Your Guide to the Cumming Country Fair & Festival (From Atlanta)

The Cumming Country Fair & Festival is one of the biggest fall traditions just outside metro Atlanta. If you live in Atlanta—or you’re visiting and looking for a classic Southern fall fair with rides, animals, and live music—this Forsyth County event is a popular pick.

This guide walks you through what the fair is, what to expect, and how to plan a smooth trip from Atlanta.

What Is the Cumming Country Fair & Festival?

The Cumming Country Fair & Festival is a multi-day fall fair and harvest-style festival held each year at the Cumming Fairgrounds in Cumming, Georgia, about 40–50 minutes north of Midtown Atlanta (depending on traffic).

For Atlanta residents, it’s a chance to:

  • Take a day trip out of the city for rides, fair food, and live entertainment
  • Experience a “country fair” atmosphere without driving hours into rural Georgia
  • Enjoy farm animals, agricultural displays, arts and crafts, and old-fashioned attractions that you won’t find at most in-town festivals

It typically takes place in early to mid-October, overlapping Atlanta’s fall festival season and making it a popular alternative or add-on to in-town events.

Where It’s Held & How to Get There From Atlanta

Location:
Cumming Fairgrounds
235 Castleberry Road
Cumming, GA 30040
Phone (main fairgrounds office): (770) 781-3491

Driving from Atlanta

Most Atlanta visitors reach the fair by car:

  • From Downtown/Midtown Atlanta:
    • Take I-85 North or I-75 North to GA-400 North (US-19)
    • Continue on GA-400 to the Cumming/Buford area
    • Exit toward Cumming (look for exits serving GA-20 or Buford Drive, depending on your route)
    • Follow local signs to Cumming Fairgrounds on Castleberry Road

Travel time can range from 35 minutes to over an hour depending on your starting point (Downtown vs. south metro) and rush-hour traffic on GA-400.

Parking Tips for Atlanta Visitors

  • Expect on-site parking at or near the fairgrounds, typically for a separate fee.
  • On weekend evenings, arrive earlier to avoid long lines entering Cumming and the lots.
  • If you’re coming from Intown Atlanta, consider timing your trip to avoid weekday rush hour on GA-400, especially northbound in late afternoon.

When the Fair Happens (And How Long It Lasts)

The Cumming Country Fair & Festival usually runs for multiple days in October (often around 10–11 days). Exact dates vary each year.

For planning from Atlanta:

  • If you prefer lighter crowds, target:

    • Weeknights rather than Friday/Saturday nights
    • Earlier in the evening or late afternoon on school days

  • If you want full energy and bigger crowds, aim for:

    • Friday nights, Saturdays, and Sundays
    • Nights when major concerts or special shows are scheduled

Because dates and hours can change each year, many Atlanta residents check the most current schedule by contacting the Cumming Fairgrounds office at (770) 781-3491 or reviewing their posted schedule in advance.

What to Expect: Rides, Food, and Festival Atmosphere

The fair is designed to feel like a classic Southern county fair, which is different from a typical in-town Atlanta street festival.

Midway Rides & Games

You’ll typically find:

  • Thrill rides for teens and adults (spinning rides, drop rides, and fast coasters)
  • Family rides (Ferris wheel, carousels, smaller coasters)
  • Kiddie rides for younger children
  • Midway games where you can win stuffed animals and prizes

If you’re coming from Atlanta with kids, the fair feels like a compact amusement park for an afternoon or evening.

Fair Food Favorites

Expect the usual fair staples, including:

  • Funnel cakes, fried Oreos, and other sweets
  • Corn dogs, burgers, turkey legs, and sausage
  • Kettle corn, cotton candy, and lemonade

Food prices can add up, so many Atlanta families plan a food budget and let kids choose one or two special treats or meals at the fair.

Special Attractions & Entertainment

The Cumming Country Fair & Festival typically includes a mix of shows and exhibits that give it more of a “country fair” feel than an ordinary carnival.

Livestock, Agriculture & Heritage Displays

You may see:

  • Livestock barns with cows, goats, pigs, and other farm animals
  • 4-H or youth agriculture exhibits
  • Antique farm equipment and heritage displays that reflect North Georgia’s rural roots

For Atlanta residents who don’t see farm life up close very often, these exhibits can be especially interesting for children and school-aged groups.

Live Music & Shows

Most years, the fair includes:

  • Live concerts ranging from country and Southern rock to contemporary acts
  • Stunt shows or specialty performances (e.g., motorcycle stunts, trick riding, or themed shows)
  • Occasional fireworks nights or special event evenings

Performance schedules vary each year, so many visitors plan their day around a specific concert or show time once dates are posted.

Cost Basics: Admission, Rides, and Budgeting

Specific prices can change, but the cost structure typically includes:

  • Gate admission: Per-person fee to enter the fairgrounds
  • Rides: Paid per ride or via a ride armband on certain promotional days
  • Parking: Often a separate charge from admission

Common Ways Atlanta Families Manage Costs

  • Plan ahead for “value days” – Some years offer discount days or unlimited ride armband days, which can be better for families who plan to ride a lot.
  • Set a spending limit for games – Midway games can be a big temptation, especially for kids.
  • Eat before you arrive – Some Atlanta visitors eat a meal at home or in town first, then buy a few special fair snacks rather than full meals for everyone at the fair.

To get the latest information on current year pricing, many people either call the fairgrounds at (770) 781-3491 or check current materials before making the drive from Atlanta.

Planning Your Visit From Atlanta

Best Time of Day to Go

From Atlanta, timing matters both for traffic and crowds:

  • Afternoon (from ~3–6 p.m.)

    • Easier to navigate the fair with young kids
    • Daylight for exploring animals and exhibits
    • GA-400 can be heavy northbound near typical rush hours

  • Evening (after ~6–7 p.m.)

    • More lights, energy, and rides in full swing
    • Can be more crowded, especially on Friday and Saturday
    • Plan extra time for parking and lines

If you’re coming from Intown or South Atlanta, consider leaving before peak northbound traffic on GA-400 when possible.

What to Bring

Atlanta visitors often find these items helpful:

  • Cash and card – Some vendors may prefer or require one or the other.
  • Comfortable walking shoes – Expect a lot of walking on gravel or packed dirt.
  • Light jacket or hoodie – Evenings in October can feel cool compared to daytime.
  • Small bag or backpack – For water, hand wipes, and any small souvenirs.

Check any posted rules for restrictions on bags, outside food, or other items before you go.

Visiting With Kids: Tips for Atlanta Families

If you’re driving up from Atlanta with children:

  • Choose your day carefully – A weekday evening or Sunday afternoon can feel less overwhelming than peak Saturday nights.
  • Set a meeting point – With rides and crowds, having a clear “if we get separated” location can ease worry, especially for older kids.
  • Mix rides with rest stops – Alternate between the midway and quieter areas with animals or exhibits.

Some Atlanta-area parents also plan around school schedules, taking advantage of fall break or teacher workdays if they align with fair dates.

Accessibility and Practical Considerations

The Cumming Fairgrounds generally offers:

  • Paved and gravel pathways through much of the fair
  • Restroom facilities on-site
  • Limited seating in shaded or covered areas, depending on where you are within the grounds

If you or someone in your group has mobility or accessibility needs, it can be helpful to:

  • Call the Cumming Fairgrounds office at (770) 781-3491 ahead of time
  • Ask about parking options, wheelchair or stroller access, and recommended entry points

How the Cumming Country Fair Fits Into Atlanta’s Fall Festival Season

For people in Atlanta, the Cumming Country Fair & Festival is often part of a broader fall festival lineup that may also include:

  • In-town events at Piedmont Park, Chastain Park, or neighborhood festivals
  • Pumpkin patches and farm experiences in the North Georgia area
  • School carnivals and community events across Fulton, DeKalb, and surrounding counties

The Cumming fair is unique in that it offers:

  • A true “fairgrounds” experience with a large midway
  • Livestock and agricultural exhibits you don’t typically see inside the Perimeter
  • A short drive from Atlanta compared to more distant North Georgia attractions

For many Atlanta-area families, it becomes a once-a-year fall tradition right alongside in-town favorites.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Visitors

If you’re in Atlanta and considering the Cumming Country Fair & Festival:

  • Plan for a 40–60 minute drive one way, depending on where you start and traffic on GA-400.
  • Expect rides, games, classic fair food, animals, and live entertainment suitable for kids, teens, and adults.
  • Watch for specific October dates, hours, and pricing each year, as these can vary.
  • Consider going on less crowded days or times if you’re bringing young children or want a calmer experience.
  • For current details on hours, prices, and special events, contact the Cumming Fairgrounds at (770) 781-3491 or check the latest posted information before you head out from Atlanta.