Free admission.
Walton Gas is a sponsor for the AthHalf Half Marathon set for Oct. 11 in Athens. Photo by John Johnson
AthHalf Half Marathon & 5K
Oct. 10–11, Athens
Walton Gas is the presenting sponsor for these annual autumn runs through Athens’ historic districts, downtown and the University of Georgia campus. Fans come out in force to cheer on and entertain half marathon runners while local bands perform live along the course. Race proceeds provide music and arts education programming for local K-12 youth.
Oconee Chamber Fall Festival
Oct. 17, Watkinsville
The city's largest event, this annual festival draws huge crowds to browse hundreds of local arts and crafts vendors, food stalls and family-friendly activities. Free admission.
Georgia Apple Festival
Oct. 10–11 & 17–18, Ellijay
Celebrate the harvest in the state’s apple-growing center, Gilmer County. Expect hundreds of craft vendors, musical performances, apple treats, an apple-themed parade, classic car show and 5K run. Admission.
Anyone can be Scottish for a weekend at the Stone Mountain Highland Games and Scottish Festival occurring Oct. 17 and 18.
Stone Mountain Highland Games and Scottish Festival
Oct. 17–18, Stone Mountain
Colorful pipe bands, Celtic performers, Scottish athletics, piping and drumming competitions, Highland dancers, Scottish foods and drink, clan tents and vendors selling goods from the British Isles are all part of this traditional gathering held within Stone Mountain Park.
OktoberFEAST
Oct. 17–18, Sandy Springs
Brush up on your Chicken Dance moves for this family-friendly day of fun that includes oompah band music, German beers, authentic Bavarian cuisine and polka lessons. Free admission.
Mountain Moonshine Festival & Car Show
Oct. 23–25, Dawsonville
One of the longest-running festivals in the U.S., the event celebrates North Georgia's bootlegging history and racing heritage. It features one of the largest classic car shows in the Southeast, a parade and live music. Free admission.