Days are still warm and the nights a little cool, leaves are changing and delicious foods are in season—like most states, this is when Georgia’s fair season cranks up. Landscape changes and comfortable temperatures cue crowds to rush to festivities taking place all over the state, each offering their own uniqueness while holding true to tradition. Expect rides, animals, agriculture and heavy eats—it’s not a minute too soon to begin making your fall bucket list.
Elberton 12 County Fair, Elberton
Acquiring its name from ten Georgia and two Carolina counties it serves, the Elberton 12 County Fair will celebrate its 88th birthday this year. Blue Ribbon competitions are held for those who’d like to display their agricultural skills, and the nightly drawings are a way to win something if you’d rather not compete. Fun fact—Elberton is the “Granite Capital of the World”, and home to world-famous farmstead cheese from Nature’s Harmony Farms.
Back to Your Roots Farm Fair, Roswell
Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Farm Fair is all about animals, local food, garden hikes and other educational outdoor exhibits. Fall is the best time to learn about harvesting, and the importance of small-scale food production—it turns out, farming is fun! Kids and adults really immerse in the experience while getting to cuddle sweet animals.
Gwinnett County Fair, Lawrenceville
With a generous number of midway activities ranging from tame to extreme, Gwinnett County Fair is the place to go for those who love carnival rides. Paved walkways conveniently curve around grass blocks, that are filled with glittering mechanical wonder. Naturally, livestock demonstrations and favorite treats are available at Lawrenceville’s favorite fall celebration.
Cumming Country Fair & Festival, Cumming
History is brought back to life via living history exhibits at the Cumming Country Fair & Festival. Expect to see a reanimated cotton gin, corn mill, syrup mill, chicken house, grist mill, blacksmith shop, sawmill, moonshine still and cider press, along with other historical displays. Cherokee Indian heritage is also demonstrated in the Indian Village, making for a great opportunity to learn about early life in the States.
Chiaha Harvest Fair, Rome
Proceeds for the Chiaha Harvest Fair go toward growing the local art scene and supporting the dreams of budding talent. Craftsmen come out to demonstrate and teach fairgoers a bit about what they do, and the best local food is brought in. But the cider, that’s where it’s at. Warm, pot brewed cider is free to guests, so sit back and enjoy while listening to some seriously gifted musicians.
Georgia State Fair, Hampton
Hop on your favorite rides, eat plenty of cotton candy and get up close with camels at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Actually located south of Atlanta in Hampton, it’s one of the most accessible sports stadiums, with plenty of parking. The location is perfect because its close enough to Atlanta, but still away from crowded portions of the highway.
Northwest Georgia Regional Fair, Calhoun
With all of the classic fair attributes, the Northwest Georgia Fair has a great small town feel comparable to Mayberry. Every night, guests enjoy a show of dancing, singing impersonation and other fun talents on a cozy stage, further defining the cute factor of this celebration in Calhoun.
Chattahoochee Mountain Fair, Clarkesville
The homey, heartwarming feel here is infectious—baking contests, honey tasting, homemaker demonstrations and traditional rides create a complimentary environment to storybook-worthy Downtown Clarkesville. We also love that the fair food stays classic, but is executed perfectly.
North Georgia State Fair, Marietta
Big-name country stars come out to perform at Cobb County’s big event. Rides lean on the more modern side, like the Seattle Wheel—a Ferris wheel with outward suspending seats. A human cannonball, grizzly bears and transformer-like Robo Cars will be making their debut in 2018, along with an already exciting veteran act line up. Come on, I think it’s safe to say we are all dying to see a master chainsaw artist make sculptures right before our eyes.
The Georgia National Fair, Perry
The fair of all fairs takes place at the fairgrounds in Perry Georgia, complete with multiple buildings showcasing agriculture, crafts and Georgia Grown goodies. Street dancers, homemade cobbler, barbecue, roasted corn, gourmet candy apples and a spectacular circus included with gate admission have drawn families to Perry for years. Believe us, the fair is massive, so allow yourself a full day to explore.
