*Updated 9/1/23

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.

Oktoberfest in Helen, GA (September 7 until October 29

In its 53nd 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 6-10pm, Friday 6-Midnight, Saturday 1-Midnight and Sunday 1-7pm. Mon-Fri $10, Saturday $12. FREE on Sunday.

Midnight Market at Atlantic Station in Atlanta, GA (September 15-16)

I’ve added this to my list this year because it sounds like so much fun. It’s 21+ and it consists of free roller skating and skate rentals, Live DJs, multiple bars on site and an Artisan & Maker’s Market. Featuring 30+ food trucks and food vendors. Plates are $8 or less and $5 sample options. Hours are 6-Midnight and Tickets are General Admission $25 and $75 for VIP.

Buckhead Fine Arts Festival in Atlanta, GA (September 16-17)

This is a two day fine arts festival in the Buckhead Village business district of Buckhead. There will be fine artists, sculptors, photographers and more. It also offers artist demonstrations and acoustic music. The hours are Saturday 10-5pm and Sunday 11-5pm. FREE

Sandy Springs Fall Festival in Sandy Springs, GA (September 23-24)

This award winning festival will turn their tree-lined streets into an outdoor art gallery. There will be local musicians and up to 150 arts and crafts participants in every discipline. Hours are Saturday 1-5pm and Sunday 11-5pm. FREE

Duluth Fall Festival in Duluth, GA (September 30 – October 1)

This year will be the 40th Anniversary. It’s one of the best festivals in the Southeast and has won numerous awards and recognition. This two day event is jam packed with an opening ceremony, a parade, live musical acts and more than 80+ artists and craft vendors. There will also be 25-30 food and beverage booths. Hours are Saturday 9-7pm, Sunday 9-5pm. FREE

Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay, GA (October 14-15 and 21-22)

In its 52nd year, the Apple Festival hosts 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. 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 12 FREE

Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival in Atlanta, GA (October 21-22)

This festival is located in the historic Fourth Ward Park and will consist of fine arts and crafts, food and beverage concessions and acoustic music. Hours are Saturday 10-5pm and Sunday 11-5pm. FREE

Braselton Antique & Artisan Festival in Braselton, GA (October 27-29)

This is an award winning arts festival in its 20th year and is the largest in Northeast Georgia. It showcases 350 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

Dancing Goats Folk Fest in Ellijay, GA (October 28-29)

This festival celebrates folk art and the traditions of Southern Appalachia. It is a juried folk art show and sale. The vendors are not formally trained and it also features music and food. There’s even a goat pageant! Hours are Saturday and Sunday 10-6pm. FREE

Appalachian Brew, Stew & Que Fest in Hiawassee, GA (October 21)

There will be food from local area restaurants, music and regional arts & crafts. 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 4-5)

Named as one of the top 100 festivals in the nation, it is in its 14th year. This 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 Market in Lawrenceville, GA (November 17-19)

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

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

This festival is a combination of German and Atlanta festivities. 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 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.