Celebrate Fall at Local Festivals in Acworth, Kennesaw, and Marietta, GA

Fall in North Georgia brings crisp air, vibrant leaves, and plenty of local festivals that celebrate the season's best. Whether you’re looking for arts and crafts, live music, delicious food, or family-friendly activities, the Acworth, Kennesaw, and Marietta areas have something for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the best upcoming fall festivals you won’t want to miss!

1. Acworth’s Taste of Acworth Festival

When: October 12, 2024
Where: Historic Downtown Acworth
Why You Should Go: The Taste of Acworth is a delightful celebration of local cuisine, bringing together over 30 restaurants offering their best dishes. Enjoy a day filled with live music, kids’ activities, and over 100 booths featuring local businesses, artisans, and crafters.

Highlights:

• Sample delicious bites from local favorites.
• Live music on two stages throughout the day.
• Interactive kids’ zone with inflatables and games.

Tip: Arrive early to snag a good parking spot and start sampling right away—this event draws a crowd!

2. Kennesaw’s Big Shanty Festival

When: October 19-20, 2024
Where: Downtown Kennesaw
Why You Should Go: A community favorite, the Big Shanty Festival combines art, food, and family fun. Stroll through more than 250 booths showcasing arts, crafts, and unique gifts perfect for early holiday shopping.

Highlights:

• A wide variety of food vendors offering fall treats like kettle corn, funnel cakes, and barbecue.
• A parade to kick off the event on Saturday morning.
• Entertainment options include live music, street performers, and a kids’ play area.

Tip: Don’t miss the parade on Saturday morning—it’s a great way to kick off the festival with floats, marching bands, and community spirit.

3. Marietta’s HarvestFest

When: October 26, 2024
Where: Marietta Square
Why You Should Go: HarvestFest is a combination of Marietta’s popular arts and crafts festival, Halloween Happenings, and Scarecrows on the Square. It’s the perfect blend of fall fun with a spooky twist.

Highlights:

• Enjoy local arts and crafts, handmade jewelry, decor, and unique gifts.
• Kids can dress up and participate in the Halloween costume contest and trick-or-treat around the square.
• Check out the Scarecrows on the Square exhibit, featuring creative scarecrow displays from local businesses, schools, and organizations.

Tip: The costume contest is a hit with families, so be sure to dress up and join the fun!

4. Acworth Craft Beer & Wine Festival

When: November 2, 2024
Where: Logan Farm Park, Acworth
Why You Should Go: For adults looking to enjoy local brews and wines, this festival is a must. With over 100 craft beers and a selection of wines to sample, it’s a perfect afternoon of tasting, sipping, and socializing.

Highlights:

• Unlimited samples of craft beer and wine from local breweries and wineries.
• Live music throughout the event.
• Food vendors serving up tasty bites to pair with your drinks.

Tip: Tickets often sell out, so purchase them in advance to ensure your spot.

5. Kennesaw’s Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival

When: September 14-15, 2024
Where: Adams Park, Kennesaw
Why You Should Go: This BBQ festival is a fall staple, featuring a fierce competition among amateur and professional BBQ cooks. Come hungry because you’ll find some of the best ribs, pulled pork, and brisket around!

Highlights:

• Tasting opportunities from award-winning BBQ teams.
• Live music, a kids’ zone with inflatables, and cooking demos.
• Peach desserts and other sweet treats to satisfy your cravings.

Tip: Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the live music comfortably while you feast.

6. Marietta’s Chalktoberfest

When: October 12-13, 2024
Where: Marietta Square
Why You Should Go: Chalktoberfest combines a chalk art festival with a craft beer festival, creating a unique and colorful experience. Watch as talented artists create masterpieces on the streets while you sample brews and enjoy live entertainment.

Highlights:

• Chalk art from professional artists lining the streets.
• Over 125 craft beers and a selection of wines to taste.
• Live music adds to the vibrant atmosphere.

Tip: This event is family-friendly, but the beer festival section is ticketed and 21+. Plan accordingly if you’re bringing kids.

Festival Tips:

• Parking: Arrive early, as parking can fill up quickly, especially in downtown areas. Consider using shuttles or rideshares when available.
• Dress Comfortably: Fall weather in Georgia can be unpredictable. Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
• Bring Cash: While many vendors accept cards, having cash on hand is always a good idea for faster transactions.

With so many festivals to choose from, there’s no better way to enjoy the fall season than by exploring the local events in Acworth, Kennesaw, and Marietta. Grab your friends and family, get out there, and make the most of these fantastic community gatherings!