Events
Festivals, markets, live music, and community happenings across Northeast Georgia
Gold Rush Days Festival
Dahlonega's largest festival of the year, held the third full weekend in October, celebrating the 1828 gold discovery with over 300 craft and food vendors, parades, and live music. Runs October 17-18, 2026.
Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration
A month-long holiday festival beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving featuring thousands of lights, carriage rides, caroling, and festive markets throughout historic downtown. Runs November 27 through December 31, 2026.
Christmas in the Mountains Festival & Lighted Parade
White County's biggest holiday gathering features craft and gift vendors on the courthouse square from noon to 7 PM, followed by a dazzling lighted Christmas parade through downtown Cleveland at 6 PM.
Bear on the Square Mountain Festival
An authentic heritage festival held the third full weekend of April celebrating Southern Appalachian culture with traditional old-time and bluegrass music, storytelling, juried folk art, and a street dance. Runs April 17-18, 2027.
Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival
A premier annual May event featuring high-end juried fine artists, local regional wine and craft beer tastings, and live jazz performances. Marks the start of summer in the North Georgia mountains. Runs May 15-16, 2027.
4th of July Family Celebration
An all-day Independence Day celebration featuring a 5K race, patriotic downtown parade, open markets, and a spectacular evening fireworks show over the University of North Georgia drill field.
R-Ranch Rodeo (Mountain Top Rodeo)
An action-packed annual mid-summer rodeo at R-Ranch in the Mountains featuring professional bull riding, barrel racing, bronc riding, and family western entertainment. Runs July 16-17, 2027.
Gold Rush Days Festival
Dahlonega's largest festival of the year, held the third full weekend in October, celebrating the 1828 gold discovery with over 300 craft and food vendors, parades, and live music. Runs October 17-18, 2026.
Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration
A month-long holiday festival beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving featuring thousands of lights, carriage rides, caroling, and festive markets throughout historic downtown. Runs November 27 through December 31, 2026.
Christmas in the Mountains Festival & Lighted Parade
White County's biggest holiday gathering features craft and gift vendors on the courthouse square from noon to 7 PM, followed by a dazzling lighted Christmas parade through downtown Cleveland at 6 PM.
Bear on the Square Mountain Festival
An authentic heritage festival held the third full weekend of April celebrating Southern Appalachian culture with traditional old-time and bluegrass music, storytelling, juried folk art, and a street dance. Runs April 17-18, 2027.
Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival
A premier annual May event featuring high-end juried fine artists, local regional wine and craft beer tastings, and live jazz performances. Marks the start of summer in the North Georgia mountains. Runs May 15-16, 2027.
4th of July Family Celebration
An all-day Independence Day celebration featuring a 5K race, patriotic downtown parade, open markets, and a spectacular evening fireworks show over the University of North Georgia drill field.
R-Ranch Rodeo (Mountain Top Rodeo)
An action-packed annual mid-summer rodeo at R-Ranch in the Mountains featuring professional bull riding, barrel racing, bronc riding, and family western entertainment. Runs July 16-17, 2027.