If you are looking for a reason to stay close to home on Saturday, October 3, downtown Rome is making a pretty strong case.

Fiddlin’ Fest returns that day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., stretching across the 100, 200, 300 and 400 blocks of Broad Street and into the River District on Fifth Avenue. The festival will feature live performances on two stages, arts and crafts, food vendors, sidewalk sales, the Armuchee Ruritan Cars on Broad show, and a 7 p.m. after-party concert in the River District. Admission is free.

One of the day’s most interesting additions is the Georgia’s Rome Plein Air Showcase, a one-day outdoor painting event held during Fiddlin’ Fest. Artists check in and have their canvases stamped at 8 a.m. at the Rome Area History Center, 305 Broad Street, then paint downtown scenes until noon. The event is open to artists from beginner to professional, with an entry fee of $25 for participants.

That alone would make for a busy Saturday, but downtown’s history offerings make the day even stronger.

The Roman Chariot Downtown History Tour also starts from the Rome Area History Center. Guests meet at 9:45 a.m., the tour departs at 10 a.m., lasts about 60 minutes, and is led by historian and Rome Area History Center Director Selena Tilly. Tickets are $10, and proceeds benefit the Rome Area History Center.

And for folks who want one of the best views in town, Clocktower Tours are offered seasonally in October through the Rome Area History Center. Visitors can climb the 107 steps to the top for a sweeping view of downtown, then explore the restored clockworks and murals at the base that trace Rome’s histo

So on one Saturday, you can watch painters at work, wander Broad Street, admire classic cars, hear live music, shop downtown, take a guided history tour, and even climb one of Rome’s most recognizable landmarks.

That is not just a festival.

That is a very solid case for staying in Rome.