Hamilton and Bradley Counties
RUBY FALLS LANTERN TOURS: GHOST WALK EDITION
WHEN / Select nights, September through October
WHERE / Ruby Falls, Chattanooga, TN
WHAT / Get in the Halloween spirit with an after-hours, special-edition Lantern Tour featuring ghost stories from the 97-year history of Ruby Falls and eerie Chattanooga legends. On the way to the waterfall, hear the tales and visit the sites of peculiar encounters, mischievous mayhem, and tragedy while exploring the cavern with a guide by the light of handheld lanterns. Advance online ticket purchase is required, and this event is not appropriate for children under the age of 12.
COST / $41.95
INFO / rubyfalls.com, 423.821.2544
FLAT TOP MOUNTAIN FARM FALL FESTIVAL
WHEN / September 19-November 2
WHERE / Flat Top Mountain Farm, Soddy-Daisy, TN
WHAT / The Flat Top Mountain Farm Festival takes place on a 201-year-old family farm for a true Tennessee fall experience. From hayrides with mountain views to pumpkins, corn mazes, flowers, and pony rides, this fall festival offers something for everyone! Visitors can also enjoy local vendors, food trucks, face painting, and more.
COST / $12 per person; FREE/children 3 and under
INFO / flattopmountainfarm.com
ROCK CITY’S ENCHANTED PUMPKIN PATCH
WHEN / September 26-October 31
WHERE / Rock City, Lookout Mountain, GA
WHAT / For the first time, Rock City Gardens will glow in Halloween splendor at its newest fall event, the Enchanted Pumpkin Patch. Spooky but never scary, the gardens transform under the spell of legendary stone witch Galoochee, casting hues of orange, purple, and green across the mountaintop. Whimsical pumpkin displays and towering, hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns – large works of art – line the Enchanted Trails, while a giant scarecrow welcomes guests. Enjoy a tractor hay bale maze, weekend magic shows, and seasonal treats like cinnamon apple funnel cake, pumpkin spice fudge, and hot cider. Costumes encouraged.
COST / $29-$43/adults; $19-$33/children 3-12
INFO / seerockcity.com, 706.820.2531
RAILS, WIZARDS, & SPELLS
WHEN / Select dates September 27-October 31
WHERE / Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Chattanooga, TN
WHAT / Returning in 2025, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is bringing to life their second annual “Rails, Wizards & Spells” train experience. Your ticket includes entrance through the enchanted forest to Wizards Way, where you can purchase fun wizardy items such as handcrafted wands, special charms to hold spells, and tasty treats of the season. Enjoy fun outdoor games and join the tractor ride for a quick trek to Chickamauga Creek and back. Then, board the train at platform 4½ for a ride to remember! Guests are encouraged to bring their own wands and dress in wizarding costumes to enhance the magical atmosphere.
COST / $35 per person
INFO / tvrail.com, 423.894.8028
CRABTREE FARMS FALL PLANT SALE & FESTIVAL
WHEN / September 27-28
WHERE / Crabtree Farms, Chattanooga, TN
WHAT / From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, this family-friendly event just 10 minutes from downtown Chattanooga offers a variety of sustainably-grown edible, flowering, and medicinal plants, plus some fruiting shrubs and trees, which are all perfect for a home garden. Attendees can also expect live music, hay rides, local vendors, and food trucks to round out the event.
COST / FREE
INFO / crabtreefarms.org, 423.493.9155
EAST RIDGE FALL FESTIVAL
WHEN / September 27-28
WHERE / Camp Jordan Amphitheater, East Ridge, TN
WHAT / Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual East Ridge Fall Festival, a highly anticipated event that promises a weekend full of fun, excitement, and community spirit! With more than 150 local vendors, unique crafts, delicious food, and activities for kids, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to grab a bite, find the perfect fall décor, or discover something new, this festival has it all!
COST / FREE
INFO / eastridgeparksandrec.com, 423.486.2034
ODDTOBER
WHEN / October 1-31
WHERE / Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga, TN
WHAT / Come explore the weird and wonderful side of nature during the month-long celebration of ODDtober at the Tennessee Aquarium. This year, look for “eerie” animal programs and watchful eyes inside the aquarium, as well as not-so-spooky fun on the aquarium’s social channels. The guest favorite underwater pumpkin carving is back on Saturdays at 2 p.m. in the River Journey building. Plus, ask for your free ODDtober sticker in the gift shop (while supplies last)! It’s one that you’ll want to “see.”
COST / Included with regular aquarium admission; visit website for pricing
INFO / tnaqua.org, 423.265.0695
DREAD HOLLOW
WHEN / October 2-November 2, Thursday – Sunday nights
WHERE / Dread Hollow, Chattanooga, TN
WHAT / Recognized as one of the nation’s top haunted attractions, Dread Hollow has perfected the art of fear! Each season, the creators unleash terrifying new themes across 25,000+ square feet of intricately designed sets with immersive illusions, twisted storylines, and horror-based escape rooms. Parental discretion is advised for ages 12 and under. Timed-entry tickets sold online.
COST / $25-$35 haunt admission includes all three haunted houses; $15 escape room admission
INFO / dreadhollow.com, 423.800.0576
SOUTHERN BELLE RIVERBOAT FALL FOLIAGE SIGHTSEEING CRUISE
WHEN / October 2-Mid November
WHERE / Southern Belle Riverboat,
Chattanooga, TN
WHAT / Enjoy the autumnal wonders of the Tennessee River aboard this three-hour Southern Belle Riverboat cruise. Guests will enjoy live narration, pilot house tours, and magnificent views of the famous Tennessee River Gorge, known as the “Grand Canyon of the South.” Concessions will be available for purchase.
COST / $39.99/adults; $29.99/children 3-12; $5.99/children 0-2
INFO / chattanoogariverboat.com, 423.266.4488
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
WHEN / October 5
WHERE / St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, Ooltewah, TN
WHAT / All are welcome to visit the St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church for its annual Blessing of the Animals. This joyful event is conducted in remembrance of Saint Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. Local vendors at the event will include Noah’s Little Ark Petting Zoo and Pony Rides, hot dogs, popcorn, and more. Registration will begin at 1:30 p.m. with an animal parade to follow.
COST / FREE
INFO / sfaec.org, 423.238.7708
CHATTANOOGA MARKET APPLE FESTIVAL
WHEN / October 5
WHERE / First Horizon Pavilion, Chattanooga, TN
WHAT / Join in the celebration of fresh-picked apples at the Chattanooga Market Apple Festival! Get ready to enjoy apple pie, apple butter, apple strudel, apple candles, and more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the First Horizon Pavilion. Come find your favorite apple treats, and check out local vendors and fall activities around this family-friendly market.
COST / FREE
INFO / chattanoogamarket.com, 423.565.9130
CHATTANOOGA PRIDE FESTIVAL
WHEN / October 5
WHERE / Ross’s Landing, Chattanooga, TN
WHAT / Join the Chattanooga Pride Festival to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community while promoting LGBTQ+ visibility, acceptance, and advocacy in the region. The festivities kick off at 1 to 2 p.m. with a vibrant parade. Guests can then continue the celebration from 2 to 8 p.m. with live entertainment, musical performances, a variety of local vendors, delicious food stalls, informational booths, and plenty of chances to connect and engage with the community.
COST / FREE
INFO / chattanoogapride.com
MONSTER BASH
WHEN / October 10-11
WHERE / Creative Discovery Museum, Chattanooga, TN
WHAT / Celebrate Halloween with two nights of family-friendly fun! Dress up in your favorite kid-friendly costumes, create, and make memories that are “s’more” fun than you can handle. Ghoulishly good fun awaits, including special character guests, creepy crawly critters from the Tennessee Aquarium, Halloween Bingo, monster putt putt, a bonfire with s’mores, and more!
COST / $10/members; $22/non-members
INFO / cdmfun.org/events, 423.756.2738
BOO IN THE ZOO
WHEN / October 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31
WHERE / Chattanooga Zoo, Chattanooga, TN
WHAT / Chattanooga Zoo’s annual Boo in the Zoo is a merry-not-scary Halloween event perfect for families with kids of all ages. As the Zoo transforms into a spooky safari, enjoy kid-friendly decorations, a bounce house, and plenty of candy. Plus, take photos with your favorite characters like Elsa, Spiderman, and more! Note that the Zoo’s regular admission will close at 3:30 p.m. on event days before reopening at 4 p.m. for Boo in the Zoo. General admission tickets are not valid for Boo in the Zoo.
COST / $11.95/members; $17.95/non-members; FREE/children 2 and under
INFO / chattzoo.org, 423.697.1322
CHATTANOOGA OKTOBERFEST
WHEN / October 11-12
WHERE / First Horizon Pavilion, Chattanooga, TN
WHAT / Don your favorite German attire for this year’s Chattanooga Oktoberfest. Enjoy two festive days of German food and tradition, including oompah music, craft brews, and local vendors. Visitors of all ages can also look forward to viewing and participating in the annual Mr. and Ms. Chattanooga Oktoberfest® Contest on Saturday evening.
COST / FREE
INFO / chattanoogaoktoberfest.com, 423.565.9130
RINGGOLD HAUNTED DEPOT
WHEN / October 17-18, 24-25, 31
WHERE / The Ringgold Depot, Ringgold, GA
WHAT / The Ringgold Haunted Depot has something to spook, shock, and surprise everyone! A perfect destination for all fright levels, Ringgold’s Halloween offerings don’t stop at the Depot. Enjoy an all-ages hay ride through a dark and winding nature trail, ghost tours of haunted downtown Ringgold, a cozy bonfire with s’mores and other terrifyingly tasty treats, scary showings of everyone’s favorite horror movies, and more!
COST / Haunted Depot/$15; Ghost Tour/$7; Hayride/$5
INFO / nothinlikeringgold.com/events, 706.935.3061
THE CLEVELAND APPLE FESTIVAL
WHEN / October 18-19
WHERE / Courthouse Square, Cleveland, TN
WHAT / The Cleveland Apple Festival takes place each year on the Bradley County Courthouse Square. Come enjoy an arts and crafts show, live music, food booths, a petting zoo, the Apple Blossom pageant, and, of course, the apple dessert contest. Net proceeds are donated to nonprofit organizations in the Cleveland area.
COST / $8/adults; $5/seniors; $5/children 3-12; FREE/children 2 and under
INFO / clevelandapplefestival.org
FRIGHTS & PINTS
WHEN / October 23
WHERE / Chattanooga Zoo, Chattanooga, TN
WHAT / Enjoy a DJ, costume contest, wild decorations, and plenty of beer and wine as you explore the Zoo! This 21+ event also includes fire dancers, lots of candy, and an exclusive VIP lounge with an open bar and specialty cocktails. Don’t miss out on a scary good night!
COST / $35.95/members; $40.95/non-members
INFO / chattzoo.org, 423.697.1322
AQUASCARIUM
WHEN / October 24
WHERE / Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga, TN
WHAT / Dress in your best Halloween costume and join a family-friendly celebration of all things scaly, spooky, and fun at Aquascarium, the Tennessee Aquarium’s annual trick-or-treat event from 4 to 8 p.m. Attendees can enjoy themed decorations, costumed divers, music, candy, and more! Purchase tickets ahead of time as they are limited. This event sells out quickly.
COST / Member and non-member rates; visit website for pricing
INFO / tnaqua.org/aquascarium, 423.265.0695
DRINK & DISCOVER: MAD SCIENCE
WHEN / October 24
WHERE / Creative Discovery Museum,
Chattanooga, TN
WHAT / Step into the lab for an electrifying adults-only (21+) night of twisted science, spooky fun, and delicious cocktails! Drink and Discover: Mad Science transforms the museum into a mad scientist’s playground. Stitch together creepy creations at the Franken Toy station, brave the toxic sludge obstacle course, and sip potions from the glowing test tube bar. Get dressed up and come join the spooky fun at this annual Halloween Drink and Discover event.
COST / $35 admission in advance; $5/additional drink ticket
INFO / cdmfun.org/events, 423.756.2738
DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND HALLOWEEN BLOCK PARTY
WHEN / October 31
WHERE / Courthouse Square, Cleveland, TN
WHAT / This Halloween block party is a family-friendly Downtown Cleveland tradition. From 5 to 10 p.m., visitors are invited to dress in costume and enjoy live music, games, food, and a costume contest. Mars Wrigley will also provide chocolate for visitors to gather on Treat Street.
COST / FREE
INFO / mainstreetcleveland.com, 423.479.1000
HAMILTON COUNTY FAIR
WHEN / November 7-9
WHERE / McDonald Farm, Sale Creek, TN
WHAT / Experience the newly envisioned, authentic Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair this fall featuring live music, rodeos, amusements, agriculture, farm animals, and so much more!
COST / Day pass: $10/adults; $8/children 11-17; FREE/children under 10 | Weekend pass: $14-$16
INFO / hamiltontnfair.com, 423.209.6889
THANKSGIVING ON THE RIVER
WHEN / November 22 and 27
WHERE / Southern Belle Riverboat, Chattanooga, TN
WHAT / Cruise past the kitchen stress and enjoy Thanksgiving dinner on the river this year on the Southern Belle Riverboat. A traditional Thanksgiving meal will be provided, including roast turkey breast, carved ham, and all your favorite side dishes. Dessert and specialty drinks will also be available while you enjoy scenic Tennessee River views and live entertainment.
COST / $55.99/adults; $39.99/children 3-12; $5.99/children 0-2
INFO / chattanoogariverboat.com, 423.266.4488
Surrounding Areas – Tennessee
BEAR-VARIAN FALL FESTIVAL
WHEN / August 29-November 2
WHERE / Anakeesta, Gatlinburg, TN
WHAT / This fall, the Smoky Mountains will once again echo with the sounds of laughter, music, and clinking glasses as Anakeesta, Gatlinburg’s premier mountaintop adventure park, brings back its wildly popular Bear-Varian Fall Festival from August 29 through November 2. Bear-Varian Fall Festival is a family-friendly celebration of autumn that blends the charm of a Bavarian beer garden with the beauty of the Tennessee mountains.
COST / $34.99-$39.99/adults; $27.99-$32.99/seniors; $22.99-$27.99/children; FREE/children 3 and under; Beer pass add-on/$22.99
INFO / anakeesta.com, 865.325.2400
HARVEST FESTIVAL & GREAT PUMPKIN LUMINIGHTS
WHEN / September 12-October 27
WHERE / Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, TN
WHAT / Dollywood gets decked out in pumpkins, lights, and whimsical fall décor for the Harvest Festival & Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Enjoy the vivid fall colors by day and explore glowing pumpkin sculptures and Hoot Owl Hollow by night. Visitors can also check out dozens of concerts in a variety of music genres throughout the festival and enjoy the colorful new Candy Corn Country area.
COST / Regular Dollywood admission prices
INFO / dollywood.com, 800.365.5996
INTERNATIONAL COWPEA FESTIVAL AND COOK-OFF
WHEN / September 13
WHERE / Charleston City Park, Charleston, TN
WHAT / The International Cowpea Festival and Cook-off will return for its 13th year with a full day of music, handmade crafts, food, and fun. A children’s area, photo contest, local vendors, and a Charleston heritage area will be available to visitors. The Cowpea Cook-off, a competition between professional chefs for the best cowpea-based recipe, is a festival favorite; purchase a $5 souvenir spork to participate in the tasting and cast a vote for the best dish.
COST / $5/adults; FREE/children 15 and under
INFO / cowpeafestival.com, 423.665.3373
LENOIR CITY DOWNTOWN STREET FESTIVAL
WHEN / September 13
WHERE / Historic Downtown Lenoir City, TN
WHAT / Lenoir City Parks and Recreation partners with the Loudon County Shrine Club for this annual street festival. Visitors will enjoy live music, arts and crafts, food vendors, and of course, the classic car show, exhibiting unique cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
COST / FREE
INFO / lenoircitytn.gov/special-events/, 865.986.2715
WHITE OAK CRAFT FAIR
WHEN / September 13-14
WHERE / The Arts Center of Cannon County, Woodbury, TN
WHAT / Over 75 panel-selected artisans will showcase their work for viewing and purchase at this year’s White Oak Craft Fair. Visitors can browse original textiles, woodcarving, jewelry, pottery, photography, metalwork, and more. Live music, food trucks, and kids’ activities will also be available, and awards will be presented to selected artisans.
COST / FREE with a $5 supervised parking donation to the Cannon County Rescue Squad
INFO / whiteoaktn.org, 615.563.2787
CHEEKWOOD HARVEST
WHEN / September 13-October 30
WHERE / Cheekwood Estate & Gardens,
Nashville, TN
WHAT / As the crisp air arrives and the leaves put on nature’s final show of the year, fall magic returns at Cheekwood Harvest. Pumpkin Village delights with three charming pumpkin houses, thousands of colorful chrysanthemums, and more than 75,000 pumpkins spread across the gardens. After sunset, new Harvest Nights light up Thursdays with themed evenings perfect for family fun. The seasonal celebration continues along the Scarecrow Trail, where this year’s theme, “A Hint of Haunts,” adds just the right touch of spooky charm to the festive experience.
COST / $21-$29/adults; $19-$27/seniors; $17-$25/college students; $14-$22/youth 3-17; FREE/children 2 and under and Cheekwood members
INFO / cheekwood.org, 615.356.8000
HOLA FESTIVAL
WHEN / September 27-28
WHERE / Performance Lawn at World’s Fair Park, Knoxville, TN
WHAT / HoLa Festival invites you to join in the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The fun on Saturday will begin at 4 p.m. with a Fiesta Latina, including live music, dancing, homemade food, draft beer, and artisan vendors. The festivities continue on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Other events include the Parade of Nations, educational Hispanic heritage booths, children’s activities, community resources, and a firework show at 9 p.m. on Saturday.
COST / $3 donation/non-HoLa Hora Latina members; FREE/members and children 11 and under
INFO / holahoralatina.org, 865.335.3358
PILGRIMAGE MUSIC & CULTURAL FESTIVAL
WHEN / September 27-28
WHERE / The Park at Harlinsdale Farm,
Franklin, TN
WHAT / The Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival aims to create an intentionally diverse music experience for concert-goers of all ages. This year’s lineup includes headliners John Mayer, accompanied by his full band, Kings of Leon, Turnpike Troubadours, Young the Giant, as well as Father John Misty, Sam Barber, Sam Fender, Grace Potter, Better Than Ezra, and more! Other festival highlights include the Americana Music Triangle Tent, VIP Village, and Craft Beer Hall.
COST / Passes start at $149
INFO / pilgrimagefestival.com
GATLINBURG CRAFTSMEN’S FAIR
WHEN / October 2-19
WHERE / Gatlinburg Convention Center,
Gatlinburg, TN
WHAT / Over 200 booths will display one-of-a-kind handmade products at this exceptional craft fair. Each artist and craftsperson has been selected through a rigorous jury process to ensure a unique, high-quality experience for all visitors. After browsing the artist booths, visitors can enjoy daily live music shows and concessions through the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
COST / $10/adults; FREE/children 17 and under
INFO / craftsmenfair.com, 865.436.7479
NATIONAL BANANA PUDDING FESTIVAL
WHEN / October 4-5
WHERE / Hickman County Ag Pavilion, Centerville, TN
WHAT / Taste homemade banana pudding recipes on Puddin’ Path, watch a live banana pudding cook-off, and enjoy live music entertainment at this two-day event in support of local nonprofits. This festival also offers craft vendors and plenty of fun activities for all kids to enjoy.
COST / $7-14/adults 13+; $3-6/children 5-12; FREE/children 5 and under
INFO / bananapuddingfest.org, 931.994.6273
ETOWAH’S FALL FESTIVAL
WHEN / October 4-5
WHERE / L&N Depot Museum, Etowah, TN
WHAT / A fall tradition for over 50 years, Etowah’s Fall Arts & Crafts Festival is returning for 2025! Hosted at the historic depot for the Louisville & Nashville railroad, this event features live entertainment, local food booths, and craft vendors showcasing local cuisine and artisans.
COST / FREE
INFO / enterpriseetowah.com/fallfest, 423.920.5659
KETNER’S MILL COUNTRY ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR
WHEN / October 4-5
WHERE / Ketner’s Mill, Whitwell, TN
WHAT / Watch sorghum molasses demonstrations, enjoy wagon rides, and feed animals at the petting zoo at the Ketner’s Mill Country Arts & Crafts Fair hosted by Shop the Market At, LLC. With food trucks, 200 vendors, new Jump Dunk and Slide Inflatables, live music, arts and crafts booths, and more, this event has something fun for everyone! Come celebrate the season at Ketner’s Mill – where heritage meets family fun.
COST / Admission: $8 cash only/adults; FREE/children 12 and under | Jump Dunk and Slide Inflatables: $15 per day/unlimited play armbands
INFO / ketnersmill.org, 423.267.5702
FALL TENNESSEE CRAFT FAIR
WHEN / October 10-12
WHERE / Centennial Park, Nashville, TN
WHAT / For three days, Centennial Park will transform into the venue for Nashville’s 47th annual Fall Tennessee Craft Fair. Juried, award-winning artists will showcase their work for viewing and purchase, and visitors are encouraged to learn more about the artists through art demonstrations. To round out this celebration of local fine crafts, hands-on activities will be available at the Kids’ Tent, and food will be available from area vendors.
COST / FREE
INFO / tennesseecraft.org/events/craft-fairs/, 615.736.7600
PUMPKINTOWN
WHEN / October 11
WHERE / Historic Downtown Athens, TN
WHAT / Pumpkintown is one of the premier fall festivals in East Tennessee. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors can expect live entertainment on three stages, the Scott Crisp Memorial PowWow, over 275 vendors, historical walking tours, and more!
COST / FREE
INFO / friendlycityfestivals.com/pumpkintown
CROSSVILLE OKTOBERFEST
WHEN / October 17-18
WHERE / Knights of Columbus Grounds, Crossville, TN
WHAT / Come to Crossville Oktoberfest for German food, beer, and live music. With food to be served from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., you can have your fill of schnitzel, bratwurst, soft pretzels, späetzle, and all your favorite German foods. Visitors are invited to dress up in traditional German outfits as well as take to the dance floor during this fun fall event! Merch will also be available for purchase.
COST / $8/advance tickets; $10/at the door; FREE/children 12 and under, military veterans, and active duty personnel (with proper identification); $17/full meal; $5/kid’s meal
INFO / crossvilleoktoberfest.com, 423.799.0229
PUMPKINFEST
WHEN / October 24-25
WHERE / Rhea County Courthouse, Dayton, TN
WHAT / Kicking off on Friday with lunch and shopping, all vendors will be open, including games for kids and entertainment at Centennial Park, this two-day event is packed with fall fun. The festivities continue Saturday with food and craft vendors, a Halloween costume contest, and of course, an evening of trick-or-treating!
COST / FREE
INFO / mainstreetdayton.org, 423.775.9847
JOSHUA K. JENNINGS JACK-O-LANTERN JAMBOREE
WHEN / October 25
WHERE / Courthouse Square, Jasper, TN
WHAT / Get ready for the annual Joshua K. Jennings Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree! From 4 to 8 p.m. CST, kids will enjoy trick-or-treating at the trunk-or-treat trail, and the whole family will enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, and other fun on-site games and activities.
COST / FREE
INFO / 423.942.3180
GATLINBURG’S WINTER MAGIC KICKOFF & CHILI COOKOFF
WHEN / November 6
WHERE / Downtown Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
WHAT / Start your holiday season countdown with the Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff. Visitors can enjoy tasting a delicious variety of homemade chili recipes during the Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff sponsored by Bush’s Beans. The winter festivities will continue through the evening with over 1 million LED twinkling lights, live entertainment, and a Christmas tree lighting.
COST / Visit website for admission pricing
INFO / gatlinburg.com/events, 865.436.4178
Surrounding Areas – Georgia
HELEN OKTOBERFEST
WHEN / September 4-7, 11-14, 18-21,
25-November 2
WHERE / Helen Festhalle, Helen, GA
WHAT / Helen Oktoberfest is the longest-running Oktoberfest in the United States! A wide selection of both German and classic fair food will be available as well as a variety of German and American beers and wine. Get ready to dance to German-style bands including Polka Cola, Zweifel Brothers, Europa, and more, and don’t miss the Oktoberfest Parade on September 6!
COST / $10/Monday-Thursday; $15/Friday and Saturday; FREE/Sunday and for children 6 and under
INFO / helenchamber.com, 706.878.1908
NORTH GEORGIA STATE FAIR
WHEN / September 18-28
WHERE / Jim R. Miller Park, Marietta, GA
WHAT / The North Georgia State Fair returns for its 93rd year! Carnival rides, petting zoos, a dog show, and live art performances will be a part of this year’s fair. New attractions for this year include the Zerbini Family Circus, Lady Houdini, Oscar the Robot, and more!
COST / Admission: $15/adults; $10/Seniors; FREE/children 10 and under | Rides: See website for pricing
INFO / northgeorgiastatefair.com, 770.528.8989
ARTS FEST
WHEN / September 19-21
WHERE / Creative Arts Guild, Dalton, GA
WHAT / Come celebrate the 62nd annual ARTS FEST, a Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts with a weekend of art appreciation and fun. An indoor juried art exhibit will be available for viewing through the end of October, and an outdoor artist market will take place on the day of the event. Food and beverage vendors, live music, and self-guided tours of the Robert T. Webb Sculpture Garden will round out the event, and the KIDS FEST area will host activities and art projects for kids to enjoy.
COST / FREE
INFO / creativeartsguild.org, 706.278.0168
GREAT LOCOMOTIVE CHASE FESTIVAL
WHEN / October 3-5
WHERE / Historic Downtown Public Square, Adairsville, GA
WHAT / The Great Locomotive Chase Festival has been a tradition since 1968. Join friends and family for a weekend of food vendors, arts and crafts, live entertainment, amusement rides, a parade, beauty pageant, and more.
COST / $5 for all-weekend admission
INFO / adairsvillega.net/community/events, 770.773.3451
CHALKTOBERFEST
WHEN / October 11-12
WHERE / The Marietta Square, Marietta, GA
WHAT / Cobb County’s Chalktoberfest combines a Chalk Art Festival with a Craft Beer and Wine Festival, featuring more than 80 professional chalk artists creating works of art on the streets of historic Marietta Square. Experience 40 breweries, 120+ types of craft beer, more than 20 varieties of wine, plus kids’ crafts and games, a competition chalk section, concerts, and more.
COST / FREE/admission; $50-$55/Beer Festival
INFO / chalktoberfest.com, 770.528.1444
FALL ARTS IN THE PARK FESTIVAL
WHEN / October 11-12
WHERE / Downtown City Park, Blue Ridge, GA
WHAT / Experience a mountain weekend filled with art, color, and creativity at the 15th Annual Fall Arts in the Park Festival in downtown Blue Ridge, one of the top 10 fine craft towns in America, as recognized by American Craft Week. Arts in the Park in Blue Ridge, GA, is regularly voted in the top 200 arts and craft festivals in the country by Sunshine Artist magazine.
COST / $5/adults; FREE/children 12 and under
INFO / blueridgeartsinthepark.com, 706.632.2144
GEORGIA APPLE FESTIVAL
WHEN / October 11-12, 18-19
WHERE / Lions Club Fairgrounds, Ellijay, GA
WHAT / Celebrating its 54th year, the Georgia Apple Festival is an event full of big fun in a small town. Rain or shine, hundreds of vendors will showcase handmade products, on-site demonstrations, live music, and classic fair food.
COST / $10/adults; FREE/children 12 and under
INFO / georgiaapplefestival.org, 706.635.7400
‘QUE & BREW
WHEN / October 25
WHERE / Barnes Law Group Parking Lot, Marietta, GA
WHAT / ‘Que & Brew is the ultimate barbecue experience! Local BBQ teams will wow you with competition-style ribs as they go head-to-head for Best Ribs and Best Specialty BBQ. Enjoy a tailgating-style atmosphere – watch football on the big screen, sip cold beer, play games, bid in a lively auction, and soak up the live music!
COST / FREE/general admission; $50/tasting tickets
INFO / livesaferesources.org/event/quebrew2025, 770.427.2902
