Georgia

Things to do this weekend in metro Atlanta, North Georgia | Oct. 24-26, 2025

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4 months ago

October 22, 2025

Things to do this weekend in metro Atlanta, North Georgia | Oct. 24-26, 2025

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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.

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Georgia

Cal Men’s Basketball: Bears Stay Focused and Outlast a Beleaguered Georgia Tech 76-65

Published

10 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Cal Men’s Basketball: Bears Stay Focused and Outlast a Beleaguered Georgia Tech 76-65

image courtesy of @CalMBBAll

Cal entered tonight’s matchup against a destitute Georgia Tech side dusting themselves off from an unexpected loss to a middle of the road Pitt team. The Golden Bears were looking to stay on the bubble of the NCAA tournament, while Tech, who finished last in ACC play, were simply trying to finish out their season with pride. This game marked the beginning of what will prove to be a long road trip for the boys from Berkeley.

Tech came out red hot from 3, thanks to forward Kowacie Reeves, who went 5-8 from behind the arc in the first half, while the entire Cal team was 0-12. His 19 points provided the difference in a first half with long stretches where neither team could put the ball in the basket.

Cal were frustrated early offensively, with Justin Pippen and Dai Dai Ames held scoreless in the first half. Lee Dort proved his offensive value, as the highest scorer for the Bears in the first half, particularly finding success in the paint, and they started the second half off feeding him early inside with some success.

The Bears opened the second half strong, finding ways to run their sets and get more players looks around the basket. Simultaneously, Camden began to find his shot from three, and things began to fall into place for a Cal side that was already having a decent night on the boards.

Georgia Tech could not keep pace once Cal’s offense found a rythm, though they would have to do so without any scoring contributions from Justin Pippen, who went 0-7 from the field, but closed out the night with eight assists and two rebounds.

Ultimately, Tech’s 18 turnovers, and Cal’s persistence gave way to a Bears lead that wouldn’t be overcome. The Yellow Jackets did not have an answer for Lee Dort’s efforts in the paint, and when Dai Dai Ames found his footing on offense, eventually the game was all but finished. Despite a valiant effort, the Yellow Jackets could not maintain an offensive pace or defensive effort to keep up with Cal, who face Wake Forest this Saturday in another must win.

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Georgia

Georgia Lt. Gov. candidate releases controversial ‘Sharia law’ video

Published

22 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Georgia Lt. Gov. candidate releases controversial ‘Sharia law’ video

In the days since the initial U.S. strikes in Iran, countless lawmakers stateside have weighed in on the Trump Administration’s decision to once again get involved in a conflict in the Middle East.

Prominent Georgia political figures like former representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and Senators Ossoff and Warnock have denounced the attacks, while candidates to replace MTG and others running in midterm elections have backed the president.

Now, Georgia State Senator Greg Dolezal, who is running for Lieutenant Governor in November, has posted a controversial video to social media depicting a hypothetical scenario where an extreme version of what he calls “Sharia law” has taken over the United States.

“London has fallen. Europe is under siege. In America, the invaders who would rather pillage our generosity than assimilate are roaming Minnesota, New York and LA,” Dolezal said in the post. “As Lt. Governor, I will fight the enemy before they’re within the gates and keep Georgia safe and Sharia free.”

The video was marked with a content warning on X.

What does the video show?

The video, appearing to have been AI-generated, begins with two people walking toward a building and wearing head coverings, possibly hijabs, shaylas, Al-miras or khimars.

It then cuts to a man writing with frosting on a cake, possibly “Happy Easter,” but the letters are unclear. A figure dressed in all black runs into frame and slices the cake with a weapon like a Zulfiqar sword.

It goes on to show military vehicles driving down the street, a woman being stopped from driving, a group of men in head coverings shooting weapons into the air and a suicide bomber vest, all while playing a song with the lyrics “No Sharia.”

(Warning: the video may be disturbing for some viewers.)

Video called ‘disgusting’ and ‘racist’

The video was met with significant criticism, including from Democratic gubernatorial candidate Geoff Duncan.

“This is disgusting. People wonder why I became a Democrat, it’s because of the inexcusable hatred spewed by so many Republicans like Greg Dolezal. Hate, including Islamophobia, has no place in Georgia,” Duncan wrote on X.

Rev. James “Major” Woodall, Sr., of Atlanta, called the video “deeply racist.”

“As a Christian man who deeply loves Georgia, I pray you never become Lt. Governor,” Woodall wrote.

Emanuel Jones, of the state senate, called out his fellow representative and said “if you don’t know it yet, Georgia is better than this!!”

“We don’t need race baiting, fear mongering to get votes. Perhaps that (is) what the Republican Party has devolved into,” Jones said on X.

Dolezal got support, however, from MAGA personality Laura Loomer who commented “No Sharia!”

The video has also been reposted more than 1,000 times as of 2 p.m. on March 4.

Who is Greg Dolezal?

The state senator represents District 27, and is based in Alpharetta. He was sworn in to the Georgia Senate in 2019.

He is a small business owner and attended North Park University.

Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.

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Why Southern Living is spotlighting serene coastal escape in Georgia

Published

1 day ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Why Southern Living is spotlighting serene coastal escape in Georgia

A quiet stretch of the Georgia coast is back in the national spotlight.

In a recent feature, Southern Living highlighted the Golden Isles as one of the South’s most serene escapes, praising the region’s undeveloped marshes, barrier islands and slower pace compared to other East Coast beach destinations.

Located roughly halfway between Savannah and Jacksonville, the Golden Isles include Brunswick, Sea Island, St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island and Little St. Simons Island.

Here’s what to know.

What makes Georgia’s Golden Isles different?

Unlike more densely developed beach towns in neighboring states, Georgia’s coastline is defined by tidal creeks, salt marshes and wide stretches of protected land.

“The coast of Georgia is quite different than the shores of North Carolina or South Carolina,” Southern Living wrote. “It’s wilder and quieter, and it’s much less populated with beach towns.”

While the islands offer modern resorts and vacation homes, much of the natural character remains intact.

One of the most photographed spots is Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, known for its haunting remains of a maritime forest scattered along the shoreline.

Where are visitors staying?

The publication pointed to several well-known properties across the islands:

The Cloister at Sea Island
Jekyll Island Club Resort
St. Simons Island: The Grey Owl Inn and the St. Simons Lighthouse.

Little St. Simons Island, accessible only by boat, was highlighted for its all-inclusive lodge and thousands of acres of protected marshland and upland habitat.

What can you do in the Golden Isles?

Southern Living emphasized simple, immersive experiences:

Biking under live oaks
Kayaking through marsh creeks
Horseback riding along the beach
Watching sunsets over the water.

Public beaches like East Beach on St. Simons Island remain open to visitors, while golf courses on Jekyll Island and St. Simons offer year-round play.

The region’s history also plays a major role. Visitors can climb the St. Simons Lighthouse, explore historic districts in Brunswick or learn about Gullah Geechee heritage through local organizations.

For more information, visit southernliving.com/georgias-golden-isles-11906085.

Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.

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