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When that crisp fall breeze comes each year, our thoughts turn to fall festival events where we can break out the cozy sweaters, get lost in corn mazes, and pick the perfect pumpkin in the patch. Fall bliss is upon us, BUT, ole ‘Rona has thrown a wrench into our plans this year. Many Georgia fairs, farms, and venues have cancelled their fall events. But guess what, fall isn’t cancelled! There are a few brave souls that are providing ways to safely give outdoor fall fun for our hayride-loving little hearts. I’m sharing the list that I compiled in hopes that it is incredibly helpful to you, friend!
2020 FALL FESTIVAL CHANGES
I’ll be honest.
I was devastated to realize that so many of my favorite fall festivals near me and you that I’ve shared the past two years aren’t in operation this year.
It’s sad but understandable.
Dahlonega won’t be celebrating its 66th annual Gold Rush Days festival, and Helen, Georgia can’t have its 50th Oktoberfest Anniversary this year.
Sad.
THE GOOD NEWS
The GREAT news is that I want to spread some joy and tell you that at the time of this article, the following Georgia events ARE planning to bring all the fall vibes.
Will I see you at one of them?
***Due to COVID-19, all info below is subject to change. I do not run these events and things could turn on a dime at any time. Click through the links and do your research to confirm before traveling to these events!***
1) Apple Pickin’ Jubilee
The folks at Hillcrest Orchards near Ellijay welcome us to come to pick apples from September 5th until November 1st, or until all the apples are gone!
But apple pickin’ is only the start!
This popular, family-owned apple orchard and farm market in the North Georgia Mountains has been providing fall memories since 1946.
Depending on the day you visit, there are opportunities for kids to experience their petting farm, wagon rides, and massive playground area.
Adults can enjoy fried apple pies, apple cider doughnuts, and other deliciousness from the bakery.
The whole family can enjoy pig races, milking cows, and occasional live bands and cloggers.
Oh, and don’t forget to stop in and fill up a bag at the farm market with a bushel or two of apples and canned goodies.
Insider Tip: Hillcrest Orchards is $14.00 apiece. Don’t forget your camera!
2) Zinnia Maze & Pumpkin Patch
Still Family Farm wants to share their 128-acre farm in Powder Springs, Georgia on Saturdays and Sundays from September 20, 2020, through November 1, 2020.
There are hours of fun to be had with their five-acre zinnia maze and duck races.
Kids can also paint a pumpkin, climb on hay bales, or buckle up on Johnny Popper, the little train.
The whole family can try out the human-sized hamster wheel, hayride, pumpkin patch, and heirloom tractor display.
Insider Tip: Parking is free, $15 each, & be sure to thank someone at Still Family Farm for the COVID modifications they made for us this year.
PIN FOR LATER
3) Pumpkin Festival
Stone Mountain Park is at it again this year with their fall theme, “Bigger Better Brighter.”
They’ve stepped it up with a Pumpkin Festival Play By Day and Glow By Night experiences from September 19th through November 1st, 2020.
Play around during daylight hours through the park with family-friendly entertainment.
When the sun goes down is when everything takes on a whole new “glow” with not-so-spooky fun!
Insider Tip: Stone Mountain Park strongly advises reservation tickets in advance.
4) Mitcham Farm Fun
Colonel Cob’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch is open September 26th through November 8th at the Mitcham Farm in Oxford, Georgia.
These farmers sell fruit in spring and summer and then get ready for all the fall fun with:
- A Corn Maze
- Pumpkin Patch
- Hayrides
- Farm animals
- Petting zoo
- corn cannon
- Farm Stand
- Fresh Donuts
- bonfires
- corn maze
- mountain slide
- giant jump pad
- pedal carts
- duck races
- concessions
- and so much more!
You can even have a party on the farm!
This year, go “get lost” in the maze and help salute our heroes!
Insider Tip: Get to know Mitcham Farm map before you go
5) AJC Decatur Book Festival
The largest independent book festival in the country has occurred in Downtown Decatur every Labor Day weekend for the past 14 years.
This year it is moving online AND it will last longer!
From September 4th through October 4th, attend adult, kid, and culinary events.
Insider Tip: Check out the Decatur Book Festival event lineup.
6) Jaemor Corn Maze
Located in Alto, Georgia, specific days between September 12th through November 8th, Jaemor’s annual corn maze is a local tradition that’s not to be missed.
The list of things to do at this fall festival are almost endless.
Corn mazes, hayrides, farm slides, a petting zoo, and a pumpkin train.
Can you believe they even have a mini maze for those that want a quicker “get lost” experience?!
Duck races, tricycle races, apple cannons and concessions are all a part of this family-friendly fall farm extravaganza that you can add to this season’s traditions.
Insider tip: Jaemor Farms Corn Maze is $14 each.
7) Buford Corn Maze
These folks have gotten a lot of press attention, and for good reason…
Buford Corn Maze is promoting their family-friendly atmosphere while they also have passion for educating children about agriculture and farming.
There is literally something for everyone!
In Buford, Georgia, they are offering a pumpkin patch, duck race, hayrides, pony rides and a play area for children during various hours September 5th through November 15th.
Want to get spooked?
Get your scare on at the Haunted Forest!
Insider Tip: $15 corn maze or haunted house or $25 combo price for both. Check out Buford Corn Maze online to view the specific rules they have to keep everyone safe.
8) Georgia State Fair
If you are a Georgia peach, then you’ve probably heard of the Georgia State Fair happening this year October 2nd through 11th at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Why so popular?
It’s a huge fall event that grows more and more every year. There are always exciting attractions, shows, and live music.
Your favorite fair food will be there.
AND all the carnival and kiddie rides that children could ever ask for.
Insider Tips: Georgia State Fair tickets are $5 to $10 depending on age. Don’t miss the wolf show and white tigers.
Oh, and the circus too!
9) Harvest on the Hooch
The Chattahoochee Nature Center welcomes all their annual outdoor food and beer festival, called Harvest on the Hooch.
Not only does this fall festival bond the connection between the garden and the plate, it funds the nature center’s Unity Garden.
What’s the big deal about that?
It produces almost five tons of fresh produce every year that is given to the North Fulton Community Charities food pantry.
Yeah, amazing!
It’s a one-day event happening October 11th, 2020 with farm-to-table yummy samples and tastings from local chefs, live music, AND tons of outdoor activities for all ages.
Garden tours, face painting, hula hooping, games, prizes, and farm animals.
There are even alpacas this year!
Insider Tip: Harvest on the Hooch ticket prices increase when bought at the door, so get yours early!
10) Mountain Moonshine Festival
How does attending the largest car shows in the Eastern US sound as a Georgia fall festival activity?!
Not only is the car show is located at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, this charming festival works its way through Historic Dawsonville.
This year will have precautions and recommendations for vendors and visitors due to COVID-19 for this 53rd festival year.
Things to do October 23rd through 25th will be the walking among the oldie car show and specialty vendors, live entertainment, and kid activities.
Don’t miss the vintage cars on the Moonshine Run – moonshining up and down Highway 9!
Insider Tip: Mountain Moonshine Festival organizers ask that pets are left at home unless service dogs due to lack of grassy areas.
11) Blairsville Park Fall Festival
How about getting all the fall feels in one of the most scenic spots in the North Georgia Mountains…Vogel State Park.
On Saturday, October 31st, yes, Halloween, enjoy hayrides, cake walks, food, drinks, and contests while social distancing, of course.
You can enjoy chili and hotdogs and a wonderful experience in the great outdoors.
Insider Tip: Vogel State Park parking fee $5
12) Kingsland Catfish Festival
Enjoy live music all day long during the outdoor event during the Kingsland, Georgia Catfish Festival on November 21st.
Other exciting family-friendly activities offered will be the 5K Turkey Trot, the Miss Kingsland Pageant, the Southeast Georgia Jeep Jam, and the famous catfish cook-off!
Insider Tip: Kingsland Catfish Festival is a free admission event.
Check Covid-19 updates before travel
I hope you found this fall travel guide helpful!
Check out the guide to things to do in Georgia Mountains or Blue Ridge Mountains HERE. You can also find our remaining Georgia guides HERE. Get a free printable HERE.
Published on HuffPost, Okefenokee Living Magazine, and more, Shan is a Family Travel Journalist with a passion for helping women lose the overwhelm of planning family-friendly trips in the south. She shares travel reviews & insider secrets that Women REALLY want to know about Georgia, Florida, & the Carolinas vacations.
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