The Duluth Fall Festival, one of the most anticipated events in Duluth, Georgia, returns on Saturday, September 28, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and continues on Sunday, September 29, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“The Duluth Fall Festival is the largest festival in the Southeast with no paid staff and boasts more than 400 volunteers,” said Kay Montgomery, Duluth Fall Festival president.
As the largest all-volunteer festival in the Southeast, this community-driven event has earned a stellar reputation. It has received accolades such as Best of Gwinnett, Reader’s Choice and Best Large Festival in the Southeast by the Southeast Festival and Events Association.
Pre-event concert
While anticipation grows for the festival, a special pre-event concert will set the stage on Saturday, September 14, at the Duluth Festival Center, 3142 Hill St NW.
The concert kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with a performance by Heidi, Jo, Lefty & Mo. This group, known for their mix of covers and original songs, features singer-songwriter Heidi Pollyea, guitarist Johanna Millin and guitarist Lefty Williams. The band also includes a talented roster of percussionists who enhance their vibrant sound.
At 7:30 p.m., a brief presentation will provide an overview of what to expect at this year’s Fall Festival. This leads directly into the main event, Guardians of the Jukebox, at 8:00 p.m.
Guardians of the Jukebox is a well-known 80s tribute band, featuring top recording and touring artists recruited by guitarist Rich Ward of Fozzy and Stuck Mojo. They perform hits from iconic 80s artists such as Toto, Hall & Oates, Depeche Mode and Bon Jovi.
The concert will include a video backdrop featuring 80s music videos, movie clips and memorable commercials, adding a visual element to the music. The band describes their shows as a “sonic time machine” that transports audiences back to the glory days of MTV‘s pop, rock and new wave era.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnics or to enjoy food from local vendors and restaurants. This pre-event concert not only celebrates the approaching festival but also offers a night of free entertainment in the heart of downtown Duluth.
Festival overview
Two weeks later, the Duluth Fall Festival begins. “The festivities kick off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 28 in Downtown Duluth with a huge parade through the streets. Next, there will be an opening ceremony on stage, officially launching the 300 booths of arts and crafts, food and two stages of entertainment,” Montgomery said.
The festival offers a wide array of activities that cater to all ages and interests, creating an energetic atmosphere. Sunday begins early with the Donut Dash 5K, followed by Worship on the Green, hosted by Duluth First United Methodist Church. The day will continue with more entertainment, shopping and delicious food, ensuring a fun-filled weekend for all.
“Pro tip: Plan to ride one of the FREE large shuttle buses from three area schools so you won’t have to worry about parking,” Montgomery advised. The hours and locations for shuttle parking are listed on the festival’s website.
Grand Marshal and Honorary Grand Marshal
This year’s Duluth Fall Festival will honor two distinguished community leaders as the Grand Marshal and Honorary Grand Marshal of the parade. Former mayor Nancy Harris, who served as mayor for 16 years, will lead the parade as Grand Marshal.
“Nancy Harris is still very involved in Duluth and remains a beloved figure in the community,” Montgomery noted.
Harris’s long tenure as mayor and continued involvement in the community make her a fitting choice to lead the parade.
The Honorary Grand Marshal is Jay Dennard, chief operating officer for Northside Hospital Duluth, who has a long history of service to the local community.
“Jay has served on various civic, community and professional organization boards and is deeply committed to the well-being of our community,” Montgomery added.
Dennard’s commitment to community service and leadership in healthcare has made a significant impact on Duluth, making him a deserving recipient of this honor.
Each year, the festival enjoys strong support from both residents and city leaders. Chris McGahee, director of economic development and marketing for the City of Duluth, and Alana Moss, planning commissioner for the city, serve as co-chairs for the Duluth Fall Festival, highlighting the event’s importance to the community.
Arts and crafts
The arts and crafts market is one of the most popular attractions at the Duluth Fall Festival, offering a wide variety of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary trends. Beth Parmer, the arts and crafts chair, has played a key role in curating this year’s selections.
“We’ve seen significant growth in several categories, especially in food, with artisans offering international ingredients like oils and spices,” Parmer said. “Last year, we had 20 artisans who were members of the Georgia Grown program. This year, that number has doubled to 40.”
This year’s market also includes unique items such as life-like paper flowers, Japanese kokedama plant arrangements and personalized jewelry. Sustainability is a central theme, with many artisans focusing on recycled and repurposed materials.
The blend of traditional and modern crafts is carefully curated through a selection process that involves reviewers of various ages.
“We have reviewers ranging in age from teenagers to those over 60, which naturally creates a diverse selection that appeals to various age groups,” Parmer explained.
Interactive experiences are another highlight of the arts and crafts market. Several booths allow attendees to create items to take home, such as teddy bears, charm bracelets and sand art. These activities are designed to engage festival-goers of all ages, making the market more than just a place to shop.
Supporting first-time vendors is a priority for the festival organizers.
“We support all our vendors throughout the festival, from set-up on Friday through break down and departure on Sunday,” Parmer emphasized. With hundreds of volunteers available to assist, new vendors can expect a smooth and successful experience.
A vibrant lineup
Entertainment at the Duluth Fall Festival is always a major attraction. Michael Robbins, who has served as the entertainment chair for 20 years, oversees the diverse lineup of performances.
“The Duluth Fall Festival is the largest all-volunteer festival in the Southeast. Everyone serves on a voluntary basis, including myself and all the production staff as well as the performers,” Robbins said.
Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of the entertainment program. “We welcome anyone that would like to help,” Robbins said.
Volunteers assist with everything from setting up and tearing down to monitoring parking areas and guiding performers to the right stage.
This year’s lineup promises a mix of music, dance, puppetry and comedy, with performances on two stages. The Main Festival Stage, located on the Town Green, is “equipped to handle large ensembles, orchestras and various bands,” Robbins explained, “while the Parsons Alley Stage offers a more intimate listening environment.”
The Parsons Alley Stage, located in front of Dreamland BBQ and Nacho Daddy, provides a smaller, more intimate setting with 120 folding chairs under a large tent. This year, the Parsons Alley Stage will feature a new Duluth Fall Festival banner and a state-of-the-art sound system, enhancing the experience for both performers and audiences.
The festival’s entertainment committee carefully selects performers through an online application process, ensuring a high-quality lineup. Diversity is a hallmark of the festival’s entertainment.
“We love to encourage young musicians from the various Schools of Rock to perform,” Robbins shared.
This year’s festival will feature performances by musicians from Latin America and China, as well as local folk, rock, jazz, swing and country artists.
A race with a sweet reward
The Donut Dash 5K is a standout event at the Duluth Fall Festival, merging fitness with a fun and social atmosphere. Organized by Greg Whitlock, the race was rebranded in 2015 to attract a broader range of participants. The addition of donuts and coffee, courtesy of Dunkin Donuts, has transformed the race into a social gathering that appeals to both serious runners and those who prefer a more leisurely pace.
This race is not just a lighthearted event though. It’s certified as a Peachtree Road Race qualifier, drawing competitive runners who are serious about their sport. Yet, the festive atmosphere — complete with Dunkin Donuts characters and lively post-race activities — ensures that the entire community can enjoy the event.
“The rebranding made it more than just a 5k. It has become a 5k with a silly twist and a fun social aspect after you run,” Whitlock said.
The theme of the Duluth Fall Festival is woven throughout the race.
“We incorporate the fall theme in our shirt designs, list the Fall Festival as our main sponsor and provide our runners with information about the festival,” Whitlock noted. This integration helps create a seamless experience for participants, many of whom stay on to enjoy the festival’s activities after completing the race.
Challenging but fun
Organizing a race of this scale during a festival presents logistical challenges. “Our logistical issues revolve around the festival itself, as vendors are trying to get to their booths to replenish during the 5K, and we have some intersections closed for runner safety,” Whitlock explained. However, careful planning and coordination with vendors help ensure the race runs smoothly.
The Donut Dash 5K caters to both competitive runners and casual participants, with chip timing providing accurate results for all.
“The race is chip-timed, so competitive runners know their time immediately, regardless of where they start,” Whitlock explained.
The course, which presents a challenging route, attracts serious runners. At the same time, casual participants are drawn to the social atmosphere, the coveted long-sleeved t-shirts and, of course, the donuts.
Post-race activities enhance the experience, with recognition of runners in various age categories, health screenings, games, prizes and an abundance of donuts to go around. This combination of competition and camaraderie makes the Donut Dash 5K a memorable and rewarding part of the Duluth Fall Festival.
Everyone is welcome
The Duluth Fall Festival is more than just an event. It’s a celebration of the community’s spirit, unity and shared values. From the carefully curated arts and crafts market to the diverse entertainment lineup and the unique Donut Dash 5K, the festival offers something for everyone. The event’s all-volunteer nature, with more than 400 dedicated individuals coming together to make it a success, reflects the strong sense of community in Duluth.
The festival also serves as a platform to honor and celebrate community leaders like Nancy Harris and Jay Dennard, whose contributions have helped shape Duluth into the dynamic community it is today. Their recognition as parade marshals underscores the festival’s deep connection to the community and its leaders.
As the festival continues to grow and evolve, it remains a beloved tradition that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds. The Duluth Fall Festival is not just an event but a reflection of the community’s heart, where old traditions meet new ideas. Everyone is welcome to join in the celebration.
