One of our favorite things about the fall season isn’t found in a Starbucks cup — it’s found in the vibrant festivals and events that light up our community. As the crisp air and colorful leaves set the stage, Suwanee and our surrounding communities come alive with a range of autumn activities that bring joy to all. From parades and lively festivals to carnivals and Halloween-themed shenanigans, our annual Fall Fun Guide is here to help you discover the best ways to celebrate the season.
BY ALICIA CARTER
HARVEST HAPPENINGS
Embrace the best of fall with a trio of seasonal favorites: pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and apple picking — oh my! Whether you’re hunting for the perfect pumpkin to carve, getting lost in a twisting corn maze, or enjoying the crisp, sweet taste of freshly picked apples, we’ve curated the ultimate list of must-visit destinations to help you reap the full harvest of fall fun!
PUMPKIN PATCHES
RANDY’S PUMPKIN PATCH. Head on over to Randy’s Pumpkin Patch in Lawrenceville for a gourd time! This local gem is bursting with pumpkins and packed with activities that will have the kiddos jumping for joy — literally. From a petting zoo to bounce houses and a mini train ride, there’s fun for everyone. And don’t forget to return in the winter when the patch transforms into a festive Christmas tree wonderland! Swing by from September through October at 1460 Lawrenceville Hwy., Lawrenceville, or check them out online at RandysPumpkinPatch.com.
BURT’S FARM. Pumpkin enthusiasts, rejoice! Burt’s Farm, set in the picturesque North Georgia mountains, has a long history dating back to the 1800s. The Burt family’s pumpkin patch first started in their front yard in 1972 and has since grown into a beloved autumn destination. From tiny 1-pound pumpkins to whopping 150-pound giants, this place has pumpkins of every size. Enjoy a hayride, nibble on fresh-baked treats, and find all the fall décor you need in their shop. The harvest season kicks off in September at 5 Burt’s Pumpkin Farm Road, Dawsonville. BurtsPumpkinFarmGeorgia.com.
WARBINGTON FARMS. Ready for some cornfield capers? Warbington Farms, a third-generation family farm, is the place to be for maze madness and pumpkin picking. Test your navigational skills in their daytime or nighttime corn maze, and then hunt for the perfect pumpkin. Afterward, let loose at the Fun Park with a “hey” ride, petting zoo, giant inflatables, and more! The autumn festivities start in September. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m
CORN MAZES
BUFORD CORN MAZE. Get ready to get lost in the fun! Buford Corn Maze is a popular 5-acre labyrinth that has been named one of the nation’s top corn mazes by Country Living Magazine. With hayrides, a pumpkin patch, a haunted forest, animal viewing area, and more, there’s something for everyone. Kick off your fall festivities starting Labor Day weekend and navigate the maze through November. Find them at 4470 Bennett Road, Buford, or online at BufordCornMaze.com.
JAEMOR FARM’S HARVEST CELEBRATION. From mid-September to early November, this farm extravaganza has it all: hayrides, farm slides, a petting zoo, a pumpkin train, apple cannons, and a mini-maze for a quick adventure. Dive into the autumn spirit with their annual corn maze and enjoy all the fun activities that make Jaemor a must-visit. 5340 Cornelia Hwy. (Highway 365), Alto, 770-869-3999, JaemorFarms.com.
UNCLE SHUCK’S CORN MAZE& PUMPKIN PATCH. Pumpkin lovers and maze enthusiasts unite at Uncle Shuck’s in Dawsonville! Explore their epic 15-acre corn maze, then bounce, climb, and enjoy the pumpkin picking, jumping pad, tire mountain, kids maze, and wagon rides. For an extra thrill, tackle The Dark Rows — an eerie, moonlit adventure through the cornfield that’s sure to get your heart racing. The fun runs from September through November. 125 Banister Road, Dawsonville, UncleShucks.com.
APPLE PICKING
HILLCREST ORCHARDS. Dive into autumn at Hillcrest Orchards! Since 1946, this spot has been a hit with its pick-your-own apples and tasty treats like fried apple pies and apple fritters. Weekends feature the “Apple Pickin’ Jubilee,” with fun activities including cow milking, “swimming pig races,” and the Apple Tree Maze. Festivities run from September to November. 9696 Highway 52 E, Ellijay. 706-273-3838. HillcrestOrchards.net.
B.J. REECE ORCHARDS. Discover B.J. Reece Orchards in Ellijay for a day of apple-picking fun! Enjoy “U-pick” apples, fresh baked goodies, and a petting farm. Kids will love the jumping pillow. Open from late August through October. Find them at 9131 Highway 52 E, Ellijay, or check out ReeceOrchards.com.
MERCIER ORCHARDS. Mercier Orchards, Georgia’s largest orchard, has been a family favorite since 1943. Enjoy apple picking, tractor tours, and delicious baked goods and ciders. Open year-round from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 8660 Blue Ridge Drive, Blue Ridge. For more info, visit Mercier-Orchards.com.
R & A ORCHARDS. R & A Orchards, a family tradition since 1947, boasts 160 acres of fruits and vegetables. Their market, bakery, and cafe can be visited year-round, with “U-cut” flowers, “U-pick” apples, and behind-the-scenes tractor rides and farm tours available each weekend in September and October. Stop by 5505 Highway 52 E., Ellijay, visit RandAOrchards.com, or call 706-273-3821 for more details.
FALL FESTIVALS & EVENTS
YELLOW DAISY FESTIVAL. Stone Mountain’s Yellow Daisy Festival has been voted one of the top arts and crafts shows in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine, is a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event, and winner of multiple awards by the Southeast Festival and Events Association. Visit more than 400 artists and crafters set beneath the trees in the events meadow. Fabulous festival food, crafter demonstrations, live music, and a beer garden are the highlights of this special event. The Vintage Village is back with a specially curated section of farmhouse chic and one-of-a-kind vintage finds. September 5-8, 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. Learn more at StoneMountainPark.com.
SUGAR RUSH ARTS FESTIVAL. Mark your calendar for October 19-20 as the Sugar Rush Arts Festival brings a blend of art, vendors, food trucks, and family-fun activities to Downtown Sugar Hill. Live painters, musicians, and demonstrations will be stationed throughout the event, bringing art to life before your eyes! Be sure to bring your sweet tooth for creativity to this weekend-long festival. For more information visit CityofSugarHill.com.
STONE MOUNTAIN PARK PUMPKIN FESTIVAL. Stone Mountain’s Pumpkin Festival is a family-favorite event perfect for the fall season! After the sun goes down, enjoy a nighttime parade and plenty of not-so-spooky glowing experiences. Select dates from September 14-November 3, 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. Learn more at StoneMountainPark.com.
GWINNETT COUNTY FAIR. The Gwinnett County Fair returns this September and features pageants for every age group, live concerts, carnival rides, and yummy fair foods. The fair opens its gates to the public September 12-22. Hours vary for the exhibit hall and carnival. 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Lawrenceville. Learn more at GwinnettCountyFair.com.
DISNEY ON ICE. Mickey and his pals are rocking the DJ table at Disney On Ice presents Let’s Dance! — and you’re on the guest list! Feel the electric atmosphere as they remix favorite Disney tunes into colorful worlds. Wish upon a star with Asha as she and Valentino save the Kingdom of Rosas from King Magnifico. Roar with delight as Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa step into the spotlight. Groove to ocean beats with Ariel and friends, harmonize with Elsa, Anna, and Olaf, and sway to the rhythm of the waves with Moana and Maui. And the party really goes off the charts when guest DJ Stitch takes control. September 26-29. Gas South Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. GasSouthDistrict.com.
SUWANEE FEST. Get ready to bust out your best leg warmers and tease your hair because Suwanee Fest is celebrating its 40th anniversary with an epic ’80s bash! Join the City of Suwanee for the ultimate throwback party at Town Center Park. This totally rad two-day event will feature nearly 200 vendors, awesome entertainment acts, a kids zone, and a fantastic parade. Don’t miss out on this far-out celebration of community and all things ’80s — it’s going to be totally tubular! September 21-22, 10 a.m., Town Center Park, SuwaneeFest.com.
DULUTH FALL FESTIVAL. Voted Best of Gwinnett and Reader’s Choice many times and Best Large Festival in the Southeast, the Duluth Fall Festival is the largest festival in the Southeast with no paid staff and more than 400 volunteers. The festivities kick off on Saturday, September 28, in downtown Duluth with a huge parade at 10 a.m., followed by more than 300 booths of arts and crafts, food, and sponsors. Sunday, September 29, begins with a Peachtree Road Race-qualifying 5K at 8 a.m., followed by Worship on the Green by Duluth First United Methodist Church at 10 a.m. There will also be entertainment, booth shopping and food. Pro tip: Plan to ride one of the 10 FREE large shuttle buses from three area schools so you won’t have to worry about parking. Saturday, September 28, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, September 29, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Learn more at DuluthFallFestival.org.
SUWANEE TASTE OF BBQ & MUSIC FESTIVAL. The Suwanee Taste of BBQ & Music Festival returns to Town Center Park for its 7th annual family-friendly festival featuring vendors, artists, live music from local bands, a Kids Fun Zone, and tasty BBQ bites. Come for the BBQ and stay for the music! BBQ sample tickets will be sold for $1 each to raise money for Project Green, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit children’s charity that sponsors kids to summer camp programs. The Suwanee Taste of BBQ and Music Festival is free to attend for all. Saturday, October 5, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Town Center Park, 330 Town Center Ave. Learn more at AliveExpo.com/Festival.
SUWANEE CHILI COOK-OFF & MUSIC FESTIVAL. Check out the 3rd annual Suwanee Chili Cook-Off & Music Festival to eat chili, enjoy music, shop vendors, and vote for the BEST CHILI! November 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information or to become a sponsor or vendor, call 770-806-7492 or mail [email protected]. More info online at AliveExpo.com and ChiliMusicFestival.com.
CUMMING COUNTRY FAIR AND FESTIVAL. The Cumming Country Fair and Festival is the largest event held at the Cumming Fairgrounds and attracts more than 225,000 people from all over Georgia. Enjoy daily attractions, concerts, carnival rides, and lots of fun carnival food. October 3-13, hours vary. 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming. For a complete list of events, free admission days, and discount nights, visit CummingFair.squarespace.com.
SUWANEE WINE FEST. Raise your glass and celebrate the 11th annual Suwanee Wine Fest, taking place November 2! Sip and savor more than 150 premium wines, enjoy gourmet bites, and dance to live music at Suwanee Town Center. Need a break from the wine? No problem! There will also be craft beer samples, ready-to-drink cocktails, and local food trucks. Plus, enjoy live music, unique vendors, and a grape-stomping station. Proceeds benefit Annandale Village, supporting adults with developmental disabilities and brain injuries. Saturday, November 2, 1-4:30 p.m. (VIP opens at noon.) General admission tickets start at $65. Purchase tickets now at SuwaneeWineFest.com.
SPOOKY SHENANIGANS
It’s time to embrace the Halloween spirit with local events that offer thrills and chills for the entire family. From spine-tingling haunted houses to festive seasonal activities, we’ve rounded up the top spots to celebrate the Halloween season. So, don your favorite costume, gather the ghouls, and prepare for a season brimming with spook-tacular fun.
NETHERWORLD HAUNTED HOUSE. Netherworld Haunted House returns this September with two new attractions: Wake the Dead and Mr. Grendel’s Birthday Party of Horrors. Experience thrilling horror with high-quality special effects, intricate sets, and nightmarish monsters! The haunts run from September 20 to November 9, with dates and times varying. 1313 Netherworld Way, Stone Mountain, 404-999-3327, FearWorld.com.
LAWRENCEVILLE’S BOO FEST. BOO Fest returns as the biggest Halloween celebration in The DTL! This free, family-friendly event promises an evening of fun and frights, featuring a treat trail, spooky surprises, and a variety of food vendors. Dress in your best Halloween costume and enjoy activities for all ages at the Lawrenceville Lawn. October 31, 6-9 p.m. 210 Luckie St., Lawrenceville, DowntownLawrencevilleGA.com.
SPOOKY SPIRITS 5k. Lace up your sneakers and get ready for the Spooky Spirits 5K, returning to Suwanee’s Town Center Park on October 12! Hosted by the team behind the Beer Chaser 5K, this spirited event combines a traditional 5K with costume fun and cocktail sampling. Choose from a run with “spirit” stops featuring themed cocktail samples or a nonstop sprint, with all runners over 21 receiving a full cocktail at the finish line. Runners are encouraged to show off their Halloween spirit with costumes. Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 11 a.m. Town Center Park, 330 Town Center Ave. Register at SpookySpirits5K.com.
DULUTH HOWL ON THE GREEN. Get ready for a wickedly good time at Howl on the Green, a family-friendly Halloween event celebrating all things villainous! Bring your little ghouls, friends, and even your four-legged sidekicks for a night of free, spine-tingling fun at Duluth Town Green. Enjoy fun activities, eerie entertainment, and a spooky atmosphere that’s sure to enchant the whole family! October 25, 6-10 p.m., DuluthGA.net.
DINNER AND A BOOVIE. If you’re a fan of spine-chilling stories and sweet treats, join the City of Suwanee for Dinner and a BOOvie at the park. Enjoy trick-or-treating along Town Center Avenue, inflatables and games for the kids, food trucks, and a double-feature movie! Come in your best costumes and bring your own blankets and chairs for a comfortable outdoor experience. Food, beverages, and more will be available for purchase — please note, no BYOB. October 26 at 5 p.m. at Town Center Park, 330 Town Center Ave. For more details, visit Suwanee.com.
