Unearth The Voyage
Georgia’s autumn season brings more than just colorful leaves and cooler weather. The state comes alive with incredible festivals that celebrate the best local foods and flavors. From barbecue competitions to apple harvests, these events offer visitors amazing tastes and unforgettable experiences that showcase Georgia’s rich culinary traditions.
1. Georgia Apple Festival – Ellijay
Apple orchards transform into culinary wonderlands during this beloved October celebration. Fresh apple cider flows like rivers while vendors serve everything from caramel apples to apple butter made with recipes passed down through generations.
The festival spans two weekends, giving families plenty of time to sample apple pies, fritters, and dumplings. Local farmers proudly display dozens of apple varieties, many you won’t find in regular stores.
Beyond the sweet treats, visitors enjoy cooking demonstrations, a classic car show, and a colorful parade that winds through downtown Ellijay’s charming streets.
2. Big Pig Jig – Vienna
Smoke fills the air as Georgia’s official state pork cook-off transforms Vienna into barbecue heaven. Professional pit masters and backyard enthusiasts compete fiercely, creating mouthwatering pulled pork, ribs, and sausages that draw crowds from across the Southeast.
The competition runs for three days, with judges sampling entries while visitors feast at food booths. Local restaurants showcase their signature barbecue sauces, from tangy vinegar-based to sweet molasses blends.
Fair rides and live music create a festive atmosphere, but everyone knows the real stars are the tender, smoky meats that make this festival legendary among barbecue lovers.
3. Georgia Peanut Festival – Sylvester
October brings peanut madness to Sylvester, where Georgia’s famous crop gets the royal treatment it deserves. Vendors create incredible peanut brittle that cracks perfectly between your teeth, while others serve warm boiled peanuts seasoned with everything from Cajun spices to honey.
The festival celebrates Georgia’s position as America’s top peanut producer. Food trucks offer peanut butter ice cream, peanut-crusted chicken, and even peanut soup that surprises visitors with its rich, creamy flavor.
A grand parade kicks off the weekend festivities, followed by arts and crafts booths where local artisans sell peanut-themed treats and gifts.
4. Helen Oktoberfest – Helen
Alpine charm meets Southern hospitality in Helen’s famous Oktoberfest celebration that runs through fall weekends. Authentic German bratwurst sizzles on grills while pretzels the size of dinner plates disappear as fast as vendors can bake them.
Traditional schnitzel and sauerkraut share menu space with German-style beer that flows from taps throughout the festival grounds. The polka music and lederhosen create an authentic atmosphere that transports visitors straight to Bavaria.
Local restaurants join the celebration by offering special German menus, while the chicken dance brings everyone together in hilarious, unforgettable moments of pure festival joy.
5. Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival – Jekyll Island
Coastal breezes carry the aroma of perfectly seasoned shrimp across Jekyll Island during this late October celebration. Local chefs compete to create the most creative versions of the beloved Southern dish, from traditional creamy grits to innovative twists with jalapeños and cheese.
Fresh Georgia shrimp stars in every dish, caught just hours before serving. Vendors offer samples of different preparations, letting visitors taste everything from spicy Cajun-style to delicate herb-crusted versions.
Live music fills the air while craft beer vendors showcase local brews that pair perfectly with the seafood. The ocean setting makes every bite taste even more special.
6. St. Marys Seafood Festival – St. Marys
Fresh catches from Georgia’s coastal waters take center stage at this early October celebration in historic St. Marys. Local fishermen bring in shrimp, crab, and fish that get transformed into incredible dishes by talented local cooks and restaurants.
The festival showcases everything from classic fish and chips to innovative seafood tacos that blend Southern flavors with coastal traditions. Crab cakes made with real Georgia blue crab practically melt in your mouth.
A colorful parade winds through the charming downtown streets before festivities begin. Local breweries and wineries offer tastings that complement the fresh seafood perfectly, creating an unforgettable coastal dining experience.
7. Byron BBQ Fest – Byron
Middle Georgia’s barbecue passion explodes during Byron’s fall festival, where food trucks line the streets like a delicious parade. Competition teams work through the night, tending fires and perfecting rubs that create bark so perfect it looks like edible art.
The aroma of hickory and peach wood smoke drifts for miles, drawing visitors who know they’re about to experience some of the state’s finest barbecue. Pulled pork sandwiches drip with tangy sauce while beef brisket melts like butter.
Arts and crafts booths provide entertainment between eating sessions, but most visitors spend their time sampling different barbecue styles and debating which team deserves the championship trophy.
8. Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Music Festival – Blue Ridge
Mountain views provide the perfect backdrop for this unique festival that combines soulful blues music with incredible barbecue. Local pit masters set up smokers while blues musicians tune their guitars, creating an atmosphere where great food and music blend seamlessly.
The festival features both established barbecue restaurants and newcomers eager to prove their skills. Visitors sample everything from traditional pulled pork to creative barbecue nachos while blues legends perform on multiple stages.
The mountain setting adds something special to every bite and note. Cool fall air carries both smoke and music through the valleys, creating memories that last long after the festival ends.
9. Georgia National Fair – Perry
October transforms Perry into a wonderland of classic fair foods that make hearts skip beats and stomachs growl with anticipation. Funnel cakes dusted with powdered sugar compete for attention with caramel apples and cotton candy that melts on your tongue.
The midway buzzes with vendors serving everything from corn dogs to deep-fried Oreos that sound crazy but taste amazing. Turkey legs bigger than your head provide serious sustenance for fairgoers planning to stay all day.
Agricultural exhibits showcase Georgia’s farming heritage while livestock competitions highlight the state’s agricultural traditions. The fair atmosphere brings families together over shared plates of delicious, indulgent treats.
10. Great Locomotive Chase Festival – Adairsville
History comes alive in Adairsville during this October celebration that honors the famous Civil War locomotive chase. Food vendors line the historic downtown streets, offering everything from traditional Southern comfort food to modern festival favorites that satisfy every craving.
Local restaurants participate by setting up outdoor booths, giving visitors chances to sample signature dishes they might not otherwise discover. Barbecue competes with fried green tomatoes and peach cobbler for attention from hungry festival-goers.
The historic train depot provides a charming backdrop for outdoor dining while parades and entertainment keep the atmosphere lively. The combination of history and great food creates a uniquely Georgian festival experience.
