Autumn festivals fall into place like turning leaves. More festivals crop up each year. We’ve harvested a list of suggestions to prime festival goers for one of the busiest go-and-do seasons of the year.
STONE MOUNTAIN
Yellow Daisy Festival at Stone Mountain Park
The big kahuna of fall festivals takes place in the park’s special events meadow. Organizers say it’s the largest outdoor arts and crafts show of its kind. And it’s not open to just any vendor. More than 400 artists from across the country are selected by the Yellow Daisy Jury to showcase their work. These handmade items fall into the categories of painting, jewelry, pottery, fabric, sculpture, dolls, photography, traditional arts and crafts, and more. Approximately 200,000 shoppers are expected for the entire festival. For the 10th anniversary of 9/11, several Yellow Daisy Festival crafters will donate art to be sold in a special display entitled “We Remember.” All proceeds raised will be donated to HeroBox, a nonprofit organization that supports deployed American service members. This year’s featured artist at the festival is Charity Elise. Elise’s featured piece is a kaleidoscope design beaming with colored acrylics on a round masonite board. A vibrant yellow daisy pops in the center of the design. Those who prefer real flora can visit the Yellow Daisy Flower Show at Memorial Hall. Live entertainment takes place on the main stage featuring new-school country act the JaneDear Girls, best known for its hit tune “Wildflower.” Kids can dive into crafts, entertainment and face painting in the Children’s Corner. Guys who come to the festival, but don’t want to miss football, can get comfy in the Men’s Den, a special area equipped with recliners and big screen TVs broadcasting pigskin action.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 9; 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Sept. 10; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 11. Free; $10 parking. Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Drive, Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690, www.stonemountainpark.com.
HAMPTON
Heroes Music Festival at Atlanta Motor Speedway
This music fest, which continues through Sept. 11, helps crank up fall festival season. It serves as a musical memorial to the lives lost on 9/11. A bevy of bands pack the lineup. Some of the bigger names Friday include blues-based rockers Jonny Lang and Delbert McClinton. Skillet, Drowning Pool and Saving Abel are among Saturday’s highlights. Christian rock is the running theme Sunday with Building 429, Ashes Remain, The Letter Black and others. In addition to the music, guests get a dose of patriotism with the U.S. Air Force Reserve Band, U.S. Army aerial parachutists, military displays and more. Younger guests can whoop it up in the Fun Zone where a massive slide resides.
Noon each day through Sept. 11. $89.75 per day; $123.75 for entire festival; $404.75 for VIP ticket to entire festival. Atlanta Motor Speedway, 1500 Hwy. 19/41, Hampton. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
MARIETTA
Marietta StreetFest at Historic Marietta Square
Fans of antiques and handcrafted arts can peruse Marietta Square. Become a shopping sleuth and explore all of the furniture, fine arts, jewelry, books, collectibles and one-of-a-kind items packing the square from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Have a heirloom you adore, but you’re not sure of its value? Bring it along and visit the Trash or Treasure booth. Experts offer up verbal appraisals from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Fans of vintage rides will appreciate the Hubcaps and History Classic Car Show, which takes place 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Automobiles 25 years and older will be on view, and their owners hope to drive home with prizes.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 17. Free. Glover Park, 50 N. Park Square, Marietta. 770-794-5710, www.mariettastreetfest.com.
MIDTOWN
Atlanta Arts Festival at Piedmont Park
Many of Atlanta’s art buyers tend to keep this event on their radar. Approximately 200 artists from around the U.S. line the winding trails of Piedmont Park. Gander at paintings, photographs, sculpture, leather and metal crafts, blown glass and more. Yet it’s not just about looking at art. Hands-on opportunities include the Canvas by U adult art classes ($20 per person) and the free family-friendly Creation Station. The latter features artists demonstrations and collaborative activities. Tots can jump into the Lil' Artist Alley for arts and crafts, face painting, balloon twisting and more. Live entertainment provides the soundtrack. Expect to hear the sounds of Jimmy Buffet tribute A1A, The Whiskey Gentry, Sam Thacker and others.
10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Sept. 17; 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sept. 18. Free. Piedmont Park, corner of 10th Street N.E. and Monroe Drive N.E., Atlanta. 770-941-9660, www.atlantaartsfestival.com.
SMYRNA
Fall Jonquil Festival at Smyrna Village Green
Smyrna’s bustling Village Green hosts the fall version of this festival. More than 150 artists and crafters from across the country bring their items for the picking. Highlights include the Featured Artists Market and Fresh Harvest Market. The wafting scents of festival food will likely lure guests to the variety of vendor booths. The Kid’s Zone has plenty to keep younger ones busy, including performances by master puppeteer Peter Hart. Acoustic musician, singer-songwriter Scott Thompson performs at the Veterans Memorial.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 22; noon-5 p.m. Oct. 23. Free. Smyrna Village Green, 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna. www.smyrnacity.com.
