Arts and Entertainment in Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Community Theater

Art and culture are alive and growing like kudzu in the mountains of north central Georgia. The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, one of the finest in Georgia Mountains, has the goal of making Blue Ridge one of the Top 100 Art Towns in America, and they are succeeding. The Blue Ridge Community Theater has a new theater and a full calendar of productions for 2010, which has been designated as the "Year of Comedy."

Whether you're a visitor or a resident, you can literally fill your calendar with arts fairs, block parties, gallery tours, festivals, musical events, concerts and plays. Downtown Blue Ridge has become known for the quality of its art galleries and fine specialty shops, and just recently new restaurants have added a little new nightlife to the area.

Here's a sampling of arts and entertainment in Blue Ridge, McCaysville and the Copper Basin. See the Calendar of Events for more detailed seasonal and regional information.

Blue Ridge Community Theater
Our beautiful new playhouse is located at 2591 East First St., across from The Swan Drive-in. The theater group has a full calendar of drama, comedy and musical productions. 2010 is the year of comedy. For ticket information, call 632-9223 or visit www.blueridgecommunitytheater.com.

The Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association(The Art Center)
Recognized as one of the best in the mountains, The Blue Ridge Art Center is located in the historic Fannin County Courthouse on Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge. The Center sponsors seasonal art exhibits, two festivals, Arts in the Park and Wildlife & Nature Art Festival, summer concerts and numerous other events. 706-632-2144. www.blueridgearts.net

Downtown Blue Ridge Nightlife
Downtown Blue Ridge is becoming a center for local music and entertainment. Enjoy live music on weekends at area restaurants, including Christy Lee's Courtyard Grille and Harvest on Main. The Block Party on West Main, held on the second Saturday evening each month, includes live music, refreshment and entertainment, and the new Art Walk features local galleries on the third Saturday evening.

Downtown McCaysville
McCaysville is home of Pickin' in Horseshoe Bend Park each Thursday evening from Memorial Day to October. Ann's Pickin Parlour offers line dancing lessons on Mondays and Wednesdays, and live music and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. El Rio Mexican Restaurant features Mariachi bands seasonally.

Pickin' in Horseshoe Bend Park
Casual jam sessions for acoustic musicians are held under the trees and pavilions along the Toccoa River at Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park every Thursday evening from 6:00 til dusk, beginning the week of Memorial Day through the end of September. Bring a picnic supper, a lawn chair and your own instrument and join the fun.

Live Music at the Lilly Pad
Live music in a great atmosphere seasonally on Friday and Saturday evenings at this charming village on Aska Road. Music ranges from Jazz to Bluegrass. Reservations are recommended. Call 706-534-1317.

Morganton Music Park
Live country and bluegrass music and dancing Friday and Saturday nights 8:00 to 11:00 p.m., Morganton.

Swan Drive-In
One of four drive-in theaters in Georgia still in operation, the Swan drive-in is open year round with first run movies. Old Highway 76 in Blue Ridge. For more information, call 888-469-1955 or visit www.swan-drive-in.com.

Nearby Attractions

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawassee
The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds plays host to several popular annual events including the Georgia Mountain Fair, the Georgia Mountain Roots & Music Festival, the Superstar Concert Series, the Georgia Mountain Fall Festival and Georgia’s Official State Fiddler’s Convention. Also featuring regular big name country music and bluegrass bands. www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, N.C.
Concerts most Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. featuring folk, bluegrass and old time Mountain music with the Appalachian fiddle, banjo, hammered dulcimer. Community Country and Square dances feature live music and are held bi-monthly from 8 - 11 p.m. Call 800-FOLK-SCH for more information.

Holly Theatre, Dahlonega
Dahlonega's community theatre produces a season of plays in a nostalgic atmosphere. Call (706) 864-3759 for season and ticket information.

Young Harris College, Young Harris
The college offers concerts, art exhibits and theatre throughout the year. In addition, the Rollins Planetarium has a calendar of special seasonal events. Call (706) 379-3111 for more information.

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