Lumpkin County: Dahlonega, GA
8/21/2010 - Georgia's BluesFest
Location:  R-Ranch in the Mountains, on US Highway 19N, just North of Dahlonega, GA
When: Saturday August 21st
Description: BBQ, Blues, and Bikes are what make up this festival. Come join us in Dahlonega, GA for a great day of BBQ and bluegrass music. The BluesFest will be presenting a ‘Poker Run’ the morning of the show and raffling off a NEW 2010 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle.  100% of the profits from the ‘Poker Run’ and the raffle will be presented to The American Cancer Society in honor of Hiram C. Bosage
Contact: For more information contact  Brian Bosarge at  brian@georgiabluesfest.com.

8/21/2010 - Fool's Gold Mountain Bike Race & Festival
Location: Dahlonega, GA
When: Saturday August 21st
Contact: For more information and registration go to http://www.55nine.com/100.html .

10/16/2010 - 10/17/2010 - Gold Rush Days
Location: Dahlonega Town Square & Historic District, Downtown Square, Dahlonega, GA 30533
When: Saturday October 16th through Sunday October 17th from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Description: See fall colors peaking and celebrate Dahlonega's 1828 discovery of gold. Over 300 arts and crafts exhibitors gather around the Public Square and Historic District in support of this annual event. Included in the two day event are a parade, children's activities, a fashion show, gold panning contest, wheelbarrow race, King and Queen Coronation, hog calling, buck dancing contest, gospel singing and other live entertainment, wrist wrestling, and some delicious foods.....
Contact: For more information call  706-864-3711.

11/6/2010 - 11/7/2010 - Hemlockfest
Loaction: 326 Starbridge Rd., Murrayville, GA 30564
When: Satureday November 6th and Sunday November 7th starting at 10:00 AM
Description: It's an annual bluegrass, blues, and rock music festival held to benefit efforts to save the Hemlock trees of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are threatened by the wooly adelgid. Visitors can come for a day or camp out for the weekend at the beautiful Starbridge Retreat, a 40-acre site near Dahlonega. There is also arts and crafts vendors, demonstrations and exhibits on nature and rustic living, food and beverages, and unique performances by fire dancers, puppet artists, and other entertainers. 100% of the proceeds of Hemlockfest go toward efforts to preserve the Hemlock trees.
Cost: $15-$25
Contact: For more information on Hemlockfest call 706-265-5282. 

Rabun County: Clayton & Dillard GA
8/6/2010 - 8/7/2010 - Georgia State Championship Barbeque Cookoff  Sanctioned by the KCBS (Kansas City Barbque Society)
Location: Dilliard,GA
Costs: 1 day pass - $10 per person, 2 day pass - $15.00 per person, Children 12 and younger - FREE
Description: The Dillard Barbecue and Bluegrass Festival started in 1997 and has grown to what it is today through the hard work, dedication, and efforts of many volunteers and BBQ enthusiasts from around the country. Each year people come from across the nation to compete in this once a year event, and to listen to real Bluegrass music played by numerous bands from all over, and to savor the mouth watering smells and sights of smoking meats of all kinds. There are always lots to do and things to see for the whole family at this wonderful event. The cooking rigs are a sight to behold, and the vendors serving the many foods and delicasies are some of the best in the world. Make plans to take your vacation in August next year and spend a few days in the north Georgia mountains. There is nothing like it anywhere in the USA. Your kids will love it and once you have been here you will make it a yearly tradition to come back like so many other people do.
Contact: Jane Tomlin  (Festival Chairman) 706-746-2690 Dilliard,GA 1 day pass - $10 per person, 2 day pass - $15.00 per person, Children 12 and younger - FREE

10/2/2010 - Foxfire/Mountaineer Festival
When: Saturday October 2nd from 10:00 AM till 4:00 PM.
Saturday October 2nd from 10:00 AM till 4:00 PM.
Description: More information to follow.
Contact: For more information call the Raburn Chamber of Commerce at 706-782-4812.


Towns County: Hiawassee & Young Harris, GA
7/21/2010 - 7/31/2010 - 60th Annual Georgia Mountain Fair
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hwy 76 W, Hiawassee, GA 30546
When: Wednesday July 21st through Sunday July 31st time(TBA)
Description: Enjoy first class musical performances, fun carnival rides, unique attractions and a glimpse into North Georgia’s rich history and culture, the Fair provides something for every member of the family. The Georgia Mountain Fair, is known as Georgia’s most “Unique Fair”. Those who visit the Fair will enjoy a flower show, Country Music, an Exhibit Hall, arts & crafts, and carnival rides. The pioneer village, a replica of just how the Ole Mountain towns used to be, it has demonstrations that will take you back in time such as soap and hominy making, moonshine, quilting, blacksmith shop and more.
Costs: $10 admission and $2 parking fee
Contact: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 706-896-4191

8/12/2010 - 8/14/2010 - 2nd Annual Georgia Mountain Cruiz-In
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hwy 76 W, Hiawassee, GA 30546
When: Thursday August 12th through Saturday August 14th
Contact: For more information call the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds at 706-896-4191.

8/21/2010 - Annual Tomato Festival at Crane Creek Vineyard
Location: Crane Creek Vineyard, Young Harris, GA
When: Saturday August 21st Time(TBA)
Costs: Tickets sold at the door:adults $20, ages 13-20 $10, children under 12 free
Description:  Celebrate the fruit of the other vine with your friends and family at Crane Creek Vineyards! Local restaurants and food vendors will be out giving away samples of their cuisine. Chef David and his Culinary Team will be preparing lunch for everyone with all things tomato. This is a great day of food and wine! Ticket price includes wine tasting, souvenir wine glass, lunch and admission to all of the activities. 
Contact: For more information call 706-379-1236 or go to www.cranecreekvineyards.com.

8/28/2010 - Diamond Rio
Location: Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734
When: Saturday August 28th
Costs: Tickets range from $25 to $35.
Contact: For more information call 866-273-4615.

10/3/2010 - 10th Annual Fundraiser "Puttin' on the Dog"
Location: Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris, GA
When: Sunday October 3rd
Description: Come join us at Crane Creek Vineyards  for wine tastings, music,  silent and live auctions to benefit a great cause,the Humane Society's Mountain Shelter.
Contact: For more information call 706-379-1236 or go to www.cranecreekvineyards.com.

10/8/2010 - 10/16/2010 - Georgia Mountain Fall Festival
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hwy 76 W, Hiawassee, GA 30546
When: Friday October 8th through Sunday October 16th time(TBA)
Description: With its mild temperatures and beautiful scenery there is no better place to be than the North Georgia Mountains in the fall. This event features exciting musical performances, educational demonstrations, a flower show and the ever-popular Georgia’s Official State Fiddlers' Convention. Music daily in The Anderson Music Hall, Flower Show, Arts and Crafts, Exhibit Hall. Demonstrations will take you back to the Old Ways’ as local folks show how Moonshine was made,along with Quilting, Soap and Hominy making, Blacksmith Shop and more. The Pioneer Village, is a replica of an era gone by.
Costs: $10 admission and $2 parking fee
Contact: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 706-896-4191

10/23/2010 - Annual Harvest Festival
Location: Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris, GA
When: Saturday October 23rd from 11:00 AM till 6:00 PM
Description: Come celebrate our Annual Harvest Festival at Crane Creek Vineyards.There is something here for everyone. Events include hayrides, grape stomping, tours of the winery, and even a kids tent. Your ticket price includes wine tasting, souvenir wine glass, lunch and admission to all of the activities.
Costs: Tickets will be sold at the door: adults $20, ages 13-20 $10, children under 12 free.
Contact: For more information call 706-379-1236.

12/21/2010 - Annual Winter Solstice Celebration
Location: Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris, GA
When: Tuesday December 21st from 6:00 PM till 8:00 PM
Description:Come celebrate the longest night of the year at Crane Creek.
Contact: For more information call 706-379-1236.


Union County: Blairsville, GA
7/24/2010 - 7/25/2010 - 12th Annual Butternut Creek Festival
Location: Meeks Park, 11 Pool Lane, Blairsville, GA. on the South side of Hwy 76/515, just 0.7 miles west of the Hwy 19/129 traffic light.
Hours: July 24 & 25  from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Contact: High Country Artisans, Inc., P.O. Box 422, Blairsville, GA. 
Costs: FREE Admission &  Parking with shuttle service available from the parking areas to the Festival location. 
Description: Arts & Fine Crafts Show, 65-70 of the finest artists and craftsmen will be offering Woodwork, Fabric Art, Stained Glass, Jewelry, Pottery, and more. Live Demonstrations & Entertainment, Good Food & Fun!  Sponsored by the High Country Artisans, Inc.

7/31/2010 - Georgia Green Bean Festival
Location: Downtown Blairsville "On the Square" 1 Town Square, Blairsville, GA. 
Hours: Saturday, July 31 9:00 AM -5:00 PM
Contact: Janet Hartman 706-994-4837
Description: Downtown Blairsville comes alive for the 1^st Annual Georgia Green Bean Festival. Learn everything there is to know about Green Beans, a staple in the North Georgia Mountains.Watch the Green Bean Pizza Eating Contest and see displays and demonstrations at the Mountain Life Museum just off Town Square.  Food and Crafts Vendors, Demonstrations. Quilt Show & Quilting Circle, Entertainment, Tractor Show, and a Farmer’s Market all on the Square in Downtown Blairsville.

9/4/2010 - 9/5/2010 - Mountain Heritage Festival
Location:  Mountain Life Center, Cleveland St., Blairsville, GA 30512
When: Saturday September 4th through Sunday September 5th from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Description: Celebrating the rich Appalachian history and culture, the open-air market features: local handicrafts including handmade brooms, candles, soaps, wood carvings, pottery, honey and garden products. Performances by bluegrass musicians, gospel groups, and cloggers. Sample campfire cooking at the Civil War Camp. Native American demonstrations. "Old-ways" games and craft demonstrations of rail/shingle splitting, spinning, quilting.
Cost: FREE
Contact: For more information call 706-745-5493.


White County: Helen & Cleveland, GA
9/9/2010 - 9/19/2010 & 9/23/2010 - 10/31/2010 - Ocktoberfest
Location: Helen Festhalle 1074 Edelweiss Strass, Helen ,GA 30545
When: Thursday September 9th - Sunday September 19th (Open Thursday through Sunday only). Then from Thursday September 23rd - Sunday October 31st  (Open Everyday).
Costs: admission Monday - Friday $7.00,Saturday $8.00, and Sunday FREE....
Description: The Helen Ocktoberfest is the longest running in theUnited States. Come for the beer, brats, and bands this Ocktoberfest  has it all. It is held at the Helen Festhalle. This place has rows of tables set up so you will be able to eat, drink, and seat back and watch all of the festivities.
Conatct: For more information contact the White County Chamber of Commmerce.

10/23/2010 - Hillbilly Hog BBQ Throwdown & 3rd Annual Fall Leaf Festival
Location: Downtown  Cleveland, GA
When: Saturday October 23rd from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Description:Events feature a  Backyard BBQ Challenge, Live Country Music, Agri-Fest & Country Market, Motorcycle Poker Run, Arts & Crafts on the Square,and a Kids Area.
Conatct: For more information on this event contact the White County Chamber of Commmerce.

11/6/2010 - 11/7/2010 - Hemlockfest
Loaction: 326 Starbridge Rd., Murrayville, GA 30564
When: Satureday November 6th and Sunday November 7th starting at 10:00 AM
Description: It's an annual bluegrass, blues, and rock music festival held to benefit efforts to save the Hemlock trees of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are threatened by the wooly adelgid. Visitors can come for a day or camp out for the weekend at the beautiful Starbridge Retreat, a 40-acre site near Dahlonega. There is also arts and crafts vendors, demonstrations and exhibits on nature and rustic living, food and beverages, and unique performances by fire dancers, puppet artists, and other entertainers. 100% of the proceeds of Hemlockfest go toward efforts to preserve the Hemlock trees.
Cost: $15-$25
Contact: For more information on Hemlockfest call 706-265-5282.