Posted on 7/24/2025 by Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals

Catch Live Music in Blue Ridge & North Georgia This Summer

Experience the Sound of the Mountains - Summer 2025

There’s nothing quite like hearing live music echo through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you’re tapping your toes on a winery patio, dancing at a brewery, or swaying riverside with a cold drink in hand, North Georgia’s music scene hits all the right notes. This summer, explore the region’s best entertainment options, from casual porch pickin’ to vibrant music festivals.

🎶 Top Live Music Venues in Blue Ridge & Nearby 🎶

Grumpy Old Men Brewing

This beloved brewery is known for its fun-loving atmosphere, rotating food trucks, and live music every weekend. Karaoke Thursdays and pet-friendly vibes make it a lively hangout for all ages.

Canopy + The Roots

This underground venue blends art and music with a wellness twist—expect bluegrass sets, open-mic poetry, and cozy coffeehouse energy in a creative, intimate space.

Bear Claw Vineyards

Nestled in wine country with mountain views and a cozy outdoor setting, Bear Claw hosts weekend live music all summer long. Sip on North Georgia wines while listening to acoustic sets from local artists. It’s the perfect combo of relaxation and rhythm.

Misty Mountain Hops

A vinyl pub at heart, Misty Mountain Hops features an intimate stage, casual eats, and live music Fridays and Saturdays. Their lineup includes acoustic folk, indie rock, and bluegrass favorites—perfect for a relaxed dinner with a side of melody.

Seasonal Live Music Events & Festivals

North Georgia’s music scene truly comes alive in the summer, with a calendar full of open-air concerts, riverside jam sessions, and community festivals that showcase the region’s rich musical heritage. Whether you’re in the mood for smoky blues, lively bluegrass, or smooth jazz paired with a glass of local wine, these summer events in North Georgia offer unforgettable ways to experience the rhythm of the mountains.

Pickin’ in the Park

Location: Mineral Bluff
Dates: Thursdays, May - September

Hosted riverside at Horseshoe Bend Park along the Toccoa River, this free event celebrates Appalachian tradition with bluegrass, gospel, and old-time jams under shady pavilions. It’s a come-as-you-are gathering—bring your chair, picnic, and leashed pup! Music typically starts around 6 PM (warm-ups may begin ~4 PM). A relaxed, authentic mountain-music evening for families and visitors alike.

Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival

Location: Downtown Blue Ridge
Dates: September 19th - 20th

This one-day extravaganza brings soulful blues, smoky BBQ, craft vendors, and family fun to Main Street in historic downtown Blue Ridge. Expect 5+ bands—including headliners like Black Cat Zydeco—alongside 15+ award-winning BBQ vendors, a Traeger-grill raffle, market stalls, and kids’ activities. Tickets are $20 (kids 12 & under free). No pets, no coolers, no smoking on-site.

Appalachian Jam

Location: Dahlonega, GA
Dates: Saturdays, April–October, 2–4 PM

Every Saturday, mountain musicians gather on the historic Dahlonega Gold Museum Square for an open-air jam session. Bring your instrument or just listen as fiddlers, banjo pickers, guitarists, and folk singers keep Appalachia’s rich musical roots alive. A delightful free event that feels timeless and communal.

Blue Ridge Mountains Wine & Jazz Festival

Location: Ellijay, GA
Date: Saturday, September 6th, 11:30-7 pm

Set at White Path Creek Farms in Ellijay (~40 min from Blue Ridge), this ticketed event ($75–$80) blends smooth jazz with local wines, food vendors, and fine art. Bring a picnic and lawn chairs (coolers welcome), or enjoy the onsite food and wine booths. Proceeds support jazz education and student scholarships.

Music in the Park - First Friday Concert Series

Location: Dahlonega, GA
Date: First Fridays, May–October, 6:30–8:30 PM

One block north of the Dahlonega Square in Hancock Park, this free monthly concert series features local bands—spanning folk, rock, cover tunes, and originals. Bring a picnic and unwind under the trees to help kick off the weekend. Recent performers include Radford Windham Band and Dock Rock Radio.