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2025 North Georgia State Fair

The North Georgia State Fair: A Celebration of Fun, Thrills, and Tradition

The annual North Georgia State Fair attracts an estimated 365,000 people every year from North Georgia and neighboring states. The fair features live music, free attractions and shows, blue ribbon competitions, live farm and exotic animals, talented performers and dancers, fun food, and rides on the Great James H. Drew Exposition – one of the largest carnival midways in the U.S. The fair also offers free concerts with big names hitting the stage each year.

Fun and Entertainment:

The North Georgia State Fair features exhilarating rides, colorful games, and mouthwatering treats. From heart-pounding roller coasters to enchanting Ferris wheels, the fair’s amusement rides offer endless thrills and laughter for adventure seekers. For those seeking a more laid-back experience, the fair also includes a wide range of family-friendly rides and attractions, ensuring that everyone can find their favorite source of fun.

As one of the largest and most anticipated fairs in the state, this annual event draws visitors from near and far.
The fair showcases a delightful blend of classic attractions and modern entertainment.

A Food Lover’s Paradise:

No fair experience is complete without trying some of the delectable fair foods. The North Georgia State Fair offers a delightful array of savory delights and sweet treats. From traditional corn dogs and cotton candy to innovative creations, the fair’s food vendors cater to every palate.

Live Entertainment and Performances:

Entertainment takes center stage at the North Georgia State Fair, with a lineup of shows, live performances, and musical concerts. Visitors can witness awe-inspiring shows, enjoy live music, and be mesmerized by the fair’s diverse variety of entertainment.

The North Georgia State Fair offers a memorable and thrilling experience that has become a favorite part of the fall season. 

Dates:
September 18 through 28, 2025

Last Year’s Schedule (2025 coming soon):

Thursday, September 19

  • Gates Open at 4 pm
  • Opening Day: Free Admission
  • $20 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (per person)
  • North Georgia State Fair Beauty Pageant
  • Piccolo Zoppe Boutique Circus, 6:30 pm & 8:30 pm

Friday, September 20

  • Gates Open at 4 pm
  • Senior Day/Heroes Day
  • Senior Day: 9 am to 1 pm Special program, free admission all day for seniors 55 and older.
  • Heroes Day: All active, reserve or retired military veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, and healthcare workers are admitted free with valid identification.
  • $25 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (per person)
  • Piccolo Zoppe Boutique Circus: 6:30 pm & 8:30 pm

Saturday, September 21

  • Gates Open at 10 am
  • Family Fun Day
  • 10 am to 11 am Free Admission & Free Rides (1 hour only)
  • $30 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (per person) sold only 11 am to 3 pm (good until close)
  • Piccolo Zoppe Boutique Circus: 3 pm, 5 pm, & 8 pm

Sunday, September 22

  • Gates Open at 12:30 pm
  • Family Day
  • $1 off admission with church bulletin
  • School Special 12:30 – 2 pm. Free admission & free rides for students (must have ticket distributed in schools)
  • $25 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (per person)
  • Beautiful Baby Contest (0 to 36 months) at 3 pm
  • Piccolo Zoppe Boutique Circus: 3 pm, 5 pm, & 8 pm

Monday, September 23

  • Gates Open at 4 pm
  • $20 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (per person)
  • Piccolo Zoppe Boutique Circus: 6:30 pm & 8:30 pm

Tuesday, September 24

  • Gates Open at 4 pm
  • Special Populations Night
  • King And Queen of the Fair Special Needs Pageant at 7 pm

Wednesday, September 25

  • Gates Open at 4 pm
  • $20 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (per person)
  • Demolition Derby at 7 pm ($5000 prize)

Thursday, September 26

  • Gates Open at 4 pm
  • College Night: Free Admission With Valid College I.D
  • $20 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (per person)

Friday, September 27

  • Gates Open at 4 pm
  • $25 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (per person)
  • American Bull Riders Tour at 8 pm
  • Bring 5 non-perishables can good items (must not be expired) and receive 1 free admission.

Saturday, September 28

  • Gates Open at 10 am
  • Family Fun Day
  • 10 am to 11 am free admission & free rides
  • $30 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (per person) Sold Only 11 am to 3 pm (Good Until Close)
  • Chainsaw Carving Auction at 7 pm
  • Little Roy And Lizzy Show at local entertainment stage at 5 pm and 8 pm
  • American Bull Riders Tour at 8 pm
  • Bring 5 non-perishables can good items (must not be expired) and receive 1 free admission.

Sunday, Sept. 29

  • Gates Open at 12:30 pm
  • Last Blast!
  • School Special 12:30 pm to 2 pm
  • Free admission & free rides for students (must have ticket distributed in schools)
  • $30 Pay-One-Price Unlimited Rides (per person)
  • American Bull Riders Tour at 6 pm
  • Bring 5 non-perishables can good items (must not be expired) and receive 1 free admission.

Gate Admission:

  • $10 admission.  Purchase half-price admission at any metro Atlanta O’Reilly Auto Parts store in September
  • Children 10 and under are free.
  • Ride tickets are $1.25 each, $20 for 21 tickets, $50 for 55 tickets and $100 for 120 tickets.
  • All rides require more than one ticket.
  • Ride tickets are cash, card, or tap to pay.
  • Parking is $5, cash only.
  • ATM machines are located on the midway.
  • Most vendors inside the park accept cash or cards.

Hours:

  • Monday through Thursday 4 pm to 11 pm
  • Fridays 4 pm to midnight
  • Saturdays 10 am to midnight
  • Sundays 12:30 pm to 10:00 pm

Please take note of the following policies that will be in effect during the fair:

  • Youth Attendance Policy: Individuals under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent after 6 pm daily.
  • Clear Bag Policy: For security reasons and to expedite entry, all bags brought into the fair must be clear and not exceed dimensions of 12” x 6” x 12”.  Also permitted is the use of one-gallon resealable clear plastic freezer bags and small clutch purses no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”.  Diaper bags are allowed but will be searched and tagged.
  • Gate Entry Policy: Entry will not be permitted after 9 pm from Sunday to Thursday, and after 10 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Address:
Jim Miller Park
2245 Callaway Road
Marietta, GA 30008

Contact Information:


Legendary Fair, Legendary Fun 

legendary-fair-legendary-fun-magazine-smFew events signal the start of fall quite like a fair imbued with the scent of cotton candy, the roar of rollercoasters and the halogen glow of old-fashioned carnival booths. This year, autumn in Cobb County begins the same way it has for years, with the start of the North Georgia State Fair. For 11 glorious days at the end of September, a local tradition… Read More…


Event organizer’s contact information:

Phone:
(770) 423-1330 through September 4
(770) 528-8989 after September 4

Website: NorthGeorgiaStateFair.com

North Georgia State Fair Non-Commercial Exhibits and Flower Show

2025 Brown Bag Concert Series

Each Thursday in May and September, grab your lunch at one of the many great restaurants around the square and meet your friends and co-workers at Glover Park for the Brown Bag Concert Series.

Enjoy some outdoor fun at the Brown Bag Concert Series from noon to 1 pm in Marietta Square. The event features free music and takes place in the Historic Marietta Square.

The Brown Bag Concert Series is hosted by the Marietta Welcome Center and Visitors Bureau and the Cobb County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

2025 Dates: 

Every Thursday in May & September

  • May 1, 2025 – Schedule TBA
  • May 8, 2025 – 
  • May 15, 2025 – 
  • May 22, 2025 – 
  • May 29, 2025 – 
  • September 4, 2025 – 
  • September 11, 2025 – 
  • September 18, 2025 – 
  • September 25, 2025 – 

Hours:
Noon to 1 pm

Cost:
The concerts are free

Address:
Glover Park, Marietta Square
50 Park Square
Marietta GA 30060

For more information, call the Marietta Parks & Recreation Department at (770) 794-5601.

Digital Learning Days

Cobb County School District Digital Learning Days: What to Expect

The Cobb County School District (CCSD) has embraced a new approach to education with the integration of Digital Learning Days, or asynchronous learning days, for the 2024-2025 school year. These designated days are aimed at enhancing the professional development of teachers while ensuring students continue their education seamlessly from home. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and how to navigate these days effectively.

Digital Learning Dates

The following dates are designated as Digital Learning Days for the upcoming school year:
  • August 19, 2024
  • October 14, 2024
  • March 3, 2025

Overview of Digital Learning Days

On these days, students will engage in learning from home through the Cobb Teaching and Learning System (CTLS). The format will be asynchronous, meaning students will complete tasks independently rather than participating in live, face-to-face instruction. Here’s a snapshot of what to expect:
  • Independent Work: Students will work on assignments created by their teachers, which will be accessible via CTLS.
  • Pre-Assigned Tasks: Teachers will provide instructions and expectations the day before the Digital Learning Day.
  • Varied Instructional Materials: Assignments may include pre-recorded videos, independent activities, or review lessons.

Daily Assignment Expectations

For Grades K-5 and Special Education Units:

  • Reading
  • Math
  • Specials (as directed by the teacher)
Elementary students should anticipate 1-2 hours of work per day, tailored to their specific learning targets.

For Middle and High School Students:

  • Students will receive 30-minute assignments for each subject.
  • Tasks might involve watching pre-recorded videos, reviewing articles, or answering reflection questions.

Tips for Success

  • Access to CTLS: Ensure your student has access to the CTLS platform.
  • Preparation: Elementary students should be ready for 1-2 hours of work, while older students should manage their time to complete the 30-minute assignments for each class.

Specials Schedule

Specials teachers will post optional activities in their digital classrooms. Students are encouraged to log in and engage with these activities.

Target Program

Students scheduled for the Target program should check their Target teacher’s CTLS class for assignments.

Connectivity Issues?

  • Communication: If there are any issues accessing assignments, contact your child’s teacher.
  • Hard Copies: Request physical copies of assignments if needed, and students will have time to complete their work upon returning to school.
  • Deadlines: Teachers will inform students of deadlines for any outstanding assignments.

CTLS Support

For any issues or questions regarding CTLS, the following resources are available: The incorporation of Digital Learning Days in the Cobb County School District aims to balance the needs of professional development for teachers with the continuity of education for students. By planning ahead and utilizing the resources available, families can ensure a smooth transition to these new learning days.
Related:

Rummage and Book Sale

Get ready to unearth some fun finds at the Marietta History Center’s annual Rummage & Book Sale. The event returns for three days, offering a diverse mix of items, with all proceeds supporting the Marietta History Center.  The sale includes items such as books, photography, militaria, children’s items, home décor, and more.

While you’re there, take the chance to explore the Marietta History Center galleries. On Thursday and Friday, the galleries are open with regular admission. On Saturday, you can enjoy the museum galleries for free—perfect for a bit of culture after your shopping spree.

So, mark your calendars and get ready for a fun-filled day of shopping and exploring at the Marietta History Center’s Rummage & Book Sale. Who knows? You might just find that perfect piece you didn’t know you needed!

Date:
Thursday, August 15, 2024
Friday, August 16, 2024
Saturday, August 17, 2024

Time:
10 am to 4 pm

Admission:
The sale is free and open to the public all three days.
Museum admission is regular price on Thursday and Friday, and free on Saturday

Address:
Marietta History Center
The Tumlin Community Room, 1st Floor
1 Depot Street
Marietta, GA 30060

Cobb Schools Graduation Commencement Schedule

2025 Cobb County High School Graduation Commencement Ceremonies Information & Schedule

As the academic year comes to a close in Cobb County, it’s time to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our 2025 high school graduates. Below, you will find detailed information about the upcoming ceremonies, including dates, times, and venues. Congratulations to the Class of 2025, and here’s to a bright future ahead!

Schedule

Commencement ceremonies begin on Monday, May 19, 2025 and end on Saturday, May 24, 2025.

Monday, May 19, 2025
Cobb Horizon | COLA
3:30 pm
KSU Convocation Center
Hillgrove
7:30 pm
KSU Convocation Center

 

Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Sprayberry 3:30 pm KSU Convocation Center
Kennesaw Mtn 7:30 pm KSU Convocation Center

 

Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Kell 3:30 pm KSU Convocation Center
Lassiter 7:30 pm KSU Convocation Center

 

Thursday, May 22, 2025
McEachern 9:00 am Cantrell Stadium
North Cobb 10:00 am KSU Convocation Center
Walton 2:30 pm KSU Convocation Center
Osborne 7:00 pm KSU Convocation Center

 

Friday, May 23, 2025
Allatoona 9:00 am Allatoona Stadium
Pope 10:00 am KSU Convocation Center
Pebblebrook 2:30 pm KSU Convocation Center
Campbell 7:00 pm KSU Convocation Center

 

Saturday, May 24, 2025
Harrison 10:00 am KSU Convocation Center
Wheeler 2:30 pm KSU Convocation Center
South Cobb 7:00 pm KSU Convocation Center

 

With the exception of Allatoona and McEachern, all Cobb County School District hosted ceremonies will take place at the Kennesaw State University Convocation Center. Allatoona and McEachern will each host their commencement ceremonies at their respective campuses. All ceremonies will be available for live streaming online.

Commencement dates for each year are announced in the spring.  Commencement ceremonies usually start on the Monday before Memorial Day and continue through the Saturday before Memorial Day.  Please note that all dates are subject to change each year, so it’s recommended to wait for the official schedule announcement before making any plans.

Cobb County School Calendar 2024-2025

The Cobb County School Calendar for the 2024 to 2025 school year begins on Thursday, August 1, 2024 and ends on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.  The start date is the same date as last year, and the end date is 1 day earlier than last year.

School holidays:

  • First Day of School – August 1, 2024
  • Labor Day – September 2, 2024
  • Fall Break – September 23 – 27, 2024
  • Election Day, Student Holiday/Staff Workday – November 5, 2024
  • Thanksgiving Holidays – November 25 – 29, 2024
  • Winter Holidays –  December 23, 2024 to January 3, 2025
  • Martin Luther King Jr Day – January 20, 2025
  • Winter Break – February 17 – 21, 2025
  • Spring Break – April 7 – 11, 2025
  • Last Day of School – May 21, 2025

School Calendar Guidelines and Notes:

State law requires that students are in school 180 days or its equivalent. Each year, school districts are given four “emergency days” they can use for a variety of purposes. Many districts have been building those days into their calendars.  In Cobb County, there are 176 days scheduled for students, and 186 days scheduled for teachers.  The first semester includes 89 school days (95 for teachers) and ends prior to Winter Holidays.  Second semester includes 87 school days (91 for teachers), and ends prior to Memorial Day. Fall Break usually begins on the fourth Monday in September.  Thanksgiving Break begins on the Monday before the fourth Thursday in November (Thanksgiving Day).  Winter Break begins on the third Monday in February (Presidents Day).  Spring Break begins on the first Monday in April, providing consistency with the Marietta City School District and many other metro Atlanta school systems.  The school year ends on a Wednesday to provide enough time to schedule graduation ceremonies.

Change Log:

April 24, 2024

  • Changed the update date

January 24, 2024

  • Added Digital Learning Day on August 19, 2024
  • Added Digital Learning Day on October 14, 2024
  • Added Elementary/Middle School Conference Week and Early Release Days October 15-18, 2024
  • Added Early Release Days December 19 and 20, 2024
  • Added Digital Learning Day on March 3, 2025
  • Added Early Release Days May 19-21, 2025

July 1, 2022

  • Approved

Cobb County School Calendars:
Cobb County School Calendar 2023-2024
Cobb County School Calendar 2024-2025
Cobb County School Calendar 2025-2026

Marietta City School Calendars:
Marietta City School Calendar 2023-2024
Marietta City School Calendar 2024-2025
Marietta City School Calendar 2025-2026


Related:
Cobb County and Marietta City School Calendars
Cobb County Early Release Schedule
Cobb County Digital Learning Days (Asynchronous) 
Cobb Schools Graduation Commencement Schedule
What day does Cobb County go back to school?
Cobb County and Marietta City Schools
List of Federal Holidays
Fall Break
Winter Break
Spring Break
Summer Camps
Private Schools

Georgia Celebrates Quilts

The East Cobb Quilters’ Guild presents Georgia Celebrates Quilts, a Biennial Quilt Show and Market. Running every other year (on even years), this prestigious event is Georgia’s largest continuing juried and judged quilt show, featuring over 300 quilts crafted by talented artists from across the state.

Visitors can view an impressive array of quilts, ranging from intricate artful wall quilts to classic bed coverings. Each piece showcases the unique creativity and skill of its maker.

The show will award handmade ribbons and over $4,000 in cash prizes. These accolades will be distributed by nationally certified judges, recognizing exceptional visual impact and technical prowess.

In addition to the quilt displays, attendees can shop with various vendors, offering quilting supplies and unique items. There will also be raffles, providing exciting chances to win prizes.

Date:
June 4 through 6, 2026 (no event in 2025)

Time:
10 am to 5 pm daily

Address:
Cobb County Civic Center
548 South Marietta Pkwy SE
Marietta, GA 30060

Admission:
$10 per person.  Children 5 and under are free.

For more information, please email ecqginfo@gmail.com.

About Georgia Celebrates Quilts
Georgia Celebrates Quilts aims to promote the appreciation and excellence of quilt making. The selected quilts, judged for their visual and technical merits, represent diverse styles, techniques, and inspirations from quilters of all ages and backgrounds.

2025 4th of July Parade, Festival, and Fireworks

Come out and celebrate America’s independence as the City of Marietta hosts the Fourth in the Park celebration beginning at 10 am on Friday July 4th, 2025.

The Independence Day celebration begins with the Marietta Freedom Parade that starts at Roswell Street Baptist Church and continues west on Roswell Street, then north on East Park Square past Glover Park, then down Cherokee Street, and ends at North Marietta Parkway.

The Fourth of July parade features marching units from local bands, civic organizations, beauty pageant queens, scouts, local businesses of all types, and much more. After the parade there will be free live concerts and entertainment, food, arts and crafts, carnival games, and of course fireworks.

2025 Schedule:

  • 10 am – Let Freedom Ring Parade
  • 10 am – 9 pm – Festival – Arts & Crafts, Kids Zone, Festival Food, Free Concerts
  • Noon – Concert – Scott Thompson
  • 2 pm – National Bell Ringing Ceremony
  • 2:30 – Concert – Atlanta Concert Band
  • 7:00 – Concert – Cat Carter
  • 8 – 9:30 – Concert – Chuck Martin and the Line Up
  • Fireworks at Dark (around 9:30 pm)

The parade spans a 1.5 mile route beginning at Roswell Street Baptist Church and heads west on Roswell St, then north on East Park Square through Marietta Square, then down Cherokee Street and finishing at North Marietta Parkway. The parade features more than two thousand participants in more than one hundred entries, and there will be an estimated thirty thousand people in attendance. Watch as local businesses, civic organizations, beauty queens, bands, scouts, National Guard, and numerous floats participate and compete for prizes based on design, color, theme, appearance, originality, and riders and costumes.

The Arts and Crafts show features vendors showcasing a wide variety of products. The vendors will be open from 10 am to 9 pm.

Food will be available from a variety of concessions beginning at 10 am. Marietta Square restaurants will also be open for business.

4th of July Celebration Fireworks on the Marietta Square – photo courtesy City of Marietta

Fireworks light up the sky and patriotic music fills the air at dark – around 9:30 pm. The fireworks are shot from the parking lot of the Marietta First United Methodist Church.  If bad weather is expected, the fireworks may begin a few minutes early, to ensure the entire display is completed. If you want to watch the fireworks, make sure you get there early to grab a spot because traffic is expected to be heavy.

For more information, please call the Marietta Parks and Recreation department at (770) 794-5601.

For the weather related updates, please check with the event organizers by visiting the following links:

Glover Park during the 4th In The Park Celebration

Arts & Crafts Vendors

View of the 4th of July Let Freedom Ring Parade

4th of July Independence Day Celebration Float

Fire trucks and first responders in the Fourth of July parade.

A variety of food vendors will be on site during the Fourth of July festival.

Cobb DOT Touch A Truck

The Cobb County Department of Transportation is hosting its Touch A Truck event, a family-friendly gathering that offers a hands-on experience with various vehicles. Celebrating American Public Works Week, this event shows truck enthusiasts of all ages how different vehicles and equipment are used in maintaining and improving infrastructure.

Children and adults alike can explore a wide range of big and little trucks. This includes everything from construction vehicles and sanitation vehicles to vegetation maintenance and utility trucks. It’s a unique opportunity to see these powerful machines up close and learn about their functions.

Date:
Friday, May 23, 2025

Time:
1pm to 4pm

Admission:
The Touch A Truck event is free of charge.

Address:
Cobb Civic Center
548 South Marietta Parkway SE
Marietta, GA 30060

For more information about the event, please contact the Cobb County Department of Transportation at (770) 528-1600

The Cobb Cobb County Department of Transportation Touch A Truck event is one of three different “touch a truck” events that take place in Kennesaw and Marietta.  The other two events take place in Kennesaw.  Cobb County’s Truck-a-Palooza takes place at Town Center Mall in September and Kennesaw’s Touch-a-Truck takes place near the depot in downtown Kennesaw in March each year.

Marietta Brazilian Festival

The Marietta Brazilian Festival is an annual event that brings the vibrant culture of Brazil to Marietta. As the largest and most traditional festival of the Brazilian community in Georgia, it offers attendees a unique opportunity to experience authentic Brazilian food, music, dance, and more.

Taste an extensive variety of typical Brazilian foods, from savory dishes like feijoada (black bean stew) and pão de queijo (cheese bread) to sweet treats like brigadeiros (fudge balls). Local vendors and food trucks will be serving these delicious options throughout the festival.

Enjoy live performances of regional dances and music, including samba, forró, and capoeira. The festival features talented artists who bring the energy and rhythms of Brazil to the stage, creating an immersive cultural experience.

The festival is designed for all ages, with games and activities for children, youngsters, and adults. There are also crafts and workshops where you can learn more about Brazilian traditions and art.

Held on a 5-acre property at Vine Atlanta Church, the festival provides a welcoming environment. The location is conveniently situated at 1296 Gresham Road in Marietta, close to the iconic “KFC’s Big Chicken.”

Date:
June 13, 2025
June 14, 2025

Time:
Friday from 8 pm to 11:30 pm
Saturday from 5 pm to 11:30 pm

Admission:
Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance. Early bird tickets are available for a discounted price, so be sure to get yours in advance.

Address:
1296 Gresham Road
Marietta, GA 30062

For more information, you can reach out to the event organizers at (770) 434-1434 or email vineatlanta@gmail.com