Fire and Ice Chili Cook Off Festival

February

Warm up during the winter with flavorful samples of chili from local Blue Ridge contestants, vote for your favorite, and see who takes top honors. The Chili Cook Off Festival also features live music and entertainment from the Blue Ridge Community Theater.

Wine Highway Weekend

March–April

Travel along the ‘highway’ and visit wineries in Northeast Georgia, taste locally produced award-winning wines, and take in beautiful views.

Blue Ridge Trout Festival & Outdoor Adventures

April

Celebrate trout fishing in the Trout Capital of Georgia during the Blue Ridge Trout Festival & Outdoor Adventures. Explore adventure outfitters, browse conservation information, purchase home décor and gifts, try fly making, view art, shop outdoor clothing and fishing gear, attend fishing seminars, meet local fishing guides, and sample delicious food.

Arts in the Park Festival

May

Recognized as one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeastern Tourism Society, the springtime version of the festival features over 200 arts, crafts, and food booths. Enjoy some of the best fine arts and mountain crafts the area has to offer along with artist demonstrations, live music, performances, and dancing.

Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race

May

Teams of four hike, mountain bike, run, and kayak in the Chattahoochee National Forest. The popular race begins at a secret location in the Chattahoochee National Forest and follows a physically challenging course to the finish.

Pickin’ in the Park

May–October

Clap your hands and tap your toes to live acoustic music jams every Thursday evening at Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park along the Toccoa River. Bring your picnic dinner and listen along – or even join in with your own instrument.

Blue Ridge Mountains Wine & Jazz Festival

June

Sip wines made in North Georgia and from around the world during the Blue Ridge Mountains Wine & Jazz Festival. Enjoy delicious food prepared locally and listen to top Jazz performers from the area.

Lake Blue Ridge Independence Day Fireworks

July

Celebrate the Fourth of July with live music and savory barbecue at the Lake Blue Ridge Marina beginning at 4 p.m. After dark, watch the sky light up with fabulous fireworks over Lake Blue Ridge.

Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival

September

The Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival is a winner of the People’s Choice Awards. Sample delicious barbecue from local and regional cookers, listen to the soulful sounds of Blues music, and see the leaves start to change in beautiful downtown Blue Ridge. Don’t miss collectable festival posters, apparel, local vendors, giveaways, and lots of food!

Georgia Apple Festival

October

Experience North Georgia’s biggest celebration during the Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay, GA with hundreds of vendors offering food, arts, crafts, and more. Don’t miss the parade and antique car show.

Blue Friday

November

Shop downtown Blue Ridge, GA on Blue Friday (Blue Ridge’s version of Black Friday) while enjoying strolling holiday characters, decorations & displays, caroling, and festive music.

Light Up Blue Ridge

November

The best Christmas festival in North Georgia! See downtown Blue Ridge illuminated with twinkling holiday lights and enjoy live music, refreshments, caroling, and all-day activities. Don’t miss the official lighting of the Christmas tree and appearances by Santa!