You know what they say April showers bring May flowers; and great events! As spring comes to a close and we kick off summer fun in the mountains we have all kinds of wonderful festivals and events going on! From flower festivals, to wine fests, Mother’s Day brunches, Memorial Day services & bbqs, and the return of one of our favorite annual events; Spring Arts in the Park! There’s never been a better time to Escape to Blue Ridge!
May 1st-May 11th
Location: Hamilton Gardens
Head over to Hiawassee for a month filled with spring fun at The Rhododendron Festival at their beautiful Hamilton Gardens. Not only will you have the chance to tour the lovely gardens in full bloom but you will also have the chance to enjoy live music, delicious food, art demonstrations, a plant sale, daily seminars, and much more! Admission to the gardens is $6 and the event takes place daily from April 12th-May 11th.
Live Music & Events at Grandaddy Mimm's
May 1st-May 24th
Location: Grandaddy Mimm's Distilling Co.
There's always something fun and exciting happening at North Georgia's favorite distillery, Grandaddy Mimm's located in both Blairsville & Dawsonville. Sip on delicious moonshine and moonshine cocktails while you enjoy monthly events and live music performances from local artists. See what's in store for you at the distillery this month:
May 1st: North Georgia GM Truck & Hotrod Reunion Kick Off Party
May 2nd: Redneck Market Nights
May 3rd: Music Bingo
May 9th: Karaoke-Dawsonville location
May 10th: Line Dancing-Dawsonville location
May 16th: 2000's Dance Party
May 17th: Music Bingo-Dawsonville location
May 24th: Line Dancing
May 1st-May 29th
Location: Horseshoe Bend Park
Every Thursday night at 6:00pm, May-September visit Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville, GA for live music and picnicking by the Toccoa River. Picnic tables are available but feel free to bring a picnic blanket and lawn chair as well. Admission is free so bring the whole family to enjoy!
May 1st-May 29th
Location: Tooney’s Music Venue
Pick up the mic and sing along to your favorite songs every Thursday night at Tooney’s from 6pm-11pm for Karaoke! Open mic performers are welcome on the area’s biggest stage! Grab yourself a cold beer or fine wine and enjoy the night!
Live Music at Grumpy Old Men Brewing
May 1st-May 30th
Location: Grumpy Old Men Brewing
Stop by Grumpy Old Men Brewery Thursdays to sing along to your favorite songs for karaoke night! And drop by select Fridays & Saturdays from 3pm-6pm for great drinks, great music, and a great time. With indoor and outdoor seating available you can even bring your dog to join in the fun! Enjoy delicious fare from the ever-changing food trucks, while you listen to some fantastic local artists! And on Monday nights come on out for SINGO and Thursday nights is Karaoke!
May 1st: Karaoke
May 2nd: Rusted Melody
May 4th: Music Bingo with Becky
May 8th: Karaoke
May 9th: Frankie Sparks
May 10th: Saturdayaoke
May 11th: Music Bingo with Becky
May 15th: Karaoke
May 17th: Orange Walls
May 18th: Music Bingo with Becky
May 22nd: Karaoke
May 25th: Music Bingo with Becky
May 29th: Karaoke
May 30th: Harold Crowder
May 1st-May 31st
Location: Blue Ridge area
Join in the fun, because spring is wine time! Drink wine from vineyards and wineries all over the state of Georgia! Some of our local wineries that are participating this year are Living Water Winery, Cartecay Vineyards, Chateau Meichtry, Crane Creek Vineyards, Engelheim Vineyards, and Odom Springs Vineyards. Purchase your wine highway passport which includes tastings at over 45 participating wineries. Check their website for more information: https://www.opengeorgiawine.com/
Artist in Residence: Rachel Eichholtz
May 1st-May 31st
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association
Come on out to the Art Center to admire Rachel Eichholtz’s beautiful oil-painted floral and nature works on display in the gallery through June 1st.
Forms of the Forest: Artistry in Wood
May 1st-May 31st
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association
Celebrate the inherent beauty and boundless possibilities of the timeless medium of wood at Forms of the Forest: Artistry in Wood exhibit from April 5th-May 31st. The beautiful pieces on display were created through wood carving, woodworking, woodturning, marquetry, pyrography, and intarsia.
North Georgia Hot Rod Reunion and GM
May 2nd-May 3rd
Location: Meeks Park
Car lovers get ready for an exciting weekend of classic hot rods and GM trucks! It's going to be a great event for classic cars and the camaraderie of the car community! Spectator admission is $10 per day and children 12 & under are free!
Live Music at Bear Claw Vineyards & Winery
May 2nd-May 31st
Location: Bear Claw Vineyards
For award winning wine, live music, and food truck Bear Claw Vineyards is the place for you! Join them every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for live music and food trucks. Kids and dogs are welcome too. The live music schedule for each weekend is shared on their website each Thursday so be sure to check back!
Live Music & Events at Living Water Winery
May 2nd-May 31st
Location: Living Water Winery
Live life well, at Living Water Winery! Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains while sipping on estate grown wine or craft beer, on their 70-acre farm. And on weekends you can enjoy live music from one of their many terraces.
May 2nd: Tawnya Raynolds & The Pizza Papi Food Truck
May 3rd: Run for the Roses
May 3rd: Tawnya Raynolds & The Pizza Papi Food Truck
May 4th: Tawnya Raynolds & The Pizza Papi Food Truck
May 5th: Cinco De Mayo: Live Music & Drinks
May 5th: Teddy Baker
May 7th: Winesday w/ Bemi Allen
May 9th: Gregg Erwin & BluBow Desserts & Catering
May 10th: BluBow Desserts & Catering
May 11th: An Afternoon for Moms & BluBow Desserts & Catering
May 23rd: Mookie Evermore
May 2th: Music Bingo w/ DJ Mox
May 31st: King of Camo's 3rd Annual Charity Bike Ride
May 31st: 80's Dance Party w/ DJ Mox
May 2nd-May 31st
Location: Sugar Creek Raceway
Catch zooming cars at Sugar Creek Raceway in Blue Ridge, Georgia all summer long! Don’t miss a second of the action at this amazing off-road racetrack! Gates open at 5pm and hot laps start at 7pm.
May 2nd: Schaeffer's Spring Nat's Super Late Models
May 10th: Test and Tune Night
May 16th: Hunt the Front Super Dirt Series
May 31st: Topless Outlaws Storm the Creek
Live Music at Crane Creek Vineyards
May 2nd-May 31st
Location: Crane Creek Vineyards
Come out for live music Friday nights at the Farmhouse Market at Crane Creek Vineyards. The vineyards will be open late Friday nights, with extended hours until 8pm. Grab a glass of wine, a charcuterie board, and a seat and enjoy!
May 2nd: Farmhouse Friday
May 3rd: Struck By Lightning & Jesse Williams
May 9th: Farmhouse Friday
May 10th: Tina & Her Pony, Cashe, and Mother’s Day Art Market
May 16th: Farmhouse Friday
May 17th: The Red Tails & Tim Morgan
May 23rd: Farmhouse Friday
May 24th: Ryan Taylor Price & Andy Johnson
May 30th: Farmhouse Friday
May 31st: Madisyn Alberry & Heidi Holton
Kentucky Derby & Tres de Mayo Festival
May 3rd
Location: The Tavern at Old Toccoa Farm
Enjoy an evening of fun at Old Toccoa Farm's 2nd Annual Kentucky Derby & Tres de Mayo Party! On this festive evening Kentucky Derby elegance meets Cinco de Mayo flair. With two uniquely themed spaces, it’s an unforgettable blend of Southern charm and lively celebration.
May 3rd
Location: Gilmer Scout Hunt
Get ready for Gilmer Christian Learning Center's 19th annual Run for the Son 5K fundraiser. Registration starts Saturday morning at 7am, and the race starts at 8:15am. Come on out and run for this great cause!
May 3rd
Location: American Legion Post
Celebrate the Kentucky Derby weekend in style with an exciting celebration at American Legion Auxiliary! The party will include all kinds of fun activities like hat decorating, electronic horse races, a hat contest, and so much more! All the fun kicks off at 2pm!
May 3rd
Location: American Legion Post
Who's hungry!? The Ellijay American Legion is throwing a Pig Roast on Saturday, May 3rd from 2pm until every plate is served! For just $15 a plate, you can indulge in some mouthwatering roasted pig and enjoy a day full of delicious food, great company, and unforgettable memories.May 3rd-May 20th
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association
Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association offers classes year-round for artists looking to expand their skill set. This month you can learn to express yourself through stained glass, wood carving, and more! And check out more upcoming art classes at https://www.blueridgearts.net/adult-classes.html
May 3rd: April Showers Bring May Flowers Stained Glass
May 10th: Crafting Leather Bags and Accessories Workshop
May 17th: Monoprinting with A Gel Plate & Watercolors
May 17th: Artist in Residence Presents: Oil Painting Spring Florals and Landscapes
May 20th: Intro to Wood Carving Workshop
Live Music at Misty Mountain Hops
May 3rd-May 24th
Location: Misty Mountain Hops
Misty Mountain Hops is a music-centric restaurant and pub so it’s only fitting that they bring in live music. Stop by select Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm-9pm for great food and great live music from local artists!
May 3rd: Aslin
May 9th: Rose Brown
May 23rd: Andy Johnson
May 24th: Spencer Scott Smith
Live Music at Cartecay Vineyards
May 3rd-May 25th
Location: Cartecay Vineyards
Sip on delicious wine surrounded by the North Georgia Mountains! Enjoy live music select Saturdays & Sundays from 1:30pm-5:30pm. Listen to the music of local artists while enjoying your wine outside either on the Chimney Patio or the Tasting Barn’s covered porch. Live music, good wine, and beautiful mountain scenery; it doesn’t get much better than that!
May 3rd: Andrew Katter & The Good Part Food Truck
May 4th: Jerry Sorn & The Good Part Food Truck
May 10th: The Georgia Back Porch Band & The Good Part Food Truck
May 11th: RustedMelody & The Good Part Food Truck
May 17th: Gregg Erwin & The Good Part Food Truck
May 18th: Jorge Valenzuela & The Good Part Food Truck
May 24th: Gino Finelli & The Good Part Food Truck
May 25th: Chris Glover & The Good Part Food Truck
May 3rd-May 31st
Location: Paradise Hills
Visit the winery at the beautiful Paradise Hills hidden in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The tasting room offers Paradise Hills wine, a selection of craft beers, hard cider, and wine slushies as well as cheese and charcuterie boards, tapas, and shared platters. You can enjoy your drinks and snacks as you listen to local artists perform select Fridays 4pm – 8pm & Saturdays from 1pm – 5pm.
May 3rd: Dr. Paul
May 10th: Rail Town
May 17th: Tom Edwards
May 23rd: Jordan Denton
May 24th: Harry Lester
May 25th: Michelle Phillips
May 31st: Larry Lynch
Live Music at Buckley Vineyards
May 3rd-May 31st
Location: Buckley Vineyards
This beautiful creekside, Ellijay, mountain winery is the perfect place to spend an afternoon! Each of their charming wines are crafted and bottled with love, and ready to be enjoyed by all! So come on out to Buckley Vineyards on weekends for live music and a refreshing glass of wine.
May 3rd: PJ Powell
May 4th: Second Helping
May 10th: Connor Priest
May 11th: Kristen Tinsley
May 17th: Surrender Hill
May 24th: Man Bites Dog
May 24th: Excitable! (Def Leppard Tribute Band)
May 25th: Jadie & Gabe
May 31st: Cashe
Live Music at Roo Mountain Vineyards
May 3rd-May 31st
Location: Roo Mountain Vineyards
Roo Mountain Vineyards always has so much to offer! With stunning views of the rolling Blue Ridge foothills, comfort & luxury throughout the vineyard, and a large selection of wines & hard ciders created from experienced wine makers; you simply won’t be able to get enough! On weekends, you can catch live music from local area artists from the terrace or their rooftop garden. So, sit back with a glass of wine, enjoy some music, and take in the view!
May 3rd: Craig McGriff
May 9th: Poured for a Purpose: Habitat at Roo Mountain Vineyards, a Fundraising Event
May 10th: Dawn Loves Nash
May 17th: Vanae and the Vybbe
May 24th: TBD
May 31st: TBD
Live Music at Chateau Meichtry
May 3rd-May 31st
Location: Chateau Meichtry
Come sip on wine by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at Chateau Meichtry. This beautiful winery located in Talking Rock, GA has both outdoor & indoor seating options, so you can enjoy the atmosphere of the winery no matter the weather. On Saturdays & Sundays you can sip on your favorite glass of wine while you enjoy live music from local artists from 1:30pm-5:30pm. And there’s food trucks on the weekends as well!
May 3rd: Brett Cantrell & The Smash Hit Burger Food Truck
May 4th: Halem Albright & The Cheezed & Confuzed Food Truck
May 10th: Nick Austin & The Off Road Food Truck
May 11th: Surrender Hill & The Fry Baby Food Truck
May 17th: Man Bites Dog & The Voodoo Daddy's Food Truck
May 18th: Joy Hice & The Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck
May 24th: Rusted Melody & The Smash Hit Burger Food Truck
May 25th: Nick Austin & The Voodoo Daddy's Food Truck
May 26th: Justin McCullough & The Cheezed & Confuzed Food Truck
May 31st: Corey Estes & The Chef in a Box Food Truck
May 3rd-May 31st
Location: Crane Creek Vineyards
Learn all about the wine making process with this behind-the-scenes experience! Take a tour of the beautiful Crane Creek Vineyards and experience what goes into making a bottle of Crane Creek wine! You can take a Winery Tour on Saturdays at 2pm, March-November. The cost is $40 per person.
Folk Collaborative Classes & Workshops
May 4th-May 18th
Location: The Folk Collaborative
The Folk Collaborative is dedicated to keeping the art of Appalachian culture alive and well. Through their monthly classes, you too can learn the history and culture of the Appalachian people. This year the classes at the Folk Collaborative will revolve around the concept of cottagecore and classic Appalachian craft & culture. See this month’s lineup of crafting and workshop classes below:
May 4th: Infused Oil & Salves
May 18th: Jams & Jelly
May 5th
Location: Angry Hops Brewing
Beer and tacos are the perfect combo! Celebrate Cinco De Mayo at Angry Hops Brewing’s Cinco De Mayo Potluck Party! Enjoy the taco bar and Angry Hops beer from 2pm-7pm. It’s going to be a great time!
May 5th-May 26th
Location: Tooney’s Music Venue
Have you ever wanted to learn how to line dance? Well now’s your chance! Tooney’s now offers free, weekly line dancing classes Monday nights! The class is open to people of all ages and dance experience! Doors open at 6pm and classes start at 7pm. Come on down and show us what you can do!
Top of Georgia Plein Air Festival
May 8th-May 10th
Location: The Hamilton Gardens
Admire art in the beautiful Hamilton Gardens with the return of the Top of Georgia Plein Air Festival! This 3-day painting event will see artists competing for $2,000+ worth of prize money. Visitors are invited to watch these talented artists at work, do some shopping, and admire the artists’ galleries on display. Admission is free to spectators!
2025 Ellijay Songwriters Festival
May 8th-May 11th
Location: Ellijay Concert Venues
This is a 3-day musical event where premier Nashville and Georgia songwriters and bands will perform at some of Ellijay’s best wineries, breweries, restaurants, and music venues. And over 60 of these incredible performances are FREE! Not only will guests enjoy a great weekend of music, but they'll also have the 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. You won't want to miss it!
May 8th-May 25th
Location: Blue Ridge Community Theater
The show follows Abby and Marilyn who are paired together at Bristol Place Senior Living. A seemingly harmless bet between the old women quickly escalates into a dangerous game of one-upmanship that reveals not just the tenacity of these worthy opponents, but also deeper truths that each would rather remain hidden. Shows are Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. The show runs May 8th-25th. Please call the box office at 706-632-9191 for tickets.
Acoustic Sunsets At Hamilton Gardens
May 8th-May 29th
Location: Hamilton Gardens
Head to the beautiful Hamilton Gardens in Hiawassee GA Thursday nights for their Acoustic Sunsets Concert Series. The event takes place every Thursday night through May 29th from 5pm-9pm and will include food trucks, a wine bar and live music. Bring your lawn chairs or picnic blankets and come on out for an evening of fun!
WEC Annual Yard Sale and BBQ Fundraiser
May 9th-May 10th
Location: Union County Farmers Market
Yard sale and bbq? Count us in! Come on out for WEC's Annual Yard Sale and BBQ Fundraiser at the Union County Farmers Market. There will be clothing, home decor, furniture and more for sale as well as $12 bbq plates with all the fixins. The event runs Friday and Saturday 8am-3pm.
May 10th
Location: Vogel State Park
Learn about the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps, a New Deal program of the administration of President Franklin Roosevelt at Vogel State Park! You'll be guided through the museum where you’ll learn all about the history of the New Deal; light snacks & beverages will be available as well. $5 Daily Georgia State Park Pass or Georgia State Park Annual Park Pass required.
Hiawassee Highlands Wine Festival
May 10th
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Explore the beautiful Hamilton Gardens and drink wine all day long at the Hiawassee Highlands Wine Festival at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds! There will be live music, arts & craft vendors, live music, food, garden tours, and 30+ wineries in attendance at this awesome event! Tickets are $40 a person online or $45 at the gate.
May 10th
Location: Noontootla Creek Farms
Find your inner peace creekside with a 75-min vinyasa flow yoga class at Noontootla Creek Farms! Bring your mat and equipment or call ahead to borrow theirs! Light snacks and drinks will be served after. Class is $25 per person.
May 10th
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Gary Allan will be performing at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds on May 10th at 7pm! Country music star, Gary Allan has made a name for himself with hit songs like “Right Where I Need to Be”, “It Ain’t the Whiskey”, and “Smoke Rings in the Dark”. You won’t want to miss this night of great music! Tickets are $50+ handling.
Georgia Mountain Classics Annual Car Show
May 10th
Location: Downtown Blue Ridge
The classic car show is back in Downtown Blue Ridge! Drop by May 10th from 9am-4pm for classic cars, concessions, and vendors. Interested in submitting your own car? Register on their website and receive a goodie bag for participating.
Mother’s Day Brunch at the Tavern
May 11th
Location: Old Toccoa Farm
Celebrate mom with a delicious Mother’s Day Brunch at The Tavern at Old Toccoa Farm from 10am – 3pm on Mother’s Day. There will be a carving station, omelet station, a flapjack station, and a wide variety of buffet options to enjoy!
May 11th
Location: Copperhill Brewery- Ducktown
Celebrate mom with a paint and sip day at Copperhill Brewery’s Ducktown location. Whether you're celebrating with your mom, your kids, or just looking for a creative way to spend the day – Copperhill Brewery will help you create a one of a kind work of art. Cost is $45 per canvas.
North Georgia Veterans Classic Golf Tournament
May 13th
Location: Old Toccoa Farm
Help raise awareness and support for the North Georgia Veteran’s Assistance Foundation at this charity golf tournament. Come play some golf and help out a great cause!
Georgia Mountain Fire & Smoke Cooking Festival
May 16th-May 17th
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Come on out to the Fairgrounds and experience this culinary feast! There will be over 100 chefs in attendance cooking up a storm on top-of-the-line grills/griddles/smokers and offering generous samples of their creations. And the night before you can meet the chefs and talk all things cooking at the Meet & Greet Celebration! Mark your calendars and get your taste buds ready for this one-of-a-kind event!
May 17th
Location: Union County Farmers Market
Enjoy this wonderful art market at Union County Farmers Market on Saturday from 9am-3pm. Local and regional artists will be offering candles, jewelry, artisan soaps, and so much more. It's a great opportunity to find something new for your home and meet talented artists as well. Admission is free!
The Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival
May 17th-May 18th
Location: Historic Downtown Square, Adjacent Hancock Park
The Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival combines jazz, art, and wine into one amazing event! On both Saturday & Sunday in Downtown Dahlonega there will be a Wine & Beer Garden featuring fine local wines & craft brews, arts & crafts, and exciting jazz performances. Tickets for wine & beer can be purchased in the Wine & Beer Garden the day of the event.
May 17th-May 18th
Location: Project Chimps
Get the chance to go behind the scenes at Project Chimps! You’ll take a 60 minute guided tour of the chimp sanctuary where you’ll likely spot some of the chimps! There will also be food vendors onsite and a space to enjoy a picnic lunch by the lovely koi pond. Come on out and learn more about these fascinating creatures!
Gilmer Co. Saddle Club Memorial Day Rodeo
May 23rd-May 25th
Location: 1727 South Main Street, Ellijay, Ga 30540
Rodeo fun is coming to Ellijay with the Gilmer Co. Saddle Club Memorial Day Rodeo! The rodeo will include exciting events like bull riding, barrel racing, mutton bustin', roping, and so much more! And on top of the rodeo events there will also be food vendors, bounce houses, and a kids calf scramble! This rodeo is fun for the whole family, you won't want to miss it!
May 24th
Location: Cress Creeks Farm
Enjoy a delicious 5 course meal alfresco under the twinkling lights suspended from Cress Creek’s old walnut tree. There will also be live music to enjoy while you feast on a 5-course tasting menu that includes farm and locally sourced ingredients prepared by local Chef Tram from Ellijay. Wine will also be available for purchase.
May 24th
Location: Blairsville, GA
Honor those who have fallen in service to the United States Military during a special military service at Blairsville’s Annual Memorial Day Parade. The parade starts at 10:30am in Downtown Blairsville.
May 24th
Location: Buck Bald Brewing
Come out to Buck Bald Brewing to support a great cause and enjoy some delicious brews! There will be 12 B3 brews on tap, live music from Daisy Chain, a 50/50 raffle, a live auction, and all proceeds will go towards the Humane Society of Blue Ridge. Drop by from 12pm-4pm.
49th Annual Spring Arts in the Park
May 24th-May 25th
Location: Blue Ridge Downtown City Park
The Spring Arts in the Park is back for it’s 49th year in a row! Shop artworks from over 175 juried fine artists! There will also be food vendors and artist demos all weekend long. Admission is $5 for adults and children 12 & under are free! All proceeds go towards the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association.
May 24th-May 25th
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Celebrate the long weekend by watching bucking broncos & bulls at the annual Hiawassee Pro Rodeo! See some of the world’s best contestants from the U.S. and Canada as well as some amazing specialty acts! The whole family will love it! Tickets are $25 for adults and children 5 & under are free!
Spring Arts, Crafts, and Music Festival
May 24th-May 25th
Location: Downtown Blairsville
This fun annual event takes place annually in Downtown Blairsville and this year’s event will be held Memorial Day weekend! There will be a parade Saturday at 10am and both days will have lots of crafters & live music! The Spring Arts, Crafts & Music Festival is free to attend!
May 30th
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Don’t miss rock legends Night Ranger at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds! You know them from their classic rock songs like “Sister Christian,” “(You Can Still) Rock In America,” “Don't Tell Me You Love Me”, and many more. And joining Night Ranger will be special guest, She's a Machine. Tickets are $45+ handling.
North Georgia Highlands Seafood Festival
May 30th-May 31st
Location: Mayors Park, Young Harris
Come enjoy premium seafood in North Georgia at the North Georgia Highland Seafood Festival in Young Harris! There will be music, arts & crafts, a beer & wine garden, and plenty of delicious seafood. Admission is $5 a person.
Forever Abbey Road-Live Music Is Better Series
May 31st
Location: Blue Ridge Community Theater
Celebrate the Beatles and their beloved music with a performance from Forever Abbey Road, a Beatles tribute band of successful Nashville musicians who demonstrate what the Beatles might sound like if they were around today, with current technology and modern rock energy. Don’t miss this night of music at Blue Ridge Community Theater for their Live Music is Better series! Forever Abbey Road will take the stage at 7pm on May 31st and tickets are $45 for this awesome show!
