Georgia
Things to do this weekend in metro Atlanta, North Georgia | Oct. 24-26, 2025
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. 25β26.
π‘ Festivals & Fairs
Inside Atlanta
Atlanta Fair
Through Nov. 2 β 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. 24β26 β 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 β 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 β Cartersville
Celebrate Western heritage with reenactments, Native American dancers, birds of prey, and kidsβ activities.
Appalachian Brew and Music Festival
Oct. 25 β Hiawassee
Sample 70+ breweries with live music, food, and vendors.
Crafts & Drafts Festival
Oct. 25β26 β Downtown Smyrna
Explore more than 150 booths of arts, crafts, food, and live music, plus fun kidsβ activities. Free admission.
π Special Events
Inside Atlanta
Atlanta Streets Alive
Oct. 26 β Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.
Enjoy open streets for walking, biking, skating, and community play.
Chastain Park Auto Show
Oct. 26 β Chastain Park
See 175 classic cars, grab a coffee, and stroll among local vendors. Free admission.
Alessioβs Restaurant & Pizzeria 30th Anniversary Celebration
Oct. 24β25 β 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 β Cannon Park, Canton
Join the fourth annual one-mile walk supporting breast cancer awareness. $20 donation.
π Halloween
Inside Atlanta
Halloween Booβs Bash at The Office Bar
Oct. 31 β Midtown Atlanta
Enjoy themed cocktails, live music, and costume perks like a free house drink.
Boo-Nanza
Oct. 26 β Skiptown, Atlanta
Halloween party for pups with costume contests, treat stations, games, and fall drink specials.
Halloween at Hogwarts with ASO
Oct. 26 β 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 β Alpharetta
Trick-or-treating with 30+ businesses, farm animals, and face painting. Benefits Bald Ridge Lodge.
Pumpkin Fest 2025
Oct. 25 β Fayette County Courthouse Lawn, Fayetteville
Family fall fest with music, train rides, costume contests, a petting zoo, and inflatables.
Halloween Skelebration
Oct. 31 β Woodstock
Family festival with trick-or-treating, games, mini golf, inflatables, and music. Free entry.
Haunted Cabin at Red Top Mountain
Oct. 25 β Cartersville
Tour the historic cabin filled with spooky surprises, then enjoy sβmores by the fire.
Halloween JamBOOree
Oct. 25 β Logan Farm Park, Acworth
Trunk-or-treat, games, music, and costume contests for all ages.
Chaplinβs Annual Halloween Party
Oct. 25 β Roswell
Patio party with a silent disco, drinks, and mandatory costumes.
Wild Rumpus Halloween Celebration
Oct. 25 β 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 β Downtown Newnan
Sample spooky cocktails, enjoy a chili cook-off, and shop from local vendors and artists at this festive fall event.
5th Annual DΓa de los Muertos Intercultural Fest
Oct. 26 β Downtown Cartersville
Celebrate Day of the Dead with Latin music, authentic food, cultural exhibits, and family-friendly fun. Free admission.
Tour de Frights: Fayetteville Witchesβ Ride 2025
Oct. 26 β Fayetteville
Costumed community bike ride with music, prizes, and a beer for riders 21+.
Grave Rave
Oct. 25 β Pontoon Brewing, Sandy Springs
DJ, 15+ beers, costume contest, and food trucks. Free admission.
πΆ Live Music
Inside Atlanta
ONE MusicFest
Oct. 25β26 β Piedmont Park
Massive two-day festival featuring Mary J. Blige, Ludacris, Future, and more.
Halsey: Back to Badlands
Oct. 26 β Coca-Cola Roxy
The pop star marks 10 years of her debut album with a nostalgic tour.
Frankly Scarlet β Grateful Dead Tribute
Oct. 25 β Smithβs Olde Bar
A full night of Grateful Dead jams and dancing. Ages 18+.
Cameron Whitcomb: I Got Options Tour
Oct. 25 β Terminal West
Country-pop singer performs with Jonah Kagen; $1 per ticket supports mental health.
David Lowery
Oct. 24 β Criminal Records
Acoustic set and album signing with the Camper Van Beethoven frontman.
BadAsh AllstarTeam: Halloween Jam IV
Oct. 25 β Red Light CafΓ©
Live “monster music,” festive vibes, and a costume contest.
Outside Atlanta
Myles Morgan Live
Oct. 24 β Eddieβs Attic, Decatur
Enjoy an intimate set from the soulful singer-songwriter.
Jazz Under the Stars with the Jazzy Petrels
Oct. 24 β Brookhaven
Free outdoor concert by Oglethorpe Universityβs jazz ensemble.
The B-52s and Devo: Cosmic D-Evolution Tour
Oct. 25 β Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Alpharetta
Two iconic new-wave bands unite for a high-energy night.
Brandon Reeves
Oct. 25 β Alpharetta
Acoustic country and blues show featuring John Willingham on bass.
π Film / Theater / Art
Inside Atlanta
9 to 5 The Musical
Oct. 23βNov. 8 β Out Front Theatre
A Dolly Partonβpowered comedy about workplace revenge and empowerment.
Atlanta Sci-Fi Film Festival
Oct. 24β25 β AMC Phipps Plaza
Independent sci-fi films, panels, and global storytelling.
Macbeth β The Atlanta Shakespeare Company
Oct. 24 β Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse
Shakespeareβs dark tale of ambition and betrayal in an intimate setting.
Celestial Illuminations featuring The Planets
Oct. 23β25 β Atlanta Symphony Hall
Experience Holstβs The Planets and more in this cosmic concert.
Indian Cultural Festival & ASO Concert
Oct. 25 β Atlanta Symphony Hall
Free celebration of Indian culture and music with the ASO and violinist Kala Ramnath.
Atlanta Childrenβs Film Festival: Family Day
Oct. 25 β Emory University
Free workshops, panels, and screenings for aspiring young filmmakers.
Outside Atlanta
Dracula: A Ballet to Die For
Oct. 24β26 β Gas South Theatre, Duluth
Ballet retelling of Bram Stokerβs gothic tale with stunning choreography.
Jeff Kinneyβs Partypooper Tour β Diary of a Wimpy Kid #20 Celebration
Oct. 24 β Decatur City Church, Decatur
Join author Jeff Kinney for a fun, interactive game showβstyle event celebrating Diary of a Wimpy Kid #20. Perfect for families and fans of all ages.
Movie Night: Invaders from Mars
Oct. 25 β Kennesaw
Free outdoor screening of the classic sci-fi film with vendors and family fun.
Spooky Season & More at The Strand Theatre
Oct. 23βNov. 13 β Marietta
Halloween films, live music, and classic cinema at the historic Strand.
Scream on the Green: The Nightmare Before Christmas
Oct. 26 β The Mill on Etowah, Canton
Free outdoor showing of the Tim Burton holiday favorite.
β½ Sports
Outside Atlanta
Athens Rock Lobsters Opening Game
Oct. 25 β Athens
The Rock Lobsters kick off their hockey season against Twin City Thunderbirds.
Sumo + Sushi
Oct. 24β26 β Shadowbox Studios, Atlanta
Watch live sumo demonstrations while enjoying fresh sushi and drinks. Sunday shows are all-ages friendly.
π Other
Outside Atlanta
Author Signing: Jay Olsen-Thrift
Oct. 25 β Acworth
Meet the fantasy author and explore her Chronicles of the Second Sun series.
β° COMING UP
DreamHack Atlanta
Oct. 31βNov. 2 β 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 β Canton
Peachtree qualifier 5K supporting BEATS therapy programs, plus games, vendors, and horses.
27th Annual Vineyard Fest
Nov. 1β2 β Chateau Elan Winery & Resort, Braselton
Celebrate North Georgiaβs grape harvest season with food tastings, wine, live music, and workshops at this beloved annual event.
Wine, food and more at Chateau Elanβs 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 yearβs event has been stretched into two days, with Saturday dedicated to “Γ la carte bookable experiences,” and Sunday featuring the signature allβinclusive festival.
DΓa De Los Muertos Festival
Nov. 1β2 β Woodstock
Free family celebration with mariachi music, food, dancing, and ofrenda displays.
5th Annual Collinsβ Cure Golf Tournament & Silent Auction
Nov. 8 β Cumming
Charity golf tournament and auction benefiting cystinosis research.
DC Heroes Fest
Nov. 8β30 β 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.Β
The Georgia Bulldogs are expected to have one of the country’s best defenses again in 2026. Georgia has a lot of continuity from the 2025 defense and should be able to dominate many of their opponents this fall.
The Bulldogs defense will be led by potential All-American defensive backs KJ Bolden and Ellis Robinson. Georgia appears to be set at inside linebacker with the likes of Raylen Wilson, Chris Cole, Justin Williams and Zayden Walker forming a formidable group.
Georgia’s defense is not without questions. The Bulldogs need defensive tackle Elijah Griffin to play like a star as a sophomore. Georgia has to get more pass rush production. UGA managed only 20 sacks a year ago and their top defensive transfer addition, Amaris Williams of Auburn, is expected to be out for the season. Georgia fans can all remember Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss running circles around the Georgia defense in crucial moments of the Sugar Bowl.
Outside of the pass rush, Georgia’s depth at outside cornerback is probably the Bulldogs’ second-biggest weakness. If Ellis Robinson gets hurt, then Georgia could be in trouble. Despite these concerns, Georgia’s defense should overwhelm weaker SEC opponents this fall.
Nose tackle
- Jordan Hall
- Xzavier McLeod
- Nnamdi Ogboko
Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Hall is a former five-star recruit with a significant injury history. His snaps will probably be limited at times this fall. Xzavier McLeod has improved in each of his two seasons at Georgia and should be one of Georgia’s top depth options in the defensive line rotation. Nasir Johnson is another big body to know up front at nose tackle.
Defensive tackle
- Elijah Griffin
- Josh Horton
- Nasir Johnson/London Seymour/Valdin Sone
Five-star defensive lineman Elijah Griffin is entering his second season and is looking to have a big year after making an impact as a true freshman. Josh Horton has plenty of experience, but Bulldog fans would like to see a bit more production. Another defensive lineman to know is freshman Valdin Sone, who is a five-star recruit.
Defensive end
- Gabe Harris
- Joseph Jonah-Ajonye
- Justin Greene/JJ Hanne
Gabe Harris has the size to play both defensive end and outside linebacker. Georgia needs him as a pass rusher. He missed the Bulldogs’ Sugar Bowl loss and spring practice due to a turf toe injury. Joseph Jonah-Ajonye is a former elite recruit.
Outside linebacker
- Quintavius Johnson
- Chase Linton/Isaiah Gibson
- Darren Ikinnagbon/Khamari Brooks/PJ Dean
Quintavius Johnson is expected to start after a promising 2025 season. Gabe Harris and Chris Cole will also see action at outside linebacker. One of these second-year players needs to step up: Isaiah Gibson, Chase Linton and/or Darren Ikinnagbon. All have a lot of talent and are in for bigger roles after Auburn transfer Amaris Williams suffered an ACL injury in the spring. Freshmen Khamari Brooks and PJ Dean were both four-star signees.
Inside linebacker
- Raylen Wilson
- Chris Cole
- Justin Williams
- Zayden Walker
Once again, Georgia and coach Glenn Schumann have a stacked inside linebackers room. The Bulldogs will start two inside linebackers, but their backups will all play key roles. Chris Cole led UGA in sacks during the 2025 season. Cole and Zayden Walker are important pieces in Georgia’s pass rush. Raylen Wilson (knee) and Walker (shoulder) both missed the spring.
Georgia freshmen Nick Abrams has a lot of talent and veteran Terrell Foster is reliable, but they’re expected to be buried on Georgia’s depth chart along with redshirt freshman AJ Kruah.
Outside cornerback
- Ellis Robinson IV
- Demello Jones
- Braylon Conley/Gentry Williams
- Jontae Gilbert/Caden Harris/Justice Fitzpatrick
Georgia’s outside cornerback room is led by Ellis Robinson, who should be an All-SEC pick. The spot opposite Robinson should go to Demello Jones, but don’t rule out experience transfers Braylon Conley (USC) and Gentry Williams (Oklahoma). There is some concern about Georgia’s outside cornerback depth this season. Jontae Gilbert, Caden Harris and Justice Fitzpatrick all have talent, but Fitzpatrick did suffer a torn ACL in December.
Slot cornerback
- Khalil Barnes
- Rasean Dinkins
- Zech Fort
Rasean Dinkins did well in the SEC championship against Alabama, but not as strong in the Sugar Bowl. Clemson transfer Khalil Barnes is projected to start over him with Tyrique Green being another name to watch at star.
Free safety
- KJ Bolden
- Tyrique Green
- Jaylan Morgan/Jordan Smith
Georgia junior KJ Bolden should be an All-SEC pick. Four-star signee Tyrique Green is going to find a way on to the field this season.
Strong safety
- Rasean Dinkins
- Zion Branch/Ja’Marley Riddle/Kyron Jones
- Todd Robinson/Blake Stewart
Dinkins and Barnes will both likely start for UGA. Zion Branch, Ja’Marley Riddle and Kyron Jones should all see snaps with Jones’ health being a question.
Georgia
How Georgiaβs economy drew the World Cupβand how the World Cup will strengthen Georgiaβs economy
Illustration by Dan Matutina
Itβs the $1 billion dollar question: What prompted FIFA to choose Atlanta as one of the host cities for this summerβs FIFA World Cup 2026β’? The answer is the same one that lures companies from all over the world to Georgia: the stateβs robust economy, strong infrastructure, and cooperative culture.
Since the Olympics, Georgia has positioned itself as the Gateway to the South for global business. It has built a diverse industry base in fields such as agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, film and television, technology, and aerospace. Direct foreign investment is strong here: Atlanta is home to more than 70 foreign consulates, trade missions, and bi-national chambers of commerce.
One of Georgiaβs biggest assets is global connectivityβby air, rail, road, and waterways, says Pat Wilson, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Eighty percent of the U.S. population is within a two-hour direct flight from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the worldβs busiest passenger hub. Georgiaβs interstate system provides 20,000 miles of federal and state highways, and the Port of Savannah is the fastest-growing container terminal on the East Coast. All of this allows sports fans, foreign dignitaries, and corporate executives to get in and out of Atlanta very easily. βAnd business follows connectivity,β Wilson says.
These factors, combined with Georgiaβs long history of cooperation between the private and public sectors, helped seal its position as a host city. And that, in turn, will pay dividends.
Courtesy of Georgia Ports Authority
Courtesy of Stone Mountain
Photograph by GenePage/ AMC
Take, for example, tourism. Explore Georgia, the stateβs tourism arm, is betting big that FIFA World Cup 2026β’ could potentially catapult the stateβs visitor numbers to unprecedented levels. To maximize the possibilities, it has launched a global marketing campaign in conjunction with the tournament, including ads on stadium and railway-station billboards in the United Kingdom. βWe want visitors to make Georgia their home-away-from-home during the World Cup,β Wilson says.
Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, is similarly bullish. Much like after the Olympics 30 years ago, she expects the city and state to leverage the global soccer tournamentβs effects for decades to come. Economic-impact estimates range from $500 million to over $1 billion. βAtlanta does βbigβ well,β she says. βAnd Iβm confident that we will see increased foreign direct investment and show the world once again that here in Georgia, business culture and innovation naturally converge.β
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