Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival: A Local’s Guide to Atlanta’s Fall Favorite

If you’re in Atlanta and looking for a classic fall outing, the Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival is one of the biggest, most family-focused seasonal events within easy driving distance of the city. Held at Stone Mountain Park in Stone Mountain, Georgia (about 20–30 minutes from downtown Atlanta, depending on traffic), it combines pumpkins, fall decor, and kid-friendly activities with the park’s usual attractions.

Below is a practical guide to what to expect, how to plan your visit from Atlanta, and tips to make the most of the day with kids.

What Is the Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival?

The Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival is a seasonal fall event typically held from late September through October at Stone Mountain Park:

• Location: Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
• Distance from Atlanta: Roughly 15 miles east of downtown
• Focus: Family activities, pumpkin-themed displays, fall decor, and evening light experiences

The festival transforms the park with:

• Themed pumpkin displays and photo spots
• Kid-friendly shows and roaming characters
• Fall crafts and games
• Evening lighted pumpkin scenes and projections (often branded as a nighttime “glow” or “lights” experience)

While Stone Mountain Park operates year-round, the Pumpkin Festival adds seasonal entertainment and decor specifically geared toward families and kids.

When the Pumpkin Festival Usually Happens

Dates vary slightly each year, but common patterns include:

• Season: Late September through October
• Days: Often weekends plus some additional dates closer to Halloween
• Hours: Daytime activities usually start in late morning or early afternoon, with nighttime glow experiences after dark

Because specific dates and hours can change, Atlanta families typically:

• Check the official Stone Mountain Park calendar before committing to a date
• Look at weather forecasts—rain or cold can affect how long kids enjoy outdoor activities

If you are coming from intown Atlanta (Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead), factor in Friday rush-hour traffic; weekend mornings are typically easier.

Getting to Stone Mountain from Atlanta

Driving and Parking

From most parts of Atlanta, driving is the most direct option:

• From Downtown/Midtown: Take I-20 East or I-285 to US-78 East toward Stone Mountain.
• Follow signs to Stone Mountain Park main entrance.
• Parking is usually a separate fee (often a daily parking pass or an annual pass option).

Traffic considerations:

• Weekends in October can be busy, especially near midday.
• Aim to arrive earlier in the day if you want easier parking and shorter lines for kid activities.

Public Transportation and Rideshare

Public transit doesn’t go directly inside the park, and families with strollers usually find it less convenient. Options some Atlanta residents use:

• MARTA Rail + Rideshare:
  • Take MARTA to Indian Creek Station (East Line).
  • From there, use a ride-hailing service or taxi to reach the park’s main entrance.

If you rely on rideshare:

• Choose the main entrance as your drop-off and pick-up point.
• Plan your return time; coverage is usually good, but after big events let-out there can be wait times and surge pricing.

Admission, Tickets, and What’s Included

The Pumpkin Festival typically requires park admission plus parking. In some years, the daytime attractions and nighttime glow experiences may be bundled or offered in different ticket tiers.

Common things Atlanta families look for when checking tickets:

• General park admission: Often includes some standard Stone Mountain attractions.
• Festival-specific access: Some experiences (like the evening glow areas or special shows) may only be available on certain tickets.
• Annual passes: For families who visit Stone Mountain multiple times per year (for the Pumpkin Festival, Snow Mountain-style winter events, or laser shows), an annual pass may sometimes make sense.

Because ticket structure can change, it’s smart to:

• Compare single-day tickets vs. seasonal/annual options
• Confirm whether evening glow experiences are included in your ticket selection
• Verify age-based pricing for kids

Children under a certain age may receive free or discounted admission, but the age cutoff can vary year to year.

What Kids and Families Can Do at the Pumpkin Festival

The main draw for Atlanta-area families is the mix of kid-friendly activities and photo-worthy fall scenes. While specifics change each season, you can expect a mix of:

Daytime Activities

1. Fall Photo Spots and Pumpkin Displays
You’ll find:

• Stacked pumpkin towers and decorated scenes
• Themed backdrops perfect for family photos or holiday cards
• Areas with hay bales, scarecrows, and fall decor

These are spread around the festival zone, so you can stop for pictures between other activities.

2. Kid-Friendly Live Entertainment
Past festivals have included:

• Short stage shows with family-friendly themes
• Roaming performers, characters, or mascots
• Music and interactive segments for younger children

Showtimes are usually posted on a daily schedule near entrances and on park maps.

3. Crafts and Games
Typical options:

• Simple kids’ craft stations (seasonal coloring, decorating small items)
• Carnival-style games suitable for elementary-age children
• Occasional activities tied to fall or Halloween themes

Some activities may be included with admission, while others may charge a small fee or require tickets.

Evening “Glow” and Light Experiences

Once the sun goes down, the tone shifts from daytime play to illuminated fall magic:

• Lighted pumpkin displays and pathways
• Projections and glowing decor on buildings and trees
• Music-synced lighting experiences

Families from Atlanta often time their visit so they:

• Arrive in the afternoon, enjoy rides and daytime activities
• Stay through sunset to see the glow displays and nighttime atmosphere

Bringing a light jacket or sweatshirt is usually smart—October nights around Stone Mountain can feel cooler than in the city, especially by the lake.

Regular Stone Mountain Attractions You Might Combine With the Festival

The Pumpkin Festival builds on Stone Mountain Park’s existing attractions. Depending on your ticket, you may be able to enjoy:

• Summit Skyride (aerial tram): Scenic view of downtown Atlanta on clear days
• Scenic railroad: A family-friendly ride around the base of the mountain
• Mini-golf or adventure courses: Good for older kids and tweens
• Play areas: Some outdoor play zones and picnic spaces

Not all attractions operate every day or evening, so check which are open on your visit date.

What to Expect: Atmosphere, Crowds, and Age Ranges

Atmosphere:

• Very family-focused and kid-friendly
• Fall-themed, often more “whimsical harvest” than scary
• Costumes are sometimes welcome on specific days, especially near Halloween (check event rules)

Crowds:

• Weekends in October are typically the busiest, especially Saturday afternoons and evenings.
• Weeknights (if offered) can feel more relaxed and manageable with small children.

Best ages:

• Toddlers and preschoolers: Enjoy the visuals, characters, and gentle activities.
• Elementary-age kids: Usually get the most out of crafts, games, shows, and photo ops.
• Tweens and teens: May enjoy the nighttime lights, rides, and general atmosphere, but younger kids tend to be the primary focus.

Sample Day Plan for Atlanta Families

Here’s a simple example of how an Atlanta-based family might structure their day:

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Leave Atlanta, drive to Stone Mountain Park, park, and get oriented.

12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

• Have lunch at a park restaurant or picnic with food brought from home (check food policies).
• Explore daytime festival areas and photo spots.

2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

• Catch a family show or two.
• Let kids enjoy games, crafts, or a ride like the scenic railroad.

4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

• Take a break, grab snacks.
• If included in your ticket, ride the Summit Skyride for afternoon views.

After Sunset

• Walk through the glow areas and illuminated pumpkin displays.
• End with a final show or photo stop, then head back to Atlanta before it gets too late for young kids.

Quick Reference: Key Details for Atlanta Visitors

Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit

Here are some Atlanta-specific pointers to make the day easier:

• Plan for traffic:

  • Leaving from Midtown or Buckhead? Consider leaving before lunchtime on Saturdays.
  • Home games, concerts, or major events in the city can affect traffic on I-285 and US-78.

• Dress in layers:

  • October in metro Atlanta can swing from warm afternoons to cool evenings.
  • Comfortable shoes are important; you’ll walk more than you might expect with kids.

• Strollers and gear:

  • Strollers are common and helpful for toddlers.
  • A small backpack with snacks, water, wipes, and an extra layer for each child is useful.

• Food:

  • Expect theme-park style food (burgers, snacks, sweets).
  • If your child has dietary restrictions, plan ahead—consider eating before arrival or bringing options, within park rules.

• Photos:

  • The festival is popular for fall family photos.
  • Less crowded times (early in the day or on non-peak dates) make it easier to get clear shots without big crowds in the background.

Helpful Local Context for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

• Driving from Intown Neighborhoods:

  • From Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland, East Atlanta Village, and Decatur, Stone Mountain is generally an easy eastbound drive.
  • If you’re staying in Downtown or Midtown hotels, build in extra time for weekend congestion on the connector and I-285.

• Combining with Other Nearby Activities:

  • Some Atlanta families make it a full day trip, pairing the Pumpkin Festival with:
    • A late breakfast or coffee in Decatur or Avondale Estates on the way
    • A short hike at Stone Mountain (for families with older kids) before festival activities begin

• Accessibility Considerations:

  • Paths are mostly paved or well-maintained, but there may be inclines and some uneven surfaces.
  • If anyone in your group uses a wheelchair or mobility device, reviewing accessible parking and route options ahead of time is helpful.

How to Decide if the Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival Is Right for Your Family

Families in the Atlanta area often ask whether the drive and cost are worth it. A quick self-check:

You’ll likely enjoy the Pumpkin Festival if you want:

• A big, themed fall outing with lots of visual appeal for kids
• A mix of activities, shows, and photo ops instead of just a pumpkin patch
• A chance to experience Stone Mountain Park with a seasonal twist

You might skip or shorten your visit if:

• Your kids prefer small, quiet activities over crowds and stimulation
• You mostly want pumpkin picking or farm-style experiences—in that case, smaller pumpkin patches and farms around metro Atlanta may be a better fit
• You’re mainly interested in hiking Stone Mountain, which you can do without the festival experience on other days

For many Atlanta families, the Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival becomes a once-a-season tradition—especially for those with toddlers and elementary-age kids who love bright lights, characters, and themed decorations.

By planning your timing, checking the event details for the current year, and building in travel and weather considerations, you can turn it into an easy and memorable fall day just outside Atlanta.