Ultimate Guide to Fall in Atlanta
Last Updated September 22, 2025
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Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of fall in Atlanta, bringing crisp weather, colorful leaves and plenty of ways to enjoy the City in the Forest. From outdoor festivals and seasonal exhibits to scenic parks and trails, here’s your ultimate guide to fall in Atlanta.
Labor Day Weekend in Atlanta
Don’t let the end-of-summer blues take hold. Gather your friends and family for a little Labor Day Weekend fun in the sun. Dragon Con is a must-visit convention for anyone into cosplay, super heroes, pop culture, gaming and more. You can attend the parade down Peachtree Street for free on Saturday, Aug. 30 beginning at 10 a.m. Here’s where to go before, during, and after Dragon Con. Film lovers might enjoy checking out the various film studios in and around Atlanta or even staying in an Atlanta hotel where a movie was filmed.
Also happening during Atlanta Labor Day Weekend– Atlanta Black Pride and Atlanta Hip Hop Day Festival.
Kids Play Free September
Discover Atlanta’s must-visit attractions with Kids Play Free September. Kids get in free at most attractions with Adult/ General Admission from Sept. 2 through 30 with this promotion. Learn more about each attraction and what each is offering for fall family fun.
Hispanic Heritage Month
In Atlanta, Hispanic culture is an essential part of who we are as a city and we commemorate it throughout the year, but during Hispanic Heritage Month, we elevate our celebration to a different level. Use this guide to celebrate in every corner of the city from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.
Dive deeper into Atlanta’s Latino culture by watching “Atlanta Con Sabor Latino,” the Emmy-winning docuseries that showcases and celebrates Latino culture and cuisine through the intertwined stories of Latinos who call Atlanta home.
Fall Festivals
It’s festival season in Atlanta. Visit one of the many pop-up shops and annual fall festivals like Yellow Daisy Festival at Stone Mountain Park, Candler Park Fall Festival and Chastain Park Arts Festival for the perfect opportunity to start your holiday shopping early, all while supporting small businesses and artisans. Get your fill of great food and drink at Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, Atlanta Chili Cook-off and Cabbagetown Chomp and Stomp. There are so many festivals to choose from in the fall. Keep an eye on this list of things to do in Atlanta this weekend.
Atlanta Pride
In most parts of the country, Pride is celebrated in June. Atlanta celebrates Pride in the fall. Atlanta Black Pride events take place Labor Day Weekend and Atlanta Pride month is October. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Be sure to check out the LGBTQ+ guide to Atlanta, which includes bars and nightlife, neighborhoods, queer-friendly events and more.
See Fall Colors
The weather is cooling and the leaves are changing. It’s a beautiful time of year to be in Atlanta. Here’s where to see fall colors in Atlanta.
Guide to Atlanta Hiking
There are so many ways to explore Atlanta’s outdoors, and fall is the perfect time to do it. Here are some outdoor activities the entire family will love. Discover new trails and see fall color with this guide to hiking and backpacking in Atlanta.
Fall Fashion
Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week (ATLSFW) takes place Sept. 24 through 27 in Atlanta’s Historic West End. The 2025 theme, “Fashion, Reclaimed,” encourages individuals to redefine their style and relationship with clothing — shifting away from industry norms toward a more sustainable and personal approach that includes “repairing, upcycling and embracing secondhand clothing, while also fostering a sense of community and individual expression.”
The 2025 Atlanta Fashion Week (ATLFW) takes place Oct. 2 through 5 at Atlantic Station. ATLFW aims to showcase the inclusivity of Atlanta when it comes to fashion, music, art and culture. Want to learn more about fashion in the A? Meet Atlanta’s local fashion designers and discover where to support local designers and makers in Atlanta.
Halloween
Whether you like to keep it cute or indulge in the scary, there is something for everyone around Halloween in Atlanta. Check out these spooky (and not-so-spooky) Halloween events in Atlanta. Here’s where to go thrifting in Atlanta to find the perfect Halloween costume.
Thanksgiving and Fall Break
Kick off Thanksgiving Day with the Invesco QQQ Half Marathon (don’t worry there are shorter courses, too) and show off your medal at dinner. Or spend the morning volunteering for a worthy cause. Here are more things to do Thanksgiving Weekend in Atlanta. Visiting or hosting family for the holidays? Here are things to do in Atlanta for every age group. Save your pennies with these free things to do in Atlanta with kids. If you’re looking for something special to do with your out-of-town guests, consider visiting a Michelin-rated restaurant in Atlanta.
Must See Exhibits
Don’t miss these upcoming, must-see fall plays, performances and exhibits in Atlanta.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Botanical Garden has an extensive calendar of events with programming for all ages including classes and lectures on everything from beekeeping to art to gardening. This fall, the Atlanta Botanical Garden transforms into a whimsical wonderland with Enchanted Trees by Poetic Kinetics. Scattered throughout the grounds, 11 towering kinetic sculptures (some nearly 17 feet tall) sway and shimmer in the crisp autumn breeze, catching the light in dazzling, ever-changing patterns. It’s a must-see fusion of art and nature, offering plenty of photo-worthy moments during the city’s most colorful season. See them through Jan. 11, 2026, as part of the Garden Lights, Holiday Nights experience.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is renowned as one of the county’s leading orchestras. With more than 150 concerts annually, the orchestra’s offerings include a wide variety of genres from pop and comedy to classical and holiday programming. Here’s what’s on the calendar this fall.
- Opening Weekend with Nathalie Stutzmann — Oct. 3 through 5
- Stutzmann Conducts Bach + Grieg — Oct. 9 and 10
- Star Wars and More: The Music of John Williams — Oct. 12
- Atlanta Jewish Film Festival 25th Anniversary Gala Concert — Oct. 20
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary with Brad and Magenta — Oct. 24
- Halloween at Hogwarts + ASO — Oct. 26
- Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert — Nov. 1 and 2
- Stutzmann Conducts Beethoven + Shostakovich — Nov. 6 through 8
- Beethoven Project Finale: Beethoven’s Ninth — Nov. 13 through 16
- Brahms with Stutzmann + Grimaud — Nov. 20 and 21
- A Charlie Brown Christmas — Nov. 23
- Home Alone 2: Lost in New York in Concert — Nov. 29 and 30
- Family Concert: Deck the Halls — Dec. 7
- Christmas with the ASO — Dec. 11 through 14
Georgia Aquarium
This fall Georgia Aquarium will host a variety of programming and events starting with “A Night of Fantasy & Sci-Fi at Georgia Aquarium,” also known as Dragon Con Night, taking place on Aug. 30 from 7 to 11 p.m. for adults 21+. Pre-registration is required. Then, embark on an evening of science, conversation and libations during “Science on Tap,” a 21+ lecture series taking place on Sept. 4. Other adult events include the 19th annual “Aqua Vino” in support of Georgia Aquarium’s mission to advance ocean research, rescue and conservation on Sept. 26 and the 2025 Pride Kickoff on Oct. 10. In partnership with Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Girl Scout Night will take place on Oct. 11 from 7 to 10 p.m. The entire family can participate in Haunted Seas: Spooky Adventures Beneath the Waves from Oct. 3 through Nov. 2. Trick-or-treating at the aquarium takes place on Saturdays and Sundays, beginning Oct. 4.
High Museum of Art
There is always so much beauty to take it at The High. Here are some can’t-miss exhibitions on display at the High Museum this fall:
Faith Ringgold: Seeing Children
Hearing her father’s vows, from the book “The Invisible Princess,” 1999
Acrylic on canvas paper
Faith Ringgold Revocable Trust
On exhibit through Oct. 12
Kim Chong Hak, Painter of Seoraksan
Botanical Study, 2022
Watercolor on hanji paper
High Museum of Art, Atlanta, promised gift of the artist
Courtesy of the artist and the Kim Chong Hak Foundation
On exhibit through Nov. 2
Viktor&Rolf. Fashion Statements
Late Stage Capitalism Waltz Haute Couture, spring/summer 2023, Viktor&Rolf (Dutch, founded 1993), Viktor Horsting (Dutch, born 1969), Rolf Snoeren (Dutch, born 1969). Modeled by Eva Bus. Photographed by Marijke Aerden. © Marijke Aerden.
On display Oct. 10 through Feb. 8, 2026
Visit the calendar for special events like Studio Sessions, Student Art Pop Ups, High Frequency Friday events, Friday Jazz, Family Tours, member events and more.
Zoo Atlanta
While a visit to Zoo Atlanta is fun and informative any day of the year, we love checking out the fun and special events throughout the year. Don’t miss these upcoming fall experiences.
- Sippin’ Safari, Sept. 20
- Educator Soiree (Just for teachers), Oct. 4
- Family Pride Day, Oct. 5
- Boo at the Zoo, Oct. 18, 19, 25 and 26
To be sure you don’t miss a thing, keep an eye on our calendar of events.
Joleen Pete is a storyteller and dream-weaver, inspired by the magic in everyday moments and the untold stories waiting to be shared.
Originally Published August 30, 2025
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