A destination for all seasons, Lanier Islands Resort is primed and ready to take advantage of what is arguably one of Georgia’s most picturesque seasons to create a beautiful backdrop for upcoming events. This fall, the lakeside resort earns the title of “Atlanta’s Most Happening Harbor” with a wealth of experiences that run the gamut from an open-air concert featuring an array of musical legends to a three-day interactive, island-wide mystery adventure. All the fun culminates in the return of a Southern classic, bigger and brighter than before, with the Magical Nights of Lights on November 20 to kick off the holiday season.
“Fall has always been one of the best times of year to experience Lanier Islands,” said Matthew Bowling, President of Lanier Islands Resort. “The weather and the setting are gorgeous during the fall in North Georgia. We’re only 45 miles from Atlanta, but when the leaves begin to change and the temperatures cool, it truly feels like a world away. What makes this year especially exciting is the variety of experiences we’re offering. Guests can come for a festival, a golf weekend, live music, or a holiday tradition and then make an entire getaway out of it with everything else there is to experience across the resort.”
Bowling encourages everyone to mark their calendars for the following events:
- Hot Air Balloon Festival – Friday, September 18-Saturday, September 19 – A first for Lanier Islands Resort, it is predicted to be one of the most vibrant, high-energy events of the year – filling the skies above Lake Lanier with color, offering live entertainment and one-of-a-kind experiences for all ages – all while supporting local charities.
- Legacy Golf 3rd Annual Fall Classic – Sunday, September 20 – The tournament tees off at Legacy Golf Course with a 10 AM shotgun start, featuring a two-player best ball format for golfers of all skill levels, featuring delicious food and drinks, exciting contests, and unforgettable lakeside golf that players will be talking about all season.
- Pirates of Lanier Charity Run – Friday, September 25-Saturday, September 26 – The beloved annual event featuring dozens of high-performance boats will benefit Lake Lanier Association, Georgia K9 Search and Rescue, and Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Homes.
- Murder Mystery Weekend™ – Friday, October 30-Sunday, November 1 – This three-day interactive experience will be filled with suspicious characters, unexpected twists, hidden clues and plenty of reasons for would-be sleuths to question everyone around them while indulging in delicious cocktails and meals paired with deluxe accommodations as the mystery unfolds nightly.
- Songwriters at the Lake Music Festival – Friday, November 13-Sunday, November 15 – This unforgettable three-day event will combine music and storytelling with some of the industry’s most talented songwriters, including Chuck Leavell, Randall Bramblett, Jimmy Hall, and Joanna Cotton – all set on eight stages throughout the resort.
- Thanksgiving 2026 – Thursday, November 26 – Stunning lakeside views and a mouthwatering buffet come together for an unforgettable holiday gathering. From traditional favorites like carved turkey and honey-glazed ham to seasonal sides, fresh salads, and decadent desserts, this bountiful spread will satisfy every craving.
- Magical Nights of Lights 2026 – Friday, November 20, 2026-January 3, 2027 – Bigger and brighter than last year’s show, this beloved Georgia holiday tradition takes guests on a modern-day, driving “sleigh ride” past dozens of themed light displays, with a stop at Holiday Headquarters inside Game Changer for festive food and drinks at Clark’s Holiday Pop-up Bar.
Lanier Islands Resort is 45 miles north of Atlanta at 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway in Buford. To view the full event calendar, explore the resort’s amenities, and make reservations, visit www.LanierIslands.com or call 770-945-8787.
