Summer Festivals

Summer Festivals in Georgia & Alabama

Fun things your family can do in the summer

Southern summers can be scorching hot, but we still love to get outside and just have fun. The South is home to dozens of family-friendly festivals each summer. Here are 10 of our favorites in Georgia and Alabama.

Alabaster CityFest

Alabaster, AL

Alabaster CityFest is one of Alabama’s state’s largest music and arts festivals, The event features fun for everyone, including live music concerts and a huge area for the kids with inflatables, kiddie rides, Lowes Build & Grow Workshop, kids music stage, K9 dog show, arts & crafts and more! Free admission and free parking.

Georgia Peach Festival

Byron and Fort Valley, GA

This week-long festival attracts more than 10,000 visitors a year. Events are split between the two host cities  – Byron and Fort Valley. The Georgia Peach Festival offers a wealth of events focused on peaches, including live music concerts, a parade, peach-focused arts and crafts, as well as a flea market, a Miss Georgia Peach contest – and the highlight of the event – the fireworks display.

Blairsville-Scottish Festival and Highland Games

Blairsville, GA

Celebrate everything Scottish at the Blairsville-Scottish Festival and Highland Games. Each year the festival kicks off with a Kilted Golf Classic, a Kilted 5k run and a Ceilidh-On-The-Square that is fun for the whole family. All weekend long you can enjoy: visiting Scottish clans, Societies, hear pipe & drum bands, see the Parade of Tartans, a Mini Cooper car parade, dancers, musicians, Highland animals, vendors, Scottish food, kid’s games and heritage searches. The Kirkin’ of the Tartans highlights Sunday’s entertainment, along with clan contests and more.

Alabama Blueberry Festival

Brewton, AL

This festival has arts and crafts, marketplace vendors, antique car show, live entertainment, blueberries, blueberry bushes, cookbooks, 5K run, cardboard boat race, and more. There is also a free children’s section. Home of the “original” blueberry ice cream (made especially for the festival). Live entertainment featuring Brewton Born Country/Gospel Recording Artist Chris Golden! Free admission and parking. Shuttles will be running!

Fort Benning’s Independence Celebration

Last weekend in June

Fort Benning, GA

Don’t miss the annual Fort Benning Independence Celebration the last weekend in June. Celebrate our nation’s independence and show support your for our military, Soldiers, Families, retirees and the civilians who make it all possible. Enjoy a variety of traditional fair foods, more than 30 free inflatables for the kids, air shows and military exhibitions. The grande finale features the Soldier Marathon Fireworks Show — the largest fireworks display in the Chattahoochee Valley. Free and open to the public.

National Infantry Museum’s Freedom Fest

 

Columbus, GA

Celebrate our nation at the National Infantry Museum during our annual community-wide Independence Day celebration! Freedom Fest will be held from 11a.m. to 5 p.m., and will be filled with music, kids’ activities, historical reenactments, food, and fun. Admission to Freedom Fest is free. There will be nominal costs for the theater, food and drink.

Callaway Gardens’ Star Spangled Beach Party

Pine Mountain, GA

Callaway Gardens’ annual Star Spangled Beach Party is begins early and lasts well into the night. Highlights include beach activities around Robin Lake, Live music, the FSU Flying High Circus and a Fireworks Extravaganza. Be sure to pack plenty of red, white and blue for this All-American Weekend!

Georgia Mountain Fair

Hiawassee, GA

Thousands of visitors from across the region flock to the historic Georgia Mountain Fairground for the Georgia Mountain Fair. With first class musical performances, fun carnival rides, unique attractions and a glimpse into North Georgia’s rich history and culture, the Fair provides something for every member of the family. Admission is $12. Children 12 & Under Free
Free Parking.

Butternut Creek Festival

Blairsville, GA

One of the finest juried arts and crafts shows in the southeast, this annual, two day festival showcases the work of 65-70 artists and craftsmen. You’ll find basketry, fine art, fabric art, decorative painting, glass, jewelry, metal working, photography, pottery, scrimshaw, and woodturning. Free admission and free parking with shuttle service from the parking lots to the show site.

Piedmont Park Arts Festival

The Piedmont Park Summer Arts & Crafts Festival is a 2-day outdoor event with an emphasis on the visual arts and family fun. This event features up to 250 painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metalwork, glass blowers, jewelers, and crafters! The Festival will also offer artist demonstrations, live acoustic music, an Emerging Artists Pavilion, a children’s play area, plus festival foods and beverages with healthy alternatives. Ranked one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 events.