As the air turns crisp (well, as crisp as it gets here in Georgia!) and the leaves start to show their golden hues, fall feels like a deep breath after the long summer. For me, autumn is a season filled with cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and making memories with my kids—whether that’s running through a corn maze, picking the perfect pumpkin, or eating way too many festival snacks.
As a Columbus, GA family photographer (and mama myself), I love this season because it gives families so many opportunities to slow down, be together, and soak in the magic of fall. If you’re looking for fun ways to celebrate the season, here are some of my favorite fall festivals and events happening in and around Columbus, GA—and even a few worth the short drive to Auburn, AL!
Pumpkins at Callaway
17617 US-27, Pine Mountain, GA 31822
If there’s one event that screams fall, it’s Pumpkins at Callaway. This has become such a special tradition for our family. My boys could spend hours exploring the giant corn maze, running through the sunflower fields, and checking out the larger-than-life pumpkin displays. There are endless photo opportunities and plenty of activities to keep the kids busy.
The best part? You can make it a weekend getaway since Callaway offers overnight stays, gardens to wander, and nature trails that look absolutely stunning in the fall.
Uptown’s Fall Food Truck Festival
Woodruff Riverfront Park, 1000 Bay Ave, Columbus, GA 31901
Mark your calendar for the last Saturday in October—this one-day-only event is a foodie’s dream. With more than 25 food trucks serving everything from BBQ to tacos to sweet treats, everyone in the family is bound to find something they love. My tip? Bring a blanket and find a cozy spot along the river to enjoy your meal.
Bonus: Kids under 10 get in free, and adult tickets help fund more community events throughout the year.
Columbus Museum Fall Festival
Another great event to add to your fall calendar is the Fall Festival at the Columbus Museum, happening on Saturday, October 18th from 10AM - 3PM! Surrounded by the museum’s beautiful greenery, it’s the perfect spot for families to soak in all the cozy autumn vibes. Enjoy an afternoon filled with hands-on art activities, live music, games, and fall crafts — all while exploring one of Columbus’s most beautiful community spaces. Whether your kids are painting pumpkins, dancing to music, or simply running through the leaves, this festival is such a sweet way to spend a Saturday together.
BOOtanical at Columbus Botanical Garden
Get ready for a spooky twist on garden day — the BOOtanical event at Columbus Botanical Garden brings Halloween fun to nature’s doorstep! Think live bat and snake shows, magic performances, a “little botanist” exploration zone for the little ones, and even a carnivorous plant program. It’s the perfect mix of wholesome fall fun and Halloween excitement, all surrounded by the beauty of the Botanical Garden in full autumn color.
Sunday, October 26th 3-8PM
Tickets Can Be Purchased Online
The Cotton Fair
18830 Hwy 85, Gay, Georgia 30218
Since 1972, The Cotton Fair has been kicking off fall with some of the best festival pieces from local Columbus, GA vendors. The festival takes place the first weekend of May and October. While you are there, you will be able to check out antiques, art, and crafts. You can also listen to live music while feasting on some pretty fantastic Southern staples.
FAll Daze
7300 Ingersoll Street, Building 1687, Fort Benning, GA 31905
Fall Daze through Oakhurst Farm is one of my favorite fall festival destinations for younger Columbus, GA kids. This spot is tailored to kids ages 12 and under. You can check out pumpkin picking, barrel trains, interactive hayrides, rubber duck races, and corn mazes. While you are there, be sure to stop by the open-air market stocked with thoughtful gifts from local vendors.
Spooktacular 2025
Another can’t-miss event this season is the Spooktacular 2025 Trunk or Treat Festival, happening on Saturday, October 18th, and hosted by Columbus Parks & Rec at Lakebottom Park! From 4–6 PM, families can enjoy an evening full of costumes, candy, and community fun — with trunk or treating, games, and activities that will have your little ones grinning from ear to ear. After the trunk or treat, the fun continues with a glow party and a spooky family movie night featuring Coco, starting at 7 PM. Grab your blankets, cozy up under the fall sky, and enjoy popcorn and plenty of autumn magic. It’s the perfect way to kick off Halloween weekend — laughter, lights, and unforgettable family memories all in one cozy evening at the park.
Lane Southern Orchards
50 Lane Road, Fort Valley, Georgia 31030
Lane Southern Orchards hosts Corn Maze Days every October. As its name might have led on, this event is known for its humongous 6-acre-large corn maze your entire family is going to adore. In addition, they have games, hayrides, and pumpkin painting stations. Kids 3 and under get in for free!
Sunflower Jubilee at Fields of Grace
Mark your calendars for Friday, October 17 through Sunday, October 19 — the Fields of Grace Flower Farm is hosting the Sunflower Jubilee, and it’s pure fall magic! Spend a weekend wandering through seas of sunflowers, stopping by artisan vendors, and letting your kiddos enjoy the STEAM fun zone and a you-pick flower experience.
Whether you're capturing family photos in golden blooms or sipping something warm under the autumn sky, it’s a beautiful way to soak in the season and support a mission close to the heart. Fields of Grace is a nonprofit focused on offering restorative spaces for caregivers and women who have endured trauma.
Additional Family-friendly fall fun
If your family is anything like mine, sometimes you just want all the fall experiences, big and small. Here are a few more events worth checking out:
🍂 Auburn CityFest Fall Festival (Auburn, AL) – Hosted each October, this is a family favorite across the river. You’ll find live music, food, games, and so many hands-on activities for kids.
🍂 Sweetland Amphitheatre Harvest Festival (LaGrange, GA) – Just a short drive from Columbus, this fall festival is full of crafts, local foods, and kid-friendly fun in a beautiful setting.
Your Family Will Love Incredible Fall Festivals In Columbus, GA
With these fall festivals across Columbus, GA, you are only a short drive away from having the most memorable autumn ever. If you could use a little help freezing those moments, just let me know. I am a Columbus, GA family photographer, and I adore working with parents across the area so they can remember all the wonderful times. If you have been considering booking a session for your family, I would love it if you sent me a message so you can decide if I am the photographer for you!
