2012 Georgia Festivals & Fairs
May 26 Atlanta, GA Brew at the Zoo Atlanta’s fifth annual signature summer event is back! Enjoy sampling of award-winning brews; wine tasting; live music performances and more for Zoo-goers ages 21 and up. Stay tuned to zooatlanta.org for event details and information on ticket sales. Zoo Atlanta 800 Cherokee Ave. SE Atlanta , GA 5:30 pm – 10 pm
May 26 Atlanta, GA Downtown Atlanta (Peachtree Street) 24th Annual Atlanta Caribbean Carnival is Mas and Music as the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival Bandleaders Association welcomes one and all to an all-encompassing celebration of Caribbean culture. As we commemorate our 24th Anniversary we invite the public to fully immerse themselves and partake in all that Atlanta Caribbean Carnival has to offer, as we once again return to Downtown Atlanta. Beginning on West Peachtree Street and ending with the Festival Village on historic Auburn Avenue, join us for the Parade of Bands on Saturday, May 26, 2012 1-11 pm for a memorable, festive, and colorful display of Mas and Music. Bring your family and friends and rediscover everything you love about Carnival, expose yourself to new experiences, and feed your soul with theunique and diverse beauty of the Caribbean!
May 26-28 Atlanta, GA Jazz Festival- Piedmont Park-11am-11pm) Three stages around the park including the Mainstage, International Stage & the Beer Garden Stage -KidZone featuring face painters, balloon twisters, inflatables, and interactive play for all. -31 Days of Jazz: May 1 - 31, featuring nightly live jazz in bars, restaurants, and performance venues in and around metropolitan Atlanta Info: atlantafestivals.com
May 31-June 2 Helen, GA 39th Annual Helen-Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race-Race begins at 7am on May 31 (Weather permitting). First balloon to make it to I-95 in the least amount of time is declared the winner. Other balloon activities and tethered rides will be available. Info: 706-878-2271 helendorf.com
June 2-3, Atlanta, GA Virginia Highlands Virginia Highlands Sumerfest 2012 10 am Celebrate the beginning of summer with dancing, music, art and of course, delicious food. While exploring the historic avenue, peek into the eclectic shops and local-loved dining scene which give the neighborhood its quirky charm. Revered as one of the best artists’ markets in the Southeast, the Virginia-Highland Summerfest features works by local artists and activities for the entire family.
June 3 Sandy Springs, GA To Gather Fest, is an all day/2 stage, 16 Artist Music Festiva. All artists hail from the great state of Georgia and bring their own artistic flair to the event. Artists include: Neil Cribbs, Anthony Crane, Prisca, McNary, Strange Planet, Anne Harper Vancouver, Asher Armstrong, Paris Luna, Marc Lawson This event and others like it showcase the willingness of Georgia musicians to work together to make quality recordings! Part of the profits will benefit McNary in recording his new Album to be released in November, 2012. A percentage of the the profits will be donated to help another Georgia based artist make a record of their own! Meehan’s 227 Sandy Springs Pl NE Ste 416 Sandy Springs, GA
June 8, Atlanta, GA SCI FI SUMMER CON ATLANTA 2012 is a small inexpensive convention with science fiction / fantasy / horror / comics / gaming themes. Lots of activities throughout the weekend. Lots of guest speakers on many subjects. Lots of discussion panels on many subjects. Lots of indie film makers with stuff to show. Lots of dealers with a variety of stuff. Crowne Plaza NW perimeter galleria hotel 6345 Powers Ferry Road Northwest 888-233-9527 Find out more at http://sfscon.net
June 16 Atlanta, GA Hot 107.9 presents Birthday Bash 17, the largest Hip Hop concert in the Southeast. Previous performers have included Jay Z, Lil Wayne, TI and others. This year promises to be packed full of the hottest hip hop artists and special surprised guests. Philips Arena 1 Philips Drive Atlanta, Ga 7 pm – 11 pm
June 20-24 Athens, GA 16th Annual AthFest Music Arts Festival. Live music, KidFest, a juried artisan market, film events, a comedy showcase, Flagpole Music Awards, Wired Dance Music Festival and more!
June 23 Atlanta, GA 2nd Annual Rock-N-Ride Start your engines! More than just an unforgettable ride through Atlanta and an electrifying music festival, the event benefits the Grady Health Foundation and the Gold Shield Foundation of Metro-Atlanta. The motorcycle ride begins at Killer Creek Harley-Davidson in Roswell and finishes outside the infamous Hard Rock Caf e on Peachtree Street, where a music festival will follow. Other happenings include mouthwatering food and drink vendors, an artist market and a boot drive, all in the name of two great foundations. The Music Festival portion is FREE and open to the public, participating in the motorcycle ride is NOT required to enter the music festival. A small donation at the boot drive on-site is appreciated. Hard Rock Café 215 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA (404) 688-7625 11 am
June 23 McDonough,GA Atlanta Caribbean Spring Festival McDonough Square Located next to - 5 Griffin Street, McDonough GA 30253. Come and enjoy food, music and a lot more… presented by The Caribbean Association of Georgia 1-8 pm
Jun 29 Atlanta, GA 58th Train Collectors Association National ConventionEach year, TCA holds a National Convention. Our mission is: “To develop an appreciation of and to preserve an important segment of history - Tinplate Toy Trains - through research, education, community outreach, fellowship, establishment of collecting standards, and to promote the growth and enjoyment of collecting and operating toy, model and scale trains.” This year, it’s in Atlanta! www.tcamembers.org 9 am -5 pmContact info: 707.687.8623 or tca-office@traincollectors.org. Renaissance Waverly Hotel, 2450 Galleria Parkway
July 4 Atlanta, GA Peachtree Road Race, The Peachtree Road Race is one of the world’s largest 10-kilometer races, with some 55,000 runners participating. Lenox Square for the start and Piedmont Park is where we finish the race. 7:30 am Info: 404-231-9064 atlantatrackclub.org/peachtree.htm
July 4 St. Marys, GA St. Marys Independence Day Festival St. smkiwanis.com Historic celebration features a full day of events including 5K and 10K runs, a patriotic parade, over 100 vendors and live music. Watermelon seed-spitting, eating contests and numerous children’s activities entertain the entire family. Enjoy a riverboat cruise and fantastic fireworks display over St. Marys River.
July 14 Atlanta, GA Atlanta Street Food Festival Hey, food truck fans! The Atlanta Street Food Festival will be held at Piedmont Park in Midtown. It will be an event that will showcase the top ten Atlanta area food trucks and bring awareness to this growing community that provides high end, quality food in a unique way. In addition to some of Atlanta� s favorite food trucks, the festival will also feature live entertainment from local bands. Piedmont Park 1345 Piedmont Rd NE Atlanta, GA (404) 875-7275 11 m
July 21-23 Blairsville, GA 14th Annual Butternut Creek Festival butternutcreekfestival.com -A family-fun event nestled along the shady banks of Butternut Creek. More than 50 of the southeast’s finest artists and craftsmen offer a variety of original items. Live arts demonstrations, musical entertainment and great food. Free admission, parking and shuttle service!
July 28, 2012 Winder, GA Lazy Daze Festival Music festival that also features over 60 booths of crafts and direct sale vendors along with food vendors. 678-425-9082
August 2 -August 5Noble, GA Hwy 27 Yard Sale Noble, Georgia - Currently held in North Georgia on Hwy 27. We hope to expand into Florida and Tennessee up to Indiana in the next few years. 706-639-6903
August 16 -August 19 Helen, GA Destination Helen Motorcycle Rally Vendor Village, free guided mountain ride, poker run, bike show, live music 706-206-1686
August 26 Atlanta, GA Will Turpin & The Way at Park Tavern 99X, the popular Atlanta alternative radio station, is on-air at 98.9FM. Unplugged in the Park free concert series encourages music fans to get up close and personal with today’s best singer-songwriters and bands from the Southeast. Teaming up again with Park Tavern, 99X Unplugged in the Park will be held in under the spacious, air-conditioned tent, which boasts Piedmont Park and the Midtown Skyline as its backdrop. For the most up to date information on 99X Unplugged in the Park, please visit www.99x.com or call 404-497-4700. Listen to 99X live in Atlanta at 98.9FM or listen live anywhere, anytime by downloading the new 99X iPhone app. This year’s 99X Unplugged in the Park is sponsored by Bacardi and Miller Lite. Park Tavern (The Piedmont Room) 500 10th Street NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-355-6949
August 31 -September 3 Cartersville, GA Pioneer Days Cartersville, Georgia - Carnival and Arts and Crafts Festival. Live Concert Saturday Night. Live musing and local entertainment for all ages. 404-597-0981
September 1 -September 3 Newnan, GA Powers’ Festival The 42 Annual Powers’ Festival includes: 150+ exhibitors, food, entertainment, and demonstrations.770-253-2011
September 6 -September 9 Stone Mountain, GA Yellow Daisy Festival All juried show, 100% outside, 400+ crafters, 1 main stage and a children’s area at Stone Mountain Park 770-498-5633
September 7 -September 8 Lumber City, GA A Farm Day Festival Arts, Crafts Food; Parade, Dog Show, Talent Show; Cake Walks, Kids Amusement Park; Street Dances 912-363-8049
September 7 -September 8 Winder, GA Jug Tavern Festival & BBQ Cook Off National BBQ Cook off (KCBS) and Festival featuring over 50 craft & Gift vendors, food vendors, music and Kids activities 678-425-9082
September 15 -September 16 Barnesville, GA Buggy Days Crafters, food, fun, and music! 770-358-5884
September 22 Grantville, GA The Grantville Day Crosstie Festival Arts & crafts, live music, fun festival foods, great southern foods, games, rides and more 770-583-9013
September 22 Peachtree City, GA International Festival/Dragon Boat The festival combines international culture, food, dance and dragon boat races! 678-429-0384
September 23 Conyers, GA The 5th annual Fiesta Georgia will take place Sunday September 23rd, 2012 at the Georgia International Horse Park. Fiesta Georgia is Georgia’s Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off celebration, featuring a daylong celebration of Latino culture with continuous live musical performances on 2 stages by international, national and local recording artists. Mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing, helicopter rides, youth soccer clinics, interactive sponsor displays with many free product samples, arts and crafts and authentic foods from several Latin-American countries all bring Fiestas Patrias to life at Fiesta Georgia. Georgia International Horse Park 1996 Centennial Olympic Pkwy Conyers, GA 770.395.7900 x221
September 23 -September 24 Greensboro, GA Lake Oconee BBQ Classic
KCBS sanctioned state championship BBQ competition, blues festival, arts/crafts, and kid zone. 706-485-2648
October 6 -October 7 Andersonville, GA Andersonville Historic Fair 37th Annual Andersonville Historic Fair includes Mock Civil War Battles, Living History Programs, Parade 229-924-2558
October 6 Auburn, GA Auburnfest will include art/craft vendors, festival foods, family games/activities,live entertainment. 770-674-5485
October 6 Fairburn, GA Fairburn Fall Festival Arts & Crafts,Music, Food Vendors, and Children’s Activities - Free to attendees 770-964-2244
October 6 -October 7 Gay, GA Arts & Crafts Fest Family, fun, food and entertainment for all ages. 706-977-8548
October 13 -October 14 Atlanta, GA WestFest Atlanta Juried Artist Market, Food, Live Music, Gallery Walk to be held in Atlanta’s emerging hip arts district - West Midtown. 404-474-7309
October 13 Nashville, GA Berrien County Harvest Festival The Harvest Festival will feature arts, crafts, food and entertainment. 229-686-5123
October 20 -October 21 Chatsworth, GA Black Bear Festival Arts, crafts, music, hayrides, children’s corner, costume contest, pet parade and much more! 706-695-6060
October 20 -October 21 Hogansville, GA Hummingbird Festival 100+ Arts & Crafts, Demonstrating Art, Art Competition, Antiques, Food, Children’s Area, Entertainment 706-637-9497
October 21 Atlanta, GA Halloween on Hogwarts Wholly Harry, wholly entertaining! Led by a wise old wizard with a bedazzling assortment of tricks up his sleeve, the Orchestra performs selections from the Harry Potter films. Dress as your favorite witch, sorcerer or other fantasy character and delight in the annual musician costume contest and a slew of surprises. Atlanta Symphony Hall in Midtown 1280 Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 404.733.4900
November 1 -November 4 Stone Mountain, GA Indian Festival and Pow Wow Event showcases Native American culture through dance, music, authentic craft demonstrations, storytelling 770-498-5633
November 1 -November 3 Vienna, GA Big Pig Jig Georgia’s State Barbecue Championship! Celebrating 31 Years with Happy THANKS-Jigging! 229-268-8275
November 2 -November 3 Butler, GA Countryside Festival 39th Annual Festival 2 fun days of activities with music, food, arts & crafts, pagents, parade, rides, and street dance
478-862-3661
Nov 2 Canton, GA Cruise-In-Block Party 6-9 pm, Main St. Info: 678.744.6246 DowntownCantonGA.com
November 3 Darien, GA Darien Fall Fest- Arts & crafts, music, farmers market, historic re-enactment, wine garden, Kid Zone, dog parad, classic car, scarecrow contest 860-367-7549
November 04 Atlanta, GA The 3rd annual Atlanta Day of the Dead will take place Sunday, November 4th, 2012 at Atlantic Station. Atlanta Day of the Dead highlights the long-established Mexican celebration that brings together family and friends to remember past friends and family members. Atlanta Day of the Dead is an interactive, educational and cultural celebration of Mexican culture and tradition. The event features live musical and cultural performances, traditional altars and interactive activities for children, sponsor displays with free product samples, arts and crafts, and authentic Mexican food. Atlantic Station
November 16 -November 17 Cumming, GA The National BBQ Cup This is the largest KCBS Sanctioned BBQ cook off in Georgia. Juried Arts and Crafts 770-886-6290
