You can feel it — the mornings are getting chilly and the air is a little less humid. October is knocking on your door with a cinnamon broom in hand and a ready-to-carve pumpkin tucked under its arm.
Before it gets too cold, check out these October events happening right here in Acworth.
Here’s the best part: they’re all free to attend, from car shows to book festivals and, of course, Halloween.
Acworth Farmer’s Market
Fridays thru Oct. 27 — 8 a.m. to noon — Acworth First Baptist Church parking lot
Every Friday morning, around two dozen vendors offer a variety of homemade and farm-fresh goods to customers. The Acworth Farmer’s Market has grown significantly since its inception in the early 2000s, and the selection of local products includes eggs, meats, cheeses, fresh produce, baked goods, honey and jams.
The last day of the 2017 season is Oct. 27, so hurry before it’s gone for the year!
Classic Car Cruise
Sept. 30 — 4 to 9 p.m. — Main Street in Historic Downtown Acworth
The Lake City Cruisers will partner with the city to once again bring the Classic Car Cruise to Main Street. The car show is held three times a year in the spring, summer and fall. While the event is free to the public, entry fees for vehicles entering the show benefit the Horizon Field, an all-inclusive special needs sports facility in Acworth.
“The hope is that people will also visit the restaurants and retailers,” said Jeff Chase, Acworth’s downtown development director.
Allatoona Book Festival
Oct. 7 — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Roberts School Community Center, 4681 School St.
Hosted by the Acworth Cultural Arts Center, the Allatoona Book Festival celebrates literature with book-signings, panel discussions with published authors, and learning activities for both children and adults. In only its second year, this is the first time the event will feature programming for kids. The event is free to attend and open to the public. Visit the Acworth Cultural Arts Center’s website for a full list of authors and more information.
Taste of Acworth
Oct. 14 — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Main Street in Historic Downtown Acworth
Thinking about swinging through downtown for the Taste of Acworth?
“Come hungry,” Chase urged.
Get ready to browse over 120 booths of food vendors and local businesses along Main Street. While the event is free to enter, around 30 restaurants will offer sample-size portions from $1 to $4, Chase said. A kids’ zone will have inflatable bounce houses and activities for children, and two stages will keep the crowd entertained with live music and competitions, including a dog show and a cooking challenge. Parking is free and available downtown, but city officials expect around 18,000 attendees this year, so plan ahead.
The city will operate shuttles to the event, but the long walk to your car might help you burn off all those delicious food samples!
Halloween Jam-BOO-ree
Oct. 28 — 3 to 7 p.m. — Logan Farm Park, 4762 Logan Rd.
There’s no need to travel outside of Acworth for family-friendly fun this Halloween. Children can play a variety of carnival games and activities for a minimal charge, but that can be offset with a donation at the door.
“Cub Scout Pack 611 will be holding their annual food drive to collect food for the Scouting for Food Program,” said Michelle Berryman, the city’s recreation coordinator.
Bring a nonperishable food item to the gate, and you’ll receive five free game tickets for one child. Berryman did specify, however, that the maximum is five free tickets per child, regardless of how many food items are donated.
Children can also enter costume contests broken up by age group and judged throughout the day. Any attendees who are still a “kid at heart” can make their way to the petting zoo or enjoy unlimited free hayrides.
Parking is available at Logan Farm Park, Roberts School, Rosenwald School, and at the corner of Cherokee Street and Northside Drive. Signs will direct you up the trail to the event location.
