Fire and Ice Chili Cookoff – President’s Day Weekend
Downtown Blue Ridge
Combine a chili cookoff with ice sculptures and you have an unlikely combination for the 7th Annual Fire and Ice Cookoff in Downtown Blue Ridge. Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Business Association.
Annual Blue Ridge Writers Conference – Early April
Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Art Center
A literary tradition and unique cultural asset enjoyed by our many writers and aspiring writers each Spring as they gather in Blue Ridge to learn more about their special craft. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association
Easter Express
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Bring your Easter Basket for a special train ride and egg hunt with the Easter Bunny! Blue Ridge Scenic Railway website.
Troutfest and Outdoor Adventures – Last Weekend in April
Great exhibits by outdoor organizations and businesses, education on trout fishing, entertainment, food trucks and more in downtown Blue Ridge City Park. www.blueridgetroutfest.com
Blue Ridge Wine & Jazz Festival – May
Live jazz music is paired with great regional wines at this one day festival in May. www.blueridgewineandjazz.com
Spring Arts in the Park – Memorial Day Weekend
Downtown Blue Ridge City Park
Features over 200 juried art, craft and food booths. The best in mountain crafts and fine art, artists demonstrations, music and dance. Recognized as one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeastern Tourism Society. Call (706) 632-2144 for more information. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association
Spring and Fall Old Farmers Market Craft Fair – last 2 weekends in April and October
Old State Farmers Market – Blue Ridge, GA
Local craft fair featuring homemade and home grown items.
Spring and Fall Plein Aire Festivals
Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Assn.
Each spring and fall, artists from across the region converge on Blue Ridge to capture the scenic beauty of this mountain community. Each event showcases the change of seasons. Artists from across the southeast get outside and recreate nature’s beauty. For more information, call 706-632-2144. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association
Independence Day Parade – Saturday Closest to July 4th
Downtown Blue Ridge
Funny and fun Fourth of July celebration and parade in Downtown Blue Ridge. Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Business Assn. Blue Ridge Business Association
Lake Blue Ridge Fireworks – On or near July 4th
Fabulous Fireworks will be shot off near the Lake Blue Ridge Dam and can be viewed from there as well as Morganton Point Recreation Area, Tammen Park and Lake Blue Ridge Marina. The marina will have live music and barbeque throughout the day, parking fee may apply.
Old Fashioned Fourth in McCaysville – July 4th Weekend
Downtown McCaysville-Copperhill
Old fashioned small town Independence Day celebration featuring an impressive fireworks display from Tater Hill in downtown McCaysville-Copperhill. Sponsored by the Tri-Cities Business Assn., www.greatercopperbasin.com.
Ride the train to the fireworks! Blue Ridge Scenic Railway website.
Blue Ridge Kiwanis Rodeo – August
Kiwanis Fairgrounds in Blue Ridge
Western rodeo with bull riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, bareback, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and special events. Great food and fun for all ages. www.blueridgekiwanis.org
Labor Day Barbeque
Downtown Blue Ridge
Annual Barbeque starts at 11 a.m. until the food runs out. Downtown Blue Ridge City Park. Good food and entertainment. For more information click here.
Ride the Rails Festival – September
Mineral Bluff Depot
A two and one half mile round trip ride by railroad motor car traveling through the Iron Bridge over the beautiful Toccoa River, then returning over the bridge to the Historic Mineral Bluff Depot. Model railroad display, food vendors and more. TriState Model Railroaders
Blue Ridge Blues & Barbeque Festival – September
Downtown Blue Ridge
Blues Crawl Friday night, followed by great blues and barbeque Saturday. More information here.
Fall Foliage Train Rides
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Enjoy the brilliant colors of fall on a special train ride during October and early November. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway website.
Fall Arts in the Park –2nd weekend of October
Downtown Blue Ridge City Park
Features hundreds of regional artists and craftsmen, juried art, craft and food booths. The best in mountain crafts and fine art, artists demonstrations, music and dance. Call (706) 632-2144 for more information.
Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association
Paws in the Park – 2nd weekend of October
Downtown Blue Ridge City Park
Have a fun day with your favorite pet; parade, pet education and demonstrations, costume contest, prizes, photos and more. Sponsored by the Humane Society of Blue Ridge. Paws in the Park
Halloween Safe Zones
Downtown Blue Ridge and McCaysville
Treats and fun for all. Good, safe Halloween fun in downtown Blue Ridge and McCaysville. Kids of all ages trick or treat from shop to shop. Pumpkin carving and costume contests, food and entertainment. For information, call (706)632-5680. Blue Ridge Business Association and www.greatercopperbasin.com
Holiday Art Show & Sale – Each November-December<
Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Assn.
Shop for regional art and crafts at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Thanksgiving through Christmas. For more information, call (706) 632-2144. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association
Light up Blue Ridge – Saturday after Thanksgiving
Downtown Blue Ridge
Christmas festival in Downtown Blue Ridge. Music, refreshments, caroling and all-day activities. Official lighting of the Christmas tree and Santa arrives!! Blue Ridge Business Association
Hometown Christmas – First Saturday of December
Downtown McCaysville
Kiwanis Christmas Parade, Santa’s arrival, food, refreshments and entertainment. Lighting of the bridge. www.greatercopperbasin.com
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Christmas Express – Weekends in December
Blue Ridge Depot
Come ride the holiday train and see Santa, Mrs. Santa and the elves. Listen to Christmas stories and sing carols.
For information, see the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway website.
Local Vineyards
Does a weekend full of ground hogs, coffee infused with wine, food trucks, live music, four course meals, and delicious WINE sound good to you? Are you sick of being cold and cooped up in the house? Get out and enjoy our Ellijay Wine Country vineyards in February for our Wine About Winter weekend!
St. Patrick’s Day in Downtown Ellijay
Downtown Ellijay
Located in the Downtown Ellijay, enjoy a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day events with your favorite furry friends including a parade, pet contests, entertainment, vendors, and much more.
Taste of Ellijay
Downtown Ellijay
Taste of Ellijay features everything culinary that Gilmer County has to offer. Restaurants will be offering sample of their finest flavors. There is no cost for admission, samples will be $1-$4. Located on North Main Street in Downtown Ellijay, everyone is invited to treat their taste buds! For additional information, go to Taste of Ellijay
Georgia Apple Blossom Festival
East Ellijay
Save the first full weekend in May for the Georgia Apple Blossom Festival, an exciting event in East Ellijay, Georgia with over 50 hand-selected, regional vendors offering food, art, crafts, a business expo and more. For additional information, call the Gilmer Chamber at 706-635-7400 or go to Georgia Apple Blossom Festival
Plein Art – Art in the Mountains
Ellijay
Gilmer Arts & the Gilmer Chamber present the annual Plein Air – Art in the Mountains each year in June celebrating open air painting in the scenic locations that Ellijay and Gilmer County have to offer including parks, vinyeards, farms, orchards and more. There are quick draw competitions, a best in show, reception and auction.
Independence Day Parade and Fireworks
Downtown Ellijay
Downtown Ellijay is the place to be to celebrate our nation’s independence. Come enjoy the parade at 6pm followed by activities all around town and fireworks at dark. For information on this year’s events, please visit: Calendar of Events.
Gilmer County Fair
Lions Club Fairgrounds
The Gilmer County Fair in Ellijay offers entertainment for the whole family including Peachtree Rides, live entertainment, and an exhibition featuring: Quilts, Agriculture, Crafts, Food, Canning, Baking, Sewing, Needlework, Art, Flowers, Photography, and more. Located at the Lions Club Fairgrounds.
For additional information, contact the Ellijay Lions Club at 706-635-5901.
Apple Arts
Downtown Ellijay
During the same weekends as the Apple Festival we have Apple Arts in historic downtown Ellijay. A smaller version of the Apple Festival is set up on the square allowing you to enjoy a festival with easy access to local shops and restaurants. There is no admission charge for this event and it is pet friendly. For additional information, call the Gilmer Chamber at 706-635-7400 or go to Apple Arts.
Georgia Apple Festival
Lions Club Fairgrounds
The biggest event of the year in Ellijay is the Georgia Apple Festival Arts & Crafts Show. In its 45th year the Georgia Apple Festival has grown from humble beginnings to be one of the largest and most well-attended festivals in Georgia. Celebrating fall and the apple harvest, the Apple Festival features handmade, handcrafted arts and crafts, live entertainment, beauty pageant, car show, parade, delicious treats from fried Oreos to gyros, and all things apple. The Apple Festival is held the 2nd and 3rd full weekends in October at the Lions Club Fairgrounds. For additional information, call 706-636-4500 or go to Georgia Apple Festival.
Halloween on the Square
Downtown Ellijay
Always on October 31, the City of Ellijay offers a safe opportunity for children to Trick or Treat downtown Ellijay. There are usually a variety of other events to make Halloween and Trick or Treating downtown more fun!
Veteran’s Day Celebration
Downtown Ellijay
Ellijay salutes our veterans with a downtown celebration and parade. For information on the Veteran’s Day Celebration contact the the Ellijay Lions Club at 706-635-5901.
Light Up Ellijay
Downtown Ellijay
Each year Downtown Ellijay hosts a themed event with a beautiful night time parade with floats covered in lights. Come see Santa Claus, then visit the beautifully decorated stores downtown, while enjoying some hot chocolate.
BLAIRSVILLE
Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival
Union County Fine Arts Center
Enjoy the voices of Appalachia through hearing stories and attend-ing workshops that will enable them to develop a cultural intelli-gence through the arts of listening and speaking. Phone 706-897-8941 www.gamountainstoryfest.org
Armed Forces Day
Downtown Blairsville
The Armed Forces Day ceremony is to honor and remember the men and women who are bound by oath and duty to serve and protect the United States of America. Tie a yellow ribbon in honor of your loved one serving in the military.
Downtown on the Square, Blairsville Phone: 706-745-5493 www.unioncountyhistory.org
American Cancer Society Relay For Life
Union County Farmers Mkt.
Good food, entertainment, unique relay items for sale, survivor lap, luminary ceremony and so much more….
148 Old Smokey Rd., Blairsville Phone: 706-835-8384 www.cancer.org
Memorial Day Parade
Downtown Blairsville
Each Memorial Day weekend downtown Blairsville salutes those who have served our Country by enjoying a community parade and ceremony at War Memorial Park at 11:00am. Downtown on the Square, Blairsville Phone: 706-745-6341
Spring Arts, Crafts & Music Festival
Downtown Blairsville
Juried artists and craftsmen exhibit on the Square surrounding Union County’s Historic Courthouse. Enjoy a variety of food ven-dors and live performances by dancers and musicians. Free ad-mission. Downtown on the Square, Blairsville Phone: 706-745-5493 www.unioncountyhistory.org
15th Annual Blairsville Scottish Festival & Highland Games
Meeks Park
Discover your “clan” and hang out with locals and visitors enjoying traditional games, Highland music, dancing and food with a Scottish flair. Watch border collies herd sheep and falcons swoop down on “prey” or check your roots at the Heritage Tent. Children can com-pete in their own Highland games. For the “wee ones” there’s face painting, train rides. The weekend includes a Kilted Golf Classic, Ceilidh Party, Kilted Mile Run, Clan Tug of War, Bonniest Knees Contest, and Scottish Rock Concert. 11 Pool Lane, Blairsville (1/2 mile west of Blairsville Hwy 515W) Phone: 706-745-5789 www.blairsvillescottishfestival.com
12th Annual Mountain Fling
North Georgia Technical College
A two-day juried show featuring original fine art and fine crafts, ceramics, fiber art, linens, jewelry, soaps, gourds, leather goods, pet items, outdoor art. Free Admission 121 Meeks Ave., Blairsville Phone: 706-896-0932 www.artworksgalleryga.com
Lake Nottely Boat Parade
Lake Nottely Marina
The annual Independence Day Boat Parade on Lake Nottely is sure to delight young and old. Anyone with a boat is welcome to line up at the marina beginning at 10:30am. There is no charge and boats can be deco-rated in any theme. Visitors can view the parade from areas around the marina. U.S. Hwy. 19/129N., Blairsville Phone: 706-745-3638
Independence Day Vogel State Park
Vogel State Park
Summer fun for the entire family. Activities begin with the raising of the flag in the morning and continue with family activities throughout the day! U.S. Hwy 19/129S. (11 miles south of Blairsville) Phone: 706-745-2628 www.gastateparks.org
Independence Day Fireworks
Meeks Park
Watch the skies over Meeks Park light up with an explosion of lights and color! Come out and enjoy this beautiful experience!
11 Pool Lane, Blairsville ( 1/2 mile west of Blairsville Hwy. 515W) Phone: 706-745-5789 / 877-745-5789 www.VisitBlairsvilleGA.com
Georgia Mountain Fair
Arts, crafts, music and carnival fun for the entire family.
Hwy 76, West, Hiawassee, GA Phone: 706-896-4191 www.GeorgiaMountainFairgrounds.com
20th Annual Butternut Creek Festival
Meeks Park
A family event nestled along the shady banks of the Butternut Creek in beautiful Meeks Park. A juried show of 65-70 of the Southeast’s finest craftsmen/artists offering a show of unique original art and hand-crafted works, live music, demonstrations and great food. Free admission, free parking and shuttle service provided.
Phone: 706-781-1221 Voted Top 20 Event by STS. www.butternutcreekfestival.com
Taste of the Mountains in Blairsville
Downtown Blairsville
Food lovers of all ages are invited to the First Annual Taste of the Moun-tains in Blairsville on August 25th from 4pm-7pm in Downtown Blairsville. Take a taste from the area’s variety of restaurants and sample locally produced wine, beer & spirits. This family friendly event features live music, cooking demonstrations, and some good old fashioned Southern Charm. Phone 706-347-3503
Mountain Heritage Festival
The Mt. Life Museum
Mountain arts/crafts, music, living history activities, demonstrations on quilting, spinning, basket making chair canning, farm animals, and gold panning and activities for children. 25 School St., Blairsville ( 1 block south of downtown Blairsville) Phone: 706-745-5493 www.unioncountyhistory.org
Mountain Music Day Festival
September 15 10:00am – 5:00pm – Vogel State Park
Appalachian, bluegrass and gospel music; arts and crafts, demonstra-tions on spinning, blacksmithing, bowl carving; and food. U.S. Hwy. 19/129S (11 miles south of Blairsville) $5.00 Parking Phone: 706-745-2628 www.gastateparks.org
Blairsville Extreme Adventure Race (BEAR)
September 22 8:00 am Meeks Park
Unleash the adventure in you! They will have teams exploring the mountains, rivers, lakes, trails and beautiful woods surrounding Blairsville, Georgia. Home of the highest mountain in Georgia. Phone 719-237-5109 www.argeorgia.com
Meeks Park
Celebrate the art of sorghum syrup making! Arts/crafts, greased pole climbin’, log sawin’, live music, face painting, and vendors. Meeks Park, (1/2 mile west of Blairsville on Hwy 515W) Phone: 706-745-5789 www.blairsvillesorghumfestival.com
Sorghum Parade downtown Blairsville
Downtown on the Square Blairsville
Hundreds of people line the streets to see the floats, bands and other crowd pleasers. Phone: 706-745-4745 www.blairsvillesorghumfestival.com
Good Neighbors Car & Truck Show
United Community Bank Parking Lot
More than 200 cars and trucks (old and new) “show off” at the Good Neighbors Auto Show. Hwy. 515E, Blairsville Phone: 828-837-8539 or 706-745-3985
Fall Festival @ Ga Mtn Fairgrounds
Georgia Mtn Fairgounds
Authentic recreated mountain town of yesteryear, demonstrations and Exhibit Hall showcasing the history of the Georgia Mtn Fair Hwy 76, West, Hiawassee, GA Phone: 706-896-4191
Fall Festival @ Vogel State Park
Vogel State Park
Celebrate autumn’s arrival with a 2pm cakewalk, 4:30pm hayrides, 6:30pm campfire, at 8pm a professional storyteller around a bonfire. Parking – $5.00 U.S. Hwy. 19/129S (11 miles south of Blairsville) Phone: 706-745-2628 www.gastateparks.org
Hometown Halloween On The Square
Downtown Blairsville
Ghosts and Goblins will be lurking downtown on the Square. Games, costume contests and lots of trick or treat. Free Admission Downtown on the Square Blairsville Phone: 706-347-3503 www.downtownblairsville.com
18th Annual Mistletoe Market
North GA Technical College
Start your holiday shopping at the Mistletoe Market. Arts & crafts to spark the holiday season. Homemade soups, sandwiches, goodies. 121 Meeks Ave., Blairsville Free Admission Phone: 706-896-0932 www.artworksgalleryga.com
Kris Kringle Mountain Market
Union County Farmers Market
Enjoy over 75 vendors, handcrafted items by local artisans, produce, plants, baked goods and more! Kids can visit with Santa and ride the Christmas Train. Free Entertainment. 148 Old Smokey Rd. Blairsville www.ucfarmersmarket.com
Blairsville Holiday Stop & Shop
Union County Civic Center
Need some special items for all those special family members and friends? Blairsville Holiday Stop & Shop have over 50 home-based busi-ness vendors for your shopping convenience. 165 Wellborn Street, Blairsville Phone: 770-789-2044
Christmas Parade
Parade Downtown Blairsville
Celebrate Christmas with the arrival of Santa Claus in the parade, then stay for the tree lighting ceremony afterwards.
10:00am – 4:00pm Open House in the 1906 Butt-Mock House 706-745-5493 www.unioncountyhistory.org
Tour of Trees
U.C. Community Center
Over 30 beautifully decorated trees and wreaths on display throughout the Community Center. Free Admission Phone: 706-745-5789 www.VisitBlairsvilleGA.com
Holly Jolly Christmas
December 8 3:00pm – 6:00pm U.C. Community Center
Beautiful decorated trees, events for children, musical performances, and refreshments served. Free Admission Phone: 706-745-5789 www.VisitBlairsvilleGA.com
Christmas Tree Lighting at Vogel State Park
Vogel State Park
Please come and participate in this event for the kids sponsored by the Union County Sheriff’s Department. Bring an unwrapped gift for kids of 0-12 years of age. There will be a tree lighting, caroling, hayrides, Santa Clause visit, and bonfires. No toy guns, knives, or dangerous items. U.S. Hwy 19/129S (11 miles south of Blairsville) Phone: 706-745-2628 www.gastateparks.org
