What’s Going On In Atlanta In October? Your Guide to Fall Festivals, Events, and Things To Do

October in Atlanta is one of the best times to be out and about. The weather usually cools off, college and pro sports are in full swing, and festivals pop up in neighborhoods all over the city. Whether you live here, you’re visiting, or you’re planning a trip, there’s a lot going on in Atlanta in October.

Below is a practical guide to the major events, seasonal activities, and classic “only in Atlanta” things to do this month.

Big Fall Festivals and Fairs in October

October is peak festival season in Atlanta. Many of these happen every year around the same time, but exact dates can change, so it’s smart to confirm before you go.

Georgia State Fair (South Metro)

Usually held in early to mid-October, the Georgia State Fair brings:

• Carnival rides and midway games
• Livestock and agricultural displays
• Live music and stunt shows
• Classic fair food (funnel cakes, corn dogs, etc.)

It’s often held at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton (1500 Tara Pl, Hampton, GA 30228), which is south of the city. Parking is plentiful, but weekends can be busy.

Good for: Families, groups, and anyone who likes traditional fair attractions.

Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade

This is one of Atlanta’s most iconic October events. The Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade typically happens in mid to late October in the Little Five Points neighborhood just east of Downtown.

Expect:

• A huge, theatrical Halloween parade with floats and costumes
• Local vendors, food, and street performers
• A very creative, alternative, and artsy vibe

Parking in Little Five Points is limited; many locals use MARTA (Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station) or rideshare.

Good for: Adults and older teens who enjoy Halloween, music, and people-watching. It can be loud and crowded for small children.

Cabbagetown Chomp and Stomp (Early Chili Season)

Some years this chili-focused event lands in late October or early November, but it’s part of the fall festival rhythm in Atlanta. Held in Cabbagetown Park and nearby streets:

• Chili cook-off with restaurants and amateurs
• Live bluegrass and local bands
• Neighborhood vendors and artists

Cabbagetown is just southeast of Downtown, near Memorial Drive and the BeltLine Eastside Trail.

Good for: Food lovers, neighborhood explorers, and live music fans.

Neighborhood Fall Festivals

Many intown neighborhoods host annual fall festivals in or around October, such as:

• Atlanta Pride Festival & Parade (often in October) at Piedmont Park
• Homecoming and fall events at local colleges like Georgia Tech and Georgia State
• Church and school fall festivals throughout the metro

These events are usually family-friendly and a way to experience Atlanta’s neighborhood culture.

Halloween Events, Haunted Houses, and Spooky Tours

If you’re wondering what’s going on in Atlanta in October around Halloween specifically, there is no shortage of options—from family-friendly to very intense.

Haunted Houses (High-Intensity)

Atlanta is known for large-scale haunted attractions that operate through October:

• Netherworld Haunted House (popular regional attraction)
  • Usually located in the metro Atlanta area northeast of the city
  • Known for elaborate sets, actors, and monsters
  • Often includes escape rooms and side attractions

These haunted houses commonly use timed ticketing, and weekends in October can sell out, so advance planning is wise.

Tip: Many haunted houses recommend age limits or caution for young children due to graphic effects and jump scares.

Family-Friendly Halloween Fun

For a lighter, more family-focused Halloween experience, look for:

• Boo at the Zoo at Zoo Atlanta
  • 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
  • Daytime trick-or-treating stations, costumes, and themed decorations
• Fall festivals at local parks like Grant Park, Piedmont Park, and Chastain Park
• Trunk-or-treats hosted by churches, community centers, and schools

These events usually keep things non-scary and are easier for younger children.

Ghost Tours and Cemetery Walks

Atlanta has a deep history, and October is a popular month for ghost tours and historic walks, especially around:

• Oakland Cemetery – 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  • A historic cemetery with guided tours and occasional special evening events
  • Focuses on Atlanta history, notable residents, and sometimes “haunted history” themes

Tours often require advance reservations, especially around Halloween week.

Sports: Football, Playoffs, and More

October is prime time for Atlanta sports.

College and Pro Football

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

  • 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Home games in October are a major draw, with tailgating and pre-game activities downtown.

• College football

  • Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium (North Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
  • Georgia State Panthers at Center Parc Stadium (755 Hank Aaron Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30315)

Game days often bring extra traffic and crowds on streets and MARTA, so plan your transportation accordingly.

Baseball and Other Sports

If the Atlanta Braves make it to the postseason, October can feature playoff baseball at Truist Park (755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339), just outside the city in Cobb County.

Even when there’s not a game, The Battery Atlanta (the mixed-use area around the ballpark) hosts:

• Outdoor concerts and watch parties
• Restaurants and bars with patio seating
• Occasional special events and pop-ups in fall

Fall Weather Activities: Parks, Trails, and Leaf-Peeping

October usually brings milder temperatures and the start of fall color, making it a great month to be outdoors in Atlanta.

Atlanta BeltLine and Intown Trails

The Atlanta BeltLine is a multi-use trail network circling the city. In October, it’s popular for:

• Walking, jogging, or biking
• Patio dining at restaurants along the Eastside and Westside Trails
• Public art installations and pop-up performances

Key access points include:

• Eastside Trail: near Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and Inman Park
• Westside Trail: near West End, Lee + White, and Adair Park

Parks and Fall Colors

For foliage and fall picnics:

• Piedmont Park – 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
  • The city’s signature park with skyline views, walking trails, and dog parks
• Chastain Park – 140 Chastain Park Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30342
  • Wooded trails, playgrounds, and a golf course in north Atlanta
• Grant Park – 537 Park Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  • Historic neighborhood park surrounding Zoo Atlanta

If you’re open to a short drive outside the city, October is a classic time for day trips to North Georgia for mountain views and peak leaf color.

Arts, Culture, and Indoor Events

October isn’t just about festivals and football. It’s also a strong month for arts and culture in Atlanta.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

Many of Atlanta’s major museums feature special exhibitions or evening events in the fall, including:

• High Museum of Art – 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Atlanta History Center – 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
• Fernbank Museum – 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307

October is a good time to visit because tourist crowds are often lighter than in summer and spring breaks.

Theater, Comedy, and Live Music

Atlanta’s performing arts and music scene is active year-round, but October typically offers:

• New seasons at theaters like Alliance Theatre (on the Woodruff Arts Center campus, Midtown)
• Stand-up and improv shows at comedy venues around Midtown, Buckhead, and East Atlanta
• Concerts ranging from large arenas (Downtown and College Park) to smaller venues in Little Five Points, East Atlanta, and Old Fourth Ward

If you’re planning a night out, look at:

• Midtown’s Peachtree Street corridor for major venues
• Neighborhood spots in East Atlanta Village, Edgewood, and West Midtown for smaller shows

Food and Drink: Fall Menus, Patios, and Festivals

October in Atlanta often means patio weather and seasonal menus.

Patio and Rooftop Dining

You’ll find patios and rooftop spaces across the city, especially in:

• Midtown – around Peachtree St and 10th/14th St
• Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park – near the BeltLine Eastside Trail
• West Midtown – along Howell Mill Rd and Marietta St

Many places introduce fall-inspired dishes and drinks when the weather cools down.

Food and Drink Events

October is also a common month for:

• Oktoberfest-style events with German food, beer, and music
• Wine and food festivals in neighborhoods like Midtown, Inman Park, or at big venues
• Farmers markets with fall produce (pumpkins, apples, greens)

Well-known neighborhoods for farmers markets and local food include:

• Grant Park
• Piedmont Park (Green Market)
• Decatur (just east of Atlanta city limits)

Family-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta in October

If you’re planning for kids, there’s plenty that’s fun and age-appropriate.

Major Family Attractions

In addition to Halloween-specific events, Atlanta’s core attractions are popular in October:

• Georgia Aquarium – 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• World of Coca-Cola – 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta – 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Zoo Atlanta – 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

These are all within or near Downtown and Grant Park, and October crowds are often more manageable than peak summer.

Parks, Playgrounds, and Easy Outings

Families often head to:

• Centennial Olympic Park – 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Close to major attractions; good for a break between activities
• Historic Fourth Ward Park – 680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
  • Near the BeltLine and Ponce City Market
• Community fall festivals at local schools and neighborhoods, often with bounce houses, games, and crafts

Quick Snapshot: What’s Going On in Atlanta in October?

Below is a simple overview to help you plan:

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta in October

A few simple strategies make October in Atlanta easier to navigate:

• Check event dates and tickets early. Popular haunted houses, festivals, and games can sell out, especially on October weekends.
• Plan for traffic and parking. Major events near Downtown, Midtown, and stadiums often bring heavier traffic. Using MARTA or rideshare can save time.
• Layer your clothing. Mornings and evenings can be cool while afternoons stay warm, especially at outdoor festivals or games.
• Watch the festival calendars. Many neighborhoods and attractions publish October schedules with exact dates for parades, markets, and special events.

If you’re in or around Atlanta in October, you’ll have no shortage of things to do—whether you’re into festivals, sports, art, food, or just a good walk on the BeltLine with fall air and city views.