During this time of frequent cancellations, please verify that an event is actually happening as planned, before you head out.

Fall Festivals & Fairs

This list includes festivals, carnivals, and fairs that are taking place in September, October, and November in 2021.

They take place across the extended metro Atlanta region -- so you can plan a day trip or stick close to home.

As always, we emphasize festivals with FREE admission, but there are several exceptions.

SEPTEMBER FESTIVALS

From Labor Day Weekend's end-of-summer vibe through the first cooler days of autumn, you'll find plenty to do.

Dragon Con

September 2nd to 6th

This annual Labor Day Weekend tradition is more of a pop-culture convention than a traditional festival. The parade draws big crowds, although you'll need a 3-day convention pass to watch in 2021.

Pioneer Days Festival

September 3rd to 6th

This annual event in Cartersville features carnival rides, games, food, and a Labor Day fireworks show on Monday. Happening at Sam Smith Park.

Art in the Park on the Marietta Square

September 4th to 6th

This is the 35th edition of the iconic Labor Day weekend event. Shop for fine art, listen to music, and visit the Chalk Spot. Free and family-friendly.

Atlanta Jazz Festival

September 5th & 6th

This is one of the largest FREE jazz festivals in the country, featuring jazz on two stages, plus food and a marketplace. Happening in Piedmont Park over Labor Day Weekend.

Atlanta Balloon Glow

September 10th to 12th

Returning in 2021 with a brand new venue outside the Perimeter! Enjoy the spectacular glow or take an evening balloon ride. Buy tickets and ride passes in advance, because the event will sell out.

This annual event has it all -- arts & crafts vendors, kids activities, the Hubcaps & History Classic Car Show, and the Grassroots Music Festival (featuring local performers). All on the historic Marietta Square.

Peachtree Corners Festival

September 18th & 19th

The 10th annual edition of this event takes place on the Town Green. Live music, vendor booths, car show, and inflatables for the kids.

Buckhead Fine Arts Festival

September 18th & 19th

Featuring 100 vendor booths, live music, artist demonstrations, and more. Details coming soon.

Fall Festival at Creekwater Alpaca Farm

September 18th & 19th

Visit with the alpacas at this Snellville Farm and shop for items made from their wool. There's also pony rides, face painting, balloon twisting, and more. Admission fees $10 to $15.

Suwanee Fest

September 18th & 19th

This annual event kicks off with a parade on Saturday morning. There is also a juried art market, kids fun zone, plenty of food, and live entertainment all through Town Center Park.

Shakerag Arts & Crafts Festival

September 18th & 19th

An annual event in Peachtree City. This outdoor crafts fair takes place among the pines at Shakerag knoll. Vendors, food, activities, live music, and more.

Gwinnett County Fair

September 16th to 26th

This annual event in Lawrenceville features carnival rides, food, free concerts (with the price of admission), and exhibits. There are a variety of discounts available for admission and unlimited rides.

Coweta County Fair

September 16th to 26th

This annual fair in Newnan features carnival rides, food, exhibits, shows, and more. There are daily deals that include FREE admission days and discounts on unlimited rides.

Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain

September 18th to October 31st

The theme is "Play by Day; Glow by Night" and we recommend being there at dusk for the light-up attractions. Walk thru storybook scenes and enjoy a special Pumpkin LaserShow with fireworks. Discounts available!

North Georgia State Fair

September 23rd to October 3rd

Carnival rides, festival food, live entertainment and more! Check out our guide to the FREE admission days and best deals on unlimited rides.

Atlanta Greek Festival

September 24th to 26th

Once again, the festival has been reinvented as A Road Trip To Greece. It's a drive-thru food event rather than the typical in-person festival.

Alpharetta Art in the Park

September 25th & 26th

This art market places an emphasis on handcrafted goods by local artists and craftspeople. It occurs on the last weekend of the month, June thru September.

West Ponce Music Stroll

September 25th

Head to downtown Decatur for a day of live music in the patios and parking lots of West Ponce businesses. You'll also find sidewalk chart atists, vendor booths, and more.

Sweet Auburn Music Fest

September 25th & 26th

Come the historic Sweet Auburn district for a street festival featuring R&B, hip-hop, gospel music, and more. You'll also find great food, a children's area, vendors, and more.

Virginia-Highland Summerfest

September 25th & 26th -- CANCELED

Traditionally a kickoff to summer in June, the Va-Hi festival has new September dates in 2021. It features a juried artist market, live music on two stages, and KidsFest area.

Sandy Springs Artsapalooza

September 25th & 26th

An emphasis on local and regional arts and crafts, along with gourmet food trucks, live music, and activities for kids.

Sunday in the Park

September 26th

Oakland Cemetery's beloved fall festival is based on the Victorian tradition of spending a day of leisure in the cemetery. It has always been a free event -- however, in 2021, it's being combined with Tunes from the Tombs and is a ticketed event.

OCTOBER FESTIVALS

The cooler autumn air has arrived and it's a great time to be outdoors in Atlanta. You'll find art markets, carnival midway rides, harvest celebrations, Oktoberfests, and more.

We are still adding to this section!

The Georgia State Fair

October 1st to 11th

Come for the carnival rides, food, free concerts, exhibits, and more. The fair takes place at Atlanta Motor Speedway. There are daily deals on admission and unlimited ride wristbands.