Fall Fairs, Festivals, & Special Events 2022

A Complete Guide to the Area’s Autumn Festivities

 

Hamilton and Bradley Counties

 

CrabTree Farms Fall Plant Sale & Festival

WHEN / September 17
WHERE / Crabtree Farms
WHAT / This festival, held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offers sustainably grown vegetable, fruit, herb, and flower starts for a fall garden, as well as seeds for fall vegetables best sown directly. Music, arts and crafts vendors, food, and children’s activities round out the event. A plant sale guide is listed on the Crabtree Farms website.

COST / FREE
INFO / crabtreefarms.org, 423.493.9155

Chattanooga Market Festival

WHEN / September 18
WHERE / First Horizon Pavilion
WHAT / Enjoy fall activities and family fun from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chattanooga Market Apple Festival! Come down to the First Horizon Pavilion to enjoy all things apple – apple cake, apple jelly, apple pie, apple candles, and the list goes on. Once you’ve had your fill of apples, take some time to check out some other local vendors and family-friendly activities around the market.

COST / FREE
INFO / chattanoogamarket.com, 423.648.2496

Tennessee Whiskey Festival

WHEN / September 24
WHERE / Miller Plaza
WHAT / The 8th annual Tennessee Whiskey Festival celebrates the state’s craft spirits as well as the people who make them. Come sample some of the best distilled spirits around while enjoying live music, tasting local cuisine, and shopping from area vendors. For an additional fee, take part in the 4 Courses and Tennessee Whiskey Supper on September 23, the night before the festival.

COST / $20 and up
INFO / tnwhiskeyfestival.com

The 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival

WHEN / September 30-October 1
WHERE / Ross’s Landing
WHAT / Started in 2007, The 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival brings the biggest names in contemporary and traditional bluegrass to Ross’s Landing. In 2022, this one-of-a-kind event will feature Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, Béla Fleck & My Bluegrass Heart, Twisted Pine, The Gibson Brothers, Mipso, the New Dismembered Tennesseans, and more! Beer and wine, food, and non-alcoholic drink concessions will also be available.

COST / FREE
INFO / 3sistersbluegrass.com

Lantern Tours: Ghost Walk Edition

WHEN / Select Thursday and Sunday nights in September and October
WHERE / Ruby Falls
WHAT / Hear ghostly tales from Ruby Falls’ 94-year history and eerie Chattanooga legends as you journey through the cavern lit only by hand-held lanterns. This experience is not appropriate for children under the age of 12. Ghost Walk Lantern Tours are expected to sell out quickly, advance reservation required.

COST / $34.95
INFO / rubyfalls.com, 423.821.2544

Southern Belle Fall Foliage Cruise

WHEN / October 1-Mid November
WHERE / Southern Belle Riverboat, Riverfront Parkway
WHAT / Take in the vivid fall colors of the Tennessee River aboard the Southern Belle, one of Chattanooga’s top attractions. Each Fall Foliage cruise lasts three hours and travels to the famous Tennessee River Gorge, known as the “Grand Canyon of the South.” Guests will enjoy a live narration as well as live music and bingo. Food and beverages are available for purchase at the on-board concession stand, or guests can pre-order a charcuterie board.

COST / $39.99/adults; $29.99/children 3-12
INFO / chattanoogariverboat.com, 423.266.4488

southern belle fall river boat

Dread Hollow

WHEN / October 1-31 Thursday – Sunday Nights + Halloween
WHERE / Dread Hollow, 321 Browns Ferry Road, Chattanooga
WHAT / A night at award-winning Dread Hollow is a Chattanooga tradition! The 2022 fall fright season brings three all-new terrifying haunted houses and three mind-bending horror-themed escape rooms. Dread Hollow is not recommended for children under the age of 12. Buy timed-entry tickets in advance; walkup tickets are not available at the door.

COST / $25 haunt admission includes all three haunted houses; Escape Rooms $15 per person
INFO / dreadhollow.com, 423.800.0566

Rock City’s Rocktoberfest

WHEN / October 1-30, Saturdays and Sundays
WHERE / Rock City, Lookout Mountain
WHAT / Get in touch with Rock City’s German heritage during the 16th annual Rocktoberfest. Rock City Square will be transformed for a celebration of harvests and fall foliage. Enjoy live performances by the Wurstbrats and Musik Meisters, and Mark Merriman, as well as Rock City Raptors birds of prey shows. Step into German culture as Rock City celebrates and honors founder Frieda Utermoehlen Carter’s heritage with German food and fun for the whole family.

COST / $27.95/adults; $17.95/children 3-12
INFO / seerockcity.com/rocktoberfest, 706.820.2531

rocktoberfest chattanooga

Blessing Of The Animals

WHEN / October 2
WHERE / St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, Ooltewah
WHAT / Join in on the annual Blessing of the Animals in the parking lot of St. Francis Church from 1:30 to 4 p.m. This year includes Little Noah’s Ark Petting Zoo, goody bags, and gift drawings. The procession and blessing service at 2 p.m. will conclude with a release of butterflies, and individual prayers will be offered to all who attend.

COST / FREE
INFO / sfaec.org, 423.238.7708

Chattanooga Pride Festival & Parade

WHEN / October 2
WHERE / Ross’s Landing
WHAT / Hosted by Chattanooga Pride, this celebration is welcome to all. Held at Ross’s Landing until 8 p.m., the event includes a vendor market, food and drinks, entertainment, a kids’ play area, and face painting. A parade kicks off the festivities at noon.

COST / FREE
INFO / chattanoogapride.com

Halloween Eerie Express

WHEN / October 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29
WHERE / Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
WHAT / Grab your costume and take a spooky ride on a vintage train over four bridges and through Missionary Ridge Tunnel with storytelling, coloring pages, and goody bags for the kids. Once passengers arrive at Funhouse Station, they’ll enter the Eerie Fun House for gentle, family-friendly thrills as well as blacklight mini golf, games, and more before hopping back on the train to return to Grand Junction.

COST / $25 per person
INFO / tvrail.com, 423.894.8028

chattanooga halloween

Best Cellars

WHEN / October 7
WHERE / Hunter Museum of American Art
WHAT / Best Cellars is an artfully curated event for fine wine aficionados. The perfect start to the Wine Over Water weekend, these premium wines paired with fine food will create a memorable experience. There will also be live music and dancing, and of course, the Hunter Museum’s special exhibit space. Your ticket supports historical preservation efforts in Chattanooga and includes admission to the Wine Over Water event with access to the VIP tent.

COST / $225 per person
INFO / preservechattanooga.com/bestcellars

Wine Over Water

WHEN / October 8
WHERE / Walnut Street Bridge
WHAT / The 27th anniversary of Wine Over Water will showcase 200 varieties of wine, fabulous tasting experiences from local Chattanooga restaurants, and live music all on the historic Walnut Street Bridge, one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges. Tickets include access to the entire festival and a commemorative tasting glass, as well as help continue the work of Preserve Chattanooga as they protect the area’s historic places.

COST / $125 per person
INFO / preservechattanooga.com/wineoverwater

wine over water chattanooga

Chattanooga Oktoberfest

WHEN / October 8-9
WHERE / First Horizon Pavilion
WHAT / This two-day festival is Chattanooga’s oldest and largest Oktoberfest celebration. Enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of the German traditions as you sample brats, beer, and other culinary delights! Visitors can also look forward to oompah bands, shopping, and the crowning of Mr. and Ms. Chattanooga Oktoberfest®.

COST / FREE
INFO / chattanoogamarket.com, 423.648.2496

Boo In The Zoo

WHEN / October 14-15, 21-22, 28-29
WHERE / Chattanooga Zoo
WHAT / The Chattanooga Zoo’s annual Boo in the Zoo is a family-friendly celebration filled with merry-not-scary decorations, trick-or-treat stations, scavenger hunts, costume contests, and more! Hours for this weekend event are 4 to 8 p.m., with timed entry tickets available online only.

COST / $10/members; $15/nonmembers; FREE/children 2 and under
INFO / chattzoo.org, 423.697.1322

Chattanooga Motorcar Festival

WHEN / October 14-16
WHERE / West Village
WHAT / The Chattanooga Motorcar Festival is a car enthusiast’s heaven. On the docket are plenty of events and activities, such as the Pace Grand Prix race, the Canossa Fall Rally Chattanooga, Mecum Auctions event, and family-friendly evening street festivals on Friday and Saturday. All proceeds will go to the Fifty Plus Foundation, benefiting CHI Memorial Foundation and the NeuroScience Innovation Foundation.

COST / $79 and up; FREE/children 12 and under
INFO / chattanoogamotorcar.com, 423.424.1847

Monster Bash

WHEN / October 15
WHERE / Creative Discovery Museum
WHAT / Join the Creative Discovery Museum for this family-friendly Halloween bash from 6 to 8 p.m. Explore the museum in your kid-friendly costumes and enjoy monster-themed activities and games. Admission includes access to all the museum’s exhibits. It’ll be so much fun, it’s scary.

COST / $10/general admission
INFO / cdmfun.org/events, 423.648.6052

The Cleveland Apple Festival

WHEN / October 15-16
WHERE / Historic Downtown Cleveland
WHAT / Held each year on the Bradley County Courthouse Square, The Cleveland Apple Festival promises family fun and fall favorites. This event offers an arts and crafts show, live music, food booths, pony rides, and entertainment for all ages. Community members are encouraged to sign up for the Apple Blossom pageant and the apple dessert contest. Net proceeds are donated to nonprofit organizations in the Cleveland area.

COST / $7/adults; $5/seniors; $5/children 4-12; FREE/children 3 and under
INFO / clevelandapplefestival.org

Drink & Discover: Witch’s Brew

WHEN / October 21
WHERE / Creative Discovery Museum
WHAT / From 7 to 10 p.m., Creative Discovery Museum is closing the museum to kids and letting adults 21 and up explore with a drink in hand and alongside friends. Wear your costume while you listen to ghost stories, create your own witchy wand, and participate in a broom relay race. Admission includes access to the museum’s exhibits, a costume contest, and light snacks.

COST / $25 admission in advance; $5 drink tickets
INFO / cdmfun.org/events, 423.648.6052

Aquascarium

WHEN / October 28
WHERE / Tennessee Aquarium
WHAT / Come in costume and join in on a family-friendly celebration of all things scaly, spooky, and fun at the Tennessee Aquarium. Visitors can enjoy lights, themed decorations, costumed divers, candy, and more!

COST / visit website for admission pricing
INFO / tnaqua.org/events, 423.267.3474

Downtown Cleveland Halloween Block Party

WHEN / October 31
WHERE / Courthouse Square, Cleveland
WHAT / Experience Halloween in Cleveland at this 35th annual block party. Lasting from 5 to 10 p.m., the family-friendly event hosts a costume contest and offers musical entertainment, games, a variety of food choices, and giveaways. Children can gather candy at Treat Street, sponsored by Mars Wrigley.

COST / FREE
INFO / mainstreetcleveland.com, 423.479.1000

Thanksgiving On The River

WHEN / November 24
WHERE / Southern Belle Riverboat, Riverfront Parkway
WHAT / Close down the kitchen this Thanksgiving in favor of this riverfront tradition. This year, guests will hop onto dockside boat Pier 2 to feast on roast turkey breast, carved pit ham, traditional side dishes, and cheesecake, then board the Southern Belle for a one-hour tour while enjoying the gorgeous autumn views.

COST / $59.99/adults; $29.99/children 3-12
INFO / chattanoogariverboat.com, 423.266.4488

Surrounding Areas – Tennessee

Tennessee Valley Fair

WHEN / September 9-18
WHERE / Chilhowee Park, Knoxville, TN
WHAT / The Tennessee Valley Fair is back! Knoxville’s Chilhowee Park will play host to unique exhibits, livestock shows, action sports, rides, and nightly fireworks. Headliners for the concert series include
Bret Michaels, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Clint Black, and Brian McKnight. Don’t miss the Cotton Candy
Classic 5K – all of the proceeds benefit the Tennessee Valley Fair Foundation, whose mission is to preserve Tennessee’s heritage by promoting agricultural awareness.

COST / $12/adults; $9/seniors; $9/children 6-11; FREE/children 5 and under
INFO / tnvalleyfair.org, 865.215.1471

International Cowpea Festival & Cook-Off

WHEN / September 10
WHERE / Charleston City Park, Charleston, TN
WHAT / A day full of music, handmade crafts, food, and fun awaits visitors of the International Cowpea
Festival. Returning this year are children’s activities, the heritage photo contest, and a marketplace for handmade arts and crafts vendors. The Cowpea Cook-off, which focuses on cowpea-based recipes from local chefs, is a festival favorite; purchase a $5 souvenir spatula to cast a vote for the best dish.

COST / $5/adults; FREE/children 18 and under
INFO / cowpeafestival.com, 423.665.3373

International Cowpea Festival & Cook-Off

The White Oak Craft Fair

WHEN / September 10-11
WHERE / The Arts Center of Cannon County, Woodbury, TN
WHAT / The White Oak Craft Fair takes place along the banks of the East Fork Stones River and features the work of dozens of craft artisans from throughout the region. Browse original textiles, jewelry, woodcarving, metalwork, pottery, photography, ironwork, stained glass, and more, all available for purchase. Visitors can also enjoy demonstrations, food trucks, and the kids’ tent.

COST / FREE with a $3 supervised parking donation to the Cannon Co. High School Cross Country Team and The Arts Center of Cannon County
INFO / whiteoaktn.org, 615.563.2787

Cheekwood Harvest

WHEN / September 17-October 30
WHERE / Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, Nashville, TN
WHAT / This signature six-week-long festival celebrates all things fall, from pumpkins galore to El Día de los Muertos. See thousands of chrysanthemums in bloom, locally crafted scarecrows, and three Pumpkin Houses. Each weekend, visitors can enjoy full-band musical performances and seasonal beers, cocktails, and spirits at the Cheekwood Beer Garden. Be sure to bring your four-legged friend to the Halloween Pooch Party, a costumed event that’s fun for all!

COST / $20-$25/adults; $18-$23/seniors; $16-$23/college students; $13-$18/youth 3-17; FREE/children 2 and under
INFO / cheekwood.org, 615.356.8000

Harvest Festival & Great Pumpkin Luminights

WHEN / September 23-October 29
WHERE / Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, TN
WHAT / Make your way to the Smokies for Dollywood’s annual Harvest Festival! During the day, enjoy live entertainment from a variety of musical genres and artists, see the colossal pumpkins, and take in the vibrant fall landscape. Artisans also will be stationed around the park to share their crafts with guests. Great Pumpkin LumiNights is back in 2022, featuring thousands of carved illuminated pumpkins and whimsical pumpkin displays as well as fall-themed treats and not-too-spooky entertainment.

COST / Regular Dollywood admission prices
INFO / dollywood.com, 800.365.5996

Harvest Festival & Great Pumpkin Luminights

Lenoir City Downtown Street Festival & Civitan Car Show

WHEN / September 24
WHERE / Historic Downtown Lenoir City, TN
WHAT / Lenoir City Parks and Recreation partners with the Lenoir City Civitan Club and the Historic Downtown Lenoir City Merchants Association for this annual street festival. The festivities include live music, arts and crafts, and food vendors. The classic car show, exhibiting unique cars, trucks, and motorcycles, is a highlight.

COST / FREE
INFO / lenoircitytn.gov, 865.986.2715

Wartrace Old Time Harvest Days

WHEN / September 24
WHERE / Historic Wartrace, TN
WHAT / Step back in time during the Old Time Harvest Days in Historic Wartrace! Attendees can enjoy classic fall activities; tasty offerings from local food trucks; a kids’ zone; and browse a wide selection of handmade arts, crafts, pumpkins, mums, and more from area vendors. Be sure not to miss the annual chili cook-off.

COST / FREE
INFO / wartracechamber.org, 931.240.0300

Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

WHEN / September 24-25
WHERE / The Park at Harlinsdale Farm, Franklin, TN
WHAT / Five stages and a historic horse farm provide the backdrop for this popular music festival. This year’s lineup includes Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Jon Batiste, The Avett Brothers, Lake Street Dive, and Dawes, among others. Other festival highlights are the “Farm to Turn-Table” food truck park, the Americana Music Triangle Experience tent, the Makers Village featuring local craftsmen, and plenty of family-friendly activities for children to enjoy as well.

COST / $219 and up for 2-day general admission
INFO / pilgrimagefestival.com

Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

Homesteads Apple Festival

WHEN / September 24-25
WHERE / Historic Cumberland Homesteads Tower, Crossville, TN
WHAT / For a day of family fun, visit the Homesteads Apple Festival. Rain or shine, guests will find over 200 craft booths, fresh apples, fried apple pies, a petting zoo, live music, and plenty of exciting children’s activities. Brand new this year is the Homesteads Apple Festival Pageant on Saturday. Admission to the festival also includes a free visit to Homesteads Tower Museum! Funds raised during the festival help keep the Homesteads Museums open to the public.

COST / $5/adults; FREE/children 10 and under
INFO / cumberlandhomesteads.org, 931.456.9663

Etowah’s Fall Arts & Crafts Festival

WHEN / October 1-2
WHERE / L&N Depot & Railroad Park, Etowah, TN
WHAT / The Etowah Chamber of Commerce invites you to this annual festival, held since 1972 at the historic depot for the Louisville & Nashville railroad. The event features local food booths and numerous craft vendors that showcase local cuisine and artisans. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment all day long.

COST / FREE
INFO / 423.263.2228

National Banana Pudding Festival

WHEN / October 1-2
WHERE / Hickman County Ag Pavilion, Centerville, TN
WHAT / There’s fun for everyone at the National Banana Pudding Festival, just an hour from the city in Nashville’s Big Back Yard. With craft and food vendors, entertainment on two stages, a live banana pudding cook-off, and plenty of activities for the little ones, this two-day festival keeps visitors busy. Don’t miss the ever popular Puddin’ Path for a chance to sample 10 different banana pudding recipes made for the festival by locals. Festival proceeds go to local nonprofits, so you can feel good while you’re having a good time.

COST / $10/general admission; $5/children 5-12; FREE/children under 5
INFO / bananapuddingfest.org, 931.994.6273

Fall Tennessee Craft Fair

WHEN / October 7-9
WHERE / Centennial Park, Nashville, TN
WHAT / Take part in Nashville tradition when you shop this annual event on the lawn in Centennial Park. Juried, award-winning artists will be on-site to feature their one-of-a-kind artwork and discuss their craft. In addition to the array of handmade items, visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities in the Kids’ Tent, food from local vendors, and educational demonstrations from artisanal experts. Fair is accessible, and a free shuttle is provided on weekends.

COST / FREE
INFO / tennesseecraft.org, 615.736.7600

Pumpkintown

WHEN / October 8
WHERE / Historic Downtown Athens, TN
WHAT / Head to historic downtown Athens for the 20th annual Pumpkintown, a festive Athens tradition that brings in thousands of attendees each year. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors can explore over 200 booths featuring food and arts and crafts as well as enjoy the Scott Crisp Memorial PowWow. Check out the famous Mutt Strutt Pet Costume Contest, the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum quilt show, and the Sounds of Summer series finale featuring The Dexter Thomas Band.

COST / FREE
INFO / friendlycityfestivals.com

Hola Festival 

WHEN / October 8-9
WHERE / Performance Lawn at World’s Fair Park, Knoxville, TN
WHAT / HoLa Hora Latina’s signature event celebrates Hispanic/LatinX Heritage Month. The kick-off Fiesta Latina on Saturday goes from 4 to 10 p.m. with live music, craft beer, artisan vendors, and a fireworks display at 9 p.m. The festival continues on Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with food, music, dancing, cultural events, educational children’s activities, and a Parade of Nations.

COST / $1/general admission donation for non-HoLa Hora Latina members; FREE/members and children under 12
INFO / holahoralatina.org, 865.335.3358

Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair

WHEN / October 13-30
WHERE / Gatlinburg Convention Center, Gatlinburg, TN
WHAT / Assembling exceptional craftsmen from across the country under one roof, this fair is a one-stop shop for everything arts and crafts. Many items are holiday-themed, such as wreaths, ceramic trees, and Christmas ornaments, making this event a great resource in preparation for the upcoming season. Live music will be featured daily, and vendors will not only be showcasing their wares, but demonstrating their skills and craftsmanship for visitors as well.
COST / $10/adults; FREE/children 17 and under
INFO / craftsmenfair.com, 865.436.7479

Crossville Oktoberfest

WHEN / October 14-15
WHERE / Knights of Columbus Grounds, Crossville, TN
WHAT / Partake in beer and traditional German fare such as schnitzel, bratwurst, and sauerkraut at the annual Crossville Oktoberfest. Live musical entertainment will be provided by the Frank Moravcik Band and the Rheingold Band – come prepared to dance! The festival takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

COST / $6/advance tickets; $8/at the door; FREE/children 12 and under, military veterans and active duty personnel (with proper identification), and designated drivers
INFO / crossvilleoktoberfest.com, 423.799.0229

Mid-South Barbecue Festival

WHEN / October 14-15
WHERE / Historic Downtown Mount Pleasant, TN
WHAT / Serving up some of the best barbecue in the South, the annual Mid-South Barbecue Festival is the perfect event for meat-lovers. The two-day event will be filled with local vendors as well as live entertainment.

COST / FREE
INFO / midsouthbbqtn.com, 931.379.9837

Ketner’s Mill Country Arts & Crafts Fair

WHEN / October 15-16
WHERE / Ketner’s Mill, Whitwell, TN
WHAT / The Ketner’s Mill Country Arts & Crafts Fair, established to help preserve the mill and celebrate local heritage, is entering its 45th year. More than 150 artisans will share their sculpture, paintings, pottery, and jewelry, and food vendors will be on-site to provide tasty Southern fare. Activities include a 4-H Club petting zoo, cane squeezing and sorghum-making demonstrations, wagon rides, canoeing, and live entertainment. Dogs on a leash are welcome, too!

COST / $7/adults; FREE/children 12 and under
INFO / ketnersmill.org, 423.267.5702

Pumpkinfest

WHEN / October 28-29
WHERE / Rhea County Courthouse, Dayton, TN
WHAT / A fall festival for families, PumpkinFest provides an exciting alternative to regular Halloween activities. Join in on this Dayton tradition that offers food and craft vendors on the lawn, music, a costume contest, a new event called Meet the Heroes, and of course, trick-or-treating!

COST / FREE
INFO / mainstreetdayton.org, 423.775.9847

Joshua K. Jennings Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree

WHEN / October 29
WHERE / Courthouse Square, Jasper, TN
WHAT / Enjoy a night of family-friendly fun at the annual Joshua K. Jennings Jack-o-lantern Jamboree. This event is sponsored by the Town of Jasper as well as the Jasper Lions Club. Kids can fill their buckets with candy on the trunk-or-treat trail, and there will be live entertainment, food vendors, and games and activities. The festivities take place from 4 to 8 p.m. central time.

COST / FREE
INFO / 423.942.3180

Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff & Winterfest Kickoff

WHEN / November 10
WHERE / Shade Tree Parking Lot, 120 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN
WHAT / Presented by Bush’s Chili Beans, this annual event begins at 5 p.m. and features live entertainment as well as the opportunity to sample some of the area’s best homemade chili recipes. City leaders will also participate in the official lighting ceremony for Smoky Mountain Winterfest, which features millions of lights that make up twinkling displays across the city.

COST / visit website for admission pricing
INFO / gatlinburg.com/events, 865.436.4178

Surrounding Areas – Georgia

Helen Oktoberfest

WHEN / September 8-11, 15-18, 22-25, 29-October 30
WHERE / Helen Festhalle, Helen, GA
WHAT / Find food and drinks, live bands, and more at one of the longest-running Oktoberfests in the United States. Celebrating its 52nd year, Helen Festhalle will house German-themed activities – take a spin on the dance floor to timeless polka music, then join your family and friends at the venue’s banquet tables for authentic beer and brats.

COST / $8/weekday; $10/Saturday; FREE/Sunday and for children 6 and under
INFO / helenchamber.com, 706.878.1619

Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts

WHEN / September 16-18
WHERE / Creative Arts Guild, Dalton, GA
WHAT / An indoor juried art exhibit, as well as an outdoor regional artist market, make this festival a treat for art enthusiasts. The 59th annual festival will boast live music, multicultural kids’ activities, food vendors, and a self-guided tour of the Robert T. Webb Sculpture Garden. The annual Taste of Dalton + Festival Preview Party, featuring samples from favorite area restaurants and an exclusive first look at festival art, takes place September 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. and is a separate ticketed event.

COST / FREE
INFO / creativeartsguild.org, 706.278.0168

Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts

North Georgia State Fair

WHEN / September 22-October 2
WHERE / Jim R. Miller Park, Marietta, GA
WHAT / Attractions at the North Georgia State Fair abound, from carnival rides and petting zoos to beauty pageants and flower shows. The price of admission includes concerts featuring The Afters, Corey Smith, LOCASH, Michael Ray, and Josh Turner. New for 2022 are the One Wheel Wonder Wesley Williams show, American Bull Riders Tour, Jekyll & Hyde ride, and more.

COST / $10/adults; FREE/children 10 and under
INFO / northgeorgiastatefair.com, 770.528.8989

North Georgia State Fair

Great Locomotive Chase Festival

WHEN / September 30-October 2
WHERE / Historic Downtown Adairsville, GA
WHAT / The annual Great Locomotive Chase Festival has been an October tradition since 1968. Family and friends come together for live music, craft vendors, carnival rides, and good food, along with fireworks and a parade. This festival commemorates the Andrews’ Raiders Civil War escapade that passed through Adairsville in April 1862.

COST / $5 for all-weekend admission, see website for festival times
INFO / adairsvillega.net/events, 770.773.3451

Chalktoberfest

WHEN / October 8-9
WHERE / The Marietta Square, Marietta, GA
WHAT / See the work of 86 professional chalk artists at Chalktoberfest – the signature event of the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art – which is entering its ninth year in 2022. Guests can also enjoy a public chalk competition, live music, activities for the whole family, and the Craft Beer Festival on Saturday.

COST / FREE; $45-50/person for Craft Beer Festival on Saturday
INFO / chalktoberfest.com, 770.528.1444

Fall Arts In The Park Festival

WHEN / October 8-9
WHERE / Downtown City Park, Blue Ridge, GA
WHAT / Visit beautiful Blue Ridge, Georgia, for this 12th annual event. Explore and enjoy offerings from over 170 artists, exhibitors, and vendor booths. Find arts and crafts, demonstrations, food, and much more. Blue Ridge is also home to many art galleries, restaurants, and craft breweries – visit their scenic railway to round out the trip.

COST / $5/adults; FREE/children 12 and under
INFO / blueridgeartsinthepark.com, 706.632.2144

Prater’s Mill Country Fair

WHEN / October 8-9
WHERE / Historic Prater’s Mill, Dalton, GA
WHAT / Prater’s Mill Country Fair transports visitors to a different era. Visitors can enjoy continuous live entertainment, partake in authentic Southern cooking, see live craftsman demonstrations, and browse regional arts and crafts. Be sure to take a self-guided tour of the operating grist mill, and short nature trails are also on-site and ready to be explored.

COST / $10/adults cash only; FREE/Military ID & children 12 and under
INFO / pratersmill.org/fair, 706.694.6455

Prater’s Mill Country Fair

Georgia Apple Festival

WHEN / October 8-9, 15-16
WHERE / Lions Club Fairgrounds, Ellijay, GA
WHAT / Celebrate the Georgia Apple Festival’s 51st year by wandering through more than 300 vendors selling food, arts and crafts, and more! While you’re enjoying tasty fall treats, check out one of the festival’s many events: the Apple Classic Auto Show, Apple Festival 5K Road Race, and the Apple Festival Parade.

COST / $10/adults; FREE/children 12 and under
INFO / georgiaapplefestival.org, 706.636.4500

‘Que & Brew

WHEN / October 22
WHERE / Taylor-Brawner Park, Smyrna, GA
WHAT / ‘Que and Brew is back for round three in 2022. The ultimate tailgate party will host competition barbecue teams with a BBQ tasting and people’s choice voting, and feature over 30 local beers and seltzers for sampling. Attendees can also enjoy live music, compete in the cornhole tournament, and watch the top sporting matchups of the day on the TV truck from 12 to 5 p.m.

COST / FREE/general admission; $15 and up for tasting tickets
INFO / livesaferesources.org/event/quebrew2022, 678.303.4700

Chiaha Harvest Fair

WHEN / October 22-23
WHERE / Coosa Valley Fairgrounds, Rome, GA
WHAT / Support arts and art education in the Rome/Floyd County community with the 57th annual Chiaha Harvest Fair! Check out the many crafts and fine arts vendors, the juried art exhibit, and the wide variety of delicious fair food. There will also be live music and lots of free crafts and activities for the kids, like learning about clay from a local potter.

COST / $5/adults; $4/students and seniors; $1/children 2-12; FREE/children under 2
INFO / chiaha.org

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