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ZZ Top Photo
8th Annual Blue Ridge Trout AND Outdoor Adventures Festival Photo

8th Annual Blue Ridge Trout AND Outdoor Adventures Festival

SAVE THE DATE; APRIL 26TH, 2025 FOR THE 8TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL - Below is information from the 2024 event. Check back for details as the event gets closer to 2025!
2024- 7th Annual Blue Ridge Trout AND Outdoor Adventures Festival in the downtown Blue Ridge City Park.
2024 Blue Ridge Trout and Outdoor Adventure Festival Poster Put on by the Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited Chapter. Cast - Paddle - Hike - Climb - Ride - Axe Throwing - Outdoor Art- Live Music - Craft Beer, Food, and more! More than a dozen local outfitters and guides can help you learn why fly fishing is a growing sport, especially among anglers in the Southern Appalachian Mountains who chase the rainbow, brown, and brook trout in the region's cold-water streams. Trout Fest Program Tents present expanded programs including mountain biking and kayaking. Professional fishing guides and outfitters share their fishing programs that tell our visitors what they need to know for a successful day of trout fishing in the Trout Capital of Georgia. Trout Fest Activity Zone opens up outdoor fun for our visitors with a climbing wall, a trout-fishing pond, long-saw crosscutting, axe throwing, gem mining, and more! NEW! Trout Fest '24 Tagged Trout Fishing Tournament - Fish the terrific Toccoa River from March 26 to April 25 and win gear, guide trips, cash, and more when you return a Trout Fest event tag from a trout stocked by TROUT FEST '24. Browse, admire, and shop a large selection of fine outdoor art produced by local and traveling artists who feature the resources of the Appalachian Mountains in both their materials and their visions. Trout Fest Food Court features new and returning food vendors, and our Beer/Wine Garden will include local craft beer from Grumpy Old Men Brewing a local favorite as well as hard cider from Mercier Orchards. Trout Fest Sound Stage 3-6 pm - Michelle Malone Band with Topper

Trout Trot 5K ~ Riverwalk Run Series Photo

Trout Trot 5K ~ Riverwalk Run Series

Join us for a 5K series like NO OTHER, one that crosses two state lines! The Riverwalk Run Series hosts seasonal cross-state 5Ks three times a year. Our course takes runners through the charming downtowns of McCaysville, Georgia, and its sister city, Copperhill, Tennessee – two cities united by a state line at the heart of historic Copper Basin. Covering 3.1 miles, participants will not only cross from Georgia into Tennessee and back into Georgia, but they will also run through our iconic steel bridge with one amazing story!
 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER  Food, drinks, and music can be found before and after the race on the region's largest river deck Riverwalk Shops, just across the street from the starting line.

Race Timeline:

4:30 PM Race Setup
6:30 PM Race Starts at McCaysville Information Center
7:30 PM Race Cutoff
8:00 PM Awards at TOONEYS

Ellijay's Songwriters Festival 2025 Photo

Ellijay's Songwriters Festival 2025

The festival will feature award-winning songwriters and musicians who will perform their original songs in live shows at the Gilmer Arts Playhouse, 29 North, wineries including Engelheim Vineyards, Chateau Meichtry Family Vineyard and Winery, Grapes and Ladders Vineyards and Winery, Cartecay Vineyards, Canoe Vineyard and Winery, plus Cartecay River Brewing Company, the Butcher and Bottle, and other live music venues to be announced.

"We are delighted to produce the Ellijay Songwriters Festival for a third consecutive year and once again bring a celebrated national recording artist to Ellijay for our fans to enjoy over four exciting days thanks to the enthusiastic community and regional support, loyal sponsors, and songwriter excitement", said Ray Green, festival founder, and executive producer.

Musicians ranging from emerging songwriters to seasoned hit makers will take festival stages and perform music in genres ranging from Country to Pop, Blues to Honky Tonk, and Americana to Rock n' Roll.

The Ellijay Songwriters Festival has become one of the premier songwriter events in the southeast United States and the largest spring event in Gilmer County, Georgia. Most shows will be free and everyone is welcome.

"The festival will bring together thousands of live music fans as we celebrate the art of songwriting. Attendees will have a chance to meet and hang out with the songwriters, listen to their songs, hear the stories behind the songs, and enjoy mountain life in Ellijay", added Green.

Georgia Mountain Fire & Smoke Cooking Festival Photo

Georgia Mountain Fire & Smoke Cooking Festival

Welcome to the 2nd Annual Georgia Mountain Fire & Smoke Cooking Festival! Come and experience this culinary feast featuring over 120 cooks/chefs preparing their specialty items and giving generous samples of their preparations to all paid attendees. They will be cooking on 100 top-of-the-line Primo Ceramic Grills and Big Green Eggs.

This festival took the place of the GA Mountain Big Green Egg fest which was the largest satellite Egg fest in the country for 10 amazing years. This festival is bigger and better with the addition of the Primo Ceramic Grills, which are the Cadillac of ceramic grills, cooking alongside our Big Green Eggs.

From savory barbecues to delectable desserts, our festival will offer a diverse selection of culinary creations. Feel free to ask questions and interact with the cooks/chefs and learn new recipes, discover innovative cooking methods, and get inspired by the creativity of our talented cooks/chefs.

If all this wasn't enough, be sure to attend our Meet & Greet celebration Friday evening (05/16) at 5:00 PM being held in the antique farm museum at Georgia Mountain Fair's Main Exhibit Hall. Just bring a dish to share, or cook on one of our Primo Ceramic Grills and listen to our live bluegrass band! Beer and wine will be available for purchase or you may bring your own beverage of choice. There is very limited parking at the Exhibit Hall so please use our shuttle which will be running continuously from the main parking areas to the Exhibit Hall.

This is an innovative and one-of-a-kind event that you don't want to miss. So mark your calendars and join us for a day filled with amazing gastronomic adventures and unforgettable memories.


Fire & Smoke Tickets

We look forward to seeing you here!

49th Annual Spring Arts in the Park Photo

49th Annual Spring Arts in the Park

Join us Memorial Day weekend for our 49th Annual Spring Arts in the Park fine arts and fine crafts festival held in the beautiful Downtown City Park of Blue Ridge, Georgia. Download Festival Map Shop from a variety of artworks from over 175 juried fine arts and fine crafts exhibitors, enjoy tasty food, and engage in multiple artist demos throughout the weekend festival.
Pets are welcomed as long as they are leashed and well-behaved.
Festival is held rain or shine.
Weekend Admission: adults $5; children under 12 free.

All proceeds benefit the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, a 501c3 non-profit community arts association. Blue Ridge Arts in the Park

Forks & Corks "Local Savor" 2025~Tickets Available April 1st Photo

Forks & Corks "Local Savor" 2025~Tickets Available April 1st

Ticket Fees for Forks and Corks; Local Savor 2025


Note:
When purchasing tickets, please select whether you'd like the standard ticket or the option to take home your sampling glass. Both options provide full access to the event and all the culinary delights available.Forks and Corks; Local Savor 2025
Join us on June 5, 2025, for an unforgettable evening of local flavor!The Forks and Corks; Local Savor 2025 event invites you to indulge in the best local cuisine from our community's top restaurants, caterers, breweries, wineries, and more. This is your chance to experience the diverse tastes of Cherokee County and meet the talented vendors that make it all happen.Event Details:
  • Date: June 5, 2025
  • Time: Reservation times available at 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm
  • Tickets: $40 per person (Limited to 300 tickets)

What to Expect:
  • Exclusive Experience: With only 300 tickets available, this event is by reservation only. Be sure to secure your spot early!
  • Event Passport: Upon check-in, each ticket holder will receive an event passport. Complete your passport by visiting participating vendors and enjoy a complimentary raffle ticket for a chance to win exciting prizes.
  • Vendor Voting: Don't forget to cast your vote for your favorite vendor! Help us crown the most popular offerings of the evening.

Tickets:
Tickets will be available for purchase online or at the Chamber office starting April 1, 2025. Be sure to select your preferred reservation time when purchasing.

Georgia Mountain Scottish Festival and Highland Games Photo

Georgia Mountain Scottish Festival and Highland Games

For 19 years the Scots have gathered in Blairsville, Georgia. Highland dancers, Scottish athletesfamily clansbagpipes and drums and traditional musicians come to celebrate their heritage. Even if you don't know your family's heritage or have little or no Scottish ties, come experience Scotland without the need of a passport or international flight across the ocean. We have an exciting new admission price structure for 2024!  Saturday is $20 per person. Sunday is $10 per person. Ticket for BOTH days $25!   $15 per person for groups of 10 or more.  Children 12 and under are still free.The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds hosts all the events beginning at 9 am each day. The opening ceremony with the massed bands and parade of tartans will be at 12 noon on Saturday.Sheep dogs and falcons and birds of prey all come with their handlers. Scottish AthletesHighland dancerspipers and drummers all come to experience Scotland here in the highlands of North Georgia. The dogs will herd their sheep on the athletics field while the falcons will be found in the village for their demonstrations. The blacksmith/knife smith demonstrations and Clan Nan Con will be in set up in the vendor area.Wee lads and lassies are encouraged to come to the festival with their family. Special activities for the children include the “passport to the clan” where children visit clan tents and once they learn one fact about the clan they receive a stamp and once their passport is full they receive a prize. There is also face painting and other activities especially for the wee ones.
What is a festival without shopping? Many favorite vendors with traditional Scottish wares, clothing and food are returning plus new merchants who are making their first trek to the Georgia Mountain Scottish Festival. Delicious Scottish food (haggis excluded), jewelry, sporran, kilts, T-shirts, clothing, and many more Scottish items will be available for purchase.

Lake Blue Ridge Fireworks Photo

Lake Blue Ridge Fireworks

Fireworks are being put on by the Lake Blue Ridge Civic Association. Begins at dusk. Thursday evening July 4th @ 9:30. 
Places for viewing: Morganton Point Recreation AreaFrom a boat in Lake Blue Ridge near the Lake Blue Ridge DamThe Lake Blue Ridge Marina Lake Blue Ridge Dam, as well as adjacent areas by the "tower in the lake."

The Dailey & Vincent Music Fest Photo

The Dailey & Vincent Music Fest

The Dailey & Vincent Music Fest 
September 25-27, 2025; Buy Tickets Online:
Purchase Single Day Tickets Purchase VIP /  Three Day Tickets

The Dailey & Vincent Music Fest, presented by Springer Mountain Farms, is a 3-day festival bringing together the very best in American music - Country, Bluegrass and Gospel music!
3-day passes and single-day tickets are all available and prices range from $75.00 - $225.00.

2025 Show Schedule:

Thursday, September 25th
2pm - Doors Open
4pm-5pm - John Conlee
5pm-6pm - Intermission
6pm-7:30pm - Dailey & Vincent
8pm-9:30pm - Rhonda Vincent

Friday, September 26th
2pm - Doors Open
2pm-3pm - VIP Meet & Greet
4pm-5pm - TBD
5pm-6pm - Intermission
6pm-7:30pm - Dailey & Vincent
8pm-9:30pm - TBD

Saturday, September 27TH
2pm-Doors Open
2pm-3pm - VIP Meet & Greet
4pm-5pm - Bryce Leatherwood
5pm-6pm - Intermission
6pm-7:30pm - Dailey & Vincent
8pm-9:30pm - Diamond Rio
 Ticket Packages* FREE PARKING - NO PETS ALLOWED1 Day Reserved Pass$753 Day Reserved Pass$180VIP$225*VIP Tickets include a limited edition VIP badge and lanyard,
as well as a signed limited edition festival poster & a Meet and Greet with Dailey and Vincent! Buy Tickets Online
*Clear Bag policy strictly enforced.
**Tickets should only be purchased directly through our website. Be aware of 3rd party resellers. Purchase Single Day Tickets Purchase VIP /  Three Day Tickets
Food  & Craft vendors include:

Brown's BBQ
Cabin Fused Glass
Campground Cookies
Chatuge Regional Hospital Auxiliary Fudge
Country Hide Creations
Georgia Mountain Ice Cream
Jimbo's 
KiKi's Hat Co
Leafgaurd
Lions Club Funnel Cakes
MC Design
Mountain Top Threads
PNG Custom Gifts
Rollin Up
ScoopDawgs
Soldier Solutions
Storms Shrimp Shack
The Lemonade Girl
What's Poppin Kettle Corn
 Visit the official Dailey & Vincent website

The Great Ape Escape 5K-ish Photo

The Great Ape Escape 5K-ish

The Great Ape Escape 5K-ish Saturday, October 4, 2025 - 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.Event begins at 9:00 a.m. Join us for our 4th Annual Great Ape Escape 5K-ish! (Now in the fall!) Invite your friends and family (and dogs) to walk, run, or hike this fun off-road event! This is a rain or shine, non-refundable event. Run the 5kish or hike or be a cheerleader! Don't miss out on all the fun! It's not too late to sign up to participate in the?3rd Annual Great Ape Escape 5K-ish!?

Invite your friends and family to walk, run, or hike this fun off-road event! Cheer on your loved ones as they cross the finish line and go bananas with the rest of us! 

Stay for the after-party, bring a picnic blanket or chairs, and stay for music, food, and laughter. Enjoy the scenic koi pond or play on the Chimp Challenge Course!

Details
Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 - 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Check-in the day before 1-3 p.m. or day of 8:00-8:45 a.m.
Event begins at 9:00 a.m.

FREE/Fan
cheer on the participants at no cost, stay after and add on a tour!
FREE/K9
sign up your leashed four-legged friend at no cost

$35/Participant - Run, Walk, Hike, or Ish!
includes the medal, additional add-ons available

$40/Virtual-ish (Phantom Runner)
includes the medal and shipping of event packet

$199/VIP Participants:
Early arrival, upfront parking
Muffin & coffee during a Q&A with Chimp Staff
Access to indoor plumbing
Event swag
Includes the sanctuary tour

WHERE: Project Chimps Yellow Trail This is an off-road foot trail in the forest with steep inclines and a staircase. This is a rain or shine, non-refundable event. Invite your friends and family to walk, run, or hike this fun off-road race! Click Here for More Information!

Big Foot Boogie ~ 5K Photo

Big Foot Boogie ~ 5K

2025 BIGFOOT BOOGIE 5K - SATURDAY NOV. 8THJoin the excitement of a Riverwalk Run Series event—America's only 2-state 5K series!—which includes the Trout Trot 5K every Spring, Walk the Line 5K every Summer, the Bigfoot Boogie 5K every Fall, and a CHALLENGE MEDAL to finishers who complete all three.Click Here To RegisterThe course takes runners through the charming downtowns of McCaysville, Georgia, and its sister city, Copperhill, Tennessee. The community is united by a state line at the heart of the historic Copper Basin. Covering 3.1 miles, the course crosses from Georgia into Tennessee and back into Georgia. Participants will also run alongside the famous Toccoa River and across the city's iconic steel bridge—one of only a few left in America.Race Timeline:3:30 PM Race Setup5:30 PM Race Starts at McCaysville Visitor Center6:30 PM Race Cutoff6:35 PM Awards at Finish Line at McCaysville City ParkParking is free and plentiful, located right across the finish line at McCaysville's City Park. For more information, visit the website at www.RiverwalkRunSeries.com.

Light Up Blue Ridge & Christmas Parade Photo

Light Up Blue Ridge & Christmas Parade