Marietta HarvestFest returns to Historic Marietta Square on Saturday, October 17, packing a full slate of fall activities into one downtown day.

The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and brings together handmade arts and crafts, family activities, contests, vehicles and seasonal entertainment.

For families trying to choose one October outing with something for several age groups, HarvestFest makes a strong case by putting many experiences in the same walkable area.

The HarvestFest Market features handmade arts and crafts from exhibitors, including local vendors and participants from across the South.

That shopping component gives adults plenty to browse while younger visitors move toward the more hands-on attractions.

Touch-A-Truck runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and gives visitors an up-close look at City of Marietta vehicles such as firetrucks, police vehicles, tractors and tow trucks.

For younger children fascinated by big equipment, that can easily become the centerpiece of the morning.

The day also includes Halloween Happenings, inflatables, games, DJ entertainment and seasonal treats.

A pie eating contest is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., adding a classic small-town-festival moment before the afternoon costume events begin.

The costume contest begins at 2 p.m., followed by a pet costume contest at 3 p.m.

That sequence makes it possible for families to arrive early for vehicles and crafts, stay through lunch and finish the afternoon with Halloween-themed fun.

HarvestFest works because it does not depend on one headline attraction.

Instead, the event layers shopping, children’s activities, contests and fall atmosphere across the Square, letting visitors shape the day around their own interests.

Scarecrows in the Square adds another seasonal visual element and helps turn downtown Marietta into a broader autumn destination.

The location at Glover Park and Historic Marietta Square also puts restaurants and shops within easy reach when families want a break from festival activities.

With an event this broad, timing matters more than it might at a simple market or concert.

Visitors who specifically want Touch-A-Truck should remember that portion closes at 2 p.m., three hours before the overall festival ends.

Likewise, anyone entering or watching the costume events should plan around their scheduled afternoon start times.

The easiest approach may be to treat HarvestFest as a half-day or full-day outing rather than trying to squeeze it into a quick stop.

Downtown parking and pedestrian traffic can become busier around major Square events, so allowing extra arrival time is sensible.

The event’s broad family focus also makes it a useful meeting point for extended families or groups whose members have different interests.

Some can browse handmade goods, others can explore the vehicles, and everyone can reconnect for the contests or food.

Saturday, October 17 is the confirmed 2026 date, with festivities scheduled from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

For Northwest Atlanta families looking for a concentrated dose of autumn without leaving Marietta, HarvestFest puts much of the season into a single day on the Square.

It is less one event than a collection of fall traditions happening side by side.

Plan participation before arrival

The official HarvestFest page says costume contestants should obtain a number at the stage between 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The city’s downtown parking map helps drivers choose a lawful parking area before walking to the Square. Allow extra time when bringing costumes or coordinating a group, and confirm contest requirements with the organizer.

Our Chalktoberfest guide covers the preceding weekend, while our Root House flashlight-tour guide offers October 23–24 evening history. Event facts were checked October 3, 2026. Revisit the official activity schedule before departure, especially if Touch-A-Truck or a timed contest is your main reason for attending.