Annual Events in and Near Helen, GA

January

Hogpen Hill Climb: Start the year off right by participating in the Hogpen Hill Climb one of the “toughest races in North America.”

February

Fireside Arts & Craft Show: This indoor event takes place at the Unicoi State Park & Lodge Conference Center. Visitors can browse handmade crafts from local artisans.

March

St. Patrick’s Day Parade: This parade takes place in downtown Helen and features floats, dancers, and bagpipers.
Wine Highway Weekend: Visit the best wineries in North Georgia every month during Wine Highway Weekend.

April

Bear on the Square Mountain Festival: This festival takes place in Dahlonega, about 30 minutes from Helen. Visitors can enjoy live music, arts and crafts vendors, and a juried art show.
Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival: This festival takes place at the Union County Schools Fine Arts Center in Blairsville. Visitors can listen to professional storytellers from around the country.

May

Helen Trout Tournament: This tournament takes place on the Chattahoochee River in downtown Helen. Visitors can compete for prizes by catching tagged trout.
Georgia Apple Blossom Festival: This festival takes place in nearby Ellijay. Visitors can enjoy arts and crafts vendors, live music, and apple-themed treats.
Mountain Laurel Festival: This festival brings music, arts and crafts, local vendors, and garden displays to the North Georgia Mountains the third Saturday in May each year to celebrate the arrival of a new season!

June

Blairsville Scottish Festival & Highland Games: This festival takes place at Meeks Park in Blairsville. Visitors can watch traditional Scottish games like caber tossing and hammer throwing.
Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race: Join us in Helen, GA for the South’s oldest balloon event and the United States’ only long-distance hot air balloon race!

July

Fourth of July Fireworks: The town of Helen puts on this grand fireworks display over the Chattahoochee River.
Butternut Creek Festival: This festival takes place at Meeks Park in Blairsville. Visitors can browse handmade crafts from local artisans.

August

Georgia Mountain Fair: This fair takes place at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in nearby Hiawassee. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, live music concerts, and agricultural exhibits.

September

Oktoberfest: The biggest event of the year! Oktoberfest runs from mid-September through October 31st, with German food vendors serving up bratwursts and beer while visitors dance to polka music under large tents set up throughout town.

October

Gold Rush Days Festival: This festival is held annually on the third weekend of October which includes parades,arts&crafts, food booths, and a gold panning contest.

November

Christmas Market: This market is held annually during Thanksgiving weekend, where visitors get to experience Christmas shopping with unique gifts, decorations, and much more.

December

Christmas Parade: This parade is held annually on the second Saturday of December, where visitors get to experience the holiday spirit with floats, bands, and Santa Claus.