I don't know about you, but when the mornings first start getting chilly and I see the first tint of yellow on leaves, my first thought is to look up fall festivals near me. There's nothing like fall festivals in Georgia. Whether you're up in our north mountains or down towards the coastal regions, come autumn, there's truly something for everyone in the Peach State. Here are a few of the best fall festivals in Georgia:

1. Oktoberfest - Helen

The Oktoberfest in Helen, GA is actually the longest-running Oktoberfest in the United States. If you've never been, it's an absolute blast, with tons of activities for the whole family. This is one of my favorite small towns in Georgia and there's nothing like visiting in the fall. It can get pretty crowded during this fall event in northeast Georgia, but it's such a fun time, whether you're looking to enjoy beer and German food or just want to check out the leaves and festivities. Learn more from the Helen Chamber of Commerce website.

2. Tybee Island Pirate Festival - Tybee Island

The Tybee Island Pirate Festival has been one of the best fall festivals near Savannah since it started in 2005. This beach town certainly knows how to put on a party! The parade, live music, kids' events, and pirate aerial show all combine to make for quite the fun festivity. Vendors will be on hand selling their wares, and the best part of all is the festival has free admission. You can learn more from the Tybee Island Pirate Festival website.

3. Georgia National Fair - Perry

The Georgia National Fair is the largest fall event near Macon. From rides to vendors to fair foods, there's something for everyone here. Concerts, livestock competitions, youth educational competitions, and more are all on the schedule here. This year's concert lineup is set to include a great lineup of genres, and you'll be able to see names like Billy Ocean, Smash Mouth, and Tesla. Special armband days will allow for discounted rides and more. Check out the full calendar of events on the Georgia National Fair website.

4. St. Marys Seafood Festival - St. Marys

If you like your fall festivals to involve lots of food, it doesn't get much better than the St. Marys Seafood Festival. This charming small town on the Georgia coast has it all and knows how to put on a great event. There's a lively parade, fun runs, live music at the local amphitheater, and, of course, tons of seafood. Learn more from the Visit St. Marys website.

5. Rocktoberfest - Lookout Mountain

Lookout Mountain

is right on the border of Georgia and Tennessee. The little city's Rocktoberfest is one of the top fall festivals near Chattanooga. The event features live music, German food, and more, and takes place on weekends throughout the month of October. Find out more from the See Rock City website.

6. Georgia Apple Festival - Ellijay

The Georgia Apple Festival has been taking place in Ellijay for over a half-century. This festival spans two weekends in this little mountain town. Hundreds of vendors are on-site, and you'll also find live music, fair food, and more. The area is home to many wonderful apple orchards, so pick up a few tasty apples when you're in town! Learn more from the Georgia Apple Festival website.

7. Gold Rush Days Festival - Dahlonega

The Gold Rush Days Festival is the largest fall festival near Dahlonega, and it's been held for 69 years as of 2023. The parade is always a hit, but there are also live demonstrations, food, vendors, and so much more at this fun small-town festival. This is one of the best small towns in Georgia, and you won't want to miss the Gold Rush Days, especially since they take place when Dahlonega's leaves are close to peak. The Gold Rush Days Festival website has more information.

What are some of your favorite fall festivals in Georgia? What about Georgia festivals in general? Would you agree that these are among the best fall festivals in Georgia? We'd love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!

For something quirky and fun, please be sure to read Here’s The Story Behind The Giant Bronze Fish Statue In Georgia.

If you're traveling out of town for any of these great events and need a place to stay, make sure to check out Vrbo. The website list is full vacation home rentals in Georgia, so you don't have to worry about sharing your space with strangers.

If you’re still in the mood for more Peach State adventures, take a look at this video: