Stranger Things Themed Tours And Events Happening Across Georgia

Georgia has become a hotspot for fans of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, thanks to the show being filmed right here in the Peach State. From iconic filming locations to themed events that bring the Upside Down to life, there’s plenty to explore.

Whether you’re hunting for Hawkins landmarks or experiencing immersive 1980s nostalgia, Georgia offers something special for every fan. Many towns across the state have embraced their Stranger Things fame, offering guided tours, pop-up exhibits, and fan festivals that celebrate the show’s eerie charm.

It’s a unique way to step into the world of Eleven and her friends while discovering the real-life communities that helped shape the series.

1. Downtown Jackson Becomes Hawkins

Downtown Jackson transforms into the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, and walking these streets feels like stepping onto your television screen. The quaint square features the same storefronts, sidewalks, and charming architecture you’ve seen in multiple episodes throughout the series.

Local businesses embrace their Hollywood connection with pride, displaying photos and memorabilia from filming days.

Fans can snap photos in front of recognizable locations like the vintage movie theater and various shops that appeared as Hawkins establishments. The town maintains its 1980s small-town charm naturally, which is exactly why producers chose it. Many businesses offer maps showing filming spots, making it easy to plan your self-guided tour.

Visiting during weekdays offers quieter exploration opportunities, while weekends bring more fellow fans to share the experience with. The town welcomes visitors warmly and appreciates the tourism boost the show has provided. Local restaurants serve comfort food that pairs perfectly with your nostalgia-filled adventure.

Jackson truly captures that classic American small-town feeling that makes Stranger Things so appealing to audiences worldwide.

2. Emory University’s 1980s Campus Vibes

Emory University’s beautiful campus doubled as Hawkins National Laboratory in several key scenes, creating the eerie government facility atmosphere fans remember vividly.

The university’s classic brick buildings and sprawling grounds provided the perfect backdrop for the show’s mysterious experiments and secretive operations. Walking through campus, you can almost imagine Eleven escaping through these very pathways.

The campus remains an active educational institution, so respectful visiting hours apply when exploring these filming locations. Students and staff have grown accustomed to curious fans wandering through, searching for that perfect photo opportunity.

Several specific buildings were used for interior and exterior shots, giving the laboratory its imposing presence.

Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for campus exploration, with gorgeous foliage framing your photos beautifully. Free parking can be challenging, so arriving early or using public transportation makes sense. The surrounding Druid Hills neighborhood also features stunning historic homes worth admiring.

Combining your Stranger Things pilgrimage with appreciation for Atlanta’s academic architecture creates a well-rounded day trip experience for visitors of all ages.

3. Bellwood Quarry’s Upside Down Portal

Bellwood Quarry served as the filming location for one of the show’s most dramatic moments when Will Byers’ fake body was discovered.

This massive former granite quarry has since been transformed into a stunning public park and reservoir, offering visitors a chance to see where intense scenes unfolded. The deep waters and surrounding cliffs create an naturally atmospheric setting that translates powerfully on screen.

Now part of the Westside Park system, the quarry area provides walking trails, observation points, and educational signage about its industrial history and ecological transformation. The views across the water are breathtaking, especially during golden hour when sunlight dances across the surface.

Families enjoy picnicking while fans seek out specific vantage points featured in episodes.

The park welcomes visitors year-round with free admission, making it an accessible stop on any Stranger Things tour itinerary. Wildlife has reclaimed much of the area, adding birdsong and natural beauty to your exploration. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes since the terrain includes some elevation changes.

This location beautifully demonstrates how filming sites can serve dual purposes as both tourist attractions and community recreational spaces.

4. Stone Mountain Park’s Carnival Scenes

Stone Mountain Park hosted filming for carnival and fair scenes that brought summertime fun and tension to Stranger Things storylines. The park’s existing infrastructure and attractions made it an ideal choice for recreating those classic 1980s carnival atmospheres complete with game booths and rides. Visitors today can enjoy many of the same attractions that appeared on screen, creating an immersive experience.

Beyond its Hollywood connections, Stone Mountain Park offers year-round entertainment including hiking trails, a scenic railroad, and the famous mountain carving. Families find endless activities here, from paddle boats to adventure courses that keep everyone engaged throughout the day. The park frequently hosts special events and festivals that echo that carnival energy seen in the show.

Admission fees vary by season and activities chosen, so checking the official website before visiting helps with budget planning. Summer evenings feature laser shows projected onto the mountain face, adding extra magic to your visit. Food vendors throughout the park serve classic fair favorites that taste even better when surrounded by filming location excitement.

Combining Stranger Things fandom with outdoor recreation makes Stone Mountain a must-visit destination for families exploring Georgia’s entertainment offerings.

5. Patrick Henry High School Stands In

Patrick Henry High School in Stockbridge became Hawkins High School for exterior shots and certain interior scenes throughout the series. The building’s architecture and layout perfectly captured that quintessential American high school feeling from the 1980s era. Students attending classes here walk the same hallways where fictional characters navigated teenage drama alongside supernatural mysteries.

Since this remains an active educational facility, visiting requires respecting school schedules and property boundaries at all times. Fans often drive by for exterior photos from public streets, capturing the recognizable facade without disrupting daily operations. The surrounding neighborhood also features residential streets used for various scenes, extending your location scouting opportunities.

Late afternoons after school dismissal or weekends provide the most appropriate times for respectful photo opportunities from appropriate public areas. The school community takes pride in their Hollywood connection while maintaining focus on education as their primary mission. Nearby restaurants and shops in

Stockbridge offer convenient stops for refreshments during your exploration.

Understanding the balance between fandom enthusiasm and respecting active school environments ensures these locations remain accessible to future visitors seeking their own Stranger Things experiences.

6. Themed Pop-Up Events in Atlanta

Atlanta periodically hosts Stranger Things themed pop-up events that bring the show’s world to life through interactive experiences and immersive environments. These temporary installations feature recreated sets, photo opportunities with show props, and merchandise exclusive to event attendees.

Organizers transform warehouse spaces or event venues into portals to Hawkins, complete with period-appropriate details and atmospheric lighting.

Events typically include multiple rooms themed after different show locations, from the Byers living room to spooky Upside Down recreations. Actors sometimes appear in character, adding an extra layer of authenticity that delights fans of all ages.

Trivia contests, costume competitions, and themed refreshments round out the experience, creating memorable moments worth the admission price.

Following local event listings and social media accounts helps fans catch announcements about upcoming pop-ups since they operate on limited-time schedules. Tickets often sell quickly, especially for weekend time slots, so purchasing early prevents disappointment. These events provide perfect rainy-day alternatives when outdoor filming location tours aren’t practical.

The controlled indoor environment ensures comfortable exploration regardless of weather conditions, making them family-friendly options for introducing younger fans to the show’s universe in age-appropriate ways.

7. Self-Guided Filming Location Tours

Creating your own self-guided tour across Georgia’s Stranger Things filming locations offers flexibility and adventure for dedicated fans. Numerous websites and fan communities provide detailed maps with addresses, parking information, and tips for visiting each site respectfully.

Planning your route efficiently saves time and gas, especially since locations spread across the Atlanta metropolitan area and surrounding towns.

Starting early in the day maximizes how many sites you can visit, particularly if you’re traveling from out of state. Bringing a printed checklist helps track which locations you’ve photographed and prevents missing any must-see spots.

Many fans combine filming locations with other Georgia attractions, creating well-rounded trips that appeal to both superfans and casual viewers.

Comfortable clothing and good walking shoes prove essential since some locations require short hikes or extended standing for photos. Packing refreshments and portable phone chargers keeps everyone energized throughout your adventure.

Respecting private property boundaries and active businesses ensures these locations remain accessible to future fans. Sharing your journey on social media connects you with other enthusiasts who offer additional tips and location updates based on their own recent visits.

8. Local Business Stranger Things Celebrations

Businesses throughout Georgia embrace their connection to Stranger Things by hosting themed nights, creating special menus, and decorating with show-inspired elements.

Restaurants craft dishes named after characters or significant show moments, adding playful touches that delight visiting fans. Coffee shops serve drinks in retro cups while displaying behind-the-scenes photos from local filming days.

These celebrations often coincide with new season premieres, creating community gathering spaces for fans to watch together and discuss theories. Local boutiques stock Stranger Things merchandise alongside Georgia-made products, supporting both fandom and regional artisans simultaneously.

Bakeries create themed treats featuring iconic imagery from the show, making every bite Instagram-worthy.

Checking business social media accounts reveals when special promotions or events are scheduled, helping you time visits perfectly. Many establishments offer discounts to customers wearing Stranger Things apparel or who can answer trivia questions correctly.

Supporting these local businesses sustains the economic benefits that filming brings to Georgia communities. The warm hospitality you’ll encounter reflects genuine appreciation for how the show has spotlighted their towns and neighborhoods.

These experiences add flavor beyond simple location spotting, creating memories connected to both the show and Georgia’s welcoming culture.

9. Convention Appearances and Cast Events

Georgia hosts various pop culture conventions where Stranger Things cast members occasionally appear for panels, autograph sessions, and photo opportunities. These events bring fans face-to-face with the actors who bring beloved characters to life, creating once-in-a-lifetime meeting opportunities.

Convention schedules announce guest appearances months in advance, giving fans time to plan travel and purchase tickets.

Dragon Con in Atlanta stands as one of the largest conventions where cast members have appeared, alongside numerous smaller regional events throughout the state. Panel discussions offer insights into filming experiences, behind-the-scenes stories, and what it’s like working on such a cultural phenomenon. Autograph and photo sessions require separate tickets that often sell out rapidly once announced.

Arriving early for panels ensures better seating, while patience proves essential when waiting in autograph lines that can stretch for hours. Bringing items to be signed adds personal touches to your collection, though conventions typically have policies about what’s permitted.

The energy and excitement of surrounded by thousands of fellow fans creates an electric atmosphere unlike any other experience. Cosplayers add visual excitement, with many creating impressive Stranger Things costumes that showcase incredible creativity and craftsmanship throughout the convention halls.

10. Seasonal Halloween Stranger Things Experiences

Halloween season brings special Stranger Things themed haunted attractions and escape rooms throughout Georgia that tap into the show’s horror elements perfectly.

These seasonal experiences transform the Upside Down from screen scares into walk-through nightmares complete with Demogorgons and atmospheric effects. Production teams create elaborate sets that transport visitors directly into the show’s most terrifying moments.

Escape rooms challenge groups to solve puzzles related to show mythology, racing against time to prevent catastrophe just like the characters do. Haunted houses feature live actors, special effects, and detailed environments that make hearts race with every corner turned.

Age recommendations vary by attraction intensity, so researching beforehand ensures appropriate experiences for your group.

October weekends book quickly, making advance ticket purchases smart planning for avoiding disappointment or long wait times. Some attractions offer less intense daytime versions suitable for younger fans who love the show but scare easily.

Combining these seasonal events with visits to actual filming locations creates the ultimate autumn fan pilgrimage. The cooler fall weather makes outdoor location touring more comfortable while indoor attractions provide thrilling entertainment.

Georgia’s embrace of Stranger Things extends beyond passive tourism into active, engaging experiences that let fans feel like part of the story.