Fall is finally here. With it comes pumpkin spiced everything, cozy sweaters and a festival nearly every day. October is a wonderful time to be in Atlanta, with calendars jam packed with Halloween parades, chili cook offs and everything in between. Here are some of our favorite things to do for the 31 days of October.
Scad Fash | October 3
Are you fashionista? Love all things couture? The Savannah College of Art and Design has opened a museum of fashion, and this weekend they will kick off their inaugural exhibit; a celebration of all things Oscar de la Renta. The exhibit will showcase than 60 pieces designed by de la Renta and a short film celebrating his life. On Saturday, October 3 they will offer free admission from Noon to 5 p.m. For more information.
Georgia Craft Beer Festival | October 3
The top 30 breweries in Georgia are coming together to quench your thirst on Saturday, October 3 at Red Brick Brewing, the brewery that put Atlanta on the map. For $45 you'll get samples from breweries like Red Brick, Monday Night, Terrapin and Wild Heaven. Food will be available for purchase and games and live music will keep you entertained. Proceeds go toward the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild.
Oddball Comedy Tour | October 4
If laughter is the best medicine, go ahead and be cured for the rest of the year on Sunday, October 4 at the Oddball Comedy Tour. The nationwide tour is making a stop at Aaron's Amphitheatre, starting at 5 p.m. The lineup includes Amy Schumer, Aziz Ansari, Dave Attell, Anthony Jeselnik and many more. Tickets start at $29.75 and are available through Live Nation.
Atlanta Cheese Festival | October 9
Cheese, glorious cheese! For the third year, Atlanta will gather to celebrate all things cheesy goodness at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. From 5:30-10 p.m. nibble on cheese from local cheese makers and dishes from your favorite chefs. Learn how to pair cheese with bourbon, wine or beer with special tickets. And cheer on your favorite restaurant as they compete for grilled cheese supremacy in the Meltdown. Tickets start at $37.50.
Brookhaven Chili Cook Off | October 10
For the fourth year, restaurants and laymen alike will bring the heat in the ultimate chili smackdown. White chili, Texas-style, beans, and no beans. It's all there. Competitors will also be bringing out their best Brunswick stews. The best part? You get to try them all! Order your tasting spoon now for only $10. They will also be available at the door for $15.
Atlanta Pride Parade | October 11
A weekend of celebrating Pride culminates in the annual Pride Parade on Sunday, October 11. In the wake of the Supreme Court decision extending marriage rights to gay men and women, this year will be all celebration. Local businesses and advocacy groups come together to promote community. Everyone is welcome.
Ramen Fest | October 14
It's officially soup season, and we've got a way to slurp for a good cause. The second annual Ramen Fest is heading to Monday Night Brewing on Wednesday, October 14. Guests will get all-you-can-eat ramen from restaurants including Marcel, Kimball House, St. Cecelia, Saltyard, Chai Pani and more. The event begins at 6 p.m. and proceeds will benefit The Giving Kitchen. Tickets are only $45 and includes six beer tastings from Monday Night Brewing.
Little 5 Halloween Festival and Parade | October 17
If you're going to go to any Halloween party this year, let this be the one. In it's 15th year, the parade is the epicenter for Halloween fun in Atlanta every year. Don your costumes and bring the whole family. The costumes are over the top and the location cannot be beat, with the eccentric Little 5 as the backdrop. Be sure to pop into The Porter some tasty beverages while you're there.
Whiskeys of the World | October 23
This is the South and we love our brown liquor. Check in with the wide world of whiskey at this year's Whiskey of the World at the Georgia World Congress Center. Sip on hundreds of whiskies, from all over the world, meet distillers, and learn how to make the perfect bourbon cocktail and even learn how to pair cigars with your Scotch. Dinner is included in the price of the ticket.
Atlanta Eats Live | October 24
Returning for its third year, Atlanta Eats Live promises to feed you until you can't eat anymore. 45 restaurants are converging onto Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on Saturday, October 24. Expect nibbles from spots like Davio's, Shake Shack, Gu's Dumplings, Heirloom Market BBQ. Live music will be performed by The Atlanta Rhythm Section and the Georgia Satellites.
Walker Stalker Con | October 30 - November 1
Locally shot and internationally adored, the Walking Dead returns to television on October 11. If you're a superfan, the annual Walker Stalker Con is something that cannot be missed. Think Dragon Con, but overrun with zombies. Meet actors from the show, fellow fans and turn yourself into a walker. It's all happening at the Georgia World Congress Center and tickets are selling out quickly.
