Your Guide to the North Georgia State Fair (For Atlanta Locals and Visitors)

The North Georgia State Fair in Marietta is one of the biggest and most popular fall events for people in and around Atlanta. If you live in the city or you’re visiting in September or early October, this is one of the classic Atlanta-area fall fairs to know about.

This guide walks you through what to expect, how to get there from Atlanta, what to budget for, and practical tips to make the most of your visit.

Fast Facts for Atlanta Visitors

Location:
Jim R. Miller Park & Event Center
2245 Callaway Rd SW
Marietta, GA 30008

Typical timing:
Late September through early October (runs for about a week and a half each year)

Distance from Atlanta:
Roughly 20–25 miles northwest of Downtown Atlanta, depending on your starting point.

What it’s known for:

• Big midway with rides and games
• Livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, and 4-H/FFA displays
• Concerts and live entertainment
• Classic fair food (funnel cakes, corn dogs, turkey legs, etc.)
• A strong “small-town fair” feel that’s still easy to reach from the city

Why the North Georgia State Fair Matters to Atlantans

Although it’s held in Marietta, many people in the metro area treat the North Georgia State Fair as Atlanta’s go-to fall fair. It’s close enough for:

• After-work trips from Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead
• Weekend outings for families from Decatur, East Atlanta, College Park, or Sandy Springs
• A fun add-on activity if you’re staying in Atlanta for a few days in the fall

If you like Stone Mountain’s Pumpkin Festival, fall festivals in neighborhoods like Grant Park or Cabbagetown, or tailgating for Georgia Tech or Falcons games, the North Georgia State Fair fits right in as a bigger, more traditional fair experience.

Getting There from Atlanta

Driving from Different Parts of the City

Because the fair is in Cobb County, driving is the most common way for Atlanta residents and visitors to get there.

From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta

• Take I-75 North toward Marietta
• Depending on traffic, you’ll usually:
  • Exit near South Marietta Parkway (SR 120 Loop) or
  • Use a local route guided by your navigation app to reach Callaway Rd SW
• Typical drive time (without heavy traffic): 25–40 minutes

From Buckhead / North Atlanta

• Use I-75 North or GA-400 to I-285 West, then connect to I-75 North
• Expect 20–35 minutes, depending on time of day and traffic at the Cobb Cloverleaf (I-75/I-285 interchange)

From Eastside (Decatur, East Atlanta, Kirkwood)

• Take I-20 West to I-75/85 North, then follow I-75 North
• Plan for 35–50 minutes, especially around rush hour

From Southside (Hapeville, College Park, Airport area)

• Head toward Downtown Atlanta via I-75/85, then continue on I-75 North
• Travel time is often 35–55 minutes, depending on airport and city traffic

Parking and Arrival Tips

• The fair typically offers on-site parking at Jim R. Miller Park.
• Parking is usually paid, so have a card or cash ready.
• On Friday and Saturday nights and nice-weather Sundays, lots can fill up quickly—arrive earlier in the day or closer to opening time if you want easier parking and shorter lines.

Admission, Rides, and What to Budget

Prices can change year to year, but there are general patterns that help Atlanta visitors plan.

What You’ll Spend (Typical Categories)

To build a rough budget for a family from Atlanta:

• Admission for each adult and older child
• Parking for 1 car
• Either ride wristbands (if you plan to ride a lot) or a set of ride tickets
• Food and drinks (often the biggest variable)
• A small allowance per person for games or souvenirs

Many Atlanta families find that weekday evenings can feel less crowded and sometimes offer discount promotions (like ride specials or certain discount nights).

Rides, Attractions, and Entertainment

Midway Rides

The North Georgia State Fair usually features:

• Thrill rides for teens and adults
• Family rides like Ferris wheels and carousels
• Kiddie rides suited for younger children

If you’re coming from in-town Atlanta with kids, this can feel like a more traditional, big-fair alternative to local neighborhood festivals.

Tip:
If you have children of different ages, check height requirements posted at each ride. This helps avoid long lines only to find a child is too short to ride.

Shows, Concerts, and Performances

The fair typically includes:

• Live music concerts, often country, rock, or regional acts
• Family-friendly shows (e.g., stunt shows, animal shows, or variety acts)
• Daily entertainment schedules that vary by day

If you’re driving from Atlanta primarily for a concert or a particular show:

• Plan to arrive at least an hour or more before showtime to park, enter, and walk across the grounds.
• On concert nights, lines at food stands can be longer—eating a light snack before leaving Atlanta can help.

Agricultural & Livestock Exhibits

Unlike many in-town Atlanta festivals, the North Georgia State Fair offers a more traditional agricultural fair experience, including:

• Livestock shows (cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, poultry)
• 4-H and FFA projects
• Exhibits featuring canning, baking, arts, and crafts

For Atlanta residents, this can be an interesting way to:

• Introduce kids to farm animals and Georgia agriculture
• See a side of the state you won’t typically find inside the Perimeter
• Explore exhibits that connect rural and suburban communities to urban Atlanta

Many city families use this as a hands-on learning experience, especially for younger children who may rarely see farm life up close.

Food and Drinks: What to Expect

The North Georgia State Fair leans into classic fair food:

• Funnel cakes, fried Oreos, and candy apples
• Corn dogs, turkey legs, burgers, and sausages
• Fresh-squeezed lemonade, sodas, and other drinks

If you’re coming from Atlanta’s food scene, don’t expect chef-driven menus here—it’s more about nostalgic, indulgent treats.

Tips for Atlantans planning ahead:

• Food portions can be large; sharing items can help manage cost and waste.
• If anyone in your group has food allergies or dietary restrictions, options can be limited; consider eating a partial meal in Atlanta beforehand and treating fair food as snacks.
• Bring water if allowed, or plan to purchase drinks once inside.

Best Times to Go From Atlanta

Weeknights vs. Weekends

• Weeknights:

  • Often less crowded
  • Good for families who want shorter ride lines
  • Traffic on I-75 North can still be heavy during rush hour, so leaving Atlanta earlier helps

• Weekends:

  • More energy and atmosphere, more locals out
  • Heavier traffic and crowds
  • Best if you plan to spend more time at the fair and don’t mind lines

Daytime vs. Evening

• Daytime:

  • Easier to navigate with young children
  • Slightly more relaxed feel
  • Can be hot in early fall; bring sunscreen and hats

• Evening:

  • The fair’s lights and rides feel more festive
  • Cooler temperatures
  • More crowded, particularly Friday and Saturday nights

Getting Around the Fairgrounds

Once you arrive and park:

• Expect to do a good amount of walking.
• The grounds include separate areas for:
  • Midway rides and games
  • Food vendors
  • Livestock barns and agricultural exhibits
  • Performance stages and concert areas

If you’re bringing young kids from Atlanta, a stroller can be very helpful, especially for evening visits or longer days.

Accessibility and Practical Considerations

The fairgrounds at Jim R. Miller Park generally include:

• Paved walkways in many areas
• Designated accessible parking spaces
• Accessible restrooms and facilities

If someone in your group has mobility needs, it can help to:

• Arrive earlier in the day for better parking options
• Give extra travel time from Atlanta so you’re not rushing to a specific show or performance
• Check entry gates and pathways closest to parking areas once you arrive

Staying Nearby vs. Commuting from Atlanta

Same-Day Trip From Atlanta

Most people in the city treat the North Georgia State Fair as a day trip:

• Drive up, spend 3–6 hours, and head back the same evening.
• This works well for families in neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, West Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Sandy Springs, where access to I-75 is relatively quick.

Staying in Cobb County

If you prefer not to drive back late at night:

• Look for lodging options in Marietta, Smyrna, or near Cumberland and The Battery Atlanta.
• This can be handy if you’re also planning to visit Truist Park, the Chattahoochee River parks, or other Cobb County attractions.

Tips for Atlanta Families, Couples, and Groups

For Families with Kids

• ✅ Arrive early to avoid the most intense crowds and lines.
• ✅ Set a ride plan and budget before walking into the midway.
• ✅ Take a quick “landmark photo” (e.g., entrance sign or a major ride) so kids remember a meeting spot if anyone gets separated.
• ✅ Pack wipes, hand sanitizer, and a light jacket for evening visits.

For Couples or Friends from the City

• Consider going on a weeknight to get more rides and activities with less waiting.
• If you’re starting from Inman Park, Midtown, or Downtown, check traffic on I-75 and plan around rush hour.
• Use rides, games, and concerts as a full date night or group outing instead of just a quick stop.

For Out-of-Town Visitors Staying in Atlanta

If you’re based at a hotel in:

• Downtown or Midtown: factor in parking costs at your hotel plus the fair to plan your daily budget.
• Cumberland/Galleria area: you’ll be closer to Marietta; the fair can be a natural pairing with other Cobb attractions.

Safety and Comfort Considerations

• Weather: Late September and early October in metro Atlanta can still be warm and humid during the day, with cooler evenings. Dress in layers.
• Sun: Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are helpful for daytime visits.
• Cash/Card: Many vendors accept cards, but carrying a small amount of cash can be useful for certain stands, parking, or games.
• Crowds: Keep valuables secure and stay aware of your surroundings, especially during peak evening hours.

How the Fair Fits into Atlanta’s Fall Season

In the broader Atlanta fall calendar, the North Georgia State Fair usually lands around the same time as:

• Early pumpkin patches and corn mazes in the metro area
• College football season (UGA, Georgia Tech)
• Neighborhood festivals that pop up across Intown Atlanta and the metro suburbs

For many people in Atlanta, going to the North Georgia State Fair once each year is a seasonal ritual, similar to:

• Visiting a pumpkin patch
• Going apple picking in North Georgia
• Catching a Falcons or college football game

If you’re planning fall activities in and around Atlanta, the fair offers a classic, big-fair atmosphere without needing to drive far into the mountains or out of state.

By understanding where the North Georgia State Fair is, how to reach it from Atlanta, what it costs, and what you’ll find once you’re there, you can fit it smoothly into your fall plans—whether you’re an Atlanta local or just in town for a visit.