Your Ultimate Guide to Atlanta & North Georgia Weekend Fun
Get ready, Atlanta! This weekend, October 24-26, 2025, is brimming with exciting festivals, spooky Halloween celebrations, live music, and unique events across metro Atlanta and North Georgia. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun or a lively night out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as autumn unfolds.
Festivals & Fairs: Embrace the Season
Embrace the autumn vibes with a variety of regional festivals, offering everything from classic carnival delights to artisan markets and craft beer tastings.
Metro Atlanta Highlights
For traditional fair fun, the Atlanta Fair continues through November 2 at 710 Central Ave. SW, featuring classic rides, games, and food. In downtown Smyrna, the Crafts & Drafts Festival (Oct 25–26) boasts over 150 booths of arts, crafts, food, live music, and kid-friendly activities, with free admission for all.
North Georgia Discoveries
In Peachtree City, explore local creativity at Artisans at The Avenue (Oct 24–26) and the Newnan-Coweta Art Association Arts & Crafts Market (Oct 25), both showcasing handmade art, jewelry, and gifts. Cartersville invites you to celebrate Western heritage at West Fest at the Booth Western Art Museum (Oct 25), featuring reenactments and Native American dancers. Beer aficionados can head to Hiawassee for the Appalachian Brew and Music Festival (Oct 25), sampling from 70+ breweries amidst live music.
Upcoming Festivals at a Glance
| Event | Location | Dates | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Fair | Atlanta | Through Nov 2 | Rides, carnival games, food |
| Crafts & Drafts Festival | Downtown Smyrna | Oct 25–26 | Arts, crafts, food, live music |
| Appalachian Brew and Music Festival | Hiawassee | Oct 25 | 70+ breweries, live music |
Special Gatherings & Community Fun
Beyond the major festivals, a range of unique events offers diverse ways to engage with the community and enjoy the weekend.
Metro Atlanta Special Events
Experience Atlanta Streets Alive (Oct 26) on Ralph David Abernathy Blvd., transforming streets into open spaces for walking, biking, and play. Car enthusiasts will love the Chastain Park Auto Show (Oct 26), featuring 175 classic cars and local vendors. For a taste of history and celebration, join Alessio’s Restaurant & Pizzeria’s 30th Anniversary Celebration (Oct 24–25) in Roswell, Cumming & Johns Creek.
Beyond the City Limits
In Canton, show your support at the Think Pink Cherokee Breast Cancer Awareness Walk (Oct 25).
Spooky Season Celebrations: Halloween Happenings
As Halloween approaches, discover a host of festive and spooky events for all ages—and even your pets!
Inside Atlanta Haunts
Get your costume ready for the Halloween Boo’s Bash at The Office Bar (Oct 31) in Midtown, offering themed cocktails and costume perks. Don’t forget your furry friends for Boo-Nanza at Skiptown (Oct 26), a Halloween party for pups with costume contests. For a magical musical experience, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra presents Halloween at Hogwarts (Oct 26) with music from the Harry Potter films.
Outside Atlanta Thrills
Alpharetta hosts Halloween at Halcyon (Oct 25) with trick-or-treating and farm animals. Fayetteville’s Pumpkin Fest 2025 (Oct 25) offers family fun with music, train rides, and a petting zoo. Woodstock invites families to its free Halloween Skelebration (Oct 31). For a cultural twist, Cartersville’s 5th Annual Día de los Muertos Intercultural Fest (Oct 26) celebrates with Latin music, authentic food, and cultural exhibits.
Hit the Right Note: Live Music Scene
From massive festivals to intimate acoustic sets, the region’s music scene is vibrant this weekend.
Major Concerts & Tributes
Piedmont Park comes alive with the massive two-day ONE MusicFest (Oct 25–26), featuring Mary J. Blige, Ludacris, and Future. Pop superstar Halsey: Back to Badlands (Oct 26) celebrates her debut album at Coca-Cola Roxy. For Grateful Dead fans, Frankly Scarlet – Grateful Dead Tribute (Oct 25) plays Smith’s Olde Bar. New wave icons The B-52s and Devo unite for their Cosmic D-Evolution Tour (Oct 25) in Alpharetta.
Intimate Gigs & Community Concerts
Catch soulful singer-songwriter Myles Morgan Live (Oct 24) at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur. Enjoy a free outdoor concert at Jazz Under the Stars with the Jazzy Petrels (Oct 24) in Brookhaven.
Arts & Culture: Screenings and Stages
Immerse yourself in storytelling and artistic expression, from theater productions to film festivals.
On Stage & Screen in Atlanta
The Out Front Theatre presents 9 to 5 The Musical (Oct 23–Nov 8), a Dolly Parton-powered comedy. Experience Shakespeare’s dark tale with Macbeth – The Atlanta Shakespeare Company (Oct 24) at Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse. Film enthusiasts can explore independent sci-fi films at the Atlanta Sci-Fi Film Festival (Oct 24–25) or bring the family to the Atlanta Children’s Film Festival: Family Day (Oct 25) at Emory University. The Atlanta Symphony Hall offers both a cosmic Celestial Illuminations featuring The Planets concert (Oct 23–25) and a free Indian Cultural Festival & ASO Concert (Oct 25).
Performances & Authors Beyond Atlanta
In Duluth, witness a stunning ballet retelling of Bram Stoker’s gothic tale with Dracula: A Ballet to Die For (Oct 24–26). Families won’t want to miss author Jeff Kinney’s Partypooper Tour (Oct 24) celebrating Diary of a Wimpy Kid #20 in Decatur. Kennesaw offers a free outdoor Movie Night: Invaders from Mars (Oct 25).
Sports & More: Action and Adventure
Cheer on local teams, experience unique sports, or dive into a new book.
Sporting Events
Head to Athens for the Athens Rock Lobsters Opening Game (Oct 25) as they kick off their hockey season. For a truly unique experience, check out Sumo + Sushi (Oct 24–26) at Shadowbox Studios in Atlanta, featuring live sumo demonstrations, fresh sushi, and drinks.
Literary Adventures
Meet fantasy author Jay Olsen-Thrift (Oct 25) in Acworth for a signing of her Chronicles of the Second Sun series.
Looking Ahead: Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for these exciting events coming soon to the Atlanta area.
* DreamHack Atlanta (Oct 31–Nov 2): Gaming, cosplay, and esports tournaments at the Georgia World Congress Center.
* 27th Annual Vineyard Fest (Nov 1–2): Celebrate the grape harvest at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort with food, wine, and live music.
* Día De Los Muertos Festival (Nov 1–2): A free family celebration in Woodstock with mariachi music, food, and dancing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the primary weekend dates covered?
This guide focuses on events happening from Friday, October 24th, through Sunday, October 26th, 2025, with mentions of ongoing and upcoming activities. - Are there many free events listed?
Yes! The Crafts & Drafts Festival in Smyrna, Chastain Park Auto Show, Jazz Under the Stars in Brookhaven, and Día de los Muertos Intercultural Fest in Cartersville all offer free admission. - What kind of Halloween events are available for children?
Family-friendly options include Halloween at Halcyon (Alpharetta), Pumpkin Fest 2025 (Fayetteville), Halloween Skelebration (Woodstock), and Halloween at Hogwarts with the ASO (Atlanta). - How can I find out about more events in metro Atlanta?
Many local news outlets and community calendars provide event listings. You can also contact joyce.lupiani@fox.com to submit information for future lists. - Is the article relevant to different parts of Georgia, or just Atlanta?
This guide covers events across both metro Atlanta and various cities in North Georgia, including Peachtree City, Cartersville, Hiawassee, Smyrna, Canton, Alpharetta, Fayetteville, Acworth, Roswell, Cumming, Johns Creek, Decatur, Brookhaven, Duluth, Kennesaw, Marietta, Athens, and Woodstock.
With such a diverse array of activities, plan your itinerary now to make the most of this vibrant autumn weekend in Atlanta and North Georgia!
Your Ultimate Guide to Atlanta North Georgia Weekend Fun
