By Taylor Dahl
Once the blazing summer heat dissipates, Atlantans want to get out. Here are some fantastic fall festivals we think you’ll enjoy:
Yellow Daisy Festival (Sept. 4-7):
Five hundred crafters from across the United States participate in this arts and crafts show. This year’s festival will feature local watercolorist Dylan Scott Pierce. Stone Mountain Park.
The Atlanta Arts Festival (Sept. 12-14)
This artists’ market features 200 painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metal craftsmen, and glass blowers. There will be live music, entertainment, hands-on arts activities, and an arts advocates area where guests can learn more about cultural events and organizations in Atlanta. Piedmont Park.
Go Arts Month (October):
During Go Arts Month, enjoy theater, music, dance, visual art, and cultural exhibits at discounted prices. The Atlanta Coalition of Performing Arts, in conjunction with the Theatre Communications Group, presents the national Free Night of Theater; more than 3,000 tickets will be available for performances throughout Georgia between Oct. 16 and 31. Underground Atlanta is hosting “Open Arts Day” Oct. 4 from 11 a.m.-5p.m. goartsmonth.org.
Taste of Atlanta (Oct. 11-12):
Sample food from more than 70 of Atlanta’s favorite restaurants. This year’s cooking stage will feature demonstrations by Trisha Yearwood, Ted Allen and “Top Chef” finalist Richard Blais. VIP ticket holders ($75-$95) get to participate in The Wine Experience and Bowling & Brews at Ten Pin Alley. Atlantic Station, $25 in advance/$35 at the gate, tasteofatlanta.net
Indian Festival & Pow-Wow (Nov. 6-9):
This celebration of Native American culture is in its 36th year. Attractions dance and drum competitions, music, Native American food, storytelling and crafts demonstrations. Stone Mountain, $25 adults/$19 kids.
North Atlanta Wine Festival (Nov. 15)
Sample over 120 wines from around the world along with food from Atlanta’s top restaurants at the North Atlanta Trade Center. $45 in advance, northatlantatradecenter.com.
Tour of Southern Ghosts (Oct. 15-19, 22-26, 29-31):
Each night, a different cast of six storytellers presents tales of southern ghosts along the lantern-lit paths of the Antebellum Plantation grounds at Stone Mountain Park. The stories are scary, but family friendly. Stone Mountain.
Highland Games (Oct. 18-19):
Thousands of Scots hit the grounds of Stone Mountain annually for Scottish-themed athletic events, dancing, piping, drumming and harping. Stone Mountain, smhg.org.
Great Decatur Beer Tasting Festival (Oct. 18)
Head to Decatur’s historic square for live music, food, and hundreds of the finest local and international beers. Admission price includes a special tasting glass. Ages 21 and up, $30, decaturga.com.
