There is no shortage of annual events to celebrate people, places, seasons, and culture! Celebrate the diversity of the area with events for the entire family.
Choose from events including an annual Elvis tribute and competition, Wine Highway Weeks, Chili Cook-Off, BBQ festival, Championship Rodeo, Scenic Railways, and many, many more!
Here is a lineup of the Georgia Mountain’s best events. What are your favorites?
Annual Events by Month in the Georgia Mountains
Annual January Events
- Winter Wonderland Tours, North Georgia Zoo & Farm, Cleveland, GA
- Unicoi Wine Trail, 3 day event with multiple vineyards in the Cleveland, Dahlonega, & Helen areas
- UPDATE: not sure if this will be happening for 2020 and beyond
Annual February Events
- Fire and Ice Chili Cook-Off, Blue Ridge, GA
- Bringin’ the Blues to Blue Ridge, Blue Ridge, GA
Annual March Events
- Wine Highway Week over 20 wineries participate in this 10 day event
- St Patrick’s Day Parade Blue Ridge, GA
Annual April Events
- Friday Nights at at Brasstown Bald (Georgia’s highest peak)
- “Gazers of the Galaxy” astronomy program (9pm – 11pm)
- interprets wonders of the universe through galactic stories, expertise, and use of a professional telescope
- Book Online: $20 (adults) / $10 (6-12 years)
Taste of Blue Ridge, Blue Ridge, GA.
- April 18, 2020 at Willow Creek Falls and Vineyard
- Advance tickets required / Tickets go on sale March 3, 2020
- Note that this event usually sells out early
- Jeeps in the Vines, Kaya Vineyard & Winery, Dahlonega, GA
- Bear on the Square, Dahlonega, GA
- April 17 – 19, 2020
- Enjoy music, artist marketplace, storytelling and more of Appalachian culture
Annual May Events
- Appalachian Food & Wine Trail
- Odom Spring Vineyards (Blairsville): RoDawg red wine & BBQ Meatballs
- Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa (Blairsville): Chardonnay & Smoked Salmon Toast Points
- Crane Creek Vineyards (Young Harris): Seyval Blanc wine & Ceviche’
- Hightower Creek Vineyards (Hiawassee): Red Clay Rose’ wine & Brie & prosciutto pizza
- Friday Nights at at Brasstown Bald (Georgia’s highest peak)
- “Gazers of the Galaxy” astronomy program (9pm – 11pm)
- interprets wonders of the universe through galactic stories, expertise, and use of a professional telescope
- Book Online: $20 (adults) / $10 (6-12 years)
- Rodeo at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
- May 22 – 23, 2020
Annual June Events
- Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race & Festival, Helen, GA
- June 4 – 6, 2020 (46th annual event!)
- Scottish Festival & Highland Games, Blairsville, GA
- June 13 – 14, 2020
- Blue Ridge Wine & Jazz Festival, Blue Ridge, GA
- Friday Nights at at Brasstown Bald (Georgia’s highest peak)
- “Gazers of the Galaxy” astronomy program (9pm – 11pm)
- interprets wonders of the universe through galactic stories, expertise, and use of a professional telescope
- Book Online: $20 (adults) / $10 (6-12 years)
Annual July Events
- GOGA & GOGA in the Wild, North Georgia Zoo & Farm
GOGA Goat and Kangaroo Yoga at the Zoo - Goat & Kangaroo Yoga, along with a few more exciting animals
Annual August Events
- Big E Festival & Elvis Tribute Artists Competition, Clayton, GA
Annual Big E Festival Elvis Tribute Artists Competition in Clayton, GA - Tickets call 706-201-8232
- Championship Show Friday Night
- Meet & Greet 5 PM to 6 PM with food and trivia
- Doors open at 6 PM. Show starts at 7 PM. World Champion performance
- After party luau at Kingwood lounge hosted by The Andersons
- ETA Competition Saturday
- Elvis Tribute Artists from around the USA gather to compete for the title of Big E Champion. Master of ceremonies, Robby Dean Scott, plans a hip-gyrating good time. Doors open at noon, show starts at 1PM.
- Sock-hop 7PM at Kingwood
- Elvis Gospel Brunch Sunday
- Buffet at 11 AM Featuring David Lee at Kingwood Resort
- Georgia Mountain Fair, Hiawassee, GA
- August 14 – 22, 2020
- Kiwanis Blue Ridge Rodeo, Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge GA Annual Rodeo - Professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls will be competing in a variety of events at the fairgrounds arena.
- Tickets are available at all local banks and at Kevin Panter Insurance(All proceeds go to benefit the Blue Ridge Kiwanis Club)
- Free admittance for children 8 and under!
Annual September Events
- Blue Ridge Blues & Barbeque Festival, Blue Ridge, GA
- Blue Ridge Blues Crawl: Friday, September 20th, at 7:00 pm
- Crawl through 8 different restaurants enjoying live music, food, and drinks as we celebrate the start of our Blues Weekend in the mountains
- Pick up your Official Blues & BBQ Festival Rack Card from your Blue Ridge lodging provider, Fannin County Chamber of Commerce, or participating Crawl restaurant and carry it with you on Friday night as you Crawl
- Get all 8 stars punched and you can get into the Blues & BBQ Festival free the next day!
- Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival: Saturday, September 21st, 12:00 pm – 9:30 pm
- Downtown Blue Ridge City Park
- $5 admission (5 and under are free)
- Blue Ridge Blues Crawl: Friday, September 20th, at 7:00 pm
- National Public Lands Day & Museum Day, multiple locations on Sat, 9/22/2018
- Oktoberfest, Helen, GA (Thursdays – Sundays)
Annual October Events
- Blairsville Sorghum Festival, Blairsville, GA
- Georgia Apple Festival, Ellijay, GA – the area’s biggest festival
- Oktoberfest, Helen, GA (daily) – enjoy beer, music, and more in Alpine Helen – a small mountain town that was built to look like a German village
- Boo at the Zoo, Cleveland, GA
- Scavenger Hunt with goodies & prizes given away!
- Hold a Tarantula, Dig for Treasures, check out adorable “Dressed” up animals, Learn about the creepy and crawlies
- Cost is Zoo admission plus any add ons you may like
- Fall Foliage rides on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Annual November Events
- Veteran’s Day Weekend, multiple locations offering
- North Georgia Mountains Beer And Cider Fest
- Hemlock Fest, first full weekend in November
Annual December Events
- Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Christmas Express, Blue Ridge, GA (weekends) Ride the holiday train and see Santa, Mrs. Claus, & the elves. Listen to Christmas stories and sing carols.
- New Year’s Wine Train, Blue Ridge, GA – (New Year’s Eve – Adults 21+ only) celebrate New Year’s Eve! Listen to live entertainment, receive party favors, adult beverages and appetizers on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway train.
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In addition to these exciting annual events, you can find lots of other special events all year round. Visit one North Georgia’s live music venues to find amazing talent at venues like Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds and The Crimson Moon.
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Tips for Enjoying the Festivals and Events
Always double-check the event details before your trip. Know when events have special parking options, extended / shortened hours, and restrictions for age groups. Call or visit the event website directly for the most current information.
Go hands-free. Men and women can carry cross-body bags or use backpacks to carry their belongings and keep their hands free.
Protect your hearing at loud events. Ear plugs come in many styles so adults can choose the type that they find to be the most comfortable. Give kids a little extra protection with noise protection headphones.
Let kids be silly. These events are some of the best places to let the kids wear glow sticks, animal headbands, temporary tattoos, and have their faces painted.
Have fun! Enjoy the clean air and stunning mountain views while you spend time celebrating the best of North Georgia’s local culture. Wear a silly themed hat to a food festival or dress your dog in lederhosen for Oktoberfest. Let yourself get caught up in the festive spirit of the event!
Have a great time at whatever North Georgia mountain event(s) you choose!
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What events are you planning to see? Know of any other great events to share? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
