As summer winds down and the kids head back to school, NW Metro Atlanta's communities come alive with fall festivities. From September through November, our seven communities host a remarkable lineup of festivals, concerts, farmers markets, and holiday events that bring neighbors together and showcase the best of each town.
Fall is a wonderful time to explore a new neighborhood before making a move. The energy of a community festival tells you more about a place than any listing description ever could. Below, we have gathered the key events happening this autumn across every community we serve. Dates and details were verified in August 2026 through official city sources.
Jump to a city:
Marietta
40th Annual Art in the Park
September 5-7, 2026 | Glover Park on Marietta Square | Free admission
One of the Southeast's premier juried art festivals returns for its 40th year. Over 220 artists from across the country display and sell their work in every medium imaginable. Live music fills the Square all weekend, a dedicated children's activity tent keeps younger visitors entertained, and the food vendor lineup is outstanding. This is the signature event on Marietta's fall calendar and a perfect introduction to the community. Family-friendly rating: 5/5.
Glover Park Concert Series
Last Friday of the month through September 25, 2026 | Glover Park | Free
Celebrate its 40th season, this concert series draws thousands to the Square on the last Friday of each month through September. Bring blankets, chairs, and a picnic. The September 25 finale is always one of the best attended shows of the year, with a headlining act that spans classic rock, country, or R&B. Family-friendly rating: 5/5.
First Friday Art Walks
First Friday of each month through October | Marietta Square | Free
A self-guided walking tour of Marietta Square's galleries, studios, and restaurants. Participating venues stay open late, many offering wine and hors d'oeuvres. The fall editions (September 4, October 2) are especially lovely, with the Square showing off its autumn colors. Family-friendly rating: 4/5.
Taste of Marietta
Date TBA for 2027 | Marietta Square | Ticket purchase required
The 2026 Taste of Marietta was held in April. The 2027 edition will return in spring. In the meantime, the Marietta Square dining scene has never been stronger. Stop by Asher & Rose Grocers, West Park wine room, Antika (coming soon), or one of the many longtime favorites on the Square. Family-friendly rating: 4/5.
Acworth
Acworth Mimosa Festival
September 6, 2026 | Historic Downtown Acworth | Ticket purchase required (typically $20-$30)
This popular adult-oriented festival returns to downtown Acworth with dozens of mimosa flavors, craft beer and wine, live music, and food from local vendors. The festival takes over Main Street with a relaxed, festive atmosphere. This is primarily an adult event, though the outdoor setting is welcoming. Family-friendly rating: 2/5.
Taste of Acworth
October 17, 2026 | Main Street, Downtown Acworth | Free admission, food tickets available for purchase
Over 40 local restaurants set up tasting booths along Main Street for this beloved annual tradition. Sample your way through Acworth's best cuisine, enjoy live entertainment, and browse local artisan vendors. It is a fantastic way to experience the variety and quality of Acworth's dining scene in one afternoon. Family-friendly rating: 4/5.
Acworth Beer & Wine Fest
November 1, 2026 | Logan Farm Park | Ticket purchase required
Over 100 craft beers and wines from around the region, live music, and food trucks at Logan Farm Park. This end-of-season festival has grown into one of Acworth's signature fall events. Family-friendly rating: 2/5.
Acworth Farmers Market
Saturdays through the fall season (expanded to Saturdays in 2026) | Logan Farm Park | Free admission
Fresh local produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and live music. The market's expansion to Saturdays in 2026 has made it even more accessible for families. As the season progresses, you will find fall produce, pumpkins, and seasonal decorations. Family-friendly rating: 5/5.
Acworth Classic Car Cruise
Select Saturdays through fall | Downtown Acworth | Free
Classic cars line Main Street as the community gathers for this relaxed weekly event. Great for families and car enthusiasts alike. Family-friendly rating: 5/5.
Kennesaw
9/11 Field of Flags
August 29 - September 11, 2026 | Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park | Free
An annual display of nearly 3,000 American flags across the battlefield, each one representing a life lost on September 11, 2001. It is a moving and solemn tribute that draws visitors from across the region. The display runs from August 29 through September 11. Family-friendly rating: 5/5 (a meaningful educational experience for children old enough to understand).
Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival
October 16-17, 2026 | Downtown Kennesaw | Ticket purchase required
The 25th anniversary of Kennesaw's premier festival. This year the event moves to October for the first time, featuring nationally recognized BBQ competitors, headliners Chayce Beckham and Tigirlily Gold, a kids' zone, and the always-popular tasting experience. The move to fall means cooler weather and peak foliage. Family-friendly rating: 4/5.
Scarecrows on Main
September through October 2026 | Downtown Kennesaw | Free
Businesses and organizations along Main Street create and display whimsical scarecrows, turning downtown into an outdoor gallery of fall creativity. Now in its seventh year, this event is beloved by families and makes for a delightful fall afternoon stroll. Family-friendly rating: 5/5.
Kennesaw Farmers Market
Saturdays through fall | Depot Park | Free admission
Local produce, artisan breads, crafts, and live music at the historic Depot Park. The market continues through the fall season, offering seasonal produce and handmade goods. Family-friendly rating: 5/5.
Downtown Kennesaw Concert Series
Select Fridays through October | Depot Park | Free
Free concerts continue through October at Depot Park. The setting is family-friendly, with a playground adjacent to the amphitheater so parents can enjoy the music while kids play. Family-friendly rating: 5/5.
Woodstock
Woodstock Riverfest Arts & Crafts Festival
September 12-13, 2026 | Etowah River Park | Free admission
Juried artists and crafters from across the Southeast display their work alongside live music, food vendors, and children's activities at scenic Etowah River Park. The riverside setting makes this one of the most beautiful festival locations in Cherokee County. Family-friendly rating: 5/5.
Woodstock Farmers Market
Saturdays through December | The Park at City Center | Free admission
The Farm Fresh Market celebrates its 13th season in 2026, running Saturdays from April through December. Fresh produce, artisan foods, crafts, and live music in the heart of downtown. The fall months bring apples, pumpkins, and holiday crafts. Family-friendly rating: 5/5.
Face 2 Face: Elton John & Billy Joel Tribute
September 12, 2026 | Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater | Ticket purchase required
This popular tribute show brings the music of two piano legends to Woodstock's premier outdoor venue. The amphitheater offers lawn seating and a gorgeous setting for a fall concert evening. Family-friendly rating: 4/5.
First Friday Events
First Friday of each month through fall | Downtown Woodstock | Free
Downtown Woodstock stays lively with extended shopping hours, live music, and special events on the first Friday of each month. The September and October editions are especially popular as the weather cools and the downtown is ablaze with fall color. Family-friendly rating: 5/5.
Canton
Taste & Brews Music Fest
September 12-13, 2026 | Etowah River Park | Ticket purchase required
Canton's premier food and drink festival returns to Etowah River Park. Sample dishes from local restaurants alongside craft beers, wines, and spirits while enjoying live music throughout the weekend. This event draws visitors from across Cherokee County and beyond. Family-friendly rating: 4/5.
First Friday Concert Series
First Friday of each month through October | Downtown Canton | Free
Cannon Park comes alive with live music, extended shopping hours at downtown boutiques, and food from local restaurants. The fall editions (September 4, October 2) feature cooler evenings and beautiful downtown scenery. Family-friendly rating: 5/5.
Canton Farmers Market
Saturdays through August 29, 2026 | Brown Park | Free admission
The last market of the season is August 29, so catch it while you can. Local produce, honey, artisan crafts, and live music in a lovely park setting. While the Saturday markets end in August, keep an eye out for special fall editions and holiday markets. Family-friendly rating: 5/5.
Jack O' Lantern Jamboree
Late October 2026 (date TBA) | The Mill on Etowah | Free admission
A family-friendly Halloween celebration at the Mill on Etowah featuring pumpkin carving, costume contests, trick-or-treating at participating businesses, and seasonal treats. This event has grown quickly and is now a highlight of Canton's fall calendar. Family-friendly rating: 5/5.
Canton Christmas / Holiday Events
Late November - December 2026 | Downtown Canton | Free
The holiday season kicks off with the Downtown Tree Lighting in late November, followed by the Canton Christmas Parade and seasonal events at The Mill on Etowah. The downtown square is beautifully decorated, and local shops offer holiday shopping with small-town charm. Family-friendly rating: 5/5.
Cartersville
Pioneer Days
September 4-7, 2026 | Roselawn Museum | Free admission
Cartersville's Labor Day weekend tradition celebrates the region's pioneer heritage with living history demonstrations, period crafts, music, and food. Set on the grounds of the historic Roselawn mansion, this event offers a glimpse into 19th-century life in Bartow County. Family-friendly rating: 5/5.
Arts Festival at Rose Lawn
September 19-20, 2026 | Roselawn Museum | Free admission
Juried artists from across the Southeast fill the grounds of the historic Roselawn with paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, and mixed media. Live music, food vendors, and children's art activities make this a full weekend destination. Set against the backdrop of one of Cartersville's most beautiful historic properties. Family-friendly rating: 5/5.
Fall Festival at Dellinger Park
October 25, 2026 | Dellinger Park | Free admission
A community celebration at one of Cartersville's largest parks featuring inflatables, games, food trucks, live entertainment, and seasonal activities. The newly opened Dellinger Park Softball Complex adds to the park's amenities. Family-friendly rating: 5/5.
Cartersville Farmers Market
May through October | Downtown Cartersville | Free admission
Fresh local produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and live music in downtown Cartersville. The market continues through October, so there is plenty of time to stock up on seasonal fall produce and handmade gifts. Family-friendly rating: 5/5.
Downtown Cartersville Art Walk
Monthly through fall | Downtown Cartersville | Free
Local galleries, antique shops, and restaurants stay open late for self-guided art walk evenings. The fall editions feature seasonal themes and extended hours. A lovely way to experience Cartersville's growing arts scene. Family-friendly rating: 4/5.
Dallas and Paulding County
Paulding Meadows Arts & Crafts Festival
September 12-13, 2026 | Earl Duncan Park / Paulding Meadows | $5 entry (children 12 and under free)
One of Paulding County's most anticipated annual events, this juried arts and crafts festival features handmade work from artisans across the Southeast. Live music, food vendors, and children's activities fill the weekend. It is the weekend after Labor Day, so mark your calendar. Family-friendly rating: 5/5.
Paulding Fine Arts Festival
October 11, 2026 | Main Street, Downtown Dallas | Free admission
Hosted by the Paulding Fine Arts Association, this festival fills downtown Dallas with artist booths, live demonstrations, music, and children's art activities. The historic courthouse square provides a beautiful backdrop for a celebration of local creativity. Family-friendly rating: 5/5.
Spooky Shopping / Girls Night Out
October 2026 (date TBA) | Downtown Dallas | Free
Downtown Dallas hosts quarterly Girls Night Out events, and the October edition features a Spooky Shopping theme with extended evening hours at local boutiques, special promotions, appetizers, and a festive Halloween atmosphere. Family-friendly rating: 4/5.
Dallas Farmers Market
Select Saturdays through fall | Downtown Dallas | Free admission
Fresh local produce, baked goods, and artisan products at the historic downtown Dallas square. As the season shifts to fall, you will find pumpkins, mums, apple cider, and handmade holiday crafts. Family-friendly rating: 5/5.
Pink Friday / Holiday Kickoff
Late November 2026 | Downtown Dallas | Free
Girls Night Out goes holiday-themed in November with Pink Friday, featuring extended shopping hours, special sales, holiday treats, and live music in downtown Dallas. It is the perfect kickoff to the Christmas shopping season. Family-friendly rating: 4/5.
Paulding County Agricultural Fair
Fall 2026 (dates TBA) | Paulding County | Ticket purchase required
A classic community fair with carnival rides, livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, fair food, and live entertainment. A wonderful tradition that brings together families from across the county. Family-friendly rating: 5/5.
Planning Your Fall Community Visit
If you are considering a move to NW Metro Atlanta, fall is an ideal time to explore. The weather is perfect for walking through neighborhoods, attending community events gives you a genuine feel for the local culture, and the real estate market often offers more opportunities for buyers as inventory remains healthy.
We encourage you to visit these events and experience each community for yourself. Talk to residents, grab coffee at a local shop, and imagine what your life could look like there. There is no substitute for being in a place and feeling whether it fits.
We know these communities inside and out, and we would love to help you find your place in one of them. Whether you are relocating from out of state or moving across town, give us a call. We will help you make a wise decision.
Why Community Events Matter When Choosing a Home
A town's events tell you what it values. Marietta's Art in the Park reflects a deep commitment to the arts and community gathering. Acworth's Taste of Acworth showcases a dining scene that punches far above the city's size. Kennesaw's Pigs & Peaches is a celebration of community pride and Southern tradition. When you are house hunting, do not just look at the house. Look at the calendar. That is where you will find the heart of a community.
Ready to Explore NW Metro Atlanta?
Whether a fall festival has you excited about a particular community or you are just starting to explore, we would love to help. With 360+ homes sold across Cobb, Paulding, Cherokee, and Bartow counties, we know exactly how each community comes alive in the fall and what that means for families considering a move.
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