The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do in Atlanta in the Fall in 2024
Are you in Atlanta this fall and looking for seasonal activities? Great news! You’ve come to the right place. As a lifelong Georgian, I have a deep connection to this city, and I’m excited to share my favorite activities in the Atlanta area this autumn.
Fall in Atlanta is beautiful, with stunning golden cascades of leaf color and cooler temperatures. Visitors and residents can choose between seasonal activities like Octoberfests, college football games, and food festivals, to name a few. Follow along as I share the best things to do in Atlanta in the fall.
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Atlanta Weather
The fall season can be tricky in the South. First of all, it is still very hot in September. October is a wild card because the temps will start to lower and then surprise you to back in the 80s. My favorite seasons are Late October and November, but I love this time of year in the South.
September
- High average temps- low 80’s
- Low average temps- low 60’s
October
- High average temps- mid 70’s
- Low average temps- low 50’s
November
- High average temps- mid 60’s
- Low average temps- Low 40’s
Fall Special Events
Atlanta is a mecca for fall activities. Communities within the city limits ost neighborhood events and the sprawling suburbs. There’s no shortage of fun and unique festivals, events, and activities if you visit in the fall months.
Yellow Daisy Festival
Stone Mountain Park hosts the wildly popular Yellow Daisy Festival in early September. The event is famous for its artwork, craft demonstrations, beer garden, live music, and fair food.
The event spans four days, and you must purchase a parking pass for each car. Admission to the fall festival is included in your car pass.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Every Autumn, the scarecrows decorate the beautiful landscape of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, nestled next to Piedmont Park. The entire family will enjoy exploring the gardens.
The Botanical Gardens hosts Fall Family Fun on a Saturday in early October. Your general admission ticket includes free activities for kids. The Gainesville location hosts Goblins in the Garden in late October.
Chalktoberfest
Chalktoberfest in the Marietta Square, photo credit: Rebecca Jones
Every October, a unique festival is held in Marietta, a northern suburb of Atlanta. Chalktoberfest is an annual festival held around Marietta Square. Artists decorate the road with elaborate and stunning chalk artwork during this two-day festival.
There’s free admission! On Saturday, guests can enjoy a craft beer festival. On both days, you can purchase food from local vendors as well as arts and crafts. The annual event is highly popular and a wonderful place to visit during October.
Chastain Park Arts Festival
Over 175 artists will gather in Chastain Park for a two-day event in early November. Guests will enjoy exhibits, displays from talented local artists, food, drink, and gourmet food trucks. There’s a children’s activity area for families. In addition, guests can enjoy live music and art demonstrations.
Candler Park Fall Fest
In early October, the community of Candler hosts a massive festival spanning the weekend. For two full days, guests can enjoy food from local restaurants, live performances, fine arts and rides. In addition, there’s a tour of homes and a 5k benefitting Candler Park.
The event is FREE and not too far from downtown Atlanta if you are staying in the city.
Festival on Ponce
You are in luck if you want to stay close to the city for a fall festival! The Festival on Ponce is in early October at Olmsted Linear Park. This festival stands out as one of the most impressive arts festivals in the city. It is located in a beautiful park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.
The event is free for everyone, but food and drink can be purchased. Families will also love the children’s area.
Boo at the Zoo
Boo at the Zoo, photo by: Rebecca Schwartz
Every Fall, Zoo Atlanta decorates for Halloween and hosts their wildly popular event, Boo at the Zoo. Held every Saturday in October, Zoo guests have free admission with their park ticket to enjoy Halloween festivities.
Kids can trick or treat throughout the zoo, enjoy photo sessions, train rides and arts & crafts. Don’t forget to wear your costume!
Atlanta Pride Festival
The Atlanta Pride Festival lights up the city every second weekend in October in Piedmont Park. You can bring your food and drink, but local vendors will also sell items. Although it is in the park, pets are not allowed.
Georgia State Fair
For a week in late September through early October, the Georgia State Fair is the perfect place to experience a good old-fashioned fair. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, kiddie rides, a petting zoo, classic fair food, and live entertainment. The event is held south of the city at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Other Events
Atlanta is bustling with events, too many to name. Here are a few more worth checking out while in town.
- Gold Rush Days in Dahlonega
- Roswell Wine Festival
- Georgia Mountain Fall Festival in Hiawassee
- Georgia Marble Festival
- Oakhurst Porchfest
- Stone Mountain Games & Highland Festival
Fall Activities
Apple Picking
Mercier Orchards, photo credit: R. Schwartz
One of my favorite pastimes is apple picking in North Georgia. Hailed as the Apple Capital of Georgia, Ellijay is home to numerous apple orchards. Many, such as B.J. Reece, offer u-pick on the weekends, where you can pick fruit in the orchards. It is a fun activity for all ages. For two weekends in October, Ellijay hosts the Georgia Apple Festival.
Blue Ridge is further north and my preferred location. Mercier Orchards is a few miles outside of downtown Blue Ridge. After apple picking at Mercier, I would make a day trip to explore the town. I would grab some of their fresh apple cider and tasty desserts, such as apple turnovers and donuts.
Pro tips:
- One of the joys of apple picking is discovering new varieties. Don’t wait too late in the season. It may sound counterintuitive, but aim for September or check when a particular variety is ready. For instance, I love pink lady apples, which tend to be prepared later in the season.
- If you’re planning a weekend apple-picking trip, remember to plan ahead. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds. These orchards are a favorite pastime of many Georgians, and they can get quite busy. We love to pick apples in the morning, grab some dessert, and then enjoy lunch in Blue Ridge or pack a picnic at a local park.
Fall Foliage
Growing up in the suburbs of Atlanta, my parents loved to pack up my sisters and me for a day in the mountains. We would pack a picnic, load it into the car, and drive north. It is one of my favorite childhood memories; now, we do it with our kids.
North Georgia is the perfect place to see vibrant fall foliage cascading through the hills and mountains. You don’t have to go too far, but heading north on 400 to Dahlonega, Cleveland, or Helen is a great start.
If you are on the east side, hop on 985 and head towards the Tallulah Gorge or Clayton. Stop at Jaemor Farms for kettle corn and fresh strawberry ice cream.
If you stay on the west side of town, head north on 75 towards Cloudland Canyon or Lookout Mountain. You can’t go wrong with all of these options.
Pro tip: stop by a Publix and buy a Pub sub for a picnic lunch!
Pumpkin Patch
Scottsdale Farms, photo credit: R. Schwartz
Every fall, pumpkin patches pop up throughout the city and suburbs. Many are small and located on church properties or small farms. If you don’t mind driving outside the city, you will find fun activities such as a corn maze, a ropes course, and a petting zoo.
Burt’s Pumpkin Farm is one of the most popular pumpkin patches for Atlantans. Located about an hour north of the city off 400, Burt’s has an enormous collection of vibrant orange pumpkins and kids’ activities. Make sure to arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds. Head to Amicalola Falls State Park for a beautiful waterfall when you finish.
Scottsdale Farms in Milton is one of my favorite spots. It isn’t as crowded as Burt’s and is a shorter drive. Scottsdale carries traditional pumpkins as well as unique white and green ones. Honestly, I rarely buy many there as they are pricy, but it makes for a great photo op for my kids. There are also kids’ activities.
Here are some other great options-
- Warrington Farms in Cumming
- Berry Patch Farms in Woodstock
- Washington Farms in Watkinsville
Fall Guides
Fall in Amsterdam
Fall in Cape Cod
Fall in Banff
Fall on 30A
Fall in Acadia
Fall on Hilton Head, SC
Fall in Atlanta, GA
FAQ: Visiting Atlanta in the Fall
Is October a good time to visit Atlanta?
October and November are beautiful months in the South. September can still be extremely hot, and temperatures start to cool off in October as the leaves change colors.
Is there fall foliage in Atlanta?
You will see bright and vibrant colors throughout the city, but your best bet will be in parks such as Piedmont Park or the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. If you have time, drive to the North Georgia Mountains for a day.
What clothes do I need for fall in Atlanta?
Fall in Atlanta is beautiful but also wildly unpredictable. Check before you pack. We can have days in the 80s when you’ll need sunscreen and lots of water. On the other hand, it can drop, and you may want a sweatshirt. I suggest packing layers and sunscreen!
In Conclusion: Things to do in Atlanta in the fall
My guide to the best things to do in Atlanta in the fall helps you plan your next great adventure. Fall in the South is wonderful, and I know you will enjoy your visit!
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