The 7 Best Fall Festivals In Georgia For 2023 Will Put You In The Autumnal Spirit
By Lisa Sammons|Published September 11, 2023
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Lisa Sammons
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Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. She is passionate about animal rescue and live music - traveling across the country to see a favorite band is a pretty regular occurrence! Being out hiking in the woods enjoying the scenery with her beloved dogs is another favorite hobby, and also checking out the Pokemon Go scene in whatever city she happens to be in at any given time (coffee and dog leash in hand). You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
I don’t know about you, but when the mornings first start getting chilly and I see the first tint of yellow on leaves, my first thought is to look up fall festivals near me. There’s nothing like a fall festival in Georgia. Whether you’re up in our north mountains or down towards the coastal regions, come autumn, there’s truly something for everyone in the Peach State. Here are a few of the best fall festivals in Georgia:
1. Oktoberfest - Helen: September 7-October 29, 2023
The Oktoberfest in Helen, GA is actually the longest-running Oktoberfest in the United States. If you've never been, it's an absolute blast, with tons of activities for the whole family. This is one of my favorite small towns in Georgia and there's nothing like visiting in the fall. It can get pretty crowded during this fall event in northeast Georgia, but it's such a fun time, whether you're looking to enjoy beer and German food or just want to check out the leaves and festivities. Learn more from the Helen Chamber of Commerce website.
2. Tybee Island Pirate Festival - Tybee Island: October 5-7, 2023
The Tybee Island Pirate Festival has been one of the best fall festivals near Savannah since it started in 2005. This beach town certainly knows how to put on a party! The parade, live music, kids' events, and pirate aerial show all combine to make for quite the fun festivity. Vendors will be on hand selling their wares, and the best part of all is the festival has free admission. You can learn more from the Tybee Island Pirate Festival website.
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3. Georgia National Fair - Perry: October 5-15, 2023
Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agriculture Center, 401 Golden Isles Pkwy, Perry, GA 31069, USA
The Georgia National Fair is the largest fall event near Macon. From rides to vendors to fair foods, there's something for everyone here. Concerts, livestock competitions, youth educational competitions, and more are all on the schedule here. This year's concert lineup is set to include a great lineup of genres, and you'll be able to see names like Billy Ocean, Smash Mouth, and Tesla. Special armband days will allow for discounted rides and more. Check out the full calendar of events on the Georgia National Fair website.
If you like your fall festivals to involve lots of food, it doesn't get much better than the St. Marys Seafood Festival. This charming small town on the coast has it all and knows how to put on a great event. There's a lively parade, fun runs, live music at the local amphitheater, and, of course, tons of seafood. Learn more from the Visit St. Marys website.
5. Rocktoberfest - Lookout Mountain: weekends from October 7-28, 2023
Lookout Mountain is right on the border of Georgia and Tennessee. The little city's Rocktoberfest is one of the top fall festivals near Chattanooga. The event features live music, German food, and more, and takes place on weekends throughout the month of October. Find out more from the See Rock City website.
6. Georgia Apple Festival - Ellijay: October 14-15 and October 21-22, 2023
The Georgia Apple Festival has been taking place in Ellijay for over a half-century. This festival spans two weekends in this little mountain town. Hundreds of vendors are on-site, and you'll also find live music, fair food, and more. The area is home to many wonderful apple orchards, so pick up a few tasty apples when you're in town! Learn more from the Georgia Apple Festival website.
7. Gold Rush Days Festival - Dahlonega: October 21-22, 2023
The Gold Rush Days Festival is the largest fall festival near Dahlonega, and it's been held for 69 years as of 2023. The parade is always a hit, but there are also live demonstrations, food, vendors, and so much more at this fun small-town festival. This is one of the best small towns in Georgia, and you won't want to miss the Gold Rush Days, especially since they take place when Dahlonega's leaves are close to peak. The Gold Rush Days Festival website has more information.
Did we miss your favorite fall festival in Georgia? Share your suggestions in the comments!
If you’re traveling out of town for any of these great events and need a place to stay, make sure to check out Vrbo. The website lists full vacation home rentals in Georgia, so you don’t have to worry about sharing your space with strangers.
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