Tara Anastasoff

Bask in the scent of the cool autumn air and fresh apple pies, and make this the most fun-filled season with The Chant’s fall-activity guide. [Pumpkin] spice the way into fall with haunted houses, festivals, movies, parades, and fairs. With a multitude of activities to choose from and attend, each weekend offers an opportunity for an enchanting time.

September:

Atlanta Greek Festival: September 22 to September 25

Located at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, experience Atlanta’s Greek culture and appreciate the spirited livelihood with traditional dancing, music, and food.

Museum Day: September 24

Smithsonian’s “Museum Day Live!” event offers museum-lovers free admission tickets from a selection of local museums. These include the Georgia Museum of Art, Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA), and the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History offer free admission with the printable “Museum Day Live!” ticket.

National Public Lands Day: September 24

As one of 16 days of the year, all national parks in the country offer visitors free admission. For a full list of national parks in Georgia, click here.

Worldwide Day of Play: September 24

From 9 a.m. to noon, Swift Cantrell Park will host outdoor activities for local families as a perfect time to enjoy the fall weather.

Atlanta Streets Alive: September 25

Starting just east of Piedmont Park, Atlanta Streets Alive temporarily closes roads around North Highland, Highland Ave, and Boulevard for outdoor walking and biking enthusiasts. With streetside vendors, a bicycle parade, and perfect September weather, the event attracts people of all ages.

57th Annual AAUW Atlanta Book Fair: September 25 to October 2

Book lovers unite! Located at the Macy’s end of Perimeter Mall, volunteers sell gently used books to help patrons cozy up on the couch.

October:

Marietta Square Chalktoberfest: October 8-9

Claiming the title of one of Marietta Square’s fan favorite events, artists from all over the area come together to create chalk art on the streets. Requiring great talent and skill, artists remain concentrated and focused while creating their masterpieces. The event kicks off the crisp October weather and intrigues art and photography lovers.

Pride Parade: October 8

Atlanta’s Annual Trans March to support the transcommunity takes place on October 8 at 1:15 p.m., beginning at the Charles Allen Gate. Atlanta Pride urges participants to create positive signs and banners about trans support to carry in the march.

Tough Love Yoga at Piedmont Park: October 8

Organized by Atlanta Pride, this free yoga class takes place at the Pied

mont Park Pavilion and Cultural Exhibit. Bring a mat or towel to participate.

Little 5 Points Halloween Festival and Parade: October 15

Voted one of the top ten Halloween events in the country, artist and food vendors cluster the streets of Little 5 Points during this fall-themed festival.

Fall-O-Ween Fest and Outdoor Movie: October 15

Located at Swift Cantrell, Kennesaw’s annual costume party and movie attracts Halloween lovers. Along with a Monster Mash dance party and free carnival games, the grounds of the park exude Halloween spirit. Star Wars: The Force Awakens will play on a large inflatable screen after sunset.

Owl-O-Ween Hot Air Balloon Festival: October 21 and October 22

Performers and hot air balloonists show off their skills at Kennesaw State University. Artists decorate hot air balloons in Halloween colors and designs, lighting up the whole stadium after dark.

Trick or Treat the Square: October 29

In spirit of Halloween, over 50 businesses on the Marietta Square offer treats for children both young and old from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event also supports the Teal Pumpkin Project, meaning that many businesses offer non-edible items for those with food allergies.

State Fairs:

North Georgia State Fair at Jim Miller Park: September 22 to October 2

One of the most iconic fall staples, the 10-day-long North Georgia State Fair, attracts patrons from all over the area. Housing ferris wheels, rides, fair games, a petting zoo, live local entertainment, and all the funnel cakes and cotton candy one could ever want, this fair proves its role as a must-visit for fall break.  (Tip: purchase admission and ride tickets online for a cheaper alternative rather than purchasing them at the entrance gate)

Georgia State Fair at Atlanta Motor Speedway: September 30 to October 9

With over 40 rides that rock and spin around, helicopter rides, circus-like shows, live entertainment, and a petting zoo, this fair will leave patrons dizzy with excitement.

Haunted houses:

Six-Flags Fright Fest: September 24 to October 31

Hosting many new attractions this year, including Demon District, Mummy’s Curse, The Witching Hour, and Carnevil, Six Flags offers a wide variety of scream-inducing options. Mazes, scare zones, rides, and theatrical shows give attendants many activities to participate in. In addition, jump scares around every corner and bloody zombies perusing the lines decorate the amusement park after dark.

Netherworld: September 23 to November 5

Operating on their 20th year, Netherworld remains a fan-favorite and Halloween staple. Claiming the title of one of the Top Haunted Houses in the Nation, Netherworld attracts scare-lovers from all over the country.

Fear the Woods: Weekends from September 30 to October 31

Located in Yule Forest, Fear the Woods provides visitors with an unforgettably terrifying visit. Boasting a haunted house, haunted trail, terror transport, and Pandemic Frontline Haunted Combat, the once family-friendly outdoors area turns into a real-life horror movie.

13 Stories: September 23 to November 5

Housing attractions built off of popular fears, including clowns, rats, snakes, and spiders, this haunted house makes visitors squirm and scream in terror. An all indoor venue, 13 stories remains open rain or shine.

Nightmare’s Gate: September 30 to October 31

Battling against zombies with the “No Cure” infectious disease, actors jump, chase, and scare visitors as they try to run their way to safety. With fog, dark pathways, and strobe lights, this haunted house guarantees a fright.

For a list of good places to go apple picking, click here.

For a list of pumpkin patches to visit, click here.