Duluth Fall Festival Brings Parade, 180 Vendors and Two Days of Events Downtown

The Duluth Fall Festival returns to downtown Duluth this weekend with a Saturday parade, more than 180 handmade-goods vendors, live entertainment, children’s activities and approximately 40 food booths.

The 43rd annual festival runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27.

Saturday begins with Gwinnett’s largest parade

The Duluth Fall Festival parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday near Coleman Middle School.

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Floats, school groups, marching bands, sports teams, dancers, scouts, fire trucks and antique cars will travel south on Main Street before turning toward Buford Highway. Streets along the route begin closing at 9:45 a.m.

An opening ceremony follows at the Duluth Festival Center. Entertainment continues throughout the afternoon on the Festival Center and Parsons Alley stages, with performances ranging from jazz and classic rock to country and 1980s music.

The festival’s arts and crafts section includes paintings, photography, pottery, woodwork, jewelry, clothing, toys and home décor. Participating vendors must sell handmade or hand-decorated products.

Sunday includes the Donut Dash 5K

Sunday starts with the Duluth Donut Dash 5K at 8 a.m. The race travels through city streets and finishes at the Duluth Festival Center, with proceeds benefiting Wellroot Family Services.

Festival booths open at 9 a.m. A community worship service begins at 10, followed by another afternoon of live entertainment, food and family activities. The petting zoo, featuring llamas, cows, goats and rabbits, will remain open throughout the weekend.

Free shuttles are the easiest way downtown

Parking near the festival is limited, and organizers recommend using the free park-and-ride shuttles.

Shuttle lots are available at Peachtree Ridge High School, Chattahoochee Elementary School and Duluth Middle School. Buses generally run every 15 minutes and drop passengers near Coleman Middle School.

Saturday shuttle service pauses from 9:45 to 11 a.m. during the parade. Visitors who want to see the parade or opening ceremony should reach a shuttle lot by 9 a.m.