Fall in Atlanta means cooler evenings, colorful leaves, and one of the busiest festival seasons in the South. From small-town pie competitions to nationally recognized parades, the city and its surrounding areas offer something for everyone. Whether you are into music, art, food, or community traditions, these fall festivals in and near ATL bring the region to life in unforgettable ways.
September
September kicks off festival season with major cultural, art, and food events across Atlanta and beyond. This month mixes long-standing favorites like Dragon Con with emerging celebrations focused on books, denim, and global culture.
Dragon Con
Dragon Con is Atlanta’s legendary multi-genre convention, attracting fans of sci-fi, comics, fantasy, gaming, and pop culture. Expect elaborate costumes, celebrity panels, and one of the biggest parades in the city. Hotels downtown book up fast, so plan ahead if you want to be part of the spectacle.
- Date/Time: August 29 - September 1, 2025
- Location: Downtown Atlanta hotels, including the Hyatt Regency
- Cost Range: $20 - $175 depending on single day or multi-day passes
- More Info: Dragon Con Official Site
Decatur Book Festival
This is one of the largest independent book festivals in the country, featuring author talks, panel discussions, and children’s activities. Downtown Decatur transforms into a hub for literature lovers, with events spilling across plazas and venues. It’s an ideal day for families and avid readers alike.
- Date/Time: September 6-7, 2025
- Location: Downtown Decatur Square, Decatur, GA
- Cost Range: Free admission, some ticketed events
- More Info: Decatur Book Festival
Yellow Daisy Festival
Held at Stone Mountain Park, this arts and crafts festival draws more than 400 vendors from across the country. Shoppers can browse handmade jewelry, pottery, and home décor while enjoying live music and festival food. It’s a Southern staple that has been running for decades.
- Date/Time: September 11-14, 2025
- Location: Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA
- Cost Range: $20 vehicle entry fee to the park
- More Info: Stone Mountain Park Events
Shaky Knees Music Festival
This alternative and indie rock music festival has become a mainstay for Atlanta concertgoers. Expect big-name headliners alongside rising bands across multiple stages. Food trucks, craft beer, and an urban skyline backdrop make it a must for music fans.
- Date/Time: September 19-21, 2025
- Location: Central Park, Atlanta, GA
- Cost Range: $125 - $400 depending on pass type
- More Info: Shaky Knees Festival
October
October is the busiest month, with Halloween parades, foodie gatherings, art showcases, and pride celebrations filling the calendar. Atlanta neighborhoods come alive with seasonal traditions and cultural pride.
Porches and Pies
This neighborhood pie festival is as Southern as it gets. Residents bake pies for tasting competitions, and visitors can sample while enjoying live music and community vibes. It’s a cozy local tradition that feels like home.
- Date/Time: October 4, 2025
- Location: Adair Park, Atlanta
- Cost Range: $10 - $20 tastings
- More Info: Porches and Pies
CULTURA: Fiesta Latina
This festival highlights Latin American music, dance, and cuisine. Expect salsa lessons, mariachi bands, and traditional foods like pupusas and empanadas. It’s a vibrant celebration of Atlanta’s Latino community.
- Date/Time: October 5, 2025
- Location: Historic Fourth Ward Park
- Cost Range: Free
- More Info: CULTURA Festival
Atlanta Food & Wine Festival
This upscale event is a must for culinary enthusiasts. Attendees sample gourmet bites from top chefs and sip curated wine and spirits. It’s part festival, part tasting tour, with a focus on Southern flavors.
- Date/Time: October 9-12, 2025
- Location: Midtown Atlanta
- Cost Range: $50 - $150 per event
- More Info: Atlanta Food & Wine
Little 5 Points Halloween Festival and Parade
This iconic Atlanta Halloween event blends parade floats, costumes, and live music with the quirky energy of Little Five Points. It’s the city’s best-known spooky celebration, with thousands of costumed attendees.
- Date/Time: October 18, 2025
- Location: Euclid Avenue & Moreland Avenue, Atlanta
- Cost Range: Free
- More Info: L5P Halloween
Boo Fest
A family-friendly Halloween festival with games, pumpkin painting, and costume contests. Boo Fest is perfect for younger kids who want the spirit of Halloween without the scares. Expect food trucks and community fun.
- Date/Time: October 19, 2025
- Location: Lenox Park, Brookhaven
- Cost Range: Free
- More Info: Brookhaven Events
Haints & Saints Day of the Dead Halloween Parade
This hybrid event blends Halloween with Día de los Muertos traditions. Expect skeleton costumes, giant puppets, and colorful altars. It’s a unique celebration of both spooky fun and cultural heritage.
- Date/Time: October 26, 2025
- Location: Downtown Decatur
- Cost Range: Free
- More Info: Decatur Events
ONE Musicfest
Atlanta’s biggest urban music festival returns with R&B, hip-hop, and soul superstars. It’s known for high-energy performances, diverse crowds, and an unbeatable vibe. Past lineups have included icons like Lauryn Hill and Kendrick Lamar.
- Date/Time: October 25-26, 2025
- Location: Piedmont Park
- Cost Range: $125 - $300
- More Info: ONE Musicfest
Atlanta Pride Festival and Parade
Atlanta Pride is the largest LGBTQ+ pride event in the Southeast. The festival spans two days with a parade through Midtown, performances, and community booths. It’s both a celebration and a movement for equality.
- Date/Time: October 25-26, 2025
- Location: Piedmont Park and Midtown
- Cost Range: Free
- More Info: Atlanta Pride
November
November closes out festival season with food, art, and cultural heritage events. It’s a chance to savor Atlanta’s diversity before the holiday season begins.
Powder Springs Marketplace
This open-air fall market brings local artisans, food vendors, and family entertainment to Cobb County. Visitors can browse handmade crafts while enjoying live performances and seasonal treats. It’s a relaxed way to kick off November.
- Date/Time: November 1, 2025
- Location: Powder Springs Town Square, GA
- Cost Range: Free entry
- More Info: Powder Springs Events
Denim Fest
This unique fashion and lifestyle event celebrates denim culture with runway shows, vendors, and live music. Expect local designers, vintage sellers, and street-style flair. It’s part shopping, part cultural showcase.
- Date/Time: November 8-9, 2025
- Location: Westside Provisions District, Atlanta
- Cost Range: $15 - $40
- More Info: Denim Fest
ELEVATE Art
An annual public art festival that transforms Atlanta spaces with murals, performances, and installations. ELEVATE highlights both local and international artists. Each year has a theme that sparks conversation across the city.
- Date/Time: November 10-16, 2025
- Location: Downtown Atlanta
- Cost Range: Free
- More Info: ELEVATE Atlanta
Taste of Atlanta
One of the city’s premier food events, Taste of Atlanta brings together more than 100 local restaurants. Guests can sample small plates, meet chefs, and enjoy cooking demos. It’s the best way to explore the city’s dining scene in one place.
- Date/Time: November 14-16, 2025
- Location: Historic Fourth Ward Park
- Cost Range: $25 - $75
- More Info: Taste of Atlanta
Chastain Park Arts Festival
This juried fine arts festival showcases painters, sculptors, photographers, and mixed-media artists. Live acoustic music and a food court make it a full-day outing. It’s a picturesque way to experience art in one of Atlanta’s largest parks.
- Date/Time: November 15-16, 2025
- Location: Chastain Park, Atlanta
- Cost Range: Free
- More Info: Chastain Park Arts Festival
Native American Festival and Pow-Wow
Hosted at Stone Mountain Park, this event showcases Native American culture with dance, storytelling, and crafts. Attendees can experience traditional drumming and visit craft demonstrations. It’s educational and deeply moving.
- Date/Time: November 20-23, 2025
- Location: Stone Mountain Park
- Cost Range: $20 park entry fee per vehicle
- More Info: Stone Mountain Park Events
Final Thoughts
Atlanta’s fall festivals highlight the city’s diversity, creativity, and love for community. From Dragon Con’s colorful parade to the soulful Taste of Atlanta, every event offers its own flavor. Mark your calendar, explore neighborhoods, and embrace the season before winter sets in.
