The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Autumn in Atlanta means fall festivals
Summer may be ending, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop.
With the changing leaves and cooling weather approaching, there’s no better way to delight in the beauty of fall than by attending the many festivals around metro Atlanta.
From film and music events to food and art celebrations, grab your coziest sweater and embrace all that autumn in Atlanta has to offer before the holiday season gets underway.
Alpharetta Art in the Park
If you love all things arts and crafts, this creative fest will likely be right up your alley.
Stroll through downtown Alpharetta to watch a group of crafters design pottery, woodwork, metal work, jewelry, clothing and much more right in front of you.
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 23. Free. Main Street and Milton Avenue, Alpharetta. awesome al ph ar et ta. com.
Atlanta History Center’s Fall Folklife Festival
Show your appreciation for all things Southern at this folklife festival. Explore the hands-on craft and cooking demonstrations, hear stories about how Georgia ancestors grew their plants, or listen to a live band play some deep country music.
10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sept. 23. Festival is included with admission: $21.50; $18 for seniors and students (ages 13 and older); $9 for children (ages 4-12). Atlanta History Center, 130 W. Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta. atlantahistorycenter.com.
Sandy Springs Festival
Each year, more than 20,000 locals gather to celebrate family and tradition at Heritage Green, where there is a little bit of something for everyone. Attendees can enjoy the pet parade, which stars animals of all shapes and sizes in costume, or the highly anticipated car show, which features some classic and custom automobiles.
And for the first time, organizers are presenting the twoday event for free.
9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Sept. 23-24. Free. Heritage Green, 6075 Sandy Springs Circle, Sandy Springs. heritagesandysprings.org.
Atlanta Greek Festival
This festival provides the perfect blend of Greek dishes and live entertainment. Bring the family along to partake in yummy bites and drinks, lots of dancing and a rich history lesson about the culture.
Don’t have time to spend your entire day at the festival? Try the drive-thru for a whiff of the fun.
The drive-thru is open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sept. 28-30 and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 1.
5-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. Sept. 29-Oct. 1. $5; free for children (ages 12 and under). Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2500 Clairmont Road,
Atlanta. atlantagreekfestival.org.
Woofstock
Known as “Atlanta’s Largest Pet Party in the Park,” Woofstock is back. Over the course of two days, about 40,000 animal lovers head to Smyrna Market Village with their pets to partake in live music, contests, delicious food, and arts and crafts. Just make sure your pet is on a leash.
Nonprofits and rescue groups, including Angels Among Us and Hootie’s Haven, will also be in attendance for pet adoptions and other related events.
11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Sept. 30-Oct. 1. Free. Smyrna Market Village, 1265 W. Spring St., Smyrna. woofstockatl.com.
Fall Festival in Candler Park
For the 17th year, the twoday celebration is returning to Candler Park for a weekend
of music, art and food.
Stretch out your limbs with free yoga in the park, explore the homes of residents who have offered their houses for touring or sweat it out during the 5K race.
Noon-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday. Sept. 30-Oct. 1. Free. Candler Park and McLendon Avenue. fallfest. candlerpark.org.
Oakhurst Porchfest
Travel from yard to yard to listen to music of all types at every stop. You can wander around with your friends and meet new people from the community during this 100 percent resident-owned and -operated event.
Sign up as a porch host or volunteer to perform.
Noon-7 p.m. Oct. 14. Free. Southwest corner of Decatur. oakhurstporchfest.org.
Fair on the Square
Prepare for a day of family fun as the kiddos hit the Kids Zone, full of inflatables and face painting. The grown-ups can have a good time, too, because adults and children alike can score some prizes during the dance contest.
Don’t forget to check out the vendors. Nearly 100 businesses are expected to attend this year’s fair.
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 14. Free. 185 W. Crogan St., Lawrenceville. lawrencevillefallfestival.com.
Marietta Chalktober
The Chalk Festival has partnered with Marietta’s Craft Beer Festival for a weekend-long celebration at Marietta Square. Sample more than 120 different crafts, groove to some live music and watch local artists cover the streets with their best chalk creations.
Oct. 14-15. Free admission. $40-$50 (beer festival). Marietta Square, 4 Depot St., Marietta. chalktoberfest.com.
Snellville Fall Fest
Shop around at the dozens of craft vendors and try the tasty bites at this year’s eighth annual affair. Be sure to bring your costumes, too, because there will be a contest for you and your doggie.
Banks and Shane will also be returning to the stage to keep the audience rocking with some lively folk tunes.
Noon-6 p.m. Oct. 21. Free. Snellville Town Green, 2342 Oak Road, Snellville. snellvilletourism.com.