Annual Events and Festivals

Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race,
Second Week of April
Up to 100 teams of three hike, mountain bike, run and kayak in Georgia's favorite adventure race, now 14 years old. The race begins at a secret location, and follows a physically challenging course through the Chattahoochee National Forest to the finish. Party in Downtown Blue Ridge Park at the finish line, with live music, food and the excitement of the finish line. For more information, call (706) 632-5680 or see the Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race website.


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

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 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 September Casual 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.

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
DowntownMcCaysville, 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.

Blue Ridge Kiwanis Rodeo,
August
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.

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.

Mountain Harvest Sale,
Blue Ridge Farmer's Market, 3rd and 4th weekend in October
Sponsored by the Fannin County Homemaker's Council, the Mountain Harvest Sale features local arts, crafts, food and fun on two separate October weekends.

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 theBlue Ridge Scenic Railway website.