6 Atlanta Fall Festivals That Will Make You Feel Like a World Traveler

Summer has started its slow retreat, at least here in the Western Hemisphere.  With the earlier sunsets, cooler temperatures and the changing of the leaves come the fall festivals.

International and cultural festivals do such a great job of bringing the world to you.   Organized by groups or organizations from that country or region, they share a a well-curated experience of their heritage.  A few hours at these events can transport you thousands of miles away.

Look for the program of events for the schedule of song and dance performances, cultural demonstrations. children’s activities, and other fascinating presentations.

One of the best things about these festivals is the food. You get to sample dishes cooked the traditional way. Vendors are usually very eager to introduce their native delicacies and specialties.

Check out the shops and stalls for handicrafts, clothes, jewelry, books, and other items that will inspire you even more to make book a trip for a visit.

Before you go, look around for booths for the tourism bureau as well as airline and travel agencies. Ask about deals on travel, accommodations, guide books and other resources that will help you take the next step to visiting their country on showcase.

For those in Georgia and those planning a trip over,  here’s 6 Atlanta fall festivals that will make you feel like a world traveler.

1.   JAPANFEST

JapanFest is one of the longest running international festivals in Georgia, with an impressive lineup of well-organized activities and offerings that celebrate Japanese culture.

This year, their program of events including a drum or taiko troupe that regularly performs at EPCOT’s Japan pavilion, Namahage performers with scary masks to frighten away evil spirits, a bicycle riding robot, and a samurai sword show. There’s also martial arts, ikebana (Japanese floral arrangement) and sushi demonstrations.

 

 

There is an Anime Village where you can shop for all sorts of anime products and costumes while marveling at the cosplayers (costume players) and their kawaii (cute) outfits.

Their food and shopping selections are always remarkable. And if you’re up for it, you can even get dressed up in an authentic Japanese kimono!

 

Dates:  Sept. 19 (Sat) 10AM-6PM   and Sep. 20 (Sun) 10AM-5PM

Location: Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA

Tickets: $10,  Age 6 and under – Free 

Website: www.japanfest.org

 

2.  ATLANTA GREEK FESTIVAL

With their battlecry “Food, Fun and Opa!” the Atlanta Greek Festival is a mainstay of the Atlanta fall festival season since 1974.

Highlights include a Children’s Area, a Drive-thru line for office workers who can’t stay but want great authentic Greek food, and a Loukoumades Eating Contest.

 

Set in the beautiful Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Clairmont Road, this is a wonderful opportunity to visit an Orthodox church, marvel at the exquisite icons and get to know more about their religion.

There’s always music playing around the festival site and fun-loving Greeks living it up with spirited dancing, plates of food and lively conversation.

Dates:  Thursday, Sept. 24 – Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015 ,  Hours:  5pm – 10pm Thursday    5pm – 11pm Friday    11am – 11pm Saturday     11am – 7pm Sunday                                                                                                                                                                   Drive Thru Hours:  Thursday:  11am – 8pm  Friday: 11am – 8pm Saturday: 11am – 8pm  Sunday: 11am – 6pm

Location:  Greek Orthodox Cathedral  2500 Clairmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30329 (Exit #91 off I-85)                       Free Parking and Shuttle Buses  from Century Center Office Park on Clairmont Road, adjacent to I-85.    

 Tickets:  Adults $5,  Children 12 & under Free Seniors 65 and older Free on Friday                                                                       

Website:  www.atlantagreekfestival.org

 

3.   ATLANTA KOREAN FESTIVAL

With an ever-growing presence in Metro Atlanta, the Korean community invites its neighbors to join in the festivities of the Annual Korean Festival.

Featuring performances, food and shopping, the organizers seek to work towards establishing harmonious relationships through cultural exchange as well as introduce Korean products to the market. The event is also aimed at the young Korean-Americans as a venue for them to learn and celebrate their Korean heritage.

Date: October 3, 2015 from 11AM to 11PM

Location: New KAAGA Culture Center (5900 Brook Hollow Parkway, Norcross GA 30071)

Website: www.atlantakoreanfestival.com

4.  INDIAN FESTIVAL AND POW-WOW

Held at Stone Mountain Park’s historic Antebellum Plantation, the event is the largest Native American gathering in Georgia. It showcases Native American culture through dance, music, authentic craft demonstrations, cooking traditions, storytelling, wildlife presentations and more.

Highlights include intertribal dance and drum competitions, demonstrations on primitive skills such as flint-knapping, bow making, fire starting, open fire cooking and pottery, and an artists’ marketplace, where world-renowned Native and Native-inspired artists and crafters demonstrate their skills and offer hand-crafted items for sale.

Dates:  October 29 – November 01, 2015

Location:  Stone Mountain Park

Tickets: $15 plus tax and can be purchased at the park, Children under the age of 3 are free.

Website:   www.stonemountainpark.com/events/Indian-Festival-and-Pow-Wow

 

5.   DIA DE LOS MUERTOS/DAY OF THE DEAD

Every year, the Atlanta History Center hosts the Day of the Dead Festival as a cultural immersion in the ancient Mexican festival honoring their deceased loved ones.

The full day event features performances, storytelling, crafts, and authentic Mexican food.  Don’t miss the display of altars honoring lost family and friends that are decorated with flowers, favorite foods, and beverages.

Date: Nov. 1

Location: Atlanta History Center

Tickets: Free admission, including entrance to the Atlanta History Center. 

Website: www.atlantahistorycenter.com/visit/event/863

 

6.  DIWALI AT BAPS TEMPLE 

Every year, the BAPS Temple in Lilburn lights up like Disneyworld as the Hindu faithful celebrate the Festival of Lights with a dazzling firework display over the magnificent marble building.

Indian food is available during the evening while music plays in the background. The temple itself is not open for visits during this time. You’ll definitely want to make time to come back on a different day for proper tour, as the intricate design of the sanctuary and the icons and statues of the Hindu gods and leaders are a marvel to behold.   The Bookstore is open and you can check it out for interesting books and Indian snacks.

Date:  Nov. 11

Location:  BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir  460 Rockbridge Road NW   Lilburn, GA 30047

Tickets: Free

Website: www.baps.org/Global-Network/North-America/Atlanta.aspx

 

Other Fall Festivals in and around Atlanta:

DragonCon  Sept 4-7, various hotels around downtown Atlanta

Lilburn International Festival Sept 12, Lilburn City Park

Oktoberfest Sept 10-13 (Thu-Sun), Sept 17 – Nov 1 (Daily), Helen, Georgia

Snellville Around the World International Festival Sept 20, Snellville Town Green

Music Midtown Sept 18-19, Piedmont Park

Tomorrowworld Sept 25-27, Chattahoochee Hills

Walker Stalker Con Oct 31 – Nov 1, Georgia World Congress Center