Annual Events & Festivals

Surround yourself with fun in Georgia's Blue Ridge. Find out about our top annual festivals and events in Blue Ridge.

Fire and Ice Chili Cookoff - President's Day Weekend

Downtown Blue Ridge
Spice things up and chill out at Blue Ridge’s hottest winter tradition—the Fire & Ice Chili Cookoff!
Warm up with bold, mouthwatering chili recipes crafted by local chefs and home cooks, each competing for your vote. Then cool things down with refreshing craft beers and marvel at dazzling, hand-carved ice sculptures that turn downtown into a sparkling winter wonderland.

St. Patrick's Day Parade - Saturday Before the Holiday

Downtown Blue Ridge Watch the streets come alive with festive floats, bagpipes, and dancers that showcase their Irish pride with themed costumes and decorations. The air will be filled with lively music, laughter, and plenty of shamrocks.
Enjoy delicious bites from food vendors, sip on festive drinks, and take in live entertainment as the Blue Ridge comes together for this fun-for-all-ages tradition.

Blue Ridge Writer's Conference - Early Spring

Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Art Center
Every spring, Blue Ridge becomes a gathering place for storytellers, dreamers, and wordsmiths. This inspiring literary tradition brings together acclaimed authors, aspiring writers, and passionate readers for a weekend of workshops, panels, and creative connection. Whether you’re polishing your next manuscript or just beginning to explore the art of writing, you’ll find encouragement, guidance, and community in the heart of the mountains.

Blue Ridge Trout and Outdoor Adventures Festival - Last Saturday in April

Downtown Blue Ridge Celebrate the great outdoors while learning the art of trout fishing through interactive demonstrations and educational sessions. Try your hand at fly-tying in hands-on workshops, and let the kids enjoy special activities designed just for them. The day is filled with live music to set the perfect backdrop, tasty bites from local food trucks, and endless opportunities to experience the beauty and excitement of outdoor adventure.

Spring Arts in the Park - Memorial Day Weekend

Downtown Blue Ridge
Experience one of the Southeast’s premier celebrations of creativity and culture! Stroll through more than 200 juried art, craft, and food booths showcasing the very best in mountain crafts, fine art, and regional flavors. Watch talented artists bring their work to life with live demonstrations, and enjoy music and dance performances that add rhythm and color to the weekend.
Honored as one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeastern Tourism Society, this vibrant gathering offers something for everyone.

Blue Ridge Adventure Race - First Weekend in May

Get ready for an unforgettable test of endurance and adventure! Spend the day immersed in nature as you hike rugged trails, bike along scenic paths, and paddle across sparkling waters—all while navigating with nothing but a map and compass.
Whether you’re competing solo or alongside a team, this thrilling challenge will push your limits, sharpen your skills, and reward you with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Lake Blue Ridge Fireworks and Parade - July 4th

Celebrate a cherished Blue Ridge tradition at the Old Timer's Parade, a nostalgic event with classic cars, festive floats, and small-town charm. The fun continues into the night with fabulous fireworks will light up the night sky near the Lake Blue Ridge Dam, offering incredible views from multiple locations. Whether you’re watching by boat on Lake Blue Ridge, relaxing at Morganton Point Recreation Area, or enjoying the festivities at Lake Blue Ridge Marina, you’re in for a treat.

The marina will be buzzing with activity all day, featuring delicious food available for purchase, so come hungry and ready to celebrate. Don’t miss this dazzling display over the lake!

Old Fashioned Fourth in McCaysville

Downtown McCaysville-Copperhill
Experience a classic small-town Independence Day celebration like no other! Enjoy a festive and fun day in downtown McCaysville-Copperhill, topped off with a dazzling fireworks display launched from iconic Tater Hill. Celebrate with community spirit, nostalgia, and a show that lights up the night sky!

Blue Ridge Kiwanis Rodeo - 3rd Weekend in August

Kiwanis Fairgrounds
Experience the thrill of bull riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, bareback, steer wrestling, team roping, and the high-speed excitement of barrel racing. Plus, enjoy special surprise events that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat!

Labor Day Barbeque

Downtown Blue Ridge
Get ready to indulge in mouthwatering food, enjoy live entertainment, and soak up the festive vibes with friends and family. Don’t miss out on this deliciously fun tradition—come early to grab your share of the feast!

Ride the Rails Festival - July, October & November

Mineral Bluff Depot
Step back in time and experience the magic of the rails! Take a five-mile round-trip journey by railroad motor car as you cross the iconic Iron Bridge over the sparkling Toccoa River, then return to the beautifully restored Mineral Bluff Depot. Explore a museum-quality model railroad display inside the historic depot and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of mountain railroading. It’s a family-friendly outing filled with history, scenery, and unforgettable charm.

Blue Ridge Blues & Barbeque Festival - 3rd Weekend in September

Downtown Blue Ridge
Get ready for a weekend full of smoky flavors, soulful sounds, and mountain-town charm! Kick things off Friday night with the Kiwanis Blues Train rolling through Downtown Blue Ridge or savor a special BBQ experience at The Tavern at Old Toccoa Farm. The fun heats up on Saturday with award-worthy BBQ from some of the best food trucks around, plus plenty of snacks and treats to satisfy every craving. As you eat, let the blues wash over you with live music that keeps the energy high and your toes tapping all day long.

Fall Plein Aire Event

Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Art Center
Each fall, the mountains transform into a vibrant canvas as artists from across the Southeast gather to paint the breathtaking beauty of Blue Ridge in the open air. With crisp autumn air and a backdrop of brilliant foliage, these creative talents capture the magic of the season in real time.

Fall Foliage Train Rides

Downtown Blue Ridge - Downtown McCaysville
Step aboard for an unforgettable autumn journey through the mountains! As the train winds its way from Blue Ridge to the historic town of McCaysville, you’ll be surrounded by brilliant fall foliage at every turn. Breathe in the crisp mountain air, marvel at the vibrant hues of red, gold, and orange, and soak in the timeless charm of a ride through one of the most scenic routes in the Southeast.
It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season—relax, take in the views, and let the beauty of autumn surround you.

Fall Arts in the Park - 2nd Weekend of October

Downtown Blue Ridge
Stroll through a vibrant showcase of over 150 juried art, unique crafts, and delicious food booths. Discover one-of-a-kind creations ranging from fine art to expertly crafted goods, and enjoy live demonstrations as talented artists bring their work to life. Meet the makers, take home something special, and don’t miss the chance to explore even more creativity at The Art Center.

Blue Ridge Mountain Parades of Homes - October 17-19th

Step inside the beauty of mountain living during this exclusive three-day showcase! Explore 16 stunning homes, each highlighting a unique style—from rustic charm to modern luxury with million-dollar views. Set against a backdrop of serene lakes, winding rivers, and sweeping vistas, every stop along the way pairs inspired architecture with the natural splendor of the Blue Ridge.
It’s more than a tour—it’s an experience of design, creativity, and breathtaking mountain living at its finest.

PawsFest - 3rd Weekend of October

Blue Ridge Farmer's Market
With live music filling the air and tails wagging all around, this pet-friendly festival creates the perfect blend of entertainment, community, and fun. Families can enjoy parades of pets, costume contests, and agility courses, while kids dive into games and pumpkin carvings. Food trucks will be serving up delicious bites and refreshing drinks, adding to the festive spirit. From furry friends to fantastic performances, it’s a celebration of joy and togetherness in the heart of the mountains.

Halloween Safe Zones

Downtown Blue Ridge and McCaysville

Expect a spooktacular time in downtown Blue Ridge and McCaysville! Enjoy a safe and festive Halloween celebration filled with treats, fun, and excitement for everyone. Kids of all ages can trick-or-treat from shop to shop, while Halloween costume contests showcase creative outfits for all ages—including your furry friends! Don’t miss this fang-tastic event!

Holiday Market - November 16 - December 20

Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Art Center
ep into the holiday spirit with a festive market filled with regional art, unique crafts, and handmade treasures. From Thanksgiving through Christmas, the Art Center transforms into a winter marketplace where you can shop one-of-a-kind gifts created by talented local and regional artists.

Light Up McCaysville: Tree Lighting - Friday after Thanksgiving

Downtown McCaysville Spark the holiday spirit along the scenic Toccoa River with festive fun, local eats, and a magical visit from Santa himself! Capture the moment with a family photo, then cozy up for the sunset tree lighting that wraps the evening in warm holiday cheer.

Light Up Blue Ridge & Christmas Parade - Saturday after Thanksgiving

Downtown Blue Ridge
The magic of the holidays comes alive with a full day of celebration in Downtown Blue Ridge. Enjoy festive caroling, live music, tasty seasonal treats, and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy from morning to evening.
The excitement all leads to the evening’s highlights—a colorful parade winding through downtown, the dazzling lighting of the Christmas tree, and a special appearance from Santa to spread holiday cheer.

McCaysville & Copper Basin Christmas Parade - First Saturday of December

Downtown McCaysville

Spark the holiday spirit along the scenic Toccoa River with an evening full of festive fun, delicious local eats, and a magical visit from Santa himself. Families can capture the moment with holiday photos before gathering for the highlight of the night—the sunset tree lighting that wraps the evening in warm holiday cheer.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Christmas Express - Beginning Thanksgiving Weekend and Weekends in December

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
All aboard the Holiday Express! Enjoy a festive train ride filled with holiday cheer where you'll meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their merry band of elves as they spread joy along the way. Listen to the timeless tale of The Night Before Christmas and sing along to your favorite carols. Kids will receive a keepsake Blue Ridge Scenic Railway jingle bell, a candy cane, and a magical visit with Santa himself. Warm up with delicious hot chocolate and tasty treats available in our cozy concession car.

Upcoming Festivals

More To Explore

Blue Ridge 4th of July Learn More
Romantic Valentine’s Weekend in Blue Ridge Learn More
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Blue Ridge Learn More
How to Celebrate Easter in Blue Ridge, GA Learn More
Blue Ridge Trout Festival & Outdoor Adventures! Learn More
Family Holidays in the Mountains Learn More
Blue Ridge Adventure Race Learn More

Fire and Ice Chili Cookoff - President's Day Weekend

Downtown Blue RidgeSpice things up and chill out with this one-of-a-kind event that serves up the perfect combo of fiery chili, frosty beers, and stunning ice sculptures. It’s a sizzling and chilling good time