Acworth is a charming town located just outside of Atlanta. It is known as a vibrant destination for well-attended festivals, concerts, and celebrations throughout the Atlanta metro area and beyond. Here are five festive reasons why Acworth is one of the best day trip/weekend getaway spots near Atlanta.
1. Small Town Charm and Big Time Fun
Every Mother’s Day weekend, backyard Barbeque teams gather to compete at the Smoke on the Lake festival. Enjoy two days of award-winning BBQ, cold beer, live music, games and rides for the kids, and so much more. Be sure to sample, vote, and cheer on your favorite backyard barbeque team daily. Smoke on the Lake takes place at Logan Farm Park where there’s plenty of parking and clean restrooms and is an easy walk to the historic downtown area.
For two days, every Spring, the Acworth Art Fest brings hundreds of artists from all over the country to showcase pottery, metalwork, folk art, glass, jewelry, and more to complement the city’s growing art scene. Enjoy festival cuisine or grab a table at one of the many restaurants along Main Street in the historic district. Bring the kids to the Kidz Zone where they can enjoy many colorful vendors geared just for them including face painting, art projects and activities.
The Classic Car Cruise is held a few times yearly in Acworth’s Parkside District at Logan Farm Park. Mingle among the hundreds of hotrods, muscle cars, and other classic rides and drool over your favorites alongside fellow car enthusiasts and gearheads.
2. Culinary Delights and Refreshing Drinks
Foodies, we invite you to come and dine with your people. Every October, Taste of Acworth serves up mouthwatering dishes and plenty of space to savor every bite. Enjoy over 150 booths from local restaurants and businesses, plus two live entertainment stages! Bring the kids to the kids zone for energy-busting play time, this interactive area is packed with inflatables, challenging games, and so much more.
Come November, the Acworth Beer & Wine Fest showcases local brews, great bands, and football on the big screen. And, to top it off, our open container district allows you to unwind and enjoy the festivities to the fullest while on the go.
3. A Melody in Every Corner
If you’re a music enthusiast, you’ll find your rhythm in Acworth. From live performances in cozy bars to outdoor concerts celebrating cultural heritage, the city’s music scene is welcoming and accessible. Our annual outdoor concert series features a Summer Concert on the Green: Juneteenth Celebration in June and the Concert on the Green: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in September.
4. Lakeside Escapes
With not one but two beautiful lakes and four beaches to choose from, several of Acworth’s festivals take place right on the water. In February, hundreds of hearty souls brave the icy waters of Lake Acworth to take part in the Polar Plunge to raise money for Georgia’s athletes who participate in the Special Olympics. The costumes are fun, and the fundraising competition is fierce.
Let freedom ring at the annual 4th of July Concert and Fireworks, one of the most impressive fireworks displays in Metro Atlanta. The celebration is in Cauble Park where there is plenty of space to roam. Parking is free downtown and is a short walk to the festivities or tables are available for purchase which includes an upfront parking pass right in the park. Grab a bite from a food truck or pack a picnic, listen to live music, and enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Acworth and its surroundings.
We also love the pageantry and athleticism of the annual Acworth Dragon Boat Festival, in Spring, located at Dallas Landing Park. Teams from all over paddle to raise money for a local charity. There Be Dragons!
5. Seasonal Markets and Holiday Cheer
From April to October, the Acworth Farmer’s Market, located at Logan Farm Park, brings the community together each week for fresh local eats and treats. Take your time shopping the sprawling market for seasonal fruits and vegetables, locally made wares, plants, and flowers. Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic in the park before heading home.
If scares and dares are your thing, then grab your boo crew and join us for the annual Halloween JamBOOree located in Logan Farm Park. There’s plenty of grub for your little goblins to gobble, fun games to play, rides, music, and a costume contest for the kiddos.
And before you know it, it’s time to run in the annual Acworth Turkey Chase. A fun 5K run or 2K walk through historic downtown Acworth and along the shores of beautiful Lake Acworth. Proceeds go to stock local food pantries.
December has the town eagerly anticipating Santa’s Arrival to kick off the holiday festivities. Activities range from holiday golf cart parades to visits with the jolly man himself. Acworth embraces the holiday in such an authentic way that it will fill you with the good spirit of the season.
Year-round shopping and dining delights
When you’re finished with your festival fun, you’ll find unique upscale shops and restaurants waiting to take care of you. The many chefs and shop owners in Acworth offer a great pre-or or post-festival experience. And unlike festivals, these establishments are here year-round.
We think you’ll enjoy the walkability of the Historic Downtown District, ample free parking, and friendly celebrations that welcome everyone. Experience the charm of Acworth for yourself and discover why visitors can’t get enough of this hidden gem just outside Atlanta.