Surround yourself with fun in Georgia's Blue Ridge

Fire and Ice Chili Cookoff
Downtown Blue Ridge, February, President's Day Weekend
Combine a chili cookoff with ice sculptures and you have an unlikely combination for a great event. $5 to taste the chili. Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Business Association.

Annual Blue Ridge Writers Conference
Last weekend of March at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Art Center
A literary tradition and unique cultural asset enjoyed by our many writers and aspiring writers each March as they gather in Blue Ridge to learn more about their special craft. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association

Spring and Fall Arts in the Park
Spring Arts, Downtown Blue Ridge City Park, Memorial Day Weekend; Fall Arts, Downtown Blue Ridge City Park, Second Weekend October
Features over 200 juried art, craft and food booths. The best in mountain crafts and fine art, artists demonstrations, music and dance. Recognized as one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeastern Tourism Society. Call (706) 632-2144 for more information. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association

Spring and Fall Plein Aire Festivals
Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Assn.
Each spring and fall, artists from across the region converge on Blue Ridge to capture the scenic beauty of this mountain community. Each event showcases the change of seasons. Artists from across the southeast get outside and recreate nature's beauty. For more information, call 706-632-2144.Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association

Pickin' in Horseshoe Bend Park
Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park, McCaysville, May thru SeptemberCasual jam sessions for acoustic musicians are held under the trees and pavillions along the Toccoa River at Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park every Thursday evening from 6 p.m. til dusk beginning Memorial Day through the end of September. Free admission to musicians of all levels and listeners who appreciate good music. Bring your picnic supper and enjoy the music!

Old Timers Day Parade
Downtown Blue Ridge, Saturday Closest to July 4th
Funny and fun Fourth of July celebration and parade in Downtown Blue Ridge, featuring the world famous Feed & Seed Abominable Marching Band. Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Business Assn.

Lake Blue Ridge Fireworks
Blue Ridge Marina, On or near July 4th
Live music and barbeque beginning at 4 p.m. Fabulous fireworks over Lake Blue Ridge at dark. Call (706) 632-2618 for more information.

Old Fashioned Fourth in McCaysville
Downtown McCaysville, July 4th Weekend
Old fashioned small town Independence Day celebration featuring an impressive fireworks display from Tater Hill in downtown McCaysville-Copperhill on July 2nd at dark-thirty. Sponsored by the Tri-Cities Business Assn., www.ocoeeinfo.com.

Blue Ridge Kiwanis Rodeo
August at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds in Blue Ridge
Western rodeo with bull riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, bareback, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and special events. Great food and fun for all ages.

Copper Basin River Fest
August in downtown McCaysville/Copperhill
Bike, kayak, tube and rubber duck races all day, along with food and entertainment.

Labor Day Barbeque
Labor Day in Downtown Blue Ridge
Annual Barbeque starts at 11 a.m. until the food runs out. Downtown Blue Ridge City Park. Good food and entertainment.

Ride the Rails Festival
Mineral Bluff Depot, September
A two and one half mile round trip ride by railroad motor car traveling through the Iron Bridge over the beautiful Toccoa River, then returning over the bridge to the Historic Mineral Bluff Depot. Model railroad display, food vendors and more.

Blue Ridge Blues & Barbeque
September in Downtown Blue Ridge
Blues Crawl Friday night, follwed by great blues and barbeque Saturday. Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Lodging Assn.

Smoke on the River
September on the bridge in downtown McCaysvilleBarbeque cook-off on the historic steel bridge over the Ocoee River. Sponsored by the Tri Cities Business Association, www.ocoeeinfo.com.

Blue Ridge Fall Fest
Blue Ridge Farmer's Market, 3rd and 4th weekend in October
Fall Fest features local arts, crafts, food and fun on two separate October weekends.

Paws in the Park
October in Downtown Blue Ridge City Park
Have a fun day with your favorite pet; parade, pet education and demonstrations, costume contest, prizes, photos and more. Sponsored by the Fannin County Humane Society.

Halloween Safe Zones
Downtown Blue Ridge and McCaysville
Treats and fun for all. Good, safe Halloween fun in downtown Blue Ridge and McCaysville. Kids of all ages trick or treat from shop to shop. Pumpkin carving and costume contests, food and entertainment. For information, call (706)632-5680.

Holiday Art Show & Sale
Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Assn., Each November-December
Shop for regional art and crafts at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Thanksgiving through Christmas. For more information, call (706) 632-2144.

Light up Blue Ridge
Downtown Blue Ridge, Saturday after Thanksgiving
Christmas festival in Downtown Blue Ridge. Music, refreshments, caroling and all-day activities. Official lighting of the Christmas tree and Santa arrives!!

Hometown Christmas
Downtown McCaysville First Saturday of December
Kiwanis Christmas Parade, Santa's arrival, food, refreshments and entertainment. Lighting of the bridge.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Christmas Express
Blue Ridge Depot, Weekends in December
Come ride the holiday train and see Santa, Mrs. Santa and the elves. Listen to Christmas stories and sing carols. For information, see the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway website.