When Does the Atlanta Fair Leave? Dates, Schedule, and What to Know Before It Packs Up 🎡

The Atlanta Fair is a seasonal event, not a year-round attraction, so knowing when it leaves is important if you’re planning a visit before it’s gone.

Because dates can change slightly from year to year, the most accurate way to think about it is this:

• The Atlanta Fair usually arrives in late February or early March
• It typically leaves in early to mid-April
• The fair runs for a few weeks, then the rides, games, and food stands are taken down and the lot is cleared

You should always double-check the current year’s closing date, but if you’re asking “When does the Atlanta Fair leave?” the short answer is: it usually wraps up in the spring, around early to mid-April.

Below is a more detailed breakdown of how the schedule works in Atlanta and how to plan your visit so you don’t miss it.

Typical Atlanta Fair Season in Atlanta

The Atlanta Fair is traditionally held at the turning area and lot off Central Avenue near downtown Atlanta, close to the old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium area and Georgia State University’s stadium area.

While exact dates change each year, the pattern is usually:

Because the fair leaves soon after its final scheduled day, you won’t see rides or attractions hanging around long after closing weekend. By mid- to late April, the fairgrounds area is usually cleared.

How to Find This Year’s Exact Closing Date

Since the fair’s end date can shift slightly with weather, operations, and scheduling, the best approach is to confirm the current year’s calendar shortly before you go.

Here are practical ways to check:

• 🔎 Search for “Atlanta Fair dates [current year]” to see the official schedule
• 📞 Call the information or customer service number listed on the fair’s current promotional materials or website
• 📍 Check postings or signs near the fair entrance once it has opened for the season

If you’re already in Atlanta, you can also:

• Look for event listings on city-focused calendars and local news outlets
• Watch for billboards or posters around downtown and along major Atlanta corridors

Because the fair is a recurring seasonal event, these sources usually update their closing date each year.

How Late Into the Season Can You Go?

If you’re trying to squeeze in a visit before the Atlanta Fair leaves, there are a few timing tips to keep in mind.

1. Final Week vs. Final Weekend

The fair usually has:

• Regular operating days during its final week
• A last big weekend where crowds can be heavier, especially at night

If you want shorter lines and a bit more space, going earlier in the final week (instead of the very last Saturday night) can be more comfortable.

2. Weather and Schedule Changes

Atlanta’s spring weather can be unpredictable. Heavy rain or storms may lead to:

• Adjusted operating hours
• Temporary ride closures
• In uncommon cases, slight shifts in scheduled closing dates or hours

Because of this, it’s a good idea to:

• Check the day-of schedule before heading out
• Have a backup day in mind if you’re visiting near the end of the fair’s run

Typical Daily Hours Near Closing Time

While exact hours change by year and day, the Atlanta Fair often follows patterns like:

• Weekdays: Opens later in the afternoon or early evening, closes at night
• Fridays and Saturdays: Longer hours into the night
• Sundays: Hours can be a bit shorter than Saturdays

In the final week, hours may stay consistent with the rest of the season, but you may see:

• 🎟️ Special promotions or discounts on certain days
• Slightly adjusted opening or closing times closer to the last day

Always verify the current year’s posted hours, especially if you’re planning a late-night visit near closing weekend.

Where the Atlanta Fair Usually Sets Up

The Atlanta Fair is typically held at a central, easy-to-reach location near downtown. While the exact lot arrangement can change, it is commonly near:

• The Central Avenue area, close to downtown
• Near the Georgia State University stadium area (formerly Turner Field)
• South of the Georgia State Capitol and Downtown Connector (I‑75/85)

This makes it convenient for:

• Downtown workers looking for after-work fun during the fair’s run
• Visitors staying in central Atlanta hotels
• Locals from nearby neighborhoods like Grant Park, Summerhill, and Mechanicsville

Because this lot is temporary fairground space, it does not stay a permanent amusement area once the fair leaves—everything is taken down.

Getting There Before It Leaves: Transportation Tips

If you’re trying to catch the fair before it’s gone, plan your route with local Atlanta transit and traffic in mind.

By MARTA

Using MARTA can help you avoid parking hassles near closing weekend:

• Take rail to a nearby station (for example, Georgia State Station or another downtown stop)
• Walk, scooter, or rideshare to the fairgrounds area depending on the exact setup that year

Check current transit maps and schedules through MARTA’s official resources before you go.

By Car

If you’re driving:

• Expect heavier traffic on Friday and Saturday nights near downtown as the fair winds down
• Look for event parking lots near the fair entrance and posted parking rates
• Give yourself extra time if there are home games or events at nearby stadiums

What Happens After the Fair Leaves?

Once the Atlanta Fair ends for the season:

• Rides, games, and food stands are removed over several days
• The lot returns to its off-season use, which may vary depending on the site’s current role
• You generally will not find fair activities or midway operations there until the next year’s fair arrives

If you miss the fair this year, you can usually expect it to return the following spring, but always confirm closer to the season since event schedules can change in Atlanta.

Alternatives in Atlanta If You Miss the Fair

If the Atlanta Fair has already left for the year, there are still plenty of things to do in Atlanta with a similar fun, festive feel:

• Seasonal festivals and food events across neighborhoods like Grant Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Midtown
• Theme-park style attractions within driving distance of Atlanta
• Local carnivals and community fairs that pop up around metro Atlanta during spring, summer, and fall

Checking Atlanta’s citywide events calendars and local neighborhood associations can help you find another outing if you’ve just missed the fair’s closing date.

In summary, the Atlanta Fair usually leaves Atlanta in early to mid-April, with the final weekend and closing date varying slightly from year to year. If you’re planning a visit, aim for March through early April, and always double-check the current year’s official schedule so you don’t show up after the rides and lights are already gone.