Music festival
October 1, 2017 (begins Sept. 30)
1 mile SE
Sweet Auburn Music Fest [sound] is an R&B, hip-hop, and gospel music festival on Auburn Avenue at Jackson.
Victorian festival
October 1, 2017 (12 to 6 p.m.)
2 miles SE
Sunday in the Park is a Victorian street festival that offers food trucks, live music, a Victorian costume contest, artists’ market, history demonstrations, and tours at the historic Oakland Cemetery.
Greek festival
October 1, 2017 (begins Sept. 28)
9 miles NE
Enjoy the music, dance, foods, and traditions of Greece at the
Atlanta Greek Festival at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The drive-through window is also open on Thursday.
Anime convention
October 1, 2017 (begins Sept. 28)
11 miles north
Anime Weekend Atlanta has panels and workshops, games and videos, costume play, a dealer’s room, an art show, and a red-carpet ball at Cobb Galleria Centre.
Book fair
October 1, 2017 (begins Sept. 25)
14 miles north
Atlanta AAUW Bookfair is a used-book sale at Perimeter Mall, which is free except the first evening.
Pets in the park
October 1, 2017 (begins Sept. 29)
16 miles NW
Woofstock features dogs that dive and perform tricks, pet adoptions, food trucks, a beer garden, inflatables for kids, and arts & crafts at Smyrna Market Village, 2840 Atlanta Road, Smyrna. Free.
State fair - north
October 1, 2017 (begins Sept. 21)
22 miles NW
North Georgia State Fair has rides, fair food, animals, and big-name singers in Marietta. Expect lines.
Duluth Fall Festival
October 1, 2017 (begins Sept. 30)
25 miles NE
Duluth Fall Festival features 250 booths of art, crafts and food, plus entertainment, a carnival, a parade 10 a.m. Sat., and a road race Sun. at Duluth Town Green.
Goldfish & koi sale
October 1, 2017 (begins Sept. 30)
32 miles NE
See a variety of fish and shop from vendors at the
Koi and Goldfish Show at Gwinnett County Fairgrounds in Lawrenceville. Free.
Film festival
October 1 - 5, 2017 (begins Sept. 28)
2 miles NE
Out On Film shows 80 gay films and videos at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema.
State Fair - south
October 1 - 8, 2017 (begins Sept. 29)
30 miles south
Georgia State Fair offers rides, shows, music, and vendors at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton.
Six Flags Halloween
October 1 - 29, 2017 (begins Sept. 23)
13 miles west
Enjoy pumpkin painting & trick-or-treating in daylight, but beware of scary ghosts, ghouls, and zombies at night during
Fright Fest at Six Flags over Georgia [website has sound] in Austell. See schedule.
Pumpkin Festival
October 1 - 29, 2017 (begins Sept. 29)
19 miles east
Pumpkin Festival features a costume party, family shows, storytelling, kids’ activities, and a pie-eating contest at Stone Mountain Park. Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Black theater festival
October 4 - 7, 2017
11 miles SE
Atlanta Black Theatre Festival delivers 40 plays in 4 days, including single acts, solos, youth theater, and full-length plays mostly at 3181 Rainbow Drive in Decatur. The Children’s PlayFest is Sept. 30.
Georgia National Fair
October 5 - 15, 2017
108 miles south
The
Georgia National Fair offers livestock and horse shows, agricultural exhibits, fair food, midway rides and games, vendors, family entertainment, music concerts, and nightly fireworks in Perry.
Stimulate your mind
October 6, 2017
0.2 miles south
A dozen brilliant speakers illuminate topics like design, medicine, cartoons, architecture, and space exploration at
TEDxPeachtree at Rialto Center for the Arts.
Hip-hop festival
October 6 - 8, 2017
0.3 miles south
Atlanta Hip Hop Day Festival features Atlanta artists, b-boy and b-girl exhibits, emcee battles, turntablism, and graffiti artists at Woodruff Park. Free.
Grilled Cheese Festival
October 7, 2017 (12 to 6 p.m.)
1.8 miles NE
Taste restaurant samples and vote for your favorite at
Atlanta Grilled Cheese Festival with “brews, live local music, and all kinds of contests and activities” at Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark for age 21+.
Soapbox derby
October 7, 2017 (12 to 5 p.m.)
5.9 miles east
Bring a chair to watch 100 drivers compete in the
Madison Avenue Soapbox Derby, with food vendors, a bake sale, a beer tent, and live music. Cars are judged at noon, and races are 1 to 3:15 p.m. on Madison Avenue at Johnston Place in Decatur. Free.
Chili cook off
October 7, 2017
10 miles NE
Buy a wristband to taste chili (spicy, mild, chicken, beef, vegetarian) at
Brookhaven Chili Cook Off. It has live music, a kids’ zone, and arts & crafts.
Free gospel concert
October 7, 2017
15.5 miles south
Gospel on the Green promises performances from national and local gospel artists in the Amphitheater at Riverdale Town Center. Free, with food for sale.
Art fair
October 7 - 8, 2017
19 miles NE
Norcross Art Splash features entertainers, food vendors, and 140 artists selling folk art, ceramics, paintings, photography, sculpture, and jewelry. Free.
Warplanes
October 7 - 8, 2017
11 miles NE
See World War II era aircraft, meet veterans, watch reenactments, and buy a ride at
Atlanta Warbird Weekend at DeKalb Peachtree Airport. Free entry.
Small-town festival
October 7 - 8, 2017
12 miles NE
LakeFest offers local music, arts and crafts, a sand sculpting contest, food vendors, a closing parade of boats, and a sandy beach in friendly Pine Lake. Free.
Cotton Pickin’ Fair
October 7 - 8, 2017
51 miles south
Enjoy art, antiques, crafts demonstrations, music, and kids’ shows near a 1910 farmhouse, cotton gin, and cotton warehouse at
Cotton Pickin’ Fair in Gay. Repeats in May.
Fall festival
October 13 - 21, 2017
112 miles north
Georgia Mountain Fall Festival features arts & crafts, live music, and demonstrations of archery, fly-fishing, and lumberjacking in Hiawassee.
Cemetery run
October 14, 2017
2 miles SE
Run Like Hell is a 5K race with a costume contest and a children’s 1K at historic Oakland Cemetery.
Neighborhood music festival
October 14, 2017 (12 to 6 p.m.)
7 miles east
Walk around a Decatur neighborhood to hear diverse music on porches and in yards during
Oakhurst Porchfest, a grassroots music festival. It’s followed by more music at nearby Harmony Park. Free.
Video.
Destination East Point
October 14, 2017
8 miles SE
Destination East Point features live entertainment, acrobats, artists, and food vendors in downtown East Point. Free.
Family Festival
October 14, 2017
13 miles NE
Atlanta Parent’s Family Festival offers family activities, a petting zoo, pony rides, games, entertainment, food & craft booths, and music at Mercer University in Atlanta.
Beer festival
October 14, 2017
18 miles NW
Taste 100 beers at the
Marietta Craft Beer Festival, part of the weekend Chalktoberfest listed separately.
Fall Farm Day
October 14, 2017
20 miles north
Fall Farm Day features 19th-century farm activities like blacksmithing, open-hearth cooking, spinning, and weaving. Children play games, pet farm animals, and take wagon rides. Free except gold panning and tours, at Archibald Smith Plantation in Roswell.
Art fair in Lilburn
October 14, 2017
23 miles NE
Lilburn Daze has 200 arts and crafts vendors, food booths, and a kids’ zone at Lilburn City Park. Free.
Pride festival and parade
October 14 - 15, 2017
2 miles NE
The highlight of the
Atlanta Pride Festival for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender persons is the
Pride Parade at noon on Sunday up Peachtree Street to Piedmont Park.
Festival on Ponce
October 14 - 15, 2017
5 miles NE
Fall Festival on Ponce features fine arts and crafts, folk art, a children’s area, food trucks, and acoustic music in historic Olmsted Linear Park at N Ponce De Leon Ave NE. Repeats in April. Free.
Chalk art festival
October 14 - 15, 2017
18 miles NW
Watch professional chalk artists compete, enter the amateur contest, see kids draw on the street, attend a craft beer festival, and visit the art museum free during
Chalktoberfest in Marietta.
Apple festival
October 14 - 15 and 21 - 22, 2017
77 miles north
See 300 vendors of food and handmade items, plus craft demonstrations, an antique car show Oct. 14, and a parade Oct. 21 at
Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay. No pets.
French cultural festival
October 18 - Nov. 4, 2017
multiple locations
France-Atlanta offers innovative films, performances, talks, exhibitions, and workshops that connect France and the Southeast. Mostly events are free.
Halloween at the history center
October 20, 2017 (6:30 to 9:30 p.m.)
6.3 miles north
Haunted Halloween features a haunted mansion, spooky trails, games, a carnival, food vendors, and a cash bar at the Atlanta History Center.
Horror-film festival
October 20 - 22, 2017
3 miles NE
See horror, sci-fi, gore, zombie, creepy, mystery, and dark comedy films at
Atlanta Horror Film Festival at the Plaza Theatre.
Scottish festival
October 20 - 22, 2017
19 miles east
Hear Scottish pipes and drums, eat Scottish food, watch athletic games, browse artisan booths, and see tartan-clad dancers at the
Stone Mountain Highland Games at Stone Mountain Park.
Air show
October 20 - 22, 2017
71 miles NW
Wings Over North Georgia has aerobatic performers, the Thunderbird squadron, aircraft on display, and BBQ vendors in Rome.
Halloween cemetery tour
October 20 - 22 & 26 - 28, 2017
2 miles SE
Buy tickets in advance for one-hour
Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween Tours to hear stories about the Oakland Cemetery’s famous residents told by actors in costume and see candlelit mausoleums.
Family Halloween hike
October 20 - 21 and 27 - 28, 2017
22 miles north
A guide leads you on a well-lit trail to meet costumed creatures of the woods at the non-scary
Halloween Hikes at Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell.
Decatur beer festival
October 21, 2017
6 miles east
Decatur Craft Beer Festival features 100 craft beers, live music, and food for sale in downtown Decatur for age 21+.
Beer festival - north
October 21, 2017 (2 to 6 p.m.)
30 miles NE
Grayson Blues & Brews is a craft beer festival with live music in Grayson City Park, south of Lawrenceville.
Health & wellness fair
October 21, 2017
32 miles NE
Alive! Festival features natural products, art, health & wellness vendors, live music, food trucks, and a kids’ area at a park in Suwanee. Free.
Art festival
October 21 - 22, 2017
9 miles north
Brookhaven Arts Festival includes more than 100 juried artists, live music, a kids’ corner, and food vendors. Free.
Art fair
October 21 - 22, 2017
24 miles NE
Visit 130 artists’ booths at
Johns Creek Arts Festival across from Atlanta Athletic Club. Free.
Boo at the Zoo
October 21 - 22 and 28 - 29, 2017
4 miles NW
Boo at the Zoo is a Halloween festival with costume contests, treats, magical paths, decorations, music, and kid crafts at Zoo Atlanta.
Maker fair
October 22, 2017
0.9 miles south
See exhibits about science, creativity, innovation, and art, and meet the people of all ages who made them at the
Maker Faireat Georgia Freight Depot. Free.
Halloween at Callanwolde
October 27, 2017
4 miles NE
Halloween Night on Callanwolde Mountain includes trick or treating, a family-friendly costume contest, a concert band playing spooky music, and food trucks.
Halloween bar crawls
October 27 - 28, 2017
Atlanta locations
Your ticket includes a costume contest, food and drink specials, and admission to multiple bars.
October 27 - 29, 2017
19 miles east
The
Country Living Fair has 200 booths of antiques, crafts, and gourmet foods, plus demonstrations of cooking, painting & pottery at Stone Mountain Park.
October 28, 2017
2 miles north
Nightmare on 13th Street has three DJs, costume prizes, drink specials, and a food truck at CosmoLava.
Halloween beer party
October 28, 2017 (8 p.m.)
2.5 miles north
Boos and Brews is a Halloween party with beer, live music, and a costume contest at Center Stage Theater.
Halloween for kids
October 28, 2017 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
4 miles NE
Fernbank BOO-seum Trick-or-Treat features treats for kids in costume, games, entertainment, and music at Fernbank Museum of Natural History.
Halloween house party
October 28, 2017
6 miles east
You must sign into Facebook to see
Scarendipity Halloween Bash, a “legendary” costume party in a private home, with DJs, live music, aerial artists, fire performers, beer, cocktails, and a food truck at 229 Howard Street NE for age 21+.
Halloween in Chamblee
October 28, 2017
13 miles NW
Halloween Spooktacular includes an all-ages costume contest, hayrides, games, a spooky fun house, a 5K in costume, and food vendors at Keswick Park. Free.
Halloween party in Dunwoody
October 28, 2017
14 miles north
Monster Bash [sound] has live music and DJs, bars, and a costume contest at Eclipse di Luna in Dunwoody.
Smyrna festival
October 28 - 29, 2017
15 miles NW
Fall Jonquil Festival has 175 handmade arts & crafts booths, acoustic music, festival food, puppet shows, and children’s activities at the Village Green in Smyrna. Free. Repeats in April.
Celebrate ancestors
October 29, 2017
6.3 miles north
Day of the Dead is an outdoor festival with Mexican food, entertainment, storytelling, altars honoring the departed, and free entry to Atlanta History Center.
Art downtown
October 2017 (undated)
0 miles
Elevate Atlanta offers music & dance performances, public art installations, gallery exhibits, and street art in downtown Atlanta involving 100 artists. Free.
Tour cool lofts
October 2017 (undated)
0.9 miles SW
See historic buildings converted into beautiful residential lofts on the
Castleberry Hill Loft Tour, with local food trucks available.
Beer festival
October 2017 (undated)
2 miles south
Sample 150 beers, cider, and wine at the giant
Great Atlanta Beer Fest, which includes live music, football on big TVs, and food for sale at Turner Field.
Inman Park Restaurant Week
October 2017 (undated)
2 miles east
Get a special deal on a three-course fixed-price meal at 14 restaurants during
Inman Park Restaurant Week in Inman Park. Repeats in March.
Masquerade party
October 2017 (undated)
2 miles north
The Masquerade is a charity ball by Atlanta Social Club with a DJ, two bars, and a dress code at Opera Nightclub for age 21+.
Weird fun run
October 2017 (undated)
2.2 miles NE
Can’t fly to Spain for the running of the bulls? Wear white with something red tied around your waist to be chased a mile by Rollergirls at
Atlanta Rolling of the Bulls Fun Run at Piedmont Park with an after party.
Funny women
October 2017 (undated)
2.6 miles NW
Find out when two dozen talented women perform in
Women of Improv Comedy Show at Relapse Theatre.
Candler Park festival
October 2017 (undated)
3 miles east
Fall Fest has live bands, 150 art booths, gourmet food trucks, a kids’ area, 5K, 1K, and Sunday
home tour.
Beer fundraiser
October 2017 (undated)
3.4 miles NW
Eat, drink, and hear live music to help the homeless at
Cheers for Change at Monday Night Brewing.
Macaroni & cheese festival
October 2017 (undated)
3.5 miles SE
A ticket to
Atlanta Mac and Cheese Festival includes five samples of mac & cheese from local restaurants, with music by local bands at Walker Park. No pets.
Doggie birthday bash
October 2017 (undated)
4 miles north
Bring your dog to
Bosley’s Birthday Bash to support rescue dogs and enjoy music, BBQ, drinks, games, prizes, and birthday cake for both people and pets at the dog park on Loring Drive NW.
Spooky show
October 2017 (undated)
7.6 miles NE
The Witching Hour is “a night of witches, ghosts, music, laughter, and chainsaws” as local actors and singers perform songs and scenes celebrating the spooky fall season at OnStage Atlanta in Decatur.
Taste of Chamblee
October 2017 (undated)
13 miles NE
Taste of Chamblee features food from 20 restaurants, live music, kids’ activities, and a car show. Free.
Game festival
October 2017 (undated)
15 miles north
Play board games for four days at the
Atlanta Game Fest at Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center. Repeats in May.
Ghost stories on a plantation
October 2017 (undated)
16 miles NE
Hear ghost stories of the South on a lantern-lit walk at Antebellum Plantation during
A Tour of Southern Ghosts at Stone Mountain Park.
Hip yard sale in Decatur
October 2017 (undated)
16.7 miles SE
Shop from 60 vendors of books, clothing, art, food, and more, with live music at the
Hipster Yard Sale ATL at Chapel Hill Park, rain or shine. Free.
Arts festival
October 2017 (undated)
19 miles SW
UC Music & Arts Fest features vendors and live music at 5047 Union Street in Union City. Free.
Dog-friendly music festival
October 2017 (undated)
20 miles NW
Boxerstock promises a variety of music, food trucks, dog supply vendors, and a kids’ village in Marietta.
Songwriters’ festival
October 2017 (undated)
25 miles north
Hear songwriters perform their songs in the street and onstage at
Wire & Wood Songwriters Festival, with food trucks, beer, and wine in Alpharetta. Free.
Sunflower Festival
October 2017 (undated)
26 miles SE
The
Sunflower Festival features farm animals, music, artisans, and vendors at Yule Forest on Hwy 155.
Horror show
October 2017 (undated)
30 miles NE
Creatures dance and perform acts of horror onstage and around you to
music at 30-minute
Dracula: The Awakening in Lawrenceville. Open October 14-15 & 21-22 & 28-29.
Taste of Suwanee
October 2017 (undated)
32 miles NE
Buy food samples from 30 restaurants, shop for
arts & crafts, hear live music, and visit the
kids’ zone at
Taste of Suwaneeat Suwanee Town Center Park. Free.
Zombie run
October 2017 (undated)
64 miles north
Dodge zombies trying to grab your flag at the
Running Dead 5K in Dahlonega, and make it to the finish line for a medal and fun activities.
Norcross haunted house
October 2017 (undated)
15 miles NE
Netherworld thrills and terrifies with stunt actors in intense makeup, movie-quality special effects, and detailed sets at a large house in Norcross. See dates.
Douglasville haunted house
October 2017 (undated)
22 miles west
Zombies riot at
Nightmare’s Gate in Douglasville. Open Thurs., Fri., Sat., Sun., and Halloween.
Stockbridge haunts
October 2017 (undated)
26 miles SE
Fear the Woods includes a haunted house, a haunted trail, and haunted combat at Yule Forest on Hwy 155. Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Halloween.
Newnan haunted house
October 2017 (undated)
41 miles SW
13 Stories Haunted House has 6 terrifying attractions and a Hollywood level of detail. See schedule.
Dawsonville haunted trail
October 2017 (undated)
52 miles NE
Hell’s Gates is an outdoor trail that leads you through nine shocking scenes with live actors and special effects in Dawsonville. Open Oct. 21-23, 28-30 and Nov. 4-6.
October 2017 (undated)
56 miles SW
Camp Blood offers four haunts, including a zombie paintball shoot. Open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, plus Oct. 30 and 31.
Rome haunted house
October 2017 (undated)
71 miles NW
Gates of Misery [sound] is filled with torture, torment, zombies, and cannibals.
Halloween at the aquarium
October 2017 (undated)
0.5 miles NW
Children wearing
costumes get free admission (two kids age 12 or under per paid adult), treats, and prizes at
Georgia A-Scary-Um at Georgia Aquarium. See hours.
Family Halloween music
October 2017 (undated)
2 miles north
The Phantoms of the Orchestra features thrilling and chilling music (Dukas’ Sorcerer’s Apprentice, and Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor) played by
Atlanta Symphony Ochestra. Costumes are welcome.
Halloween bash
October 2017 (undated)
2.5 miles NE
Saints & Sinners Ball features live
bands, themed drink specials, and a costume contest outside Park Tavern for age 21+.
Halloween party
October 2017 (undated)
2.5 miles NW
Monster’s Ball [sound] offers a costume contest, entertainment, food, and a cash bar at Westside Cultural Arts Center.
Halloween party - Grant Park
October 2017 (undated)
3.3 miles SE
A ticket to
Halloween Haunted House Warming Party gets you $10 credit at the bars and food trucks, plus live music, a “Tour of Bones” haunted house, and a costume contest at 1039 Grant Street SE for age 21+.
Halloween martini & movie
October 2017 (undated)
4 miles NE
Enjoy DJ music, drinks, a costume contest, and a movie at
Martinis & IMAX Fright Night for adults at Fernbank Museum of Natural History.
Halloween parade
October 2017 (undated)
6 miles east
Watch floats, decorated hearses, classic cars, and marching bands in the
Haints and Saints Halloween Parade, followed by a musical jam in Decatur. Free.
Make a glass pumpkin
October 2017 (undated)
7 miles NE
The
Pumpkin Class at Decatur Glassblowing includes safety instructions, a demonstration, and assistance making a pumpkin ornament to take home after it cools for 24 hours. Children 10 to 17 require a parent.
Children’s Halloween party
October 2017 (undated)
8 miles north
Kids 18 months to 5: Wear costumes, join a parade, make crafts, and trick or treat when
Magic Monday: Historic Halloween comes to Atlanta History Center.
Outrageous Halloween party
October 2017 (undated)
8.4 miles north
Enjoy DJ music, 1980s bands, a costume contest, laser lights, and alcohol at
A Social Mess Halloween Party for age 21+ at Buckhead Theater.
Hot-air-balloon festival
October 2017 (undated)
23 miles NW
Owl-O-Ween features balloon glows, tethered rides, trick-or-treating, food, beer tents, vendors, and entertainers at Kennesaw State University.
ABOUT JERMAINE SAIN
Jermaine Sain is the host/ creator of a talk show called When We Speak. After exiting the U.S. Army in 2003, as a Medical Sergeant, Jermaine began pursuing a career in music after he auditioned for American Idol in 2005, in Austin, Texas.
