Cannot Miss Fall Events

As autumn falls upon us, Milledgeville overflows with seasonal festivities. Whether you are canoeing under the full moon, taking a ghost tour, or strolling through a pumpkin patch, this charming small town is the perfect fall getaway. In addition to all the fall festivities, it is an excellent time of year to take regular tours as well. As always, you can see the full list of upcoming events but below are some can’t-miss events of the fall:

September Signature Events

Wednesday, September 24th - Sunday, September 28th | Play: The Importance of Being Ernest

The Importance of Being Earnest, presented by Georgia College & State University’s Department of Theatre & Dance, is Oscar Wilde’s sharp-witted classic about double lives, mistaken identities, and romantic misadventures. When Jack and Algy juggle false identities to woo eligible young women, their tangled web of lies quickly unravels in hilarious fashion. Performances take place September 24–27 at 7:30 p.m. and September 28 at 2:00 p.m. at Russell Auditorium.

Friday, September 26th - Sunday, September 28th | Old Capitol Classic Pickleball Tournament

Old Capitol Classic Pickleball Tournament kicks off Milledgeville’s first-ever three-day pickleball event at the newly opened courts at Walter B. Williams Park. This inaugural tournament celebrates the grand opening of the city’s new pickleball complex and invites players of all levels to compete in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles matches throughout the weekend.

October Signature Events

October 3rd, 17th, 29th, 30th, & 31st | Ghosts of Milledgeville Evening Walking Tour  

Discover a new side of Milledgeville on the Ghosts of Milledgeville Walking Tours, held at 5:30 p.m. on select evenings. Join a knowledgeable guide as you explore downtown Milledgeville’s historic sites and uncover the town’s haunted and storied past. The tour departs from the Visitor’s Information Center. Tickets are $12, and with only 16 spots available per tour, reservations are highly recommended. Call 478-452-4687 to secure your spot. 

October 4th & 18th | Ghosts of Milledgeville Morning Walking Tour

Hear about Milledgeville’s storied past during the Ghosts of Milledgeville Morning Walking Tours. Join us for a guided walking tour of some of Milledgeville's hauntings throughout downtown on select Saturday mornings. The tour will meet at the Visitor’s Information Center and depart at 9:00 a.m. Tickets are $12. Call 478-452-4687 to reserve your spot.

Friday, October 10th | Cole Goodwin Live at Ned Kelly's

Cole Goodwin Live at Ned Kelly’s brings a night of powerhouse vocals and authentic Country music to Milledgeville. The 24-year-old Pooler native has gained attention across the Southeast with his textured voice, heartfelt songwriting, and old-school Country sound. Fresh off signing with Big Machine Records and opening select dates on Luke Bryan’s tour, he now takes the stage at Ned Kelly’s with special guest Colton Dawson, whose run on American Idol Season 23 highlighted his rising talent.

October 11th & 12th | Hippie Daze Festival

Hippie Daze Festival brings a vibrant, family-friendly weekend of live music, unique shopping, a vintage car show, tie-dye, hands-on activities, and delicious food vendors on October 11–12, 2025. Kids 10 and under get in free, with options for single-day or two-day passes, plus primitive camping passes for those who want the full festival experience. Celebrate peace, love, and good vibes at this colorful community event!

Friday, October 17th | TEDx at Georgia College

TEDx comes to Georgia College on Friday, October 17th, in partnership with TED and Georgia College’s Leadership Programs. Created in the spirit of TED’s mission to share “ideas worth spreading,” TEDx brings innovative thinking and bold conversations to local communities around the world. This inaugural event will spark imagination, change, and new ideas that extend far beyond Milledgeville.

Friday, October 17th | Thriller 5K 

The Thriller 5K returns to the storied grounds of Central State Hospital, once the world’s largest mental institution, for a run like no other. Hosted by Zeta Tau Alpha, this evening race blends fitness and fright as runners dash through the historic campus while being chased by zombies. The event features music, door prizes, and surprises, all while raising money for breast cancer awareness and education. Lace up, support a cause, and experience one of Milledgeville’s most exciting races.

Saturday, October 19th | Deep Roots Festival

The 22nd Annual Deep Roots Festival returns to downtown Milledgeville on Saturday, October 18th, for a full day of music, art, food, and fun. Enjoy live performances from local and regional artists, shop the artist market for handmade treasures, and grab a bite from local food vendors. Families will love the KidZone, while car enthusiasts can explore the antique car show featuring more than 100 vintage vehicles.

Saturday, October 18th | Milli Chili Cook-Off 

The Milli Chili Cook-Off heats up downtown Milledgeville at the Marketplace Pavilion with a flavorful competition among local cooks and chili enthusiasts. Contestants can enter for a $50 fee to compete for the People’s Choice award, with prizes of $200 and a trophy for 1st place, $100 for 2nd, and $50 for 3rd. Guests are invited to sample entries for just $1 per tasting ticket and cast their votes for the winner. From spicy to savory, this lively event promises a delicious fall afternoon in Milledgeville.

Thursday, October 23rd | New Moon Walk

Lockerly Arboretum presents the New Moon Walk, an intriguing evening exploring the wonders of the night. Led by Director of Education Kensey Amerson, participants will learn about moon phases, the science of human vision, and the nocturnal creatures that thrive in darkness. After the presentation, attendees can test their night vision on a guided walk around the Arboretum under the cover of darkness. This adult-only event includes a glass of wine or a cold beer with your ticket. The New Moon Walk takes place on Thursday, October 23rd, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. 

Thursday, October 23rd | Sunday, October 26th - Beetlejuice the Musical

Georgia Military College Prep School Performing Arts presents Beetlejuice The Musical, the hilarious and heartfelt Broadway hit based on Tim Burton’s iconic film. Packed with larger-than-life characters, show-stopping numbers, and unexpected twists, this wickedly fun production promises a hauntingly good time for all ages. Performances are set for Thursday, October 23 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, October 25 at 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, October 26 at 3:00 p.m. at GMC Prep School.

October 23rd-25th | Georgia Military College Alumni Weekend 

GMC Alumni Weekend 2025 is bringing graduates and friends back together for a fun-filled celebration! The weekend’s lineup includes a golf tournament, an alumni parade, a JC Bulldogs football game, the Andrews Brothers Dueling Pianos show, and live music from the Mike Veal Band. With so many ways to reconnect and celebrate, it’s the perfect time to come home to GMC and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow alumni.

Friday, October 24th | Death After Dark

As Halloween approaches, the popular Death After Dark Tours return on Friday, October 24, 2024, at 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 PM. Guests will delve into the haunting tales of 19th-century death and superstitions while exploring Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion after sunset. Docents dressed in traditional mourning attire will guide this unforgettable experience. Reservations are required.

Saturday, October 25th | Barnyard Festival

The Barnyard Festival at Simply Southern Barn returns on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a full day of live music, local craft vendors, food, and family fun. Guests can shop, explore, and soak up the festive atmosphere surrounded by autumn colors. With activities for all ages and admission just $5, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends.

Wednesday, October 29th | Deep Dive Book Talk: Journey in Place

Lockerly Arboretum invites you to a Deep Dive Book Talk on Wednesday, October 29 at 5:30 p.m. led by Director of Education Kensey Amerson. The evening will focus on Journey in Place: Explorations for a Year of Place-Keeping by acclaimed author Janisse Ray, exploring themes of place attachment and intentional connection to the environments we call home. Whether you’ve read the book or are simply curious about the topic, this enriching conversation welcomes all who wish to take part.

Friday, October 31st | Treats-4-Halloween

Celebrate Halloween in Downtown Milledgeville with Treats-4-Halloween! Families are invited to bring little mermaids, monsters, and ghouls for an afternoon of festive trick-or-treating at local businesses, where shop owners will be handing out candy and seasonal cheer. As you stroll downtown, enjoy shopping and dining with the participating merchants while kids collect sweet surprises. This fun-filled community tradition promises a spooktacular time for all ages!

See our full events calendar here.