*Updated 8/13/24

Anyone who knows me knows that Fall is my absolute favorite season and one of my favorite things to do in the Fall is go to Arts & Crafts Festivals. The festival food, the crisp air and meeting artisans from around the Southeast makes my heart happy. So, I’ve compiled a list of the best ones this Fall so you can be happy too.

Many of these I’ve been to before or I’ve heard about them from friends so I highly recommend any of these or all of them if you love vintage, unique foods and music.

Oktoberfest in Helen, GA (September 5 until October 27)

In its 54th year, I’ve listed this first because it’s the granddaddy of them all. It is the longest running Oktoberfest in the U.S. This has everything you could possibly want. Food (brats are the best), costumes, crafts, music and of course BEER! What’s not to like? Hours are Monday – Thursday 6-10:30pm, Friday 6-Midnight, Saturday 1-Midnight and Sunday 1-7pm. Mon-Thu $10, Fri-Sat $12. Fri & Sat Pass $20. FREE on Sunday.

Midnight Market at Atlantic Station in Atlanta, GA (September 14-15)

This is the longest Happy Hour I’ve ever been to and it’s for adults only. It’s 21+ and there’s free roller skating and skate rentals, live DJs, multiple bars on site and an Artisan & Maker’s Market. Bring your appetite and get ready for a good time.Features 40+ food trucks and 35+ market vendors. Plates are $8 or less and there are $5 sample options. Hours are 6-11:30pm and tickets are General Admission $25 and $75 for VIP which includes a separate entrance and freebies.

Sandy Springs Artsapalooza in Sandy Springs, GA (September 14-15)

This award winning festival will turn their tree-lined streets into an outdoor art gallery. There will be local musicians and over 125 arts and crafts participants in every discipline. For the kiddies, there is a play area and interactive art stations. Hours are Saturday 10-5pm and Sunday 11-5pm. FREE

Buckhead Arts Festival in Atlanta, GA (September 21-22)

This is a two day arts festival in the Buckhead Village business district of Buckhead. There will be approximately 100 painters, sculptors, photographers, glass artists, metal workers and more. It also offers artist demonstrations and acoustic music. There are restaurants all around the Village if you work up an appetite from all the fun activities. The hours are Saturday 10-5pm and Sunday 11-5pm. FREE

Duluth Fall Festival in Duluth, GA (September 28-29)

It’s one of the best festivals in the Southeast and has won numerous awards and recognition. This two day event is always the last weekend in September and is jam packed with an opening ceremony, a parade, live musical acts and 80+ artists and craft vendors. There will also be 25-30 food and beverage booths. Hours are Saturday 9-7pm, Sunday 9-5pm. FREE

Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival in Atlanta, GA (October 12-13)

This festival is located in the historic Fourth Ward Park and consists of fine arts and crafts, food and beverage concessions and acoustic music. Flanking the Ponce City Market and the Beltline, this festival offers so much to see and do. Hours are Saturday 10-5pm and Sunday 11-5pm. FREE

Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay, GA (October 12-13 and 19-20)

For 53 years, the Apple Festival has hosted 300+ vendors, handmade crafts, food and of course lots of apples. The city celebrates the apple and what it has done for the local economy. If you’re an apple lover, like I am, you’ll love this festival. A parade and antique car show are also being held at the Festival. Hours are Saturday 9-6pm and Sunday 9-5pm.  Adults $10, Kids under 10 FREE

Braselton Antique & Artisan Festival in Braselton, GA (October 25-27)

Voted one of the top 5 festivals in the state, this award winning arts festival is over 20 years old and is the largest in Northeast Georgia. It showcases 300+ vendors and is a true pickers market. There will be food trucks, adult beverages and live music. People travel from adjoining states to visit this show. Hours are Friday 12-6pm, Saturday 9-6pm and Sunday 10-5. FREE

Appalachian Brew & Music Festival in Hiawassee, GA (October 26)

There will be food from local area restaurants, music and regional arts & crafts at this fun festival that’s in the city names the “Country Music Capital of the South”. The stars of the show are the 60+ craft breweries from Georgia, North & South Carolina and Alabama. Tickets include unlimited beer tastings and a souvenir glass. Hours are 11-5pm. Online tickets thru 10/20 are $50; Gate admission is $55.

Chastain Park Arts Festival in Atlanta, GA (November 2-3)

One of my favorite arts festivals, it’s named as one of the top 100 festivals in the nation.  In its 13th year, there will be approximately 175 artists and artisans. There will be gourmet food trucks as well as beverage concessions and local musicians. Hours are Saturday 10-5pm and Sunday 11-5pm. FREE

Art-Tiques Holiday Vintage Market in Buford, GA (November 15-17)

Located at the Buford Town Center, there will be over 350+ vendors participating in this artisan market. Food trucks are also provided as well as live music. Hours are Friday 12-5pm, Saturday 9-6pm and Sunday 10-5pm. Adults $5 and Children under 12 are FREE.

Christkindl Market in Atlanta, GA (November 22 – December 24)

This festival is a combination of German and Atlanta festivities and I’ve been going for three years straight. With German food, beer and treasures, you are sure to have a unique experience. Located in the Buckhead Village District, there will be over 50 vendors. Hours are Monday thru Thursday 3-8pm and Friday thru Sunday 11-9pm. FREE, but in order to purchase alcohol you will need to buy a $5 wristband.

I really hope you get to one or several of these festivals and let me know which was your favorite. There are so many more smaller festivals, but I tried to give you all a sample of the ones that I’ve been to or ones that I plan on going to. By December I’m ready to settle down and prepare for Christmas and all of the Christmas parties I hope I’ll be invited to along with the ones I’ll be hosting.

Happy Festival Days and see ya next time.