When the temperatures begin to drop and the calendar turns toward autumn, Henry County trades long summer days for pumpkin patches, fall festivals, outdoor adventures, and plenty of reasons to spend a weekend exploring. Whether your ideal fall day involves getting lost in a corn maze, hiking among blooming yellow daisies, eating funnel cake at the fair, or dressing up for Halloween, there is something happening throughout the season.
From September through October – and even into November – add a few of these Henry County experiences to your fall plans.
Celebrate Fall on the Farm at Southern Belle Farm
Nothing says fall quite like pumpkins, hayrides, and a corn maze, and Southern Belle Farm brings all three together during its annual Fall on the Farm season. The family-owned farm reopens for its fall season on September 19 with a pumpkin patch, four-acre corn maze, and more than 20 outdoor attractions. Depending on the day you visit, families can race pedal carts, cheer on the pigs, take a hayride, visit barnyard animals, and tackle plenty of other farm activities.
Save room for something sweet, too. A stop by the Country Market and Bakery is practically part of the experience, especially when seasonal favorites like apple cider donuts, fried pies, homemade ice cream, and other farm-fresh treats are calling your name. Even visitors who aren’t participating in the activities can stop by the market and pumpkin patch to do a little fall shopping.
Chase Yellow Daisies at Panola Mountain State Park
Fall brings one of the most distinctive natural displays of the year to Panola Mountain State Park. During Daisy Days, bright yellow daisies bloom across the granite outcrops, creating a limited-time reason to lace up your hiking shoes and explore.
Guided Daisy Days hikes are scheduled for September 19, 2026. The approximately three-mile hike takes visitors into Panola Mountain’s protected conservation area, where access to the mountain itself is only available with a guide. The moderately strenuous trek includes elevation changes and uneven terrain, so sturdy shoes and water are necessities. Advance registration is required.
Don’t put the hiking shoes away once Daisy Days are over. Fall’s cooler temperatures make this a great time to explore Panola Mountain’s other trails or try one of the park’s ranger-led programs. Archery classes and additional guided mountain hikes offer even more ways to turn an autumn afternoon into an outdoor adventure.
Enjoy a Double Helping of Fair Season
Why settle for one fair when Henry County has two?
The Georgia State Fair takes over EchoPark Speedway October 2–11 with carnival rides, kiddie rides, fair food, and live attractions. The 2026 lineup includes circus performances, a petting zoo, dinosaur-themed entertainment, thrill shows, and plenty of the classic sights, sounds, and smells that belong on a fall fair itinerary.
Just a couple of days later, the Henry County Kiwanis Fair keeps the fun going at Nash Farm Park from October 13–18. In addition to carnival rides and food, admission includes attractions such as circus shows, a dinosaur show, a petting zoo, live entertainment, and community exhibits. Special events and entertainment change throughout the week, giving families plenty of reasons to check the schedule before heading out.
Experience Caballos y Trokas at EchoPark Speedway
Fall at the speedway isn’t only about race cars. On September 19, Caballos y Trokas returns to EchoPark Speedway for a celebration that combines regional Mexican music, impressive trucks, horses and high-energy entertainment.
The one-day festival features live music, a truck exhibition, horses, a burnout show, shopping and food vendors. It’s one of the more unexpected ways to experience the massive speedway property and one of Henry County’s most distinctive fall events.
Spend a Fall Day at a Local Festival
Cooler weekends also bring community celebrations throughout Henry County. Bridgefest returns to Stockbridge on September 26 at VyStar Amphitheater at the Bridge, adding another major arts and culture event to the early-fall calendar.
Then, October 10 offers plenty for foodies. Downtown Locust Grove hosts its Chili Cook-Off & Beer Festival, complete with chili tasting, live music, a vendor market, beer garden, and cornhole tournament. Over in Hampton, Bags, Bands & Bites Oktoberfest brings together live music, food, local vendors, cornhole, and even a pumpkin decorating contest at Rutabaga’s Market & Cafe.
These smaller community events are a great excuse to explore Henry County’s downtowns while you’re here. Pair the festival with a meal, local shopping, or another nearby attraction to make a full fall day of it.
Take to the Skies in a Historic Helicopter
For a fall memory that doesn’t involve pumpkins at all, head to Hampton for an Army Aviation Heritage Foundation Ride Saturday.
On October 10 and November 14, visitors have the opportunity to experience a flight aboard an authentic Vietnam-era UH-1 Huey or Cobra helicopter. The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation & Flying Museum already makes a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts, but hearing those iconic rotors and seeing Henry County from above turns a visit into a true bucket-list experience.
Shop the Season at a Farmers Market
If your perfect fall morning is a little slower paced, browse local produce, baked goods, flowers, handmade items and artisan products at one of Henry County’s farmers markets. The Rail & Roots Farmers Market brings vendors to Hampton’s historic Train Depot, including a market on Halloween morning, October 31. Locust Grove’s Farmers Market also continues into October, making either one an easy addition to a fall weekend.
Grab a coffee, stroll through the market and see what local growers and makers have brought for the season.
Have a Frightfully Delightful Halloween
As October winds down, Henry County gets a little spooky, but there are plenty of treats mixed in with the tricks. Communities throughout the county celebrate Halloween with costume contests, decorated trunks, candy, games, hayrides, and other family-friendly festivities.
Locust Grove’s annual Trunk or Treat & Hayride is scheduled for October 23, while Henry County Parks and Recreation hosts Trunk or Treat on October 29 in McDonough. Food Truck Frenzy at Nash Farm Park also adds a Trunk or Treat to its October 23 event, combining Halloween fun with food trucks, entertainment and activities.
Keep an eye on the Henry County events calendar as Halloween approaches for even more frightfully delightful experiences around McDonough, Hampton, Locust Grove, and Stockbridge.
Fall Is Better Explored in Henry County
Pumpkin patch or race track? Hiking trail or carnival midway? Chili cook-off or helicopter ride? In Henry County, your fall weekend doesn’t have to fit into just one category.
Choose your favorites, make a day trip out of it or stay for the weekend and experience a few sides of the season. With events and adventures stretching from September into November, there are plenty of reasons to get outside, try something new, and discover why fall in Henry County is Better Explored.