Atlanta’s Country Living Celebration

Discover the Charm: The Country Living Fair Returns to Atlanta, GA!

Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of rustic charm, creative inspiration, and unique finds! The much-anticipated Country Living Fair is making its triumphant return to Atlanta, Georgia, and we couldn’t be more excited. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Stone Mountain Park, this annual event transforms a beautiful landscape into a vibrant marketplace and a hub of hands-on learning. Each year, we are simply amazed and deeply inspired by the incredible talent showcased, the innovative ideas shared, and the sheer joy of meandering through this picturesque setting, discovering treasures at every turn. It’s truly a day well spent – from getting up early to catch the best finds, enjoying delicious fare from local vendors, to simply soaking in the atmosphere of creativity and community.

This year promises to be an extraordinary experience, packed with beloved traditions and exciting new opportunities. From renowned personalities to captivating workshops, there’s something for every lover of country style, vintage treasures, and DIY projects. Guess who will be there?

A vibrant collage featuring Country Living Fair elements like vintage signs, handmade crafts, and rustic decor, hinting at the fair's atmosphere.
Photo: A glimpse into the inspiring world of the Country Living Fair.

Experience the Heart of Country Living

The Country Living Fair is more than just an event; it’s a living, breathing extension of the beloved magazine, brought to life for three incredible days. It offers attendees an unparalleled shopping experience, featuring over 200 vendors hailing from more than 25 states. Imagine strolling through rows of booths filled with one-of-a-kind antiques, handcrafted furniture, intricate artisan crafts, and delicious gourmet foods. Whether you’re hunting for a vintage gem to complete your home decor, seeking a unique gift, or simply looking for inspiration, the diverse array of sellers ensures that every visitor finds something special.

Beyond the unparalleled shopping, the fair is a treasure trove of knowledge and skill-building. Guests can participate in a variety of cooking, crafting, and DIY demonstrations led by experts in their fields. Learn new techniques, get inspired for your next home project, or simply enjoy watching talented artisans at work. The fair also offers opportunities to sample locally sourced, artisanal food products, celebrating the rich culinary traditions of the region. And, of course, no visit is complete without a stop at the Country Living General Store, where you can find exclusive merchandise and souvenirs to remember your experience.

Special Guests & Inspiring Personalities

One of the true highlights of the Country Living Fair is the chance to meet and learn from some of the biggest names in the world of home design, crafting, and vintage living. This year’s lineup is exceptional, featuring beloved personalities who embody the spirit of Country Living.

The Junk Gypsies: Amie and Jolie Sikes

Prepare for a dose of roadside charm and heartfelt design philosophy from the one and only Junk Gypsies, Amie and Jolie Sikes! These sisters are celebrated for their distinctive style, which perfectly blends bohemian whimsy with rustic Americana. They’ll be on the Main Stage on Saturday, October 22nd, at 11 a.m., hosting a special appearance and Q&A session. This is your chance to hear firsthand about their big dreams, their passion for finding roadside treasures, and their unique down-home design aesthetic. They will also be launching their highly anticipated new book, Junk Gypsy: Designing a Life at the Crossroads of Wonder & Wander, which promises to be as inspiring and colorful as their lives and creations. Don’t miss the opportunity to get your copy signed and chat with these incredible visionaries.

Your Chance to Shine: Live Auditions for Flea Market Flip!

Lights! Camera! Action! If you’ve ever dreamt of showcasing your creative prowess on national television, now’s your chance! Great American Country (GAC) is bringing live auditions for their hit show, Flea Market Flip, directly to the Country Living Fair. Visit the GAC Lounge on the Main Green throughout Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to prove that you have the ingenuity and vision it takes to transform a humble flea-market find into a repurposed masterpiece. This is a unique opportunity to demonstrate your design skills, share your passion for upcycling, and potentially kickstart your journey into the world of TV design. Don’s miss this thrilling opportunity!

A Galaxy of Talent: More Featured Experts

Beyond the Junk Gypsies, a host of other inspiring individuals will be sharing their expertise and passions:

  • Cari Cucksey: Star of HGTV’s Cash & Cari, Cari is an expert in vintage collecting, appraisals, and transforming forgotten treasures into cherished pieces. Her insights into the world of antiques and repurposing are invaluable.
  • Denise Sabia: The creative mind behind The Painted Home blog, Denise is known for her approachable style and clever decorating ideas, making beautiful design accessible to everyone.
  • Jana Platina Phipps: Known as The Trim Queen, Jana is a celebrated expert in using trimmings and embellishments to add personality and pizzazz to fashion and home decor.
  • Joanne Palmisano: An award-winning interior designer and regular contributor to the DIY Network, Joanne specializes in incorporating vintage and salvage finds into stunning, contemporary designs.
  • Melissa Caughey: From Tilly’s Nest, Melissa is a writer and contributor to HGTV.com & CountryLiving.com, sharing her expertise on backyard farming, particularly beekeeping and chicken keeping.
  • Nancy Fuller: The beloved TV personality and author of Farmhouse Rules, Nancy brings her down-to-earth cooking style and warm hospitality to the Kitchen Stage, sharing recipes that embody farmhouse living.

Full Event Schedule: A Weekend of Inspiration (October 21-23)

The Country Living Fair is meticulously planned to offer a continuous stream of engaging activities, demonstrations, and opportunities to connect with experts. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect:

Friday, October 21st: Early Bird Treasures & Expert Insights

The fair kicks off bright and early for Early Bird ticket holders at 8:30 a.m., offering a fantastic head start on shopping before the main gates open. The day is packed with educational and inspiring sessions:

  • 11:00 a.m. (Main Stage): Melissa Caughey of Tilly’s Nest will share essential secrets for successfully running a beehive. Learn about the fascinating world of beekeeping, followed by a book signing of her insightful guides.
  • 1:00 p.m. (Main Stage): Joanne Palmisano, the award-winning interior designer, will unveil her secrets to using vintage and salvage finds for creating beautiful, unique design and decor. Her session will be followed by a signing of her acclaimed book, Salvage Secrets Design and Décor.
  • 1:00 p.m. (Kitchen Stage): Join Nancy Fuller, TV personality and author of Farmhouse Rules, for a delightful cooking demonstration. She’ll be preparing her comforting “Butternut Because Soup,” with a cookbook signing to follow.
  • 3:00 p.m. (Main Stage): Jana Platina Phipps, The Trim Queen, will demonstrate ingenious tricks to transform ordinary wardrobe items or home décor pieces into extraordinary statements by embellishing them with elegant trimmings.
  • 3:30 p.m. (Kitchen Stage): Get hands-on with Food and Crafts Director Charlyne Mattox in a special “Make & Take” workshop, where you’ll create the charming Grain Sack Pumpkin featured on the October cover of Country Living magazine. (Pre-registration fee applies).
  • 4:00 p.m. (Main Stage): Denise Sabia, blogger for The Painted Home, will inspire you with a demo on setting a beautiful harvest table with unmistakable farmhouse flair.

Saturday, October 22nd: Junk Gypsy Magic & Creative Journeys

Saturday is a highlight, featuring the much-anticipated appearance of the Junk Gypsies, alongside other captivating sessions:

  • 11:00 a.m. (Main Stage): The Junk Gypsies themselves, Amie and Jolie Sikes, will take the stage to talk about their incredible journey, big dreams, passion for roadside treasures, and their distinctive down-home design aesthetic. A book signing will follow, offering a chance to meet the sisters and get your copy of their new book personalized.
  • 12:00 p.m. (Main Stage): Jana Platina Phipps, The Trim Queen, returns to share more brilliant tricks for turning ordinary items in your wardrobe or home décor into extraordinary showpieces with the magic of embellishments.
  • 1:00 p.m. (Main Stage): Joanne Palmisano, the esteemed interior designer, will present 20 incredibly easy DIYs, offering brilliant design and gift ideas that anyone can tackle.
  • 2:00 p.m. (Kitchen Stage): Charlyne Mattox, Country Living Food and Crafts Director, will host a cooking demo focusing on easy and delicious dinners for real life, followed by a signing of her book, Cooking with Seeds.
  • 4:00 p.m. (Kitchen Stage): Melissa Caughey of Tilly’s Nest will showcase her creative talents with a demo on crafting beautiful tablescapes featuring succulent-topped pumpkins.

Sunday, October 23rd: Upcycling, Chickens, and Vintage Crafts

The final day of the fair brings more exciting workshops and practical advice, ensuring a memorable close to your Country Living Fair experience:

  • 12:00 p.m. (Kitchen Stage): Joanne Palmisano will lead a hands-on workshop, guiding participants through the process of making their very own vintage-inspired sign, a perfect keepsake or gift.
  • 1:00 p.m. (Main Stage): Cari Cucksey, star of HGTV’s Cash & Cari, will present her expert techniques for painting, staining, and spraying your way to expertly upcycling old items, giving them a fresh, new life.
  • 2:00 p.m. (Kitchen Stage): Melissa Caughey of Tilly’s Nest will share invaluable advice on how to start your own backyard chicken coop, providing practical tips for aspiring chicken keepers. A signing of her book, A Kid’s Guide to Keeping Chickens, will follow.

Plan Your Visit to Stone Mountain Park

To make the most of your Country Living Fair experience, it’s essential to plan ahead. Here’s all the logistical information you’ll need for a smooth and enjoyable visit.

Dates, Times, and Location

  • Fair Dates: October 21, 22, 23
  • General Admission Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
  • Early Bird Ticket Holder Access: Gates open at 8:30 a.m. on Friday & Saturday for those with Early Bird passes, offering an exclusive shopping opportunity.
  • Location: The event takes place in the scenic Event Meadow on the expansive grounds of Stone Mountain Park. This beautiful recreation area is conveniently located just 16 miles east of downtown Atlanta. For easy navigation, take Exit 8 off of U.S. Highway 78. Stone Mountain Park itself is a fantastic destination, offering natural beauty and family-friendly attractions, making the fair an even more delightful outing.

Ticket Information

Secure your admission in advance to save and streamline your entry:

  • One-day admission: $13 in advance, or $16 if purchased at the door.
  • Three-day weekend passes: $15 in advance, or $20 at the door. These passes offer fantastic value for those wanting to experience all three days of the fair.
  • Early Bird three-day weekend pass: Available for $40. This special pass not only grants you access for all three days but also allows early admission at 8:30 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday, giving you a valuable head start to explore and shop.
  • Children’s Admission: Children ages 16 and under receive free admission, making it a wonderful family-friendly event.
  • Important Notes: The Fair is held rain or shine, so come prepared for any weather! Regular parking fees for Stone Mountain Park will apply, so factor this into your travel plans. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance online at stellashows.com for convenience and potential savings.

Connect & Continue the Journey

The Country Living Fair is a community, and we encourage you to connect with fellow attendees and share your experiences! Engage with the Country Living team and other fair-goers by using the official hashtag #CLFair. For all your fantastic finds and unique purchases, be sure to share them using #CLFairFinds. Your discoveries could inspire others!

To enhance your fair experience, remember to download the Country Living Fair App. Available in both the App Store and Google Play, this user-friendly mobile application provides all the most current information about featured talent, vendors, and their locations, right at your fingertips. It’s an indispensable tool for navigating the fair and ensuring you don’t miss a single highlight.

The 2016 Country Living Fair in Atlanta is proudly sponsored by Go RVing, Great American Country – Flea Market Flip, Jelly Belly©, and Wagner, whose support helps bring this incredible event to life. The fair is expertly produced by Stella Show Management Company, known for creating high-quality, engaging events. For tickets and any additional information, including a comprehensive list of vendors and discounted hotel rates for your stay, please contact Stella Show Management Co. directly at 1-866-500-FAIR or visit their website at stellashows.com. Further details and updates can also be found on the official Country Living website at countryliving.com/fair.

Beyond the Fair: The Country Living Coast-to-Coast Cruise

Do you love to craft? Do you dream of cruising the open seas? While at the fair, take a moment to speak with the Country Living Editors and learn more about an extraordinary opportunity: the 2017 Country Living Coast-to-Coast Cruise! This unique adventure extends the spirit of the fair onto the high seas, promising an unforgettable journey filled with creativity and relaxation. And yes, your favorite fair personalities, the Junk Gypsies, will be aboard! They’ll be sharing their infectious addiction to flea marketing and Americana-inspired design through engaging demonstrations, hands-on DIY projects, and intimate Q&A sessions. As an added bonus, prepare for the special “Junk Gypsy Prom,” a fantastic chance to dance the night away in your best “junk fashion” while cruising the beautiful waters. For more details on this incredible cruise experience, visit countrylivingcruise.com.

The Country Living Fair in Atlanta is more than just an event; it’s an annual tradition that fosters creativity, community, and a deep appreciation for the unique beauty of country living. We look forward to seeing you there for a weekend of inspiration, discovery, and unforgettable memories!