SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – Georgia Tech gets it done against Duke to stay undefeated. Georgia has a big fourth quarter to take down #5 Ole Miss. Georgia Southern shut down Georgia State late, while Savannah State and the Falcons struggled to find any offense.

Here is everything that happened this past week in football around Georgia.

#10 Georgia vs #5 Ole Miss – The Bulldogs found a way to come out on top in this SEC matchup of two top ten teams. Georgia scored 17 unanswered points in the 4th quarter to beat Ole Miss 43-35.

Junior QB Gunner Stockton was 26 of 31 on the day for 298 yards and four touchdowns through the air. Stockton also rushed for 59 yards and one touchdown on 10 carries.

On the other sideline, Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss was 19 of 36 for 263 yards and one touchdown. The former Ferris State passer also had nine carries for 42 yards and two rushing touchdowns on the day.

Georgia will now shut it down for a week before facing the 3-4 Florida Gators in Athens. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 3:30 on Nov. 1st on ABC.

Georgia Southern vs Georgia State – The Georgia Southern Eagles took advantage of a 21-0 fourth quarter to help claim a 41-24 victory over Georgia State for their third win of the season.

Junior QB JC French IV was 17 of 25 for 210 yards and three touchdowns. French IV also led the Eagles in rushing with 12 carries for 85 yards and one touchdown.

While Senior WR Camden Brown only had three catches on the day for 48 yards, two of those were for touchdowns. Senior WR Dalen Cobb was responsible for the other score on his way to a seven catch game for 43 yards.

Georgia Southern will now have the tough task of winning on the road as they head to Jonesboro to take on the 3-4 Arkansas State Red Wolves. Kickoff for the game is set for 7:00 p.m. Saturday on ESPN.

#13 Georgia Tech vs Duke – The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets continue their winning ways with a 27-18 victory over the Duke Blue Devils.

Senior playcaller Haynes King was 14 of 21 through the air for 205 yards. As usual, King was also a major factor on the ground as he accounted for 120 of Georgia Tech’s 171 total rushing yards. King also had one rushing touchdown on his 14 carries.

The Yellow Jackets’ other offensive score came on a 10-yard touchdown run from Junior RB Malachi Hosley, who finished the day with 23 yards on 11 carries.

Georgia Tech’s defense also got in on the scoring as Senior DB Omar Daniels had a 95-yard fumble return for a touchdown.

The Yellow Jackets will now put that 7-0 win streak on the line as they take on the 3-4 Syracuse Orange at noon on Saturday. The game can be seen on ESPN.

Savannah State vs Fort Valley State University – The Savannah State Tigers fall to 3-4 on the year following a 7-0 loss to Fort Valley State University.

The Tigers’ offense struggled as they were held to only 93 yards of total offense on the day.

The only score of the game came when Fort Valley State University Sophomore WR Donte Curry returned a 76-yard punt return for a touchdown.

Savannah State will now head home for homecoming week, where they will face the 3-4 Morehouse College Maroon Tigers. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Atlanta Falcons vs San Francisco 49ers – Atlanta’s trip to the west coast does not go as planned as they fall 20-10 to the San Francisco 49ers.

QB Michael Penix Jr. was responsible for Atlanta’s on touchdown on the day as he connected with RB Bijan Robinson on a 10-yard pass for a score. Penix Jr. finished the game 21 of 38 for 241 yards.

The 49ers’ defense held Robinson to 40 yards rushing on 14 carries. The Falcons’ offense as a whole was held to 62 total yards on the ground.

Atlanta’s only other points came on a 38-yard field goal by Kicker Parker Romo in the second quarter.

Atlanta will now return home to take on the 1-6 Miami Dolphins. The game will take place at 1:00 p.m. Sunday on CBS.

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A federal lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a Georgia teacher who was put on an indefinite suspension and urged to resign after posting comments following the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

On Monday, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) filed the lawsuit on Michelle Mickens’ behalf against her employer, the Oglethorpe County School System.

SPLC said Mickens was “exercising her First Amendment rights” by posting a quote from the slain political activist on her personal Facebook page and participating in an online discussion with her friends who commented on it.

She criticized Kirk’s opinion on gun control but condemned political violence and “articulated her hope for a safer world,” SPLC said in a press release.

“This case is about resisting the growing attempts to exert ideological control over public education,” Michael Tafelski, interim deputy legal director for SPLC, said. “Ms. Mickens is being targeted not because she violated any policy or harmed students, but because her personal views — expressed outside of the classroom — don’t align with those in power.”

The SPLC claimed the Oglethorpe County School System is trying to terminate “solely for engaging in constitutionally protected speech” that did not disrupt the school.

“We know that the attacks on public education are unrelenting, and we must stand together to speak for our students, colleagues and our profession. GAE supports and defends educators’ right to off-duty expressive activity without fear of retaliation,” Mike McGonigle, GAE’s General Counsel/Legal Services Director, said. “GAE is the only organization that continues to stand up and speak for students, educators, and public education.”

Both SPLC and GAE said they are looking to have Mickens’ job restored and “protect the rights of all educators against censorship and intimidation.”

The lawsuit states another teacher was hired to take over Mickens’ class, despite her termination not being official.

In a statement, Oglethorpe County School System Superintendent Beverley Levine said the district is aware of the lawsuit.

“While many of the facts stated in the suit and the press statements on plaintiff’s behalf are inaccurate or incomplete, having been sued in federal court, the district prefers to litigate the issues in that forum and not in the press or in the public,” Levine said. “The district is confident that it will prevail in defending against this litigation.”

Return to Atlanta News First for updates on this developing story.

Copyright 2025 WANF. All rights reserved.

ATLANTA – Celebrate the season with a weekend full of festivals, food, and family fun across metro Atlanta and North Georgia. Here are some of the best events happening Oct. 25–26.

🎡 Festivals & Fairs

Inside Atlanta

Atlanta Fair
Through Nov. 2 – 710 Central Ave. SW, Atlanta
Traditional fair featuring rides, carnival games, and food.

FULL LIST: Fall festival & fair guide for metro Atlanta, North Georgia

Outside Atlanta

Artisans at The Avenue
Oct. 24–26 – The Avenue Peachtree City
Shop handmade art, jewelry, and gifts at this Night Market pop-up featuring 13 local makers.

Newnan-Coweta Art Association Arts & Crafts Market
Oct. 25 – The Avenue Peachtree City
Browse handcrafted art, pottery, and jewelry at this outdoor market celebrating local creativity.

West Fest at the Booth Western Art Museum
Oct. 25 – Cartersville
Celebrate Western heritage with reenactments, Native American dancers, birds of prey, and kids’ activities.

Appalachian Brew and Music Festival
Oct. 25 – Hiawassee
Sample 70+ breweries with live music, food, and vendors.

Crafts & Drafts Festival
Oct. 25–26 – Downtown Smyrna
Explore more than 150 booths of arts, crafts, food, and live music, plus fun kids’ activities. Free admission.

🎉 Special Events

Inside Atlanta

Atlanta Streets Alive
Oct. 26 – Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.
Enjoy open streets for walking, biking, skating, and community play.

Chastain Park Auto Show
Oct. 26 – Chastain Park
See 175 classic cars, grab a coffee, and stroll among local vendors. Free admission.

Alessio’s Restaurant & Pizzeria 30th Anniversary Celebration
Oct. 24–25 – Roswell, Cumming & Johns Creek
Celebrate 30 years of family dining with cake, scratch-off prizes, and balloon artists.

Outside Atlanta

Think Pink Cherokee Breast Cancer Awareness Walk
Oct. 25 – Cannon Park, Canton
Join the fourth annual one-mile walk supporting breast cancer awareness. $20 donation.

🎃 Halloween

Inside Atlanta

Halloween Boo’s Bash at The Office Bar
Oct. 31 – Midtown Atlanta
Enjoy themed cocktails, live music, and costume perks like a free house drink.

Boo-Nanza
Oct. 26 – Skiptown, Atlanta
Halloween party for pups with costume contests, treat stations, games, and fall drink specials.

Halloween at Hogwarts with ASO
Oct. 26 – Atlanta Symphony Hall, Midtown Atlanta
Experience magical music from the Harry Potter films and classic Halloween scores performed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

FULL LIST: Halloween happenings in metro Atlanta, North Georgia | 2025

Outside Atlanta

Halloween at Halcyon
Oct. 25 – Alpharetta
Trick-or-treating with 30+ businesses, farm animals, and face painting. Benefits Bald Ridge Lodge.

Pumpkin Fest 2025
Oct. 25 – Fayette County Courthouse Lawn, Fayetteville
Family fall fest with music, train rides, costume contests, a petting zoo, and inflatables.

Halloween Skelebration
Oct. 31 – Woodstock
Family festival with trick-or-treating, games, mini golf, inflatables, and music. Free entry.

Haunted Cabin at Red Top Mountain
Oct. 25 – Cartersville
Tour the historic cabin filled with spooky surprises, then enjoy s’mores by the fire.

Halloween JamBOOree
Oct. 25 – Logan Farm Park, Acworth
Trunk-or-treat, games, music, and costume contests for all ages.

Chaplin’s Annual Halloween Party
Oct. 25 – Roswell
Patio party with a silent disco, drinks, and mandatory costumes.

Wild Rumpus Halloween Celebration
Oct. 25 – Downtown Athens
Join the 17th annual Halloween street party featuring costumes, parades, drumming, food, and live music. Free and open to all ages.

Spirits & Spice Festival
Oct. 25 – Downtown Newnan
Sample spooky cocktails, enjoy a chili cook-off, and shop from local vendors and artists at this festive fall event.

5th Annual Día de los Muertos Intercultural Fest
Oct. 26 – Downtown Cartersville
Celebrate Day of the Dead with Latin music, authentic food, cultural exhibits, and family-friendly fun. Free admission.

Tour de Frights: Fayetteville Witches’ Ride 2025
Oct. 26 – Fayetteville
Costumed community bike ride with music, prizes, and a beer for riders 21+.

Grave Rave
Oct. 25 – Pontoon Brewing, Sandy Springs
DJ, 15+ beers, costume contest, and food trucks. Free admission.

🎶 Live Music

Inside Atlanta

ONE MusicFest
Oct. 25–26 – Piedmont Park
Massive two-day festival featuring Mary J. Blige, Ludacris, Future, and more.

Halsey: Back to Badlands
Oct. 26 – Coca-Cola Roxy
The pop star marks 10 years of her debut album with a nostalgic tour.

Frankly Scarlet – Grateful Dead Tribute
Oct. 25 – Smith’s Olde Bar
A full night of Grateful Dead jams and dancing. Ages 18+.

Cameron Whitcomb: I Got Options Tour
Oct. 25 – Terminal West
Country-pop singer performs with Jonah Kagen; $1 per ticket supports mental health.

David Lowery
Oct. 24 – Criminal Records
Acoustic set and album signing with the Camper Van Beethoven frontman.

BadAsh AllstarTeam: Halloween Jam IV
Oct. 25 – Red Light Café
Live “monster music,” festive vibes, and a costume contest.

Outside Atlanta

Myles Morgan Live
Oct. 24 – Eddie’s Attic, Decatur
Enjoy an intimate set from the soulful singer-songwriter.

Jazz Under the Stars with the Jazzy Petrels
Oct. 24 – Brookhaven
Free outdoor concert by Oglethorpe University’s jazz ensemble.

The B-52s and Devo: Cosmic D-Evolution Tour
Oct. 25 – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Alpharetta
Two iconic new-wave bands unite for a high-energy night.

Brandon Reeves
Oct. 25 – Alpharetta
Acoustic country and blues show featuring John Willingham on bass.

🎭 Film / Theater / Art

Inside Atlanta

9 to 5 The Musical
Oct. 23–Nov. 8 – Out Front Theatre
A Dolly Parton–powered comedy about workplace revenge and empowerment.

Atlanta Sci-Fi Film Festival
Oct. 24–25 – AMC Phipps Plaza
Independent sci-fi films, panels, and global storytelling.

Macbeth – The Atlanta Shakespeare Company
Oct. 24 – Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse
Shakespeare’s dark tale of ambition and betrayal in an intimate setting.

Celestial Illuminations featuring The Planets
Oct. 23–25 – Atlanta Symphony Hall
Experience Holst’s The Planets and more in this cosmic concert.

Indian Cultural Festival & ASO Concert
Oct. 25 – Atlanta Symphony Hall
Free celebration of Indian culture and music with the ASO and violinist Kala Ramnath.

Atlanta Children’s Film Festival: Family Day
Oct. 25 – Emory University
Free workshops, panels, and screenings for aspiring young filmmakers.

Outside Atlanta

Dracula: A Ballet to Die For
Oct. 24–26 – Gas South Theatre, Duluth
Ballet retelling of Bram Stoker’s gothic tale with stunning choreography.

Jeff Kinney’s Partypooper Tour – Diary of a Wimpy Kid #20 Celebration
Oct. 24 – Decatur City Church, Decatur
Join author Jeff Kinney for a fun, interactive game show–style event celebrating Diary of a Wimpy Kid #20. Perfect for families and fans of all ages.

Movie Night: Invaders from Mars
Oct. 25 – Kennesaw
Free outdoor screening of the classic sci-fi film with vendors and family fun.

Spooky Season & More at The Strand Theatre
Oct. 23–Nov. 13 – Marietta
Halloween films, live music, and classic cinema at the historic Strand.

Scream on the Green: The Nightmare Before Christmas
Oct. 26 – The Mill on Etowah, Canton
Free outdoor showing of the Tim Burton holiday favorite.

⚽ Sports

Outside Atlanta

Athens Rock Lobsters Opening Game
Oct. 25 – Athens
The Rock Lobsters kick off their hockey season against Twin City Thunderbirds.

Sumo + Sushi
Oct. 24–26 – Shadowbox Studios, Atlanta
Watch live sumo demonstrations while enjoying fresh sushi and drinks. Sunday shows are all-ages friendly.

📚 Other

Outside Atlanta

Author Signing: Jay Olsen-Thrift
Oct. 25 – Acworth
Meet the fantasy author and explore her Chronicles of the Second Sun series.

⏰ COMING UP

DreamHack Atlanta
Oct. 31–Nov. 2 – Georgia World Congress Center, downtown Atlanta
Gaming, cosplay, and esports tournaments with a $6.6M prize pool and 1,000+ guests.

Gallop and Go 5K Run & Family Festival
Nov. 1 – Canton
Peachtree qualifier 5K supporting BEATS therapy programs, plus games, vendors, and horses.

27th Annual Vineyard Fest
Nov. 1–2 – Chateau Elan Winery & Resort, Braselton
Celebrate North Georgia’s grape harvest season with food tastings, wine, live music, and workshops at this beloved annual event.

Wine, food and more at Chateau Elan’s Vineyard Fest

The 27th annual Vineyard Fest is happening Saturday, November 1st and Sunday, November 2nd at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort in Braselton. The popular event is a celebration of the grape harvest season here in North Georgia, and features food, live music, workshops, and wine. This year’s event has been stretched into two days, with Saturday dedicated to “à la carte bookable experiences,” and Sunday featuring the signature all‑inclusive festival.

Día De Los Muertos Festival
Nov. 1–2 – Woodstock
Free family celebration with mariachi music, food, dancing, and ofrenda displays.

5th Annual Collins’ Cure Golf Tournament & Silent Auction
Nov. 8 – Cumming
Charity golf tournament and auction benefiting cystinosis research.

DC Heroes Fest
Nov. 8–30 – Six Flags Over Georgia
Meet DC heroes, enjoy shows and rides, and join the 5K Hero Run supporting Cobb PAL.

If you would like to submit information for an upcoming things to do list, send an email to joyce.lupiani@fox.com.