Columbia shrimp and grits festival 2023

Fairs

September 30-October 9
Georgia State Fair
Atlanta
Fair includes midway rides, petting zoo, camel and pony rides, pig races and family activities. Admission $5-$10; children 4 and under free. Ride wristbands $25-$30. Atlanta Motor Speedway. georgiastatefair.org

October 1-2
Cotton Fair
Gay, Georgia
Designated a Top 20 Event from Southeast Tourism Society, this craft festival features arts, antiques, live music and entertainment, homemade Southern food and wares, magic theater, children’s activities and more. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $9-$10; children under 7 free. thecottonfair.com

October 6-16
Georgia National Fair
Perry, Georgia
The largest fair in the Southeast is designated a Top 50 Fair in North America by Amusement Business magazine and one of the Best 202 Things About the South by Southern Living. Includes midway, roller coasters, horse shows, agricultural and livestock competitions, live entertainment and nightly fireworks. Concerts include Foghat, Lecrae, John Michael Montgomery, Skid Row, Kool and the Gang, Rumba Latina, Frankie Ballard and more. Admission is $10-$15; includes concerts. Kids 10 and under are free. Georgia National Fairgrounds. georgianationalfair.com

October 8-9
Prater’s Mill Country Fair
Dalton, Georgia
Featured in the National Geographic Map Guide to Appalachia, this is one of the Southeast’s largest festivals. Includes live music, Southern food, living history exhibits and handmade arts and crafts that celebrate Appalachian traditions. Tour the operating gristmill, country store, Shugart Cotton Gin and Westbrook Barn. Gates open at 9 a.m. $10 cash for adults, children 12 and under are free. Free parking. Prater’s Mill Historic Site. pratersmill.org

October 12-23
South Carolina State Fair
Columbia
Entertainment includes midway games, nearly 70 fair rides, free stage shows, flower shows, equine show, petting zoo, craft demos, boiled peanut eating contest and concerts from headliners including The Tams, Villa Nova, Jason Sikes, Freebird, Frank Sullivan & Dirty Kitchen, Ranky Tanky and more. Admission $10-$15; ages 5 and under are free. $5 cash parking. Wheelchair and scooter rentals available. scstatefair.org

October 14-23
Georgia-Carolina State Fair
Downtown Augusta
Augusta Exchange Club’s downtown fair on Hale Street features midway rides, carnival shows, livestock, artisan exhibits and attractions from James E. Strates Shows. Opens 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and noon Sat.-Sun. Admission is $5-$8; unlimited rides are $25-$30. Ages 15 or under must be accompanied by an adult. georgiacarolinastatefair.com

Western Carolina State Fair
Aiken
Aiken’s fair features two midways and more than 40 rides along with family shows, horticulture exhibits and arts and crafts. Entertainment includes Tumbleweed Crossing, Pork Chop Revue, demolition derby, professional bull riding and more. Opens 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and noon Sat.-Sun. Ages 11 and up $10; children 10 and under free. Parking is free. westerncarolinastatefair.com

November 3-13
Columbia County Fair
Columbia County Fairgrounds
This fair presented by the Merchants Association of Columbia County features rides and attractions from Drew Expositions. Attractions includes a midway, demolition derby, Sea Lion Splash, Ready Go Dog Show, Johnny Rockett’s Cycle Circus, Tinsmithing Show, magician, master chainsaw artist, nightly concerts, agricultural and community exhibits, talent shows, petting zoo and food court. Admission is $8; ages 5 and under are free. Free admission for law enforcement and military with valid ID on Tues., Nov. 8. Proper attire is required, and no backpacks are allowed. Ages 17 or under must be accompanied by an adult. columbiacountyfair.net

Local Festivals

September 29-October 2
Fall Festival, Oktoberfest & Flea Market
Barton Field
Festival includes a carnival midway, pony rides, pet adoptions, Vendor Village, children’s activities, lie music, dancing and German Food and Bier Garten. Oktoberfest (Fri. night) and flea market (Sat.). 5-10 p.m. Admission is free; open to the public. Ages 16 and older must show ID at the Fort Gordon entrance; drivers must show registration and insurance. No pets, coolers or large bags. gordon.armymwr.com

October 1
Oliver Hardy Festival
Downtown Harlem
Festival celebrates Harlem’s native son. Includes 10 a.m. parade, Laurel and Hardy impersonators, Laurel and Hardy films, arts and crafts, food vendors, live entertainment and more. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. harlemga.org

Aiken Music Fest
Highlands Event Center
Blues and R&B legends Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues headlines. Event includes food trucks, drink bar, crafters and children’s activities. 6-10 p.m. $15. aikenmusicfest.com

October 4
Oktoberfest
American Legion Auxiliary Post 192, Evans
Open to the public, event features plates with choice of one meat, schnitzel or 2 brats, sides and dessert. Sides include mashed potatoes and gravy, sauerkraut, braised red cabbage and German potato salad. $15 per plate; extra meat $3. 4:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit Post 192’s programs that support veterans, children and youth, military and the community. See American Legion Auxiliary Unit 192 Facebook page for details.

October 14-15
Papa Joe’s Banjo-B-Que Music Festival
Columbia County Fairgrounds
Festival features roots, Americana and bluegrass music along with barbecue, craft beer, a petting zoo, pig races and a Kansas City Barbeque Society Professional BBQ Cook-Off. Performers include St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Leftover Salmon, Tanya Tucker, Punch Brothers, Del McCoury and more than a dozen more. Fri. 3:30-11 p.m. and Sat.11:30 a.m-11 p.m. $40 and up; ages 12 and under are free in general admission with a ticketed adult. banjobque.com

October 22
Camellia City Festival
Downtown Thomson
Festival with more than 100 vendors includes a 5K, car show, inflatables, arts and crafts, video gaming truck, fire safety house, food, live music and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free. Bring chairs or blankets. thomsonmcduffiechamber.com

Out-of-Town Festivals

September 17-October 30
Pumpkin Festival
Stone Mountain
Festival includes pumpkin patch, games, shows, dance-along party parade, trick or treat scavenger hunt, pie-eating contest, popular storybook characters, fall-themed outdoor lights display, pumpkin laser show and after-dark parade. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri., Sat. and Sun. Laser show begins 9:30 p.m. Sat. stonemountainpark.com

September 29-October 9
MOJA Arts Festival
Charleston
Celebration of African-American and Caribbean arts includes classical music, dance, gospel concert, jazz concert, poetry, R&B, storytelling, theater, visual arts and ethnic food. mojafestival.com

September 29-October 30
Oktoberfest in Alpine Helen
Helen
America’s longest-running Oktoberfest features German music, German food and drinks, polka dancing, horse-drawn carriage rides, homemade fudge and shopping in a Bavarian-style village. German-style bands from around the country and around the world perform in the Helen Festhalle. Open seven days a week. Admission is $8 Mon.-Fri., $10 Sat. and free on Sun. Ages 6 and under are free. Active and retired military are free with valid military ID. (800) 858-8027, helenga.org

September 30-October 1
Decatur Book Festival
Decatur
The largest independent book fair in the country features hundreds of national and local authors from all genres, author readings and signings, panel discussions, children’s area, live music, parade, cooking demonstrations and writing workshops. First Baptist Church of Decatur. decaturbookfestival.com

October 6-8
Savannah Greek Festival
Savannah
Three-day celebration of Greek food, music and heritage features homemade Greek foods and desserts, Greek dancing and music, church tours, marketplace and more. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. St. Paul’s Hellenic Center. Free admission Thurs. and Fri. until 4 p.m.; $5 donation after 4 p.m. savannahgreekfest.com

Tybee Island Pirate Fest
Tybee Island
Tybee transforms into a lively pirate village, celebrating the colorful seafaring history of the Georgia coast. Festival kicks off Thurs. with the Buccaneer Ball featuring grub, grog, pirates, wenches, music and dancing. $75; 6-10 p.m. Entertainment Fri. and Sat. includes live music, petting zoo, kids’ zone, carnival, parade, fireworks, market and costume contests. tybeepiratefest.com

Albino Skunk Music Festival
Greer
Three-day acoustic music festival in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains features nearly 20 bands, food vendors, craft beers, handmade crafts, farmers market, Kiddieland and DeTour de Skunk charity bicycle ride. Bring chairs and coolers; tent and RV camping also available. $25 and up. The Skunk Farm. albinoskunk.com

Moonshiners Reunion & Mountain Music Festival
Campobello
Authentic Appalachian folk festival in South Carolina includes live bands, arts and crafts, camping and all-night picking sessions. Bring lawn seating, tents, RVs and instruments. No pets or glass. No manufacturing, distribution or selling of alcohol at this venue. Plum Hollow Farm. Gates open Thurs. at noon, Fri. 6 p.m. and Sat. 1 p.m. One-day pass is $65, Fri./Sat. pass is $80 and three-day pass is $100. moonshiners.com.

October 7-8
Beaufort Shrimp Festival
Beaufort
Festival features shrimp dishes from localand regionalrestaurants, food and beverage vendors, contests, live music, 5K walk/run, arts and crafts market and children’s area. Fri. noon-6 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. downtownbeaufort.com

October 7-15
Georgia Mountain Fall Festival
Hiawassee
Nine days of arts and crafts, country music, gospel music, mountain arts demonstrations, Pioneer Village, midway rides, Cowboy Circus, Bengal Tiger Show and more. Concert headliners include Earls of Leicester, Oak Ridge Boys, Malpass Brothers, Aaron Tippin, The Bellamy Brothers, Ashley McBryde and more. $12 admission. Parking is free. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

October 8
Palmetto Peanut Boil 
Columbia
Festival features a boiled peanut competition, live music, food and beverage vendors and kids’ entertainment. Admission is free. Leashed pets are welcome. Noon-6 p.m. Devine Street. animalmission.org

EGGtoberfest
Lawrenceville
Outdoor Big Green Egg cooking festival features foods cooked by seasoned EGGtoberfest alumni and brave newcomers. Sample food, see demos and listen to live music. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $75; children under 12 free. Advance tickets required. Coolray Field. biggreenegg.com

October 8-9
Chalktoberfest
Marietta
Sample craft beers, hear live music from local artists, watch professional chalk artists chalk the streets and eat great food in Marietta’s downtown square. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Free admission. chalktoberfest.com

October 8-9, 15-16
Georgia Apple Festival
Ellijay Fairgrounds
Festival features more than 300 arts vendors, craft demonstrations, classic auto show, 5K road race and parade. No pets. $10 adults; children 12 and under free. Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds. georgiaapplefestival.org

October 9
Latin American Festival
Charleston
Celebrate the sights and sounds of the Latin and Caribbean cultures through merengue, reggaeton, bachata and salsa music; folkloric artwork and crafts; and authentic Latin American and Caribbean foods. Noon-5 p.m. North Charleston Wannamaker County Park. Adults $10; students and military with ID $5; kids 12 and under are free. No pets. ccprc.com

October 14-16
Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival
Richmond Hill
One of the largest seafood festivals in the Southeast includes seafood, arts and crafts, amusement rides, fireworks and live music from John Michael Montgomery, Deana Carter, Warren Zeiders, Maggie Baugh and more. Admission $8-$12; children under 5 free. J.F. Gregory Park Pavilion. goseafoodfestival.com.

Highland Games & Scottish Festival
Stone Mountain
Scottish heritage festival includes traditional highland games, Scottish music and dancing, sheepdog and falconry shows, Tartan museum and more at Stone Mountain Park. smhg.org

October 15-16
Gold Rush Days Festival
Dahlonega
See fall colors peaking and celebrate Dahlonega’s 1828 discovery of gold. Festival in the town square includes children’s activities, fashion show, gold panning contest, wheelbarrow race, wrist wrestling, King and Queen coronation, hog calling contest, buck dancing contest, live music, parade and more than 300 exhibitors and food vendors. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat.; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Free admission.

October 15-23
Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival
Bluffton
Week-long event features locally harvested seafood, Lowcountry cuisine and area art. Streetfest on Oct. 22 and 23 includes a juried fine art show featuring more than 100 artists from 10 different states, food from premier restaurants and caterers and live music and entertainment. blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org

October 22
Italian Heritage Festival
Hilton Head
Festival includes Italian food and wine, cooking demonstrations, grape stomping, pizza-eating contest, games, live entertainment and more. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $6; children under 10 are free. Bring lawn chairs. No pets. Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. iachh.org

October 22-23
Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens
Beaufort
Visitors can explore a selection of private homes, gardens and plantations normally not open to the public. Sat. tour features homes in the National Historic Landmark District, $75. Sun. includes tour and Southern brunch at Tidalholm, the Edgar Fripp House, with a discussion of Beaufort architecture and way of life, $150. historicbeaufort.org

October 22-29
Savannah Film Festival
Savannah
Eight-day film festival showcases award-winning filmmakers, directors, actors and actresses. Includes screenings ranging from major international productions to student-created shorts, workshops, panels, lectures and receptions. Various venues and prices. filmfest.scad.edu

October 28-November 6
Charleston Beer Week
Charleston
Local breweries and brewpubs are the primary focus for the week, but regional and national brands are featured as well. Events include food pairings, a golf tournament, guided kayak tour, Lowcountry boil, yard pong tournament and disc golf tournament. charlestonbeerweek.com

November 3-6
Native American Festival & Pow-Wow
Stone Mountain
Southeastern Tourism Top 20 event. Learn about Native American culture through dance and drum competitions, music, craft demonstrations, cooking samples and storytelling activities. Stone Mountain Park. stonemountainpark.com

November 4-6
Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival
Jekyll Island
Festival features samples of shrimp and grits, shrimp boat tours, live entertainment, cook-off, craft brew tasting, cooking demonstrations, book signings, artist market and kids’ zone. Historic District. jekyllisland.com

Hilton Head
Motoring Festival & Concours d’Elegance
Hilton Head and Savannah
Automotive and motorsports festival features vintage cars and racecars and major international names in automotive collecting and racing. Multiple-day passes and discounts available. Port Royal Golf Club. hhiconcours.com