2025 Guide to Albany’s Annual Events

Nothing brings a community together quite like special events and Albany has many annual events offering fun things to do for locals and visitors alike. No matter the time of year, there’s always something exciting happening and something wonderful to look forward to in Albany, Georgia. Here’s your 2025 Guide to Albany, Georgia’s ever popular annual events.

SWGA Quail Invitational hosted by the Southwest Georgia Chapter of Quail Forever holds an annual quail hunt with invited celebrities, sponsors, bid hunters and paid hunters. Participants hunt exclusive quail properties and mingle with fellow hunters at nightly hospitality events. 2025’s event will take place January 23-25.

Calling all runners! Mark your calendar for the Combos Marathon and Half Marathon. Powered by Combos and taking place the first Saturday in March, the Albany Marathon has been listed annually as one of the top 10 Boston Marathon qualifiers. Offering a flat, spectator-friendly course, this marathon and the half marathon is open to runners and walkers of all ages.

Albany’s Exchange Club hosts their Arts and Crafts and Car Show the second weekend in April. Families love this event featuring craft vendors, food and fun activities. The day ends with the popular Demolition Derby. You don’t want to miss this!

Fridays on the Flint These free community events happen the first Friday of the month in May, June, September, October, November and December. Offering live music, vendors, a kid zone and more, there’s no better way to wind down your week than a fun filled evening on the Flint River!

Bring the family and celebrate Independence Day downtown Albany with music, vendors and end the night with Albany’s spectacular fireworks show.

The Pecan City Pedalers Nut Roll brings more than 300 cyclists from across the southeast to Albany on the second Saturday in September. This event is hosted by the Pecan City Pedalers.

Water, Wings & Wildlife Festival. Flint RiverQuarium’s annual Water, Wings & Wildlife festival takes place in September and is fun for the whole family. Featuring a butterfly tent, birds of prey shows, reptile presentations, wildlife demonstrations, crafts, food trucks and more, this festival is not only fun but educational, too! Activities are included in aquarium admission and are free for members.

Albany State Football Homecoming Week Root, root, root for the home team! Albany State University’s homecoming game typically takes place in October. Stay tuned for a full list of events and celebrations here.

Boo at the Zoo is a not-so-spooky Halloween event taking place the Saturday before Halloween. Attendees enjoy Halloween themed fun for all ages including games, activities, special Halloween animal enrichment, tons of fun prizes, candy and more! This family friendly event is sure to please everyone in your crew!

The Heart of Albany Festival is held the third Saturday of November. This event takes place on the Albany Museum of Art’s grounds and admission is free. This beloved fall festival typically features art, craft beer, music, kids’ activities, food trucks and art vendors. This celebration of art and community is sure to provide loads of family fun and generate even more excitement for Albany’s already thriving art scene. For more information on the festival, click here.

Kick off the holiday season with Albany’s Holiday Open House. Mix and mingle with friends and local businesses while checking out all the great holiday deals. This event takes place the first Sunday in November.


Santa Goes Global in Albany! Thronateeska turns into a Santa wonderland with Don Fisher’s Santa Collection from around the world. This festive exhibit is sure to make spirits bright! This event takes place the last Saturday in November.

Warm up with the Jingle Bell Jog, happening the first Saturday in December. Featuring a 5K, 10K, one mile fun run and a Toddler Trot this event draws over 1,000 participants each year.

‘Tis the season to celebrate! Welcome the holidays at Albany’s Christmas Parade. Watch as Albany’s downtown transforms into a holiday wonderland with vendors, food and activities for the little ones. The parade steps off at 6:30 p.m. sharp and is full of parade floats, bands, characters and more!