We are officially in the ‘ber months. Summertime is nearing its end and the streets are already filling up with fall – and even Halloween – decorations. It’s hard to let go of long summer days, but there is so much fun to be had during this next season. Fall brings football games, fall festivals and fairs, holiday gatherings, apple picking, and a beautiful change in scenery. As we gear up for all things fall, we thought it would be helpful to look ahead at some fall events in Georgia this year for children with disabilities and their families to enjoy. Let’s explore these fantastic opportunities for fun, learning, and socializing!
Fall Festivals, Fairs and More!
Fall Break Sensory Friendly & Special Needs Festival
Date: September 26, 2023
Location: Cumming, Georgia
Sweet & Sassy is hosting a Sensory Friendly Festival! With low lights, low music, and sensory activities planned, your sweet ones can enjoy a makeover option with a party up-to and face painting, OR you can opt for a finger-painting activity. The kids will have a chance to make a slime-tacular craft to take home, engage in group singing and dancing, and fun table-top sensory centers together. Reservations required!
Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park
Date: September 16 – October 29, 2023 (weekends)
Location: Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain, GA
The Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park is a family-friendly event filled with festive activities such as pumpkin picking, pumpkin carving, live shows, and a scenic train ride. The park provides accessible parking, ramps, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms. They also have sensory-friendly attractions and a quiet zone for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
Date: September 18-24, 2023
Location: Forsyth Park, Savannah, GA
This annual music festival features jazz performances from local and national artists. It offers disability-friendly accommodations, including accessible seating areas and restrooms. Visitors can enjoy free outdoor concerts, food vendors, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Date: October 5-15, 2023
Location: Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, Perry, GA
The Georgia National Fair is a large annual event featuring livestock shows, live entertainment, fair rides, arts and crafts, and delicious food. The fairgrounds are wheelchair accessible, and they provide accessible parking, ramps, and restrooms. They also offer sensory-friendly hours and a designated quiet area.
The Georgia Mountain Fall Festival
Date: October 13-21, 2023
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawassee, GA
This festival offers disability-friendly amenities and a family-friendly environment. It features arts and crafts vendors, live music, a flower show, rides, and a petting zoo.
Date: October 14-15 and 21-22, 2023
Location: Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds, Ellijay, GA
This festival celebrates the apple harvest season. It provides disability-friendly amenities such as accessible parking, ramps, and restrooms. Visitors can enjoy apple-themed food, arts and crafts vendors, live music, and a parade.
Focus Teen Weekend (Octoberfest)
Date: October 20-22, 2023
Location: Winder, Georgia
Camp Twin Lakes – Winder will host Octoberfest for teens with disabilities.
Success on the Spectrum’s Autism/Fall Festival
Date: October 21, 2023
Location: Riverdale, Georgia
There will be food, games, a bounce house, and a performance for the kids to love. This is a free event!
Atlanta Botanical Garden: Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
Date: November 18, 2023 – January 14, 2024 (select nights)
Location: Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta, GA
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights is a stunning light display at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The event features millions of lights, botanical decorations, and holiday-themed exhibits. The garden offers accessible pathways, wheelchair rentals, and accessible restrooms. They also provide sensory-friendly nights with reduced noise and lighting.
Date: October 6-7, 2023
Location: Valdosta, Georgia
Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) will host the State Fall Games for athletes from around the state. You can register and compete in sports of Bocce, Cyclings, Golf hole play, Softball Team Play, and Softball Individual Skills.
Date: October 8, 2023
Location: Odum, Georgia
Poppell Farms will open their gates at 10am to accommodate their friends with special needs and their families. Farm and hayride music will be turned off and all loud noises will be minimized. There will be no large crowds or long lines, and the hayride will be constantly running to avoid wait times. Gates for all other visitors will open at 12pm.
Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s Sensory Friendly Session
Date: October 1st, November 5th, and December 3rd, 2023
Location: Children’s Museum of Atlanta
The museum opens for families with children on the autism spectrum and children with sensory processing disorders to offer a sensory-modified experience. This experience includes a sensory-modified setting, limited admission, and sound and lighting adjustments. Callie the Therapy Dog attends Sensory Friendly Sessions and is available for pets and snuggles at the CMA Stage.
Trick or Treat for our Special Needs Friends
Date: October 28, 2023
Location: Silver Creek, Georgia
The Sweet Cocoon is inviting all special needs friends and their families to come enjoy their fall festival! There will be many activities taking place, such as trick or treating, Halloween costume prize for Best Costume, face painting, marshmallow roasting, hayride, games, and much more!
Have a Fall-tastic Time at These GA Fall Events
From the mountains of Ellijay to the coastal charm of Savannah, Georgia offers a diverse range of disability-friendly fall events that provide memorable experiences for all children and their families. We hope you and your families enjoy all things fall this year and have a wonderful time making memories! Don’t forget, we love seeing photos of families from our communities! If you post any photos from these events on social media, include the hashtag #FallForSGF so we can celebrate these memories with you!
