When Georgia throws a party, it’s an all-out celebration: think fried food, live music, giant parades, and more flowers than your grandma’s garden.
But that’s not all, these festivals crank up the fun with Ferris wheels, craft booths, and the sweet smell of barbecue in the air.
Some celebrate old-school moonshine and homemade pie, while others bring in world-famous musicians or turn parks into full-blown art galleries.
If you’re into good vibes, big flavors, and surprises around every corner, these Georgia festivals are calling your name.
Keep reading to see which ones you can’t miss!
1. Helen Oktoberfest, Helen
Time of year: September to October
Helen Oktoberfest is the longest-running Oktoberfest in the U.S., hosted in the beautiful Alpine-style town of Helen.
At the Festhalle on Edelweiss Street, you’ll find German polka music, people in lederhosen, big pretzels, bratwurst, and steins filled with cold beer.
You’ll also see folks dancing the chicken dance, joining in traditional contests, and munching on schnitzel while accordion tunes fill the air.
Set against the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, this festival feels like an authentic Bavarian celebration.
2. Savannah Music Festival, Savannah
Time of year: Late March to April
If you’re more into smooth jazz, spicy blues, or world beats that make you want to dance, the Savannah Music Festival is your jam.
This 17-day festival takes over downtown Savannah, welcoming over 100 global artists to venues like the historic Lucas Theatre and open-air parks.
The lineup keeps you guessing—flamenco guitar one night, foot-stomping bluegrass the next, and classical quartets on Sunday afternoon.
Alongside the concerts, you’ll find music workshops, artist talks, and surprise pop-up shows that turn the whole city into a stage.
3. Big Pig Jig, Vienna
Time of year: November
Now follow your nose to Vienna for the Big Pig Jig, Georgia’s official pork cook-off and a must for food lovers.
With over 100 teams competing and firing their pits, the air is thick with the irresistible smell of slow-cooked whole hogs, ribs, and shoulders.
While the smokers do their thing, the rest of the festival comes alive with live music, arts and crafts, and family-friendly attractions.
And of course, don’t forget to grab a sample plate and cast your vote because at Big Pig Jig, you’re part of the judging crew!
4. Thomasville Rose Show and Festival, Thomasville
Time of year: Late April
Don’t miss the Thomasville Rose Show and Festival, where over 1,500 blooming rose bushes steal the spotlight.
This tradition dates back to 1922 and features elegant rose displays, two colorful parades, live music, and a downtown decked out in fresh flowers.
Expect vintage cars cruising down Broad Street, fancy hats everywhere, and the crowning of a rose queen to top it all off.
It’s like walking into a flower-filled fairytale, with good food and friendly faces too.
5. Shrimp & Grits Festival, Jekyll Island
Time of year: Late October
Next up is Jekyll Island’s Shrimp & Grits Festival, serving up delicious Southern food that you’ll be talking about for years.
This foodie festival highlights Georgia’s favorite dish, bringing together local chefs, live bands, and craft vendors every fall.
You’ll see shrimp and grits served every way possible: creamy, cheesy, bold, smoky, and sometimes with a fried egg on top.
And if you’ve got room for more than just food, there’s an artists’ market, cooking demos, and shrimp boat tours to enjoy.
6. Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Atlanta
Time of year: April
If you’re heading to Atlanta in spring, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is a must for art lovers as it features an Artist Market with over 260 artists.
This free festival takes over Piedmont Park when the dogwoods are in full bloom, with artist booths, live music, and carnival fun.
You can snack on funnel cakes as you check out giant metal sculptures, watercolor paintings, and street performers juggling fire.
You’ll also find a kids’ village and a family zone packed with crafts, games, and plenty of ways to keep the little ones entertained.
7. Georgia National Fair, Perry
Time of year: October
Nothing says “classic fair” quite like the Georgia National Fair in Perry—it’s everything you expect, just bigger and better.
The Georgia National Fairgrounds come alive with giant Ferris wheels, rodeos, livestock shows, and deep-fried everything (hello, fried Oreos).
You’ll see championship pig races, hypnotist shows, and fireworks that light up the night sky like a grand finale every evening.
It’s a little old-school Americana, a little over-the-top, and completely worth the drive for a full day of fun.
8. Mountain Moonshine Festival, Dawsonville
Time of year: Late October
Then there’s the Mountain Moonshine Festival in Dawsonville, where fast cars, old stills, and rich history come together in one cool Southern tradition.
The festival honors the history of moonshine runners and the powerful cars they used, which helped spark the beginning of NASCAR.
You’ll walk past rows of vintage hot rods, meet well-known race car drivers, and see antique still displays that bring the Prohibition era to life.
There’s also a parade, craft vendors, live tunes, and plenty of places to grab a jar of locally made spirits (for the grown-ups, of course).
9. Georgia Apple Festival, Ellijay
Time of year: October
And if fall makes you think of apples, Ellijay’s Georgia Apple Festival is the place to be—a celebration of all things crisp and delicious.
At this small-town fest, you’ll find over 300 vendors selling handcrafted items, unique finds, and hot apple fritters fresh out of the fryer.
You can tour nearby orchards, sip apple cider slushies, and even watch a parade complete with marching bands and antique tractors.
It’s cozy, festive, and smells like warm pie around every corner.
10. International Cherry Blossom Festival, Macon
Time of year: March
Next is Macon’s International Cherry Blossom Festival which bursts with color from more than 350,000 blooming Yoshino cherry trees.
For ten magical days, the whole city turns cotton-candy pink with concerts, fair rides, parades, and nightly fireworks.
You can stroll through Carolyn Crayton Park, munch on cherry-themed treats, and even catch a wiener dog race.
It’s big, it’s bright, and it proudly calls itself the “Pinkest Party on Earth” and honestly, it lives up to the hype.
11. Valdosta-Lowndes Azalea Festival, Valdosta
Time of year: March
Capping off the list is the Valdosta-Lowndes Azalea Festival, a vibrant and blooming celebration set in Drexel Park.
It’s a two-day event with over 200 vendors, live music, pet competitions, and unique attractions like the KidZone.
There’s also a classic car show, tons of Southern eats, and plenty of shady spots to kick back and soak it all in.
It’s the kind of weekend that ends things on a sweet note—laid-back, full of flowers, and topped off with funnel cake.
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