Yellow Daisy Festival at Stone Mountain: Atlanta’s Favorite Fall Arts & Crafts Tradition

The Yellow Daisy Festival at Stone Mountain Park is one of metro Atlanta’s most beloved fall events. If you live in Atlanta—or you’re visiting in early fall—it’s a classic arts and crafts festival that feels like a mix of mountain getaway, fall fair, and big neighborhood block party.

Below is everything you need to know to plan your visit from Atlanta, including parking, tickets, what to expect, and local tips to actually enjoy it (and not just sit in traffic).

Yellow Daisy Festival Basics

Location:
Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd
Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Stone Mountain is on the east side of metro Atlanta, roughly:

• 20–30 minutes from downtown Atlanta (without heavy traffic)
• Accessible via US-78 East from I-285

Type of event:
A large, outdoor arts, crafts, and handmade goods festival with hundreds of vendors, food, live music, and kids’ activities, set in a wooded section of Stone Mountain Park.

Typical timing:

• Held each year in early September over several days, often Thursday–Sunday
• The exact dates and daily hours change year to year, so it’s important to check the most current schedule before you go

Cost:

• The festival itself is generally included with Stone Mountain Park daily parking or admission
• You usually pay for parking or a park pass, then all Yellow Daisy booths, music, and browsing are included
• Food, crafts, and some optional park attractions cost extra

What Makes the Yellow Daisy Festival Special in Atlanta

A long-running fall tradition

The Yellow Daisy Festival has a long history as one of the top arts and crafts festivals in the Southeast. Many Atlanta families treat it as a kickoff to fall: it often lands right after Labor Day, when the heat is (slightly) easing and people are ready for pumpkins, decor, and outdoor events again.

You’ll see:

• Hundreds of artists and crafters from across the region
• Handmade goods like pottery, jewelry, soaps, candles, home decor, seasonal wreaths, and yard art
• A strong focus on unique, handcrafted items rather than mass-produced merchandise

Forest setting inside Stone Mountain Park

Unlike many downtown festivals, the Yellow Daisy Festival is held in a wooded area of the park, with booths winding through the trees. For Atlanta residents used to concrete and parking decks, this feels more like a mountain craft fair without the long drive to North Georgia.

You get:

• Shaded paths and tree-lined vendor rows
• A “day trip” feel while staying close to home
• Access to other Stone Mountain attractions if you want to make it a full day (Skyride, hiking, playgrounds, and more, depending on park operations)

How to Get There from Around Atlanta

Driving and parking

Most people from Atlanta drive to the Yellow Daisy Festival.

Common driving routes:

• From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:
  • Take I-85 or I-75 to I-20 or Freedom Parkway, then connect to I-285 East
  • Exit onto US-78 East toward Stone Mountain
  • Follow signs for Stone Mountain Park entrances
• From Decatur / East Atlanta:
  • Take US-78 East directly to Stone Mountain
• From North Atlanta / Buckhead / Sandy Springs:
  • Take GA-400 or I-285 to connect with US-78 East

🅿️ Parking tips:

• Stone Mountain Park typically charges a daily parking fee per vehicle, or you can use an annual parking pass if you have one.
• Parking lots can fill up late morning on busy days. Arrive early, especially on Saturday.
• Expect traffic backups near the park entrance, particularly midday and on weekends of the festival.

Public transit

Transit access is limited:

• MARTA does not go directly into the park.
• You can take MARTA rail to Indian Creek station or Kensington station, then use rideshare to Stone Mountain Park.
• Fully transit-only trips are challenging; expect at least part of the trip by car or ride-hailing.

For most Atlantans, driving or carpooling is the most practical option.

Tickets, Admission, and What It Actually Costs

Park entry vs. festival entry

It’s important to understand the difference between the park and the festival:

• Yellow Daisy Festival:

  • Walk-in admission is often included with your Stone Mountain Park vehicle parking fee or certain park passes.
  • There is usually no separate ticket just to walk around the craft booths and listen to music.

• Stone Mountain Park parking / gate fee:

  • You typically pay per car to enter the park for the day.
  • Local residents who visit often sometimes buy an annual parking pass.

• Optional attractions inside the park:

  • The Skyride, certain shows, or seasonal attractions (if operating) often require separate attraction tickets or passes.

📝 Budget planning:

• Parking / entry: plan for the park vehicle fee
• Shopping: what you spend at vendor booths varies widely
• Food & beverages: festival and park concession prices
• Optional: park attractions, if you add them to your day

What You’ll Find at the Yellow Daisy Festival

Arts & crafts vendors

This is the main draw for most Atlantans. You’ll see:

• Handmade decor: wreaths, metal signs, wooden art, seasonal decorations
• Jewelry & accessories: handcrafted earrings, necklaces, leather goods
• Pottery & glass: mugs, bowls, vases, stained glass
• Textiles: quilts, clothing, bags, baby items
• Body & home products: soaps, lotions, candles, essential oil blends
• Yard & garden pieces: wind chimes, bird feeders, outdoor art

Many returning visitors come back specifically to find the same favorite artisans year after year, or to start their fall and holiday gift shopping early.

Food and refreshments

Expect classic fair-style and Southern festival food, such as:

• BBQ sandwiches, sliders, and smoked meats
• Funnel cakes, fried treats, and kettle corn
• Lemonade, iced tea, and cold drinks
• Sometimes specialty items like roasted nuts, local honey, and sauces

There are also usually Stone Mountain Park concessions available nearby.

Live music and entertainment

The festival commonly features:

• Live music stages with local and regional performers
• Genres can vary—from folk and country to acoustic rock and soft pop
• Family-friendly atmosphere with people stopping to listen while they rest or eat

Entertainment is generally included once you’re in the festival area.

Kids and family-friendly features

The Yellow Daisy Festival is popular with families from across metro Atlanta. Depending on the year, you may find:

• Designated children’s activity areas or craft zones
• Photo ops, costumed characters, or themed decorations
• Wide walking paths that, while busy, are generally manageable with strollers if you go early in the day

When and How Long to Stay

Best days to go

Patterns can vary, but many Atlanta locals notice:

• Thursday & Friday:

  • Often less crowded, especially in the morning
  • Popular with retirees, part-time workers, or people who take a weekday off

• Saturday:

  • Usually the busiest day
  • Expect heavier traffic, more families, and longer lines for food

• Sunday:

  • Can be busy but sometimes slightly calmer than Saturday
  • Some vendors may start to sell out of popular items later in the day

If you live in Atlanta and can manage a weekday morning, that’s often the most relaxed way to experience the festival.

How long should you plan to stay?

Most visitors spend:

• 2–4 hours if they’re mainly browsing and grabbing a bite
• A full day if they shop thoroughly and also enjoy other Stone Mountain Park attractions or hiking/walking around the park

Practical Tips for Atlantans Attending the Yellow Daisy Festival

What to wear and bring

Atlanta weather in early September is still hot and humid, with strong sun and occasional storms.

Consider bringing:

• Light, breathable clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be on your feet a lot)
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Small backpack or tote for purchases
• Refillable water bottle (check park rules, as they can change)
• Cash and cards: many vendors take cards, but a small amount of cash can be helpful

🌧️ Be prepared for sudden showers; a small poncho or lightweight rain jacket can make a big difference.

Coping with crowds and heat

• Arrive early (near opening time) to avoid the most intense heat and crowds.
• Take breaks in shaded seating areas or near the music stages.
• If the forecast is very hot, consider planning most of your browsing before noon and leaving before mid-afternoon.

Accessibility considerations

• The festival area is outdoors with paved and unpaved paths.
• Wheelchairs and strollers can navigate many areas, but some paths may be uneven due to roots or natural terrain.
• Handicap parking is typically available in designated lots; arriving early improves your chances of a close spot.

Anyone with mobility concerns may want to:

• Look for drop-off areas closer to the festival entrance
• Use a lightweight, maneuverable wheelchair or scooter if needed
• Avoid peak midday times when the paths are most crowded

Quick-Glance Yellow Daisy Festival Guide

Stone Mountain Park Details for Yellow Daisy Visitors

Since the festival happens inside Stone Mountain Park, it helps to understand the basics of the park itself.

Park entrance and contact info

Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Main Information Line (commonly listed): (770) 498-5690

For the most accurate, up-to-date festival information (dates, hours, parking rates, accessibility, and park rules), you can contact the park directly or check their current event materials.

Other things to do while you’re there

Many Atlantans combine the Yellow Daisy Festival with other Stone Mountain activities, such as:

• Walking around the park’s lake or picnic areas
• Hiking Walk-Up Trail up the mountain (weather and conditions permitting)
• Visiting playgrounds or open fields for kids
• Taking scenic drives around the park

These options can help make it a full day outing if you’re coming from farther parts of metro Atlanta like Marietta, Jonesboro, or Alpharetta.

Is the Yellow Daisy Festival Worth It for Atlantans?

For most people in the Atlanta area, the Yellow Daisy Festival is appealing if you:

• Enjoy arts and crafts, handmade gifts, and home decor
• Want a festive fall outing close to home
• Are comfortable with crowds and outdoor walking
• Like combining shopping with time in nature at Stone Mountain

If you strongly dislike traffic, heat, or busy outdoor events, you may want to:

• Go on a weekday morning, or
• Visit for a shorter window, focusing on key vendors and then heading out before the peak midday rush

For many Atlanta families and crafters, though, it’s a yearly tradition that marks the start of fall—and one of the biggest, most distinctive seasonal festivals on the local calendar.