Melanie SidotiFrom the rich reds and golds of the changing leaves to the cool mountain air, there is just nothing like North Georgia in the fall! So get out and make the most of the season with these 7 not-to-be-missed festivals!
**Updated September 2019
1. Oktoberfest – Helen, GA
In the beautiful North Georgia mountains, lies an adorable Bavarian-themed village. While there is plenty to do here year-round, Oktoberfest is Helen’s biggest celebration!
The annual Oktoberfest celebration will feature plenty of delicious German food, beer, music,
This festival is fun for all ages and all are welcome. ID’s are required for anyone who wishes to participate in beer-drinking festivities.
Website:http://www.helenchamber.com/oktoberfest.html
2. Gold Rush Days – Dahlonega, GA
The Gold Rush Days Festival has been voted one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society!
Gold Rush Days – Dahlonega, GA
More than 200,000 people will flock to Dahlonega to be a part of Gold Rush Days!
Join the locals on the traditional third full weekend in October to celebrate Dahlonega’s 1828 discovery of gold. Experience the North Georgia Mountains as fall colors peak and explore over 300 art and craft exhibitors and food vendors who gather around the Public Square and Historic District in support of this annual event.
Admission is FREE!
Website: https://goldrushdaysfestival.com/gold-rush-days/
3. Georgia Apple Fest – Ellijay, GA
The Georgia Apple Festival brings two exciting weekends to Ellijay, Georgia each fall. This fall marks it’s 48th fun-filled year!
Peruse tons of handmade, hand-crafted items from over 300 vendors as well as many on-site craft-making demonstrations. This year promises many new crafts in addition to favorites from past festivals.
- The annual antique car show will be held at the Civic Center on October 12th.
- The annual parade begins at
10 am on October 19th in historic downtown Ellijay.
Website: http://www.georgiaapplefestival.org/
4. Mountain Moonshine Festival & Car Show – Dawsonville, GA
The Moonshine Festival hosts one of the largest car shows in the Eastern United States!
During prohibition and the Great Depression, Dawsonville developed a reputation for running moonshine throughout the Appalachian foothills. This long-standing celebration of the town’s history of fast cars and moonshine has something for everyone!
The annual car show, a cruise-in, and swap meet are held at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, and the festival commences throughout the welcoming streets of historic downtown Dawsonville.
Stroll through hundreds of vintage cars and let the live music take you back in time. You will see a wide array of classic cars including Model Ts, Model As, 50’s cars, race cars, hot rods, vintage trucks, dune buggies, V8 muscle cars and authentic moonshine hauling cars.
Make your way through more than 300 vendors, arts and crafts, and activities for the kids. Enjoy live entertainment on three stages around the Dawsonville square.
- Moonshine Run on Friday, October 25th, 9 am
- Parade of moonshine and revenue cars kick off festivities on Saturday morning.
Website: https://www.kfkmountainmoonshinefestival.org/
5. Georgia Mountain Fall Festival – Hiawassee, GA
Hiawassee is home to the famous Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, which hosts several popular events each year. A favorite of locals and visitors from all around, the Georgia Mountain Fall Festival is really something to look forward to.
This 9-day annual event features exciting musical performances, Arts & Craft vendors, educational demonstrations, a flower show and is home of Georgia’s Official State Fiddlers’ Convention.
Opening Day: Friday, October 11th
Website: http://www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/events/fall-festival
6. Cumming Country Fair – Cumming, GA
In October of 1995, the Cumming Fairgrounds hosted its first 5 day fair. It has since expanded into an 11-day event.
The fairgrounds hosts many exciting events throughout the year such as the IPRA World Championship Rodeo, the Steam & Gas Engine Expo, a weekly Farmers Market during summer months, a July 4th Celebration, and their signature event, the Cumming Country Fair & Festival.
The fair offers free daily attractions, free concerts, discount days, and free living-history exhibits in the Heritage and Indian Villages.
Heritage Village offers working demonstrations of authentic farm machinery such as a cotton gin, corn mill, syrup mill, chicken house, grist mill, blacksmith shop, sawmill, moonshine still and a cider press which are operated during certain events.
There is also an early 1900’s rural township that features reproductions of a doctor’s office, art deco barbershop, dentist office, printing press, a one-room schoolhouse, churches, general store, working post office and more!
With so many activities and attractions, this is one festival you won’t soon forget!
Website: https://cummingfair.squarespace.com/cumming-country-fair-festival
7. North Georgia State Fair – Marietta, GA
North Georgia State Fair, Marietta, GA
The North Georgia State Fair is the largest fair in metro Atlanta and attracts nearly 300,000 people from north Georgia and neighboring states each year.
The North Georgia State Fair features live music, FREE attractions and concerts, farm animals, flower shows, blue-ribbon competitions, local entertainment, and delicious carnival eats!
The fair also boasts one of the largest carnival midways in the United States – featuring the Wildcat Rollercoaster, Georgia Mountain Lift, and the Mega Slide.
Website: https://www.northgeorgiastatefair.com/
Happy fall! Does your family have a favorite fall festival? Please share it with us in the comments
These activities look fun and are something to keep in mind for the future, although I don’t think I will make it to Georgia this fall. 🙂
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