Fall on the Georgia coast is pretty awesome. The weather finally cools down enough to actually enjoy being outside, the summer crowds thin out, and this is when all the best parties happen. These fall events in Georgia range from live music under ancient oak trees and shrimp and grits cook-offs to wine tastings by the beach and festivals that’ll keep you busy every single weekend.
Whether you’re into jazz, BBQ, horror conventions, or just want to watch college kids lose their minds over football, the coast has you covered. Grab your crew and get ready for the best season of the year down here.
For more fall fun, be sure to check out the haunted houses near Savannah – you can even stay in one of Savannah’s most haunted hotels!
September Events in Georgia: Coastal Edition
Bourbon, Bites & Blues (September 13th)
St. Simons Island – Start your fall party season right with bourbon, blues music, and good food at Village Creek Landing on St. Simons Island. The setting is unbeatable – right on the water – and it’s for a great cause supporting Hospice of the Golden Isles. It’s the perfect way to ease into autumn.
If you’re into this event, you’ll probably also want to know where the best bars on St. Simons Island are!
Savannah Jazz Festival (September 19-21)
Savannah – Free jazz in Forsyth Park? Yes, please. One of the most popular fall events in Georgia, this annual festival has been bringing incredible jazz to Savannah since the early ’80s. Bring a blanket, grab some food from the vendors, and settle in for some seriously good music.
Staying for the whole weekend? Lucky you! We highly recommend staying at the JW Marriott at Plant Riverside, but to be close to the action, you’ll want to stay at the new Hotel Bardo or a historic bed and breakfast like Bellwether House.
Savannah Tattoo Arts Festival (September 19-21)
Savannah – If you’re into tattoo culture, art, and just want to see some amazing work, head to the Savannah Convention Center. World-class tattoo artists, contests, killer art displays, and entertainment that’ll keep you entertained all weekend long.
Art Under the Oaks (September 27-28)
St. Simons Island – This one’s been going strong for over 50 years, so they’ve definitely figured it out. Postell Park on St. Simons Island turns into an outdoor art gallery with 60+ regional artists showing off everything from jewelry to sculptures. Plus, you’re literally steps from the ocean.
If you’re an art lover you’ll want to know about the entire Art Scene in the Golden Isles and it’s covered in this article.
October Events in Georgia: Coastal Edition
St. Marys Seafood Festival (October 4)
St. Marys – This free event features a parade, Kids Fun Zone, arts & crafts vendors, a whole day of live music, and tons of seafood!
Looking for more fun things to do with kids in St. Marys? We’ve got you covered!
St. Marys is the end of the route along Coastal Georgia’s Scenic Drive. It runs from the Ogeechee River near Savannah to St. Marys (unless you want to make the drive in reverse.
BBQ on the Block (October 4)
St. Simons Island – Food trucks, BBQ vendors, and bluegrass music on Mallery Street? This is peak coastal Georgia right here. The Firebox Initiative throws this party to help local restaurant folks in need, so it’s one of my favorite fall events in Georgia, and you can feel good about eating way too much BBQ.
You must love supporting local restaurants, too! Don’t miss our list of the can’t-miss restaurants on St. Simons Island.
Tybee Island Pirate Festival (October 9-12)
Tybee Island – Four days of pirate madness on Tybee Island, complete with live music, costume contests, a parade, and the legendary Buccaneer Ball at The Crab Shack. Dress up, get into character, and prepare for some serious fun.
Our favorite places to stay on Tybee Island:
Blues, Brews, BBQ & Bourbon Festival (October 11)
Savannah – Savannah’s Eastern Wharf becomes party central with local craft beer, Texas-style BBQ, premium whiskey, and live music. It benefits Coastal Conservation of Georgia, so you’re helping the environment while having a blast.
Golden Isles Film Festival (October 16-18)
Brunswick – Independent filmmakers take over the Golden Isles for three days of screenings, panels, and networking. It’s intimate, creative, and a cool way to discover new talent while enjoying the coastal scenery.
Jekyll and Hyde Con (October 18)
Brunswick – Horror fans and pop culture nerds, this one’s for you. Downtown Brunswick transforms into convention central with vendors, panels, and all the spooky stuff you could want. It’s grown from a small Jekyll Island event into something pretty special.
Into horror? Next time you’re in Savannah, stay at one of Savannah’s most haunted hotels!
St. Simons Island Wine Festival (October 24-25)
St. Simons Island – Wine lovers, this is your weekend. It kicks off with a VIP tasting and auction at The King and Prince, then moves to the main event at McKinnon Airport’s hangar. Premium wines from around the world, art demos, live music, and those commemorative glasses you’ll definitely want to keep.
Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival (October 24-25)
Jekyll Island – The ultimate coastal Georgia food fest celebrating our most beloved dish. Live music, artist markets, fireworks, and more shrimp and grits than you thought possible. This Georgia fall event is award-winning for a reason.
Shrimp and Grits are one of those dishes you have to try on the Georgia coast – you can find them at most of the best seafood restaurants near Jekyll Island!
South Georgia State Fair (October 23 – November 2)
Savannah – You’ll find classic fair vibes at this fall event at the Coastal Empire Fairgrounds. Rides, games, fair food, animal displays, and all that nostalgic fun that makes fairs so addictive.
Isle of Hope Art & Music Festival (October 25)
Isle of Hope – Free festival with local musicians, food trucks, and over 100 local artisans. Isle of Hope knows how to throw a party, and this one’s become a local favorite.
SCAD Savannah Film Festival (October 25 – November 1)
Savannah – The biggest university-run film festival in the world takes over historic Savannah for eight days. Film screenings, premieres, workshops, panels, and industry guests make this a serious film lover’s paradise.
Georgia-Florida Weekend (October 31 – November 2)
St. Simons Island – College football rivalry meets coastal party scene. The legendary Frat Beach costume party on East Beach, live music at bars across St. Simons, and enough Georgia vs. Florida madness to last all year. Even if you’re not into football, the party atmosphere at this Georgia fall event is infectious.
If you’re heading to town for this event, you’ll want to book your room early! Here’s our list of the best places to stay on St. Simons Island.
November Events in Georgia: Coastal Edition
Tybee Post Music Festival (November 7 – 9)
Tybee Island – Live music every night plus lawn parties? Tybee Island knows how to end the festival season right.
Hostess City Food and Wine Fest (November 7 – 8)
Savannah – Eastern Wharf in Savannah becomes foodie heaven with local up-and-coming chefs and the best Southern wines. Two days of pure culinary bliss.
Brunswick Porchfest (November 9)
Brunswick – This free neighborhood music festival where front porches become stages throughout Brunswick’s Old Town Historic District is another one of our favorite fall events in Georgia. You can expect food trucks, performances, and that community vibe that makes small towns so special.
Kingsland Catfish Festival (November 22)
Kingsland – Downtown Kingsland celebrates with local seafood, craft beer, wine, antiques, live music, and family fun. Perfect small-town festival vibes.
Haven’t considered visiting Kingsland before? Why not check out our Coastal Georgia Road Trip Itinerary and make a whole thing of it?
Moxie Craft Fest (November 22)
Brunswick – Holiday shopping starts here with handmade goods from local artisans in beautiful downtown Brunswick. Support local makers and find some unique gifts.
While you’re in Brunswick, be sure to check out one of the best restaurants in Brunswick – we have a whole list of them!
Cold-Stunned Plunge (November 29)
Jekyll Island – Brave souls take the icy plunge into the Atlantic on Jekyll Island to benefit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. It’s exactly as crazy and awesome as it sounds.
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More Info About Each Town
Looking for more info about the area where your favorite fall events in Georgia are happening? We’ve got you covered with all the best places to stay, spots to eat and drink, and things to do!
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