Country Fairs in Georgia
Georgia's country fair tradition is rooted in the state's deep agricultural heritage, stretching from the cotton and pecan farms of South Georgia to the apple orchards and mountain homesteads of the Blue Ridge. The Georgia National Fair in Perry has served as the state's premier agricultural exposition since 1990, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each October to the Georgia National Fairgrounds.
County fairs across the Peach State celebrate everything from Vidalia onions to Claxton fruitcake, reflecting the distinct agricultural identities of Georgia's 159 counties. Rural community fairs remain a staple of fall life, with 4-H and FFA youth programs playing a central role in livestock shows and home arts competitions throughout the state.
Top Country Fair Events in Georgia
- Georgia National Fair — Perry; held each October at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter, featuring livestock shows, heritage arts, craft competitions, and a midway spanning over 100 acres.
- Cumming Country Fair & Festival — Cumming; a beloved North Georgia tradition with agricultural exhibits, handmade crafts, live entertainment, and a family-friendly atmosphere in Forsyth County.
- Georgia Mountain Fair — Hiawassee; held at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds on the shores of Lake Chatuge, showcasing Appalachian heritage, pioneer skills, and mountain crafts.
- Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition — Moultrie; one of the largest farm shows in North America, held annually at Spence Field with working farm demonstrations and agricultural technology exhibits.
- Calhoun Country Fair — Calhoun; a traditional county fair in Gordon County featuring livestock judging, craft displays, baked goods competitions, and carnival rides.
What to Expect
Georgia country fairs typically showcase the state's agricultural diversity, from poultry and cattle competitions to peach preserves and pecan pies. Livestock shows are a highlight at most county fairs, with 4-H and FFA members competing in categories ranging from market hogs to dairy goats. Home arts divisions feature quilting, canning, floral arrangement, and baking contests that carry on traditions passed down through generations.
In the Blue Ridge mountains of North Georgia, fairs tend to emphasize Appalachian heritage crafts like blacksmithing, woodworking, basket weaving, and pottery. South Georgia fairs lean toward large-scale agricultural exhibitions reflecting the region's role as a major producer of peanuts, pecans, cotton, and timber. Many fairs also include live music stages, tractor pulls, demolition derbies, and midway carnival rides.
Popular Cities for Country Fairs
- Atlanta — Gateway to Georgia's fair circuit with nearby county fairs in surrounding metro counties
- Savannah — Coastal Georgia heritage fairs blending Low Country craft traditions with agricultural exhibits
- Macon — Central Georgia hub near the Georgia National Fair in Perry, with strong local fair traditions
- Augusta — Eastern Georgia's agricultural heartland with county fairs celebrating the region's farming heritage
See all craft events in Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Georgia National Fair?
The Georgia National Fair takes place each October in Perry at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter. It typically runs for eleven days and features livestock competitions, heritage craft demonstrations, a large midway, and nightly concerts.
Do Georgia country fairs have craft vendor opportunities?
Yes, many Georgia fairs include dedicated craft vendor areas and juried handmade craft competitions. The Georgia Mountain Fair in Hiawassee is especially known for its pioneer village and artisan demonstrations. Vendor applications typically open several months before the event.
What agricultural products are featured at Georgia fairs?
Georgia fairs highlight the state's top agricultural products including poultry, pecans, peanuts, peaches, Vidalia onions, cotton, and blueberries. Livestock competitions commonly feature cattle, swine, goats, and poultry, with youth exhibitors from 4-H and FFA programs playing a prominent role.