Eagle Eye Digest
The Weekend Eye
Georgia State Fair, FoodeesFest & Southern Soul
HENRY COUNTY: The Georgia State Fair rolls into EchoPark Speedway for ten days starting Friday, and FoodeesFest brings 40+ food trucks to Tanger Outlets the same weekend, free. Saturday's packed — a breast cancer awareness walk opens the morning, then Pickleball Palooza, a Blessing of the Animals, and the Pet Soirée all before 3PM. Sunday night, Sir Charles Jones headlines Southern Soul Fall Fest at VyStar Amphitheater. Here's everything worth knowing.
This Weekend
Events: October 2–4
Friday, October 2
Friday Spotlight
EchoPark Speedway, Hampton
Ten days of carnival rides, fair food, and live family entertainment — escape artists, circus acts, exotic animal encounters, and a petting zoo included with gate admission. Opens Friday and runs through October 11.
📅 Oct 2–11 • Fri 4–11PM
📍 1500 Tara Pl, Hampton
🎫 $15 adult at gate / $13.52 advance • $5 youth & senior
Ticket tip for readers: advance online tickets at georgiastatefair.com/p/tickets run a bit cheaper than at-gate. Twilight entry after 5PM Saturdays is $15 flat for all ages. Unlimited ride wristbands run $33.20–$38.40 depending on day.
Friday Feature
Locust Grove
This touring food-and-culture festival sets up for all three days — 40+ food trucks, dozens of local crafters and artisans, free on-site parking, and leashed pets welcome. Rain or shine.
A Main Street Hampton evening with an Oktoberfest twist — free to attend, food and live music on Main Street.
Saturday, October 3
Saturday Feature
Pickleball Palooza
Stockbridge
All skill levels welcome, no partner required — loaner equipment, a round robin, music, and complimentary refreshments. Hosted at the private country club's racquet club, so RSVP ahead: (770) 389-2030 or racquetsports@eaglelandingcc.com.
Pet Festival & Blessing of the Animals
McDonough
Bring your fur babies for a blessing — hosted by St. Joseph's Episcopal Church in partnership with the Henry County Humane Society. Same start time as Pickleball Palooza, so pick one if you want both.
Hampton
Henry County Parks & Recreation's pet-focused gathering at the dog park — a relaxed second stop for pet owners after the morning's blessing.
Georgia State Fair (continues)
Hampton
Twilight pricing kicks in after 5PM — $15 flat for all ages, but anyone 13–17 needs a ride wristband to get in after that hour.
FoodeesFest (continues)
Locust Grove
Saturday's the longest day of the festival — full 40+ truck lineup, all day.
🎗️ Breast Cancer Awareness
The McDonough Walking Club's monthly wellness walk goes pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a yoga-style warm-up led by Sunja Dunnette kicks things off, hosted by Connecting Henry, Inc. Price isn't listed on the Eventbrite page; questions go to organizer Maclin Williams at (937) 756-3440.
Sunday, October 4
Sunday Spotlight
VyStar Amphitheater at the Bridge
A stacked Southern soul bill closes out the weekend — Sir Charles Jones headlines, with Calvin Richardson, J-Wonn, West Love, and Nellie "Tiger" rounding out the lineup. Ticketmaster lists it under the artist names rather than the festival title, so point readers to the link, not just the name.
📅 Sunday, October 4 • 7PM
📍 4650 N Henry Blvd, Stockbridge
🎫 Ticketed
Georgia State Fair (continues)
Hampton
Still a full ten-day run ahead after this weekend, through October 11.
FoodeesFest (final day)
Locust Grove
Last chance to catch it — wraps up at 7PM.
Out of County
Worth the Trip
About 20 minutes from Stockbridge — authentic street food, live cultural performances, artisan vendors, and family-friendly activities representing cultures from around the world. A late-night alternative if you want something different from the fair.
Budget-Friendly
Free and Almost Free
Free
Locust Grove
40+ food trucks and artisan vendors, all three days.
Pickleball Palooza
Stockbridge
RSVP ahead — (770) 389-2030.
Pet Festival & Blessing of the Animals
McDonough
Rain or shine, all pets welcome.
Hampton
Henry County Parks & Recreation's pet gathering.
Food and live music on Main Street Hampton.
Almost Free
Hampton
Buy ahead online for the cheaper rate.
🎫
“A ten-day fair, free food trucks all weekend, a pickleball court full of beginners, and Sir Charles Jones closing it out Sunday night, Henry County doesn't do quiet weekends in October. Go enjoy it.”
The Eagle Eye Digest. Henry County’s weekend guide since day one.