Cool Things To Do in October in Atlanta
Last Updated September 11, 2026
Add Discover ATL as a preferred source on Google
October is one of the best months to be in Atlanta, with crisp fall weather, neighborhood festivals, food and drink events, live music, art galore, and plenty of ways to get outside. From Oktoberfest and EGGtoberfest to Atlanta Pride, Candler Park Fall Fest, big concerts, theater, outdoor adventures and cultural celebrations, there’s something happening not just every weekend, but almost every day. Here are some of the best things to do around Atlanta this month.
Monthly Highlights
- Atlanta Fashion Week
- Oktoberfest at Round Trip Brewing
- Decatur Book Festival
- Big Green Egg EGGtoberfest
- Candler Park Fall Festival + Atlanta Arab Festival
- Atlanta Hispanic Yoga Festival
- Atlanta Pride
- Native American Festival & Pow Wow
- Roots to the Future
Fall Food and Drink
Oktoberfest
Round Trip Brewing brings a little Bavaria to West Midtown with German-style beer, German food from Misfitsss BBQ, stein-holding competitions, small-dog races and plenty of lederhosen. The free celebration runs for three days from 1:00- 9:00 p.m.
Decatur BBQ Festival
Spend a Saturday eating barbecue, drinking beer and hanging out in Oakhurst at this free neighborhood festival. The Decatur BBQ Festival returns Oct. 17 from noon to 6 p.m. at Harmony Park and Ford’s BBQ, with food, beverages, live music, desserts, vendors and even wrestling.
LANDLOCKED 10
Southern oysters take center stage at LANDLOCKED 10, Oyster South’s 10th anniversary celebration. Head to Decatur Legacy Park on Oct. 18 from 3 to 7 p.m. for unlimited Southern oysters, chef-driven bites, barbecue, beer, wine, cocktails and plenty of seafood-fan camaraderie.
Taste of Atlanta
Atlanta’s iconic food festival celebrates its 25th anniversary with the Grand Tasting Midtown on Oct. 15 at Epicurean Atlanta from 6 to 10 p.m. Expect more than 25 restaurants, local chefs, delicious bites and great drinks all in one place.
Concerts, Comedy and Live Music
Live Jazz
Jazz is always on the menu in Atlanta, and October is no exception. Pop into Burle’s Bar on Tuesdays or head to Side Saddle in Boulevard Heights on Thursdays for live music, wine and prime people-watching. For a more traditional concert experience, Callanwolde’s Jazz on the Lawn series continues Oct. 9 with Joe Gransden’s Big Band featuring Maria Howell.
Jammy Buffet – An Atlanta Tribute to Jimmy Buffet
Pretend you’re somewhere tropical for the night with Jammy Buffet, an Atlanta tribute to Jimmy Buffett. The laid-back show brings island rhythms, singalong favorites and beach-party energy to the Music Room at Smith’s Olde Bar on Oct. 1 at 8 p.m.
Chelsea Handler’s High and Mighty Tour
Chelsea Handler brings her High and Mighty Tour to the Coca-Cola Roxy on Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. Expect her trademark sharp takes, personal stories and no-filter comedy.
Emo Nite Karaoke
For anyone who knows every word to the songs they pretended not to listen to in high school, Emo Nite Karaoke is the move. Sing your heart out to emo-era favorites Oct. 2 at Purgatory at the Masquerade.
Outdoor Advenutres
Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival
Through Nov. 1, Fall takes over Stone Mountain Park with giant pumpkins, seasonal entertainment, family attractions and the park’s signature glow-at-night experience. The Pumpkin Festival runs through Nov. 1, making it an easy October pick for a full day of fall fun.
Sunset Tree Tour
Take a sunset stroll through Freedom Park while learning about the park’s history, civic activism, public art and urban forest. The Oct. 8 tour runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m., starting at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum.
Jazz on the Lawn
Bring a blanket, some snacks and your favorite humans for an evening of live jazz at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Joe Gransden’s Big Band performs Oct. 9 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., with the music set against the historic estate’s outdoor amphitheater.
Neighborhood Street Festivals
Little Five Points Halloween Festival & Parade
The spooky and spectacular vibes of Little 5 come alive during the neighborhood’s Halloween Festival & Parade. The festival is happening all weekend Oct. 17 and 18 from noon to 6 p.m. with the parade on Oct. 18 at 1:00 p.m. This parade has been named one of the Top 10 Halloween Parades in the Nation so get your costumes ready now. Enjoy live bands, ghost stories, pumpkin smashing, artist vendors and street performers.
Boo at the Zoo
Kids get to show off their wild side in their Halloween costumes during Boo at the Zoo. Happening Oct. 17, 18, 24, 25 and Halloween from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be trick or treating, kids’ crafts, carnival games, family-friendly performances and much more. This event is free for members of Zoo Atlanta and kids younger than 3 years old. A ticket to Zoo Atlanta gets you admission to Boo at the Zoo happening throughout the park.
Fright Fest
If you’re planning to roam Six Flags Over Georgia throughout October, prepare for a fright. Fright Fest is back. Prepare for spine-tingling chills in the ambient Scare Zones, or watch one of the scary-good live shows. True horror fans can pay-to-panic through the Haunted Mazes. The park is extra spooky in the dark.
(Photo courtesy of Six Flags Over Georgia)
Candy Crawl in Virginia Highland
Trick or treat along Highland Avenue to fill up your bag with candy in your spookiest costumes. The Candy Crawl is on Wednesday, October 28 from 4-6 p.m.
Halloween Hikes at Chattahoochee Nature Center
Come along to the Chattahoochee Nature Center for a Halloween Hike. Along the trails, you’ll meet some of the resident raptors, amphibians and mammals that call the Chattahoochee Watershed home. The Halloween Hikes are happening October 23 and 24 from 6-10 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 25 from 5-9 p.m. The family can also embark on The Haunted Quest, an immersive scavenger hunt set on the night of Samhain. You’ll solve eerie clues and outsmart mischievous spirits with the will-o’-wisp as your guide. This is recommended for kids ages 12 and up, and they must be accompanied by an adult.
Candler Park Fall Fest
One of Atlanta’s classic neighborhood festivals returns Oct. 3 and 4 with two days of music, art, food, games, rides and more. The free festival takes over Candler Park from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and draws thousands of people to the park and surrounding streets.
(Photo courtesy of Candler Park Fall Festival)
Trick-or-Treat at Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Get the whole family together for the Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s annual Trick-or-Treat event. There will be creepy-cool crafts, a costume parade, live DJ spinning Halloween hits, trick-or-treating and more. Advance tickets are required so get them now for the event on Oct. 24 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
For more Halloween happenings in Atlanta check our Spooktacular Guide to Halloween in Atlanta and our Grown-Up Guide to Halloween in Atlanta.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Georgia Latino International Film Festival
There’s still a few days left of the Georgia Latino International Film Festival. During the festival, over 300 films are submitted, including feature and short films from across Latin America, Spain, Georgia, and the United States; 35 are screened. This festival also offers opportunities for audiences to engage in discussions with directors and casts during screenings. The film festival runs through Oct. 4.
Atlanta Hispanic Yoga Festival
Enjoy a full day of wellness at Atlanta’s first Spanish-language yoga festival. The event will offer a space to relax, renew and reconnect. It will be a day of yoga classes in Spanish, available all day for all experience levels. Beginners and experts are invited to join starting at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 4 at The Westside Warehouse. The event is for ages 16 and up (no children allowed). Bring your yoga mat, wear comfortable clothes and arrive early to register and enjoy the full experience.
See more events going on in Atlanta for Hispanic Heritage Month here.
Arts, Books and Theater
Atlanta Art Fair
Atlanta Art Fair, the city’s first commercial art fair, returns to Pullman Yards Oct. 1 through 4. The third edition brings together a diverse roster of artists, galleries, and collectors alongside innovative exhibitions, talks, performances, and installations — celebrating and strengthening Atlanta’s vibrant arts community.
AU Room at Pullman Yards
Gold gets the full theatrical treatment at AU Room, an immersive production of aerial artistry, contemporary dance, music and cinematic visuals. Running through Oct. 11 at Pullman Yards, it explores our enduring fascination with gold, power and temptation.
Decatur Book Festival
Celebrating 20 years, the Decatur Book Festival returns October 2 with a keynote at First Baptist Church Sanctuary and October 3 with an all-day street fair in Decatur Square. Expect panels with best-selling national, regional and local authors, book signings, cooking demonstrations, kids’ activities, live music, delicious local and national food, plus exhibitors and merch vendors.
High Frequency Friday
Happy hour meets art party at the High Museum on Oct. 2. From 6 to 10 p.m., DJs curate an after-hours museum experience with art, drinks, food and plenty of opportunities to explore the galleries.
Everybody Loves Pirates
Set sail with Lucy and her goofy sidekick Little Chucky in this family-friendly puppet adventure at the Center for Puppetry Arts. Everybody Loves Pirates runs through Oct. 11, and tickets include museum admission and free Midtown parking.
Atlanta Ballet II: Cinderella
Atlanta Ballet II brings the classic fairy tale to life at the Fox Theatre Oct. 16 and 17. Expect familiar characters, romance and plenty of elaborate movement in this fresh take on Cinderella.
Culture and Community
Circus Vazquez
Through Oct. 3 at Plaza Fiesta, step under the big top for high-flying acrobatics, daring stunts and family-friendly entertainment from the largest family-owned traveling circus in the United States.
Fernbank After Dark: Nature’s Nightmares
From 7 to 11 p.m. on the second Friday of every month, Fernbank transforms into an adults-only, themed adventure with exhibit access, music, snacks, a bar, science demonstrations, big screen movies, and the chance to explore WildWoods after dark. Step into the eerie side of nature this month, where the natural world takes a strange, spine-chilling, and creepy turn.
Wontanara’s Roots to the Future
Close out the month with Roots to the Future, a celebration of African diaspora dance, music and heritage at Southwest Arts Center Oct. 30 through Nov. 1. Expect dance and drum workshops, live DJs, a marketplace featuring food and artisans, a cultural museum experience and a Saturday night concert.
Atlanta Arab Festival
Celebrate Arab culture, food and community at the 19th annual Atlanta Arab Festival, happening Oct. 3 and 4 at the Alif Institute. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy live performances, explore the Arab world food court, browse the bustling souq, and take part in exhibits, workshops, games and family-friendly activities. Admission is free.
Fall is Built for Sports
Atlanta Hawks
The NBA is back. While October brings some pre-season matchups, we’ll also get to enjoy some regular season games.
(Photo courtesy of Atlanta Hawks)
Their home games in October are:
Pre-season Memphis Grizzlies, Oct. 5
Pre-season Oklahoma City Thunder, Oct. 12
Houston Rockets, Oct. 24
Miami Heat, Oct. 28
Cleveland Cavaliers, Oct. 29
Atlanta United
Come out to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to watch an Atlanta United match. Their home matches are:
FC Cincinnati, Oct. 10
Inter Miami CF, Oct. 17
Chicago Fire FC, Oct. 24
Atlanta Falcons
Experience the action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for an Atlanta Falcons game. Their home games in October are:
Baltimore Ravens, Oct. 11 at 8:20 p.m.
Chicago Bears, Oct. 18 at 1:00 p.m.
San Francisco 49ers, Oct. 25 at 1:00 p.m.
Invesco QQQ Atlanta Gridiron Classic: University of Georgia vs. University of Florida
Halloween weekend, get ready for a heated competition between University of Georgia and University of Florida. The game is happening at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Halloween at 3:30 p.m.
Georgia State University Panthers
Center Parc Stadium in Summerhill is ready for the GSU Panthers’ 2025 football season. Panthers home games in October are:
Old Dominion, Oct. 3
Coastal Carolina, Oct. 31
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Head over to Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field in Midtown to support the Yellow Jackets. Home games in October are:
Duke Blue Devils, Oct. 10
Boston College, Oct. 24
Clark Atlanta University Panthers
Football is back at CAU Panther Stadium. Come out to a home game to support the panthers:,
Allen University, Oct. 17
Albany State University, Oct. 31
Morehouse College Maroon Tigers
Support your Maroon Tigers playing at home at B.T. Harvey Stadium in October:
Savannah State University, Oct. 10
If you don’t plan to attend a game in person, don’t worry. Find plenty of options of Where to Watch College Football in Atlanta.
To find things to do in Atlanta any time, visit our calendar of events.
A Chicago transplant, Taylor loves exploring what makes Atlanta the place to be. Name a popular festival, food hall or brewery to check out and she will be there.
Originally Published August 25, 2025
Discover More
Get to know Atlanta, and discover the best things to do around the city.
