Georgia’s calendar is packed with festivals, celebrations, and cultural events that reflect the state’s diverse identity. From music and food to history and heritage, these annual happenings draw locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re planning your travel around a specific season or just looking for something exciting to do, here are some of the top recurring events across Georgia worth marking on your calendar.
January – MLK Day Celebrations (Statewide)
Every January, Georgia honors one of its most influential native sons with parades, lectures, and service events. Atlanta’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day March and Rally is one of the largest in the country, beginning downtown and ending at the King Center. Events also take place in Augusta, Savannah, and Albany.
Highlights: Parade, community service, civil rights talks
Best for: Families, students, activists
February – Savannah Black Heritage Festival
This month-long celebration features concerts, dance performances, film screenings, and art exhibitions focused on African American culture. Events are held across Savannah and culminate in a vibrant parade and family day.
Highlights: Art, culture, education
Best for: History buffs, families, cultural travelers
March – Atlanta Film Festival
One of the longest-running festivals of its kind, the Atlanta Film Festival showcases indie films from around the world. It’s a great chance to catch cutting-edge cinema and attend filmmaker Q&As, workshops, and afterparties.
Highlights: Screenings, premieres, networking
Best for: Film fans, creatives, date nights
April – Dogwood Festival (Atlanta)
Held in Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival celebrates spring with live music, art vendors, food trucks, and family activities. The blooming dogwoods and skyline views make it one of the city’s favorite outdoor events.
Highlights: Art market, live music, kids zone
Best for: Art lovers, families, pet owners
May – Georgia Renaissance Festival (Fairburn)
Running from mid-April through early June, this Renaissance fair south of Atlanta offers jousting, costumed performers, themed food, and artisan markets. It’s interactive, festive, and ideal for a whimsical weekend outing.
Highlights: Live shows, cosplay, medieval food
Best for: Families, fantasy fans, groups
June – AthFest (Athens)
AthFest is a free, multi-day music and arts festival in downtown Athens, showcasing over 100 local and regional bands. There are also kids’ activities, local food vendors, and a juried artist market.
Highlights: Live music, art booths, local eats
Best for: Music lovers, UGA alumni, weekenders
July – Peachtree Road Race (Atlanta)
Held every 4th of July, the AJC Peachtree Road Race is the largest 10K in the world. Whether you’re running or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a high-energy way to celebrate Independence Day in Atlanta.
Highlights: Road race, patriotic celebration, community pride
Best for: Runners, fitness fans, families
August – Macon Film Festival
Held in downtown Macon, this indie film fest features screenings, panel discussions, and special guests. It’s known for its Southern hospitality and focus on emerging filmmakers.
Highlights: Indie films, southern stories, networking
Best for: Cinephiles, creatives, college students
September – Yellow Daisy Festival (Stone Mountain Park)
This nationally ranked arts and crafts show attracts hundreds of vendors and thousands of shoppers. Set in scenic Stone Mountain Park, it’s a favorite for early holiday shopping and enjoying cooler temperatures.
Highlights: Handmade goods, food stalls, scenic walks
Best for: Crafters, families, fall fans
October – Oktoberfest (Helen)
Helen’s Bavarian-style Oktoberfest is one of the longest-running in the U.S. Enjoy beer gardens, polka music, bratwursts, and festive costumes in a mountain town that looks straight out of Germany.
Highlights: German food and beer, parades, music
Best for: Adults, couples, fun groups
October – Georgia National Fair (Perry)
This classic fair draws big crowds with its rides, livestock shows, concerts, and fried food galore. The event spans 11 days and is one of the largest in the Southeast.
Highlights: Fair food, concerts, fireworks
Best for: Families, teens, tradition lovers
November – Savannah Food & Wine Festival
Georgia’s coastal gem hosts this weeklong celebration of culinary excellence with celebrity chefs, wine tastings, and gourmet dinners. Many events take place in Savannah’s historic downtown and along the riverfront.
Highlights: Tasting tents, chef demos, wine pairings
Best for: Foodies, couples, wine fans
December – Garden Lights, Holiday Nights (Atlanta Botanical Garden)
This dazzling light display transforms the Atlanta Botanical Garden into a glowing wonderland. Stroll among millions of lights, sip cocoa, and take photos under the canopy of color.
Highlights: Light shows, holiday décor, seasonal treats
Best for: Families, date nights, holiday lovers