Georgia has an official barbecue cooking championship, and it comes with a free barbecue tasting. I read that twice.
Then I started planning my snack strategy.
November in the Peach State gets busy in the best way. One celebration glows with more than two million holiday lights.
Another lets you sample dishes from over 30 local restaurants while football plays nearby.
The fun keeps stacking up. There are drum and dance competitions, a student art market with over 100 vendors, a corn maze, and a car show that welcomes golf carts.
Yes, golf carts. I love that detail more than I probably should.
Each of these events makes a solid excuse to pack a bag, book a room, and stretch one fun day into two. A festival is great.
A festival plus a lazy Sunday morning is even better. So which one is calling your name first?
1. Big Pig Jig
Barbecue in Georgia has an official title fight, and it happens here. The Big Pig Jig holds the honor of being Georgia’s official barbecue cooking championship.
That means you’re not just eating smoked meat. You’re eating smoked meat with bragging rights on the line.
Teams gather to compete, and the friendly rivalry gives the whole event extra spark. You get to wander the grounds and soak up the smoky, competitive energy.
The best part might be the free barbecue tasting. Free samples at a barbecue championship?
That’s the kind of math anyone can enjoy.
Food vendors line up beyond the competition, so you won’t run out of options. Pace yourself, though.
Your stomach only has so much room.
Arts and crafts booths give you a break between bites. You might head home with a handmade gift and sauce on your sleeve.
Live music keeps the mood lively through the day. Find a spot, tap your foot, and let your lunch settle.
Families can relax here too. The event offers family-friendly activities, so kids have plenty to do while grown-ups debate rubs and sauces.
Vienna sits in south Georgia, which makes it a fun road trip destination. Plan an overnight stay so you aren’t rushing home on a full belly.
Bring cash, comfy shoes, and a strong opinion about barbecue. Leave room for second helpings, because you’ll probably want them.
Address: 350 Pig Jig Blvd, Vienna, GA 31092
2. Stone Mountain Christmas
Two million lights is a lot of extension cords. Stone Mountain Christmas brings over two million dazzling lights to Stone Mountain Park each holiday season.
The glow alone makes the drive worth it. Then the park keeps piling on the extras.
A Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks things off in style. It comes with Santa’s Big Flight, which sounds like the best airline in the world.
After dark, the Magical Christmas Drone and Light Show fills the sky. Drones and holiday music together feel like a modern twist on old traditions.
You’ll also catch a festive parade and spectacular holiday shows. Grab a good spot early so short folks can see.
Kids who love dinosaurs get a special treat. The Christmas Dino Glow Experience mixes prehistoric creatures with holiday sparkle.
Park attractions round out the day nicely. Ride the Scenic Railroad, catch a 4D movie, or knock out a round of mini-golf.
Of course, Santa makes time for visits. Have your wish list ready, because he’s a busy guy in November.
The event runs through the holiday season, so check dates before you go. A weekend lets you split rides and shows across two evenings.
Book a nearby hotel and turn it into a mini holiday retreat. You’ll go home humming carols whether you planned to or not.
Address: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
3. Savannah Christmas Market
USA Today readers voted this riverfront market one of the Best Holiday Markets in the U.S. That’s a big shout-out for a market in coastal Georgia.
The Savannah Christmas Market takes over Plant Riverside District each season. It turns the riverfront into a European-style outdoor holiday market.
Charming vendor stalls make shopping feel like a stroll instead of a chore. You can check off gifts while enjoying river views.
Seasonal treats and drinks keep your hands busy as you browse. Snacking while shopping might be the smartest holiday plan ever invented.
Live entertainment adds a soundtrack to your wandering. You never know what you’ll hear around the next stall.
The tree lighting ceremony is a highlight worth timing your trip around. Lights on a riverfront tree just hit differently.
Little ones get their own fun with children’s activities. There’s also a gingerbread house, which may test everyone’s self-control.
Photos with Santa are available too. Dress the family in matching sweaters if you’re feeling bold.
Savannah makes an easy weekend escape with plenty to explore nearby. Spend one evening at the market and another walking River Street.
Wear comfortable shoes for strolling along the water. Bring a sturdy bag, because those stalls have a sneaky way of filling it.
Address: Plant Riverside District, 400 W River Street, Savannah, GA 31401
4. UGA Spotlight On The Arts Festival
Forty-plus events in one month is a serious arts workout. The UGA Spotlight on the Arts Festival packs that much into its month-long run.
The 15th annual festival celebrates visual, literary, and performing arts at the University of Georgia. Events pop up across campus, so each visit can feel different.
Spots like the UGA Performing Arts Center host big moments. The Lamar Dodd School of Art also joins the action.
Shoppers should circle the Fall Dodd Market. It’s a student-run art market with over 100 vendors.
A food truck and live music make browsing feel like a party. You can support young artists and grab a snack at the same time.
Music lovers get the Annual Holiday Concert by the Hugh Hodgson School of Music. It’s a festive way to ease into the season.
UGA Theatre productions add drama, in the good sense. Check the schedule and pick a show that fits your weekend.
Student Spotlight Pop-Ups bring surprises too. They showcase student writing, visual art, and performances in quick, fun bursts.
Many events offer free or discounted admission for students. Bring your college kid along and let them show off their ID.
Athens makes a lively home base for a weekend. Mix a concert with a market, and you’ve built a pretty creative getaway.
Address: UGA Performing Arts Center, 230 River Rd, Athens, GA 30605
5. Fall Fun At Washington Farms
A farm that started in 1993 still knows how to throw a fall party. Washington Farms added fall activities in 1996 and grew them after moving to its current spot in 2000.
That’s decades of practice at autumn fun. You can tell they’ve had time to build a great lineup.
The corn maze is a classic for a reason. Bring a sense of direction, or at least a good attitude about getting lost.
Kids usually make a beeline for the jumping pillow. It’s basically a giant bouncy hill, and grown-ups may sneak a few hops too.
The cow train delivers a ride with a farm twist. Hayrides give everyone a slower, scenic look at the land.
Barnyard board games, a sandbox, and tetherball fill in the gaps. There’s plenty to keep restless legs moving.
Now for the snacks. Homemade strawberry ice cream and homemade kettle corn often show up on the menu.
Fresh donuts, pizza, and fresh squeezed lemonade also tend to make an appearance. Plan for a snack break, or maybe three.
Groups can look into campfires and birthday parties. A campfire evening might be the perfect cap to a long farm day.
Bogart sits close to Athens, so pairing this with a city stay works nicely. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting a little dusty.
Address: 5691 Hog Mountain Road, Bogart, GA 30622
6. Red Clay Ramble: Georgia Music & Harvest Festival
Free admission and a pumpkin smash? Somebody clearly understood the assignment.
The Red Clay Ramble is a free annual festival honoring Georgia’s music, harvest, art, and community.
The name alone sounds like a road trip song. The lineup lives up to it.
Live regional music plays across multiple stages. Wander between them and find your new favorite local band.
Harvest vendors bring seasonal goods to browse. Local artisans add handmade pieces you won’t spot at the mall.
Demonstrations steal the show for curious minds. You can watch glass blowing and wood carving up close.
Feeling brave? Axe throwing is on the menu of activities.
Prefer something messier? The pumpkin smash lets you send a gourd out in style.
Lawn games and interactive activities keep the afternoon rolling. There are also nature and agriculture initiatives for folks who like to learn while they play.
Local food helps you refuel between stages. A DJ afterparty carries the energy past sunset for anyone who isn’t ready to go home.
The festival sits in the Depot District of Lawrenceville. Stay the night nearby and explore the downtown area the next morning.
Address: 407 N Clayton St, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
7. Georgia Festival Of Trees
Rows of decorated Christmas trees under one roof can make anyone feel like a kid again. The Georgia Festival of Trees brings that magic to the Gas South Convention Center.
Since it’s indoors, chilly weather can’t spoil your plans. That’s a big win for anyone who loses feeling in their toes easily.
Beautifully decorated trees fill the space. Holiday displays add even more eye candy as you stroll.
You might leave with fresh ideas for your own tree. Or you might leave feeling slightly embarrassed about your tinsel.
Santa visits and photo opportunities are part of the fun. Have the camera ready before the little ones get shy.
Cookie decorating may be the sweetest stop of all. Sprinkles will travel, so dress accordingly.
Children’s activities and live entertainment keep things moving. Holiday shopping lets you knock out a few gifts early.
The festival has a meaningful purpose too. It supports efforts to raise awareness and help prevent exploitation and trafficking.
That gives your visit a bit more heart. You’re having fun and backing a good cause at the same time.
Duluth is an easy weekend base in metro Atlanta. Pair the trees with a nice dinner nearby and call it a festive escape.
Address: Gas South Convention Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097
8. Taste Of Kennesaw
Thirty-plus restaurants on one downtown street sounds like a dream buffet. Taste of Kennesaw makes it happen, and admission is free.
You pay for the samples you want, not just for walking in. That makes it easy to build your own tasting tour.
The restaurants aren’t just serving. They’re competing for awards like Best Entrée, Best Dessert, and Best Appetizer.
Other prizes include Best Food Presentation and Best Decorated Tent. So yes, the tents get dressed up too.
Try playing judge yourself. Pick your own winners and see if they match the official results.
Football fans won’t miss a thing. The festival offers football viewing areas, which is a clever move in the middle of the season.
Live music plays on two entertainment stages. You can snack, listen, and cheer all in the same afternoon.
Kids get plenty of their own action. Look for a climbing wall, inflatables, slides, and a trackless train.
A smart plan helps here. Scout the tents first, then circle back for your top picks.
Kennesaw sits in Cobb County, close to plenty of places to stay. Spend Saturday tasting and Sunday walking off those samples.
Address: Downtown Kennesaw, 2829 Cherokee Street, Kennesaw, GA 30144
9. Chastain Park Arts Festival
Nearly 175 artists in one park is a holiday shopper’s secret weapon. The Chastain Park Arts Festival gathers that many artists and artisans each year.
Forget fighting crowds at the mall. Here you can shop outside and meet the people who made the goods.
Chastain Park sits in Atlanta, so a city weekend fits right in. Spend the day browsing, then explore the city the next.
The festival makes a perfect kickoff for holiday shopping. You can cross off gifts early and feel wildly organized.
Handmade gifts carry a story. Telling someone you met the artist adds a nice touch to any present.
With so many booths, a plan helps. Take a full lap before buying, then return to your favorites.
Bring a tote bag or two for your finds. Larger pieces may need some creative carrying.
Chat with the artists if they have a moment. Learning how something was made can make you love it even more.
Comfortable shoes are a must for a long browse. Layers help too, since November mornings in Georgia can start crisp.
Treat yourself to something small while you’re there. You earned it after all that thoughtful gift shopping.
Address: Chastain Park, 4469 Powers Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30342
10. Native American Festival And Pow Wow
Drums, dancers, and stories handed down through generations set the tone at this gathering. The Native American Festival and Pow Wow takes place each year at Stone Mountain Park.
It celebrates the nation’s first civilization. That makes it both a festival and a chance to learn.
Dance and drum competitions are a powerful sight. Find a good viewing spot and give the performers your full attention.
Storytelling shares an ancient art. Kids and adults alike can get swept up in the tales.
Authentic dishes give you a tasty reason to linger. Try something new and ask questions where it’s welcome.
Craft demonstrations show skills up close. Watching hands at work can be surprisingly hypnotic.
Want to get involved? The festival offers hands-on skills workshops.
Topics include pottery, open-fire cooking, and bow-making. Picking one could become the highlight of your trip.
Stone Mountain Park offers plenty more to explore. Spread your weekend across the festival and other park sights.
Arrive with curiosity and respect. You’ll leave knowing more than when you came, which is the best kind of souvenir.
Address: Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
11. Atlanta Fair
Some traditions never go out of style, and a classic fair is one of them. The Atlanta Fair brings rides, entertainment, and food options to the city.
It’s held near Georgia State Stadium. That’s a fun backdrop for spinning rides and bright lights.
Fair food is half the reason people show up. Wander the stands and pick your favorite treat of the day.
Rides fill the other half of the plan. Some folks chase thrills, while others prefer a gentle loop.
Entertainment adds even more to see. Take a break from rides and catch whatever’s happening nearby.
The fair offers a traditional experience. Think of the fairs you loved as a kid, and you’re on the right track.
Going in the evening can feel extra fun. Lit-up rides against a dark sky make for great photos.
Set a snack budget before you arrive. Fair food has a sneaky talent for multiplying.
An Atlanta weekend gives you lots to pair with the fair. Hit the midway one night and explore the city the next day.
Bring friends, bring family, or bring your competitive side to the games. Just don’t brag too loudly if you win.
Address: Georgia State Stadium, 755 Hank Aaron Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
