As September settles over Georgia’s heartland, there’s a subtle shift in the rhythm of life along Traditions Highway 15. The early morning air carries a gentle crispness that whispers of autumn’s approach, while late afternoon breezes bring a welcome respite from summer’s lingering warmth.

Small towns are stirring with anticipation, placing decorations and finalizing plans for the festivals that make autumn along Highway 15 truly special. From historic reenactments to harvest celebrations, barbecue competitions to treasure hunts, the coming months promise a rich tapestry of community events that celebrate both our heritage and our vibrant present. We invite you to join us as we celebrate!

The Real Squeal BBQ & Music Festival – October 3-4 in Lyons, GA

The Real Squeal BBQ & Music Festival returns to Downtown Lyons and Partin Park for what promises to be their strongest year yet. After the challenges brought by Hurricane Helene, this resilient Toombs County community is coming back “all fired up and smokin'” for two days of incredible barbecue, live music, and community celebration. The festival features great food, great music, unique cars, and outstanding local vendors that add to the festive atmosphere.

Born in 2010 from two locals’ shared vision to create something special, The Real Squeal has become a cornerstone celebration that perfectly captures the competitive spirit and community pride of small-town Georgia. This year’s event embodies the spirit of a community that knows how to come back better than ever, showcasing the unbreakable bonds that make Lyons special. With vendor spots filling quickly, this festival promises to be one of the region’s most anticipated events of the fall season.

Kaolin Festival – October 11 in Sandersville, GA

Washington County‘s seat celebrates its unique heritage with the annual Kaolin Festival, and this year’s theme “Fall into Kaolin” perfectly captures the spirit of the season. Promoted as “A Festival of Earth and Art,” the 2025 celebration highlights traditional Kaolin Festival colors blended with all things fall, showcasing the handmade, homegrown, and harvest season that defines this special time of year. The Sandersville, GA community-selected Grand Marshals for 2025 represent what it truly means to be a “Harvest Hero” in Washington County, embodying the values and spirit that make this region special.

The festival honors the area’s rich kaolin clay mining tradition that has shaped the local economy for over a century, while celebrating the artistic and agricultural heritage that continues to thrive today. Visitors can expect the excitement of a colorful parade, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, classic car show, educational exhibits about kaolin, movies, and numerous children’s activities, all complemented by local and national entertainment that brings the community together in celebration.

160th Anniversary Occupation of Sandersville – October 24-26 in Sandersville, GA

This October marks a significant milestone as Sandersville, Georgia commemorates the 160th Anniversary of the Occupation of Sandersville with a historic Civil War reenactment that takes visitors on a journey back through time to 1864. The three-day event at Forest Grove Plantation and Courthouse Square offers something for everyone, from the Battle of Sandersville Reenactment on Saturday morning (free admission) to Living History demonstrations, period camps, and food vendors throughout the weekend.

Saturday evening features the unique Blue-Gray Masquerade Ball, a rare public event for most reenactments where period dress is optional, while Sunday concludes with a Period Church Service and Tactical Battle Reenactment. This carefully planned event strives to be both reenactor and spectator friendly, offering an authentic glimpse into this pivotal moment in Civil War history while encouraging visitors to explore Sandersville’s local attractions and shopping opportunities.

Traditions Treasures Yard Sale – November 8 along Traditions Highway 15

One of the corridor’s most anticipated events returns for its second year, as the Traditions Treasures Yard Sale brings together vendors and treasure hunters from across the Highway 15 region. This community-wide celebration transforms participating communities into a treasure hunter’s paradise, where antiques, collectibles, and unique finds tell the stories of our shared heritage.

It’s more than just a sale – it’s a celebration of the traditions, memories, and connections that bind our communities together. Be sure to follow the event on Facebook for the most updated information about which communities are participating and specific locations, as this special event only takes place in select participating towns along the corridor.

Holiday Open House – November 7-8 in Greensboro, GA

Downtown Greensboro welcomes the holiday season with their annual Holiday Open House, where merchants deck out their shops for the season and are ready to help visitors check off their Christmas lists. This special shopping weekend is the perfect opportunity to bring friends and spend the day shopping, dining, and enjoying the holiday spirit in charming Downtown Greensboro while discovering unique treasures from local businesses.

Visitors can explore Georgia artisans’ work at Genuine Georgia, find beautiful jewelry at Greensboro Jewelers, browse clothing and accessories at Maggie Lane, and discover antiques at various antique shoppes, all while experiencing that small-town hospitality that makes every visitor feel like family. Don’t miss the chance to explore local history during your visit – the Greene County History Museum will be open too, adding an educational element to this festive shopping experience.

Vidalia Porchfest – November 8 in Vidalia, GA

Vidalia in Toombs County caps off our fall festival calendar with Porchfest, a grassroots community music and arts spectacle where front porches become stages, yards become venues, and radical generosity and good will rule the day. Taking place Saturday, November 8th from 11am to 5pm in the Historic Jackson Heights neighborhood, this unique event transforms the area between 3rd and 7th Streets and on Jackson and Durden Streets into an ever-evolving carnival of interactions and experiences.

Organized by The Altama Museum of Art & History, Vidalia Porchfest is much more an afternoon of coordinated yard performances than a conventional festival. It’s family-friendly, totally free, and open to all, with no tickets required. The event encourages visitors to roam the neighborhood (#roamthehood), experiencing new facets of the community as local and regional musicians perform everything from folk and bluegrass to contemporary favorites, creating a neighborhood-wide festival atmosphere that celebrates both music and community connection through the spirit of giving.

Whether you’re drawn to the competitive excitement of barbecue festivals, the educational appeal of historical events, music festival vibes, or the treasure-hunting thrill of community-wide yard sales, Highway 15’s fall calendar promises experiences that celebrate both our past and our present. Pack your appetite for adventure, bring your sense of community, and prepare to discover why autumn along Traditions Highway 15 is truly a season to remember.