By Kelley Musson
The great thing about Atlanta, is that it offers an array of festivals year round. Whether you’re a foodie, or an adventurer, or simply looking to enjoy the city a little more here are a few of the best fall festivals this year:
• Atlanta Pride Festival & Parade
On October 11th and 12th prepare yourself for a fun-filled weekend with Atlanta’s alternative lifestyle community. This weekend festival will be held at (but not limited to) Piedmont Park. The pride festival will have a great deal of booths and vendors, live entertainment as well as awesome activities for all ages. Starting off the weekend you can roll out your yoga mats for YoGaga, which is yoga inspired by Lady Gaga. Dress up in your best Lady Gaga costume and enjoy and hour of yoga…don’t forget to bring your little monsters! There will also be a health expo starting from 10:00am, which will include HIV testing, cancer prevention lectures, and other general health information.On Sunday, October 12th enjoy two hours of complimentary cocktails as well as a delicious brunch, all while watching the parade from the best angle. The weekend concludes that evening with a closing party with the Grammy nominated DJ duo, Rosabel.
• Elevate Art
Last year Elevate Atlanta united with 20 organizations to present a vast display of community artworks and 12 performances and events in 8 days. On October 17th Elevate Art will feature a kick off block party and will follow with art installations, music as well as dance performances throughout the week. There will be walking and biking tours to view all of the art around the downtown area. There will also be a viewing of public artwork via the MARTA trains and buses. And of course, this event includes food from a special art inspired menu! Cocktails will be from local downtown hotspots.
• Little. 5 Points Halloween Festival and Parade
On October 18th bring the family out to one of the top 10 Halloween events in the country! Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade has been running for 14 years and counting. It’s held in Atlanta’s leading business, arts and music district from noon until 11:00pm. Each year thousands of festival goers flock to the area to enjoy amazing food and signature craft beers (courtesy of the Wrecking Bar Brewpub), and experience the best Halloween parade in the south. You can also expect live entertainment from two stages, and enjoy displays by local artists. The parade will display a variety of acts, from marching bands to zombies! It begins at 4:00pm from Euclid at Austin Avenue and ends at 6:00pm at Freedom Parkway.
• Taste of Atlanta
If you’re a true foodie you cannot miss this event! Taste of Atlanta is held over a three day period from October 24th to the 26th. This year’s focus is the diverse neighborhoods throughout Atlanta. From Buckhead to East Atlanta, Taste of Atlanta is looking to capture the personality and flavor of these unique parts of the city. Friday’s kickoff event will take place between 7:00pm – 10:00pm. You can expect to start the weekend off with live entertainment, craft beers, wines from around the world, and cocktails. Saturday’s tent will include food activities such as Battle of the Burbs, the Iron Chefs Kids Competition and After Top Chef – where Top Chef ex contestants talk about life after the competition. Sunday will start off with Taco Takedown, followed by the Fried Chicken Face Off, as well as cooking with craft beers. Over 90 restaurants will be participating, and there will be four live cooking stages.
• Georgia Craft Beer Festival
The Georgia Craft Beer Festival is held on October 25th at Candler Park. It’s an outdoor festival packed with over 30 breweries showcasing some of their best craft beers, with over 100 craft beers to sample! Don’t worry about sampling on an empty stomach; there will be tons of the city’s best food trucks in attendance. Rain, blow or shine this event is a go. While you’re sipping your craft beer, you’ll be occupied by the variety of live performances. Games and activities will also be a part of this festival, so get involved!
• Cabbagetown Chomp and Stomp
Naturally, the Cabbagetown Chomp and Stomp starts off with a carefree and easy going 5k, followed by a beer, you know, just for being a good sport. Beer for breakfast, mellow bluegrass melodies playing, an artist market filled with handcrafted goods, and tons of chili vendors, this festival has to be the most relaxing of them all. But, the chomp and stomp knows how to turn up the volume! By mid-day, you can pick up a $5 spoon and do some chili tasting. There’s a cabbage shredding competition as well as a slaw eating contest. Lastly, bobbing for brussel sprouts, of course. On November 1st tap into your inner country!