Festivals and Fall Fun await at Lake Chatuge

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Fall Festival
Friday, September 24 – Saturday, September 25
8 a.m. - 4 p.m., both days
Admission is free
Location: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church; Blairsville, Georgia

Enjoy a weekend of fun, fellowship and community at St. Francis of Assisi’s annual fall festival. Returning this September, guests can sample a variety of local sweets and foods, participate in raffles and silent auctions or stroll through artisan and craft vendors. It is a great time to connect with others and experience a locally loved fall favorite of our area.   

First Friday Art & Artisan Market
Friday, October 1
5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Admission is free
Location: Downtown Hiawassee Square; Hiawassee, Georgia

Perfect for the whole family, the First Friday Market in downtown Hiawassee will see the town’s charming square lined with a variety of vendors selling everything from unique crafts to fresh produce. Live music will accent the event, with groovy tunes provided by local artist Caleb Garrett. Food trucks and games will also be available. This will be the last First Friday of the year, and is one you and your family certainly won’t want to miss!

Georgia Mountain Fair Fall Festival
Friday, October 8 – Saturday, October 16
Admission is $12
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

In just a few short weeks, the Georgia Mountain Fall Festival will return to fill our mountainsides with the sweet sounds of folk and bluegrass music, the tantalizing smells of Southern food and more, all while offering glittering views of our impressive lakeside. For nine days, this Lake Chatuge tradition will entertain family and friends alike with arts and crafts vendors, educational demonstrations and a groovy lineup of musical acts. This year, you’ll also be treated to world class performances by the Nerveless Nocks. Hold your breath and watch in amazement as this fearless stunt team performs death-defying aerial acts. The Fall Festival is also introducing the Cowboy Circus to this year’s lineup. Learn all the basics of rodeo from a true cowboy as he shows you how to wrangle your own decorative steer and performs a few fun stunts of his own. Whether you come for just a day or decide to stay awhile, you’re sure to make memories that will last a lifetime 

Blue Ridge Mountains Art Association’s Fall Arts in the Park
Sunday, October 9 - Monday, October 10
Admission is $5 per day for adults, free for children ages 12 and under
Location: Downtown City Park; Blue Ridge, Georgia

If you’re looking for that next art piece that’s sure to make you the envy of all your friends, you can’t miss Fall Arts in the Park, the Blue Ridge Mountains Art Association’s staple seasonal event celebrating local craft makers, weavers, painters and more. Known for having deep roots in arts and culture, Blue Ridge’s beautiful Downtown City Park will be dotted with more than 170 juried fine arts and fine crafts exhibitors, offering one of a kind, handmade treasures that are sure to be conversation starters in your own home. A select number of these skilled creators will also be offering live art demonstrations, giving you a unique opportunity to see the creative process at work. Food and music will be available. Planning ahead is advised as this event regularly draws in art lovers from across the country.

Appalachian Brew, Que & Stew
Saturday, October 23
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Festival admission is $35 in advance, $40 at the gate
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

Hop into the spirit of Lake Chatuge at Appalachian Brew, Que & Stew, a day-long, Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds staple that taps into the best craft brewing from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Alabama. 40 craft breweries will set up and pour a selection of their best craft beers, while local restaurants provide plenty of finger-lickin’ good ‘que. Americana and Appalachian music will highlight the afternoon of fun, and regional arts and crafts vendors will sell unique goods. Guests will be able to sample beer to their heart's content, and receive a souvenir glass to commemorate the day!