Reporting by Vanessa Johns, Savannah Morning News
Looking for a way to enjoy fall in Georgia without spending a dime?
From fall festivals and chili cook-offs to Halloween celebrations and trick-or-treat events, several free events are happening across Georgia throughout October.
Explore Georgia’s list of free things to do in 2026 includes these fall events scheduled for communities around the state.
Here’s a list of free Georgia events in Georgia this month
BOO Bash in Dallas
When: Oct. 17
Where: Downtown Dallas
Dallas will kick off the fall festivities with BOO Bash on Oct. 17 in downtown Dallas at 10 a.m. The event is listed by Explore Georgia among its free things to do.
Olde Town Fall Festival in Conyers
When: Oct. 17
Where: Olde Town Conyers
The Olde Town Fall Festival is coming to Conyers on Oct. 17 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Fall Festival & History Harvest in Clarkesville
When: Oct. 17
Where: Downtown Clarkesville
Clarkesville will host its Fall Festival & History Harvest on Oct. 17 in downtown from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Haunted Cruise-In in Cumming
When: Oct. 22
Where: Cumming City Center
The fall fun continues in Cumming with the Haunted Cruise-In Car Show on Oct. 22 from 6-8 p.m.
Explore Georgia also lists the Haunted Cruise-In Halloween Edition at Cumming City Center on the same date.
BOO Fest in Lawrenceville
When: Oct. 23
Where: Lawrenceville Lawn
BOO Fest is scheduled for Oct. 23 at Lawrenceville Lawn from 6-9 p.m.
Boo Fest is a “family-friendly Halloween celebration filled with costumes, candy, and fun for all ages,” according to Downtown Lawerenceville.
Chili Cook-Off & Fall Festival in Madison
When: Oct. 24
Where: Town Park
For a classic fall event, Madison’s 20th annual Chili Cook-Off & Fall Festival is scheduled for Oct. 24 at Town Park from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The fall festival itself if free, while wristbands for chili sampling are $5.
Trunk or Treat in Grayson
When: Oct. 25
Where: Grayson City Park
Grayson City Park will host Trunk or Treat on Oct. 25 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Nightmare on Main Street in Byron
When: Oct. 29
Where: Downtown Byron
Nightmare on Main Street is scheduled for Oct. 29 along Main Street in downtown Byron from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Spooky Skelebration in Conyers
When: Oct. 29
Where: Olde Town Conyers
Olde Town Conyers will host Spooky Skelebration on Oct. 29 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
The event is another free fall and Halloween option listed by Explore Georgia.
Dia de los Muertos Celebration in Dalton
When: Oct. 30
Where: Creative Art Guild
The Creative Art Guild in Dalton will host a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration on Oct. 30 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Trick or Treating on the Square in Clarkesville
When: Oct. 31, 2026
Where: Downtown Clarkesville
Halloween brings another free fall option to Clarkesville with Trick or Treating on the Square on Oct. 31 from 5-7 p.m.
There is also a chance to win costume contests (depending on categories by age group and a special pets division).
Trick or Treat at the Callaway Home in LaGrange
When: Oct. 31, 2026
Where: Hills & Dales Estate
Trick or Treat at the Callaway Home is scheduled for Halloween at Hills & Dales Estate in LaGrange from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Halloween Costume Party in Cleveland
When: Oct. 31, 2026
Where: CeNita Vineyards
CeNita Vineyards in Cleveland is scheduled to host a Halloween Costume Party on Oct. 31 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
“Enjoy live music from Tina & Rich from 6–9 PM as you relax with friends and take in the vineyard atmosphere,” the CeNita Vineyards wrote. “It’s the perfect setting to kick off your Halloween festivities with good music, great company, and a laid-back evening at the winery.”
Wild Rumpus Halloween Parade & Spectacle in Athens
When: Oct. 31, 2026
Where: Downtown Athens
Athens will wrap up the month with the Wild Rumpus Halloween Parade & Spectacle in downtown Athens on Oct. 31.
There is free admission and here’s the schedule:
- Rumpus Rally (pre-parade gathering at Creature Comforts Brewing Co.) from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Wild Rumpus Parade starts at 8 p.m.
- Rumpusland Street Party is from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- 11:00 PM – 2:00 AM | Official After-Parties:
- Paloma Park hosting “The Midnight Howl” (indie rock experience)
- Union Fare hosting the Post-Rumpus Rave
Event details and dates can change, so check Explore Georgia’s event listings before heading out.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia, covering food and entertainment. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News.
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