Fairs and feasts: Your city guide to Fairburn

Just outside the Perimeter on the southwest side of metro Atlanta, Fairburn is more than a sleepy suburb. It was first established under the name of another modern Georgia city: Cartersville. First settled in the 1830s, it was one of Georgia’s oldest towns along the CSX rail line. The area was renamed to Fairburn upon ratification of the city charter in 1854 and it became the county seat of Campbell County for many of its early decades. This ended in 1932 when Campbell County was absorbed into Fulton County.

Over the years, Fairburn evolved from a railroad town to a banking town, to a more modern suburb. Amidst its growth, Fairburn still maintains two historic railroad depots, has several buildings in its downtown listed under the National Register for Historic Places, and is home to two colleges and several events that draw people in from all over the Atlanta region.

What can I do for fun around Fairburn?

Travel back in time with the Georgia Renaissance Festival. It’s not quite Outlander, but you too can step back in time 500 years, all without leaving metro Atlanta! Every spring, the castle gates open and invite Georgians to revel in performances, jousts, giant turkey legs, and more medieval merriment! In addition to entertainment and food, there is also an artisan market for handcrafted goods so you can take home a piece of the olden times. Make ye olde memories in 2025 — the 40th anniversary of the festival — which will take place from April 12 through June 1.

Where are the best places to eat and drink around Fairburn?

Cochran Mill Brewing Company

Serving up craft beers and community just off the city’s historical train tracks, Cochran Mill Brewing Company welcomes you to kick back on its giant porch any time. Grab a pint of the cheeky brews on tap, like the Darth Platypus Pale Ale and Blonde Moment, or cool down with the new seasonal hard seltzer slushies. Food options rotate from a selection of local vendors and pop-ups. They’ve also got trivia and bingo nights, as well as live music on weekends.

Location: 27 Word Street; Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday, 4-10 p.m.; Saturday, 1-10 p.m.; Sunday, 1-7 p.m.; Website: cochranmillbrewing.com

Oz Pizza

Located in downtown Fairburn, this casual pizzeria is always dependable with its pies and its service. Start off on the healthy side with a robust selection of salads, then dive into one of the stacked specialty pizzas. Their best seller is a loaded supreme pizza with three meats, but those with smaller stomachs should try the veggie deluxe. Better yet, build your own pizza by the slice or a whole. Oz offers regular and gluten-free crusts, loads of toppings, and plenty of flavor.

Location: 5 West Broad Street; Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Website: ozpizza.net

Armando’s Mexican Kitchen

Also on the downtown Fairburn strip is this family-owned Mexican restaurant beloved by locals. Start the meal with crispy tortilla chips and spicy salsas while you choose from a wide selection of tortas, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, and larger dishes. Most entrees served with rice and beans, and corn tortillas are available for an extra charge.

Location: 70 West Broad Street; Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Website: facebook.com

The Original Hot Dog Factory

This factory has been churning out funky frankfurters around Georgia, but if you’re in Fairburn, swing by. If it’s not Renaissance Fair season, their deep-fried corn dogs are the closest you’ll get to festival food bliss on a stick. Or load up a classic beef hot dog with…not-so-classic toppings, such as Surf n Turf, a Hawaiian dog with pineapple and grilled onions, or the Fire Dog with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, jalapenos and hot sauce. Pair with sweet potato fries, lemonade, and deep-fried Oreos for dessert. It’s almost enough to skip dinner!

Location: 5370 Campbellton Fairburn Rd, Suite 510; Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Website: theoriginalhotdogfactory.com