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Blue Ridge Turkey Trot ~ 5k Marathon
Starts: 11/28/2024 - Ends: 11/28/2024
The race is for all abilities, from walkers to the serious competitor. We are one of the biggest races in our surrounding area with over 700 runners, walkers, and fans joining in the Thanksgiving fun! Don't worry, you will be home in time to put the turkey in the oven! Now, let's get trotting! Thursday, November 28, 2024; Registration Opens at 7 a.m.; Race Begins Promptly at 8 a.m.
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Light Up Blue Ridge & Christmas Parade
Starts: 11/29/2024 - Ends: 11/30/2024
Step into the enchanting world of Light Up Blue Ridge, an annual Thanksgiving Weekend event where the town comes alive with free activities, live entertainment, a parade and tree lighting!
Festivities begin with Blue Friday on November 29th and culminate with the lighting of the Great Tree on Saturday the 30th. Get your holiday shopping done early while supporting small businesses. During Blue Friday, shoppers can enjoy store discounts, live entertainment, and food vendors in Downtown Blue Ridge.
Top Light Up Blue Ridge Activities:
Meet Santa!
Santa has arrived in town and he's spreading holiday cheer! Bring your little ones to the City Park Gazebo so they can meet Santa and pose for a photo. Don't miss the chance to capture a magical moment with the beloved, jolly old man.
Explore the Gingerbread Village!
Stroll through The Arts Center to explore the enchanted Gingerbread Village and admire 65 impressive gingerbread creations created by members of the community. Before you leave be sure to vote for your favorite gingerbread house and check out the Holiday Show & Sale to shop for unique, handmade holiday gifts.
Leave a Letter in Santa's Mailbox!
Make a stop at Santa's Mailbox, where children can write a letter to Santa and, in return, receive a pen keepsake and a handwritten reply in the mail a few days later.
Enjoy Live Entertainment!
Listen, dance and sing along to your favorite Christmas songs performed by a variety of local musicians throughout the event.
Blue Friday 11/29 Schedule of Events:
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Live Music on the Main Stage at West Main St:12:00 pm - 2:00 pm: The Celtic Company
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Justin Farrington
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm: North Georgia Symphony String Quartet
12:00 pm - 4:15 pm: Photos with Santa in the City Gazebo12:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Strolling Live Carolers on East Main St.
Light Up Blue Ridge Saturday 11/30 Schedule of Events:
11:00 am - 5:00 pm: Live Music on the Main Stage on West Main St.11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Tuba Christmas
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Tri-State Community Band
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Ray LaBean
2:45 pm - 3:15 pm: Swing Set
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Strolling Live Carolers on East Main St.12:00 pm - 4:15 pm: Photos with Santa in the City Gazebo5:30 pm: Christmas Parade begins at the corner of Church St. and East Main St.7:00 pm: Lighting of the Great Tree
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Blue Friday in Blue Ridge Georgia
Starts: 11/29/2024 - Ends: 11/29/2024
Blue Friday day will include downtown merchants' store discounts, Christmas holiday cheer, food vendors, and strolling entertainment.
Blue Friday Schedule of Events at the Main Stage
To Be Announced....
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Light Up McCaysville: Tree Lighting!
Starts: 11/29/2024 - Ends: 11/29/2024
Light up the season on the river with family & friends! Shop, Dine, and Unwind into the Holidays. Visit Santa in the Riverwalk Shops. Light-up festivities will begin at 5 p.m., and the tree lighting is at sunset.
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8th Annual Blue Ridge Trout AND Outdoor Adventures Festival
Starts: 04/26/2025 - Ends: 04/26/2025
SAVE THE DATE; APRIL 26TH, 2025 FOR THE 8TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL - Below is information from the 2024 event. Check back for details as the event gets closer to 2025!
2024- 7th Annual Blue Ridge Trout AND Outdoor Adventures Festival in the downtown Blue Ridge City Park. 2024 Blue Ridge Trout and Outdoor Adventure Festival Poster Put on by the Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited Chapter. Cast - Paddle - Hike - Climb - Ride - Axe Throwing - Outdoor Art- Live Music - Craft Beer, Food, and more! More than a dozen local outfitters and guides can help you learn why fly fishing is a growing sport, especially among anglers in the Southern Appalachian Mountains who chase the rainbow, brown, and brook trout in the region's cold-water streams. Trout Fest Program Tents present expanded programs including mountain biking and kayaking. Professional fishing guides and outfitters share their fishing programs that tell our visitors what they need to know for a successful day of trout fishing in the Trout Capital of Georgia. Trout Fest Activity Zone opens up outdoor fun for our visitors with a climbing wall, a trout-fishing pond, long-saw crosscutting, axe throwing, gem mining, and more! NEW! Trout Fest '24 Tagged Trout Fishing Tournament - Fish the terrific Toccoa River from March 26 to April 25 and win gear, guide trips, cash, and more when you return a Trout Fest event tag from a trout stocked by TROUT FEST '24. Browse, admire, and shop a large selection of fine outdoor art produced by local and traveling artists who feature the resources of the Appalachian Mountains in both their materials and their visions. Trout Fest Food Court features new and returning food vendors, and our Beer/Wine Garden will include local craft beer from Grumpy Old Men Brewing a local favorite as well as hard cider from Mercier Orchards. Trout Fest Sound Stage 3-6 pm - Michelle Malone Band with Topper
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14th Annual Fire & Ice Chili Cook-Off & Craft Beer Festival
Starts: 02/15/2025 - Ends: 02/15/2025
SAVE THE DATE ...14th Annual Fire & Ice Chili Cook-Off and Craft Beer Festival, February 15th, 2025, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm—790 Block of East Main St & Downtown City Park. Mark your calendars for live music, ice sculptures, amazing chili, and craft beer! CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES!
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Discovery Days
Starts: 05/17/2025 - Ends: 05/18/2025
During Discovery Days, families will have the opportunity to see and learn about the former research chimpanzees living right here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Come early and stay after your tour to visit the Discovery Zone booths and explore our hiking trails! Food vendors will be onsite, and you are welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy by our scenic koi pond.
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November 2024 Events
Starts: 11/01/2024 - Ends: 11/30/2024
Check out the events planned for the month of November!
(PS...events are always subject to change)
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Thanksgiving Craft Kits
Starts: 11/21/2024 - Ends: 11/30/2024
Swing by the office and pick up a fun Thanksgiving craft to complete with your kids while camping!
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Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt
Starts: 11/21/2024 - Ends: 11/30/2024
Can you help us find all of the Thanksgiving items that are hidden around the park?!
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Sweet Treat Saturday...Create Your Own Hot Cocoa
Starts: 11/30/2024 - Ends: 11/30/2024
Create your own Hot Cocoa!
Held at the Camp Store
10AM - while supplies last
FREE - Care Camps Donations Appreciated
11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30
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The Gift of the Magi
Starts: 11/21/2024 - Ends: 12/15/2024
The Gift of the Magi
Nov 21st - Dec. 15th
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday - 7:30 pm
Sunday - 2 pm
ABOUT THE SHOW
Based on one of the most celebrated holiday stories of all time, The Gift of the Magi tells the story of newlyweds struggling to stay afloat. Jim, an Atlanta streetcar driver struggling to make ends meet during the Atlanta Transit Strike of 1950, especially when it comes to buying a perfect gift for his wife Della. What he doesn't know, however, is that Della is going to similar lengths to afford a gift for him. Christmas is just around the corner…and how the creative couple solves their situation is the subject of legend. Magi tells the story of love, sacrifice, and the blessings we often take for granted.Purchase Tickets
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Toy for Tots Drop-Off Location
Starts: 11/05/2024 - Ends: 12/12/2024
Bringing the joy of Christmas to children in need! We welcome all new toy donations to be brought and dropped off at the donation box inside our store/office. Donations will be accepted daily during normal business hours NOW through December 12th.
About Marine Toys for Tots:
Toys for Tots, a 77-year National charitable Program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides year-round joy, comfort, and hope to economically disadvantaged children across the Nation through the gift of a new toy or book. The impact of these toys and books offers economically disadvantaged children recognition, confidence, and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Because the need isn't just at Christmastime, the Toys for Tots Program also provides support year-round to families experiencing challenges and exceptional circumstances, thus fulfilling the hopes and dream of millions of children in need beyond the holidays. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.
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Blue Ridge on Ice ~ Ice Skating
Starts: 11/22/2024 - Ends: 01/05/2025
ENJOY ICE SKATING IN BLUE RIDGE THIS WINTERSKATE WITH US...
NOVEMBER 22, 2024 – JANUARY 5, 2025Located next to the Swan Drive-In at the
Blue Ridge Farmer's Market
787 East Summit Street, Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513
Call (762) 210-8999 with questions or to arrange for groups!12 years and under: $12; 13 years and up: $15; Active Military: $10
Concessions available for purchase:
Chicken Tenders, Burgers, Fries, Hot Dogs, deep-fried Oreos, Snacks, and Hot and Cold Beverages.
*Special catering for parties or group outings available
November Hours:
Nov. 22 - 4:30p to 10p (opening day)
Nov. 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 - 10a to 10p
Thanksgiving Day 12p -10p
Nov 29, 30 - 10a to 10p
December Hours:
Dec. 1 – 12p to10p
Dec. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 - 4:30p to 10p
Dec. 7 – 10a to 10p
Dec. 8 – 12p to 10p
Dec. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 – 4:30p to 10p
Dec. 14 – 10a to 10p
Dec. 15 – 12p to 10p
Dec. 16-20 – 4:30p to 10p
Dec. 21 – 10a to 10p
Dec. 22 – 12p to 10p
Dec. 23 – 10a to 10p
Christmas Eve – 10a to 6p
Christmas Day – 2p to 10p
Dec. 26, 27, 28 – 10a to 10p
Dec. 29 – 12p to 10p
Dec. 30 – 10a to 10p
New Year's Eve – 10a to 6p
January Hours:
New Year's Day – 12p to 10p
Jan. 2, 3, 4 – 10a to 10p
Jan. 5 – 12p to 10p
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Holiday Show & Sale ~ Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association
Starts: 11/16/2024 - Ends: 12/20/2024
Come shop for that perfect holiday gift, creative and unique, during this holiday retail exhibit. We will have a multitude of artistic and handcrafted items for sale, all made by our member artists. So whether it is jewelry, pottery, paintings, or anything in between, we have that unique gift for your holidays.
Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closed Monday
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Christmas Holiday Express Train
Starts: 11/29/2024 - Ends: 12/24/2024
Join us for a festive 1-hour train ride on our Holiday Express.Here, you will get to listen to holiday music and "The Night Before Christmas" story.Children will receive a Blue Ridge Scenic Railway jingle bell, candy cane, and a chance to see Santa Claus.You can enjoy delicious hot chocolate and other snacks available for purchase inside our concession car.
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Thanksgiving Dinner Open Table
Starts: 11/28/2024 - Ends: 11/28/2024
Save all the mess and hassle for another holiday, and let the Good Samaritans of Fannin County take care of Thanksgiving dinner for you.The Good Samaritans will host their annual Thanksgiving Open Table at Fannin County High School's cafeteria on Thanksgiving day from noon to 4 p.m. The dinner will include smoked turkey with all the fixin's. Take-out meals will also be available. The meal is free, but donations are appreciated in order to allow the Good Samaritans to continue their mission of "helping others in His name."The Good Samaritans of Fannin County is an inter-denominational association of churches serving those of Fannin County in need.Anyone interested in volunteering during the event, click here.
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The Great Ape Escape 5K-ish
Starts: 10/04/2025 - Ends: 10/04/2025
The Great Ape Escape 5K-ish Saturday, October 4, 2025 - 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.Event begins at 9:00 a.m. Join us for our 4th Annual Great Ape Escape 5K-ish! (Now in the fall!) Invite your friends and family (and dogs) to walk, run, or hike this fun off-road event! This is a rain or shine, non-refundable event. Run the 5kish or hike or be a cheerleader! Don't miss out on all the fun! It's not too late to sign up to participate in the?3rd Annual Great Ape Escape 5K-ish!?
Invite your friends and family to walk, run, or hike this fun off-road event! Cheer on your loved ones as they cross the finish line and go bananas with the rest of us!
Stay for the after-party, bring a picnic blanket or chairs, and stay for music, food, and laughter. Enjoy the scenic koi pond or play on the Chimp Challenge Course!Details
Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 - 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Check-in the day before 1-3 p.m. or day of 8:00-8:45 a.m.
Event begins at 9:00 a.m.
FREE/Fan
cheer on the participants at no cost, stay after and add on a tour!
FREE/K9
sign up your leashed four-legged friend at no cost
$35/Participant - Run, Walk, Hike, or Ish!
includes the medal, additional add-ons available
$40/Virtual-ish (Phantom Runner)
includes the medal and shipping of event packet
$199/VIP Participants:
Early arrival, upfront parking
Muffin & coffee during a Q&A with Chimp Staff
Access to indoor plumbing
Event swag
Includes the sanctuary tour
WHERE: Project Chimps Yellow Trail This is an off-road foot trail in the forest with steep inclines and a staircase. This is a rain or shine, non-refundable event. Invite your friends and family to walk, run, or hike this fun off-road race! Click Here for More Information!
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Mountain Country Christmas in Lights
Starts: 11/28/2024 - Ends: 12/23/2024
Mountain Country Christmas in Lights
Starts Thursday, November 28th, 2024 - 6:00 pm. Closes Monday, December 23rd, 2024 - 9:00 pm. Mountain Country Christmas in Lights 2024, is a holiday treat for the entire family at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, GA along the shores of beautiful Lake Chatuge in the Northeast Georgia mountains.
Admission to the Mountain Country Christmas in Lights is $9 per person and children 12 and under are FREE!*Tickets purchased at the gate. Cash & Credit Cards are accepted. Detailed Hours:
Show runs every Thursday, Friday, & Saturday from November 28 - December 7th from 6 pm-9 pm! Open EVERY night from December 12th - 23rd! (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)Mountain Country Christmas in Lights (706) 896-4191
Website Map
Upcoming Dates
- Thursday, November 28
- Friday, November 29
- Saturday, November 30
- Thursday, December 5
- Friday, December 6
- Saturday, December 7
- Thursday, December 12
- Friday, December 13
- Saturday, December 14
- Sunday, December 15
- Monday, December 16
- Tuesday, December 17
- Wednesday, December 18
- Thursday, December 19
- Friday, December 20
- Saturday, December 21
- Sunday, December 22
- Monday, December 23
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Lake Blue Ridge Fireworks
Starts: 07/04/2025 - Ends: 07/04/2025
Fireworks are being put on by the Lake Blue Ridge Civic Association. Begins at dusk. Thursday evening July 4th @ 9:30Places for viewing: Morganton Point Recreation AreaFrom a boat in Lake Blue Ridge near the Lake Blue Ridge DamThe Lake Blue Ridge Marina Lake Blue Ridge Dam, as well as adjacent areas by the "tower in the lake"
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Trout Trot 5K ~ Riverwalk Run Series
Starts: 04/26/2025 - Ends: 04/26/2025
Join us for a 5K series like NO OTHER, one that crosses two state lines! The Riverwalk Run Series hosts seasonal cross-state 5Ks three times a year. Our course takes runners through the charming downtowns of McCaysville, Georgia, and its sister city, Copperhill, Tennessee – two cities united by a state line at the heart of historic Copper Basin. Covering 3.1 miles, participants will not only cross from Georgia into Tennessee and back into Georgia, but they will also run through our iconic steel bridge with one amazing story!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Food, drinks, and music can be found before and after the race on the region's largest river deck Riverwalk Shops, just across the street from the starting line.
Race Timeline:
4:30 PM Race Setup
6:30 PM Race Starts at McCaysville Information Center
7:30 PM Race Cutoff
8:00 PM Awards at TOONEYS
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Walk the Line 5K ~ Riverwalk Run Series
Starts: 07/19/2025 - Ends: 07/19/2025
America's ONLY 2 State 5K Series! The Riverwalk Run Series will take you through two historic stateline downtowns: McCaysville, GA, and Copperhill, TN.
This one-of-a-kind, 3.1-mile course includes not only two charming Southern towns in different states but a path that will bring participants alongside the famous Toccoa River and across the area's iconic steel truss bridge—one of only a few left in America
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Parking is free and plentiful, located right across the finish line at McCaysville's City Park.
* Race Timeline *
4:30 PM Race Setup
6:30 PM Race Starts at McCaysville Information Center
7:30 PM Race Cutoff
8:00 PM Awards at TOONEYS
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Copper Country Christmas
Starts: 12/14/2024 - Ends: 12/14/2024
Join us on December 14, 2024, for the Copper Basin's annual Copper Country Christmas in downtown Copperhill, TN! Fun for all ages with arts & crafts, shopping at local businesses, raffle, live music, and photos with Mr & Mrs Claus!
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Holiday Lights of Ellijay
Starts: 11/25/2024 - Ends: 12/31/2024
Looking for the perfect winter escape in North Georgia? Holiday Lights of Ellijay promises an enchanting experience for visitors of all ages. This dazzling display of lights, festivities, and community spirit is nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories.
Sunday - Thursday | 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Friday - Saturday | 6:00pm to 10:00pm
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Annual Spring Arts in the Park
Starts: 05/24/2025 - Ends: 05/25/2025
Join us Memorial Day weekend for our 49th Annual Spring Arts in the Park fine arts and fine crafts festival held in the beautiful Downtown City Park of Blue Ridge, Georgia. Download Festival Map Shop from a variety of artworks from over 175 juried fine arts and fine crafts exhibitors, enjoy tasty food, and engage in multiple artist demos throughout the weekend festival. Pets are welcomed as long as they are leashed and well-behaved. Festival is held rain or shine. Weekend Admission: adults $5; children under 12 free. All proceeds benefit the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, a 501c3 non-profit community arts association. Blue Ridge Arts in the Park
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Kiwanis Club 29th Annual Rodeo
Starts: 08/15/2025 - Ends: 08/16/2025
29th Annual Rodeo. August 15 & 16th, 2025. We've had many incredible memories with our Rodeo over the last few decades. Each year brings something new and exciting! Our local Kiwanis Rodeo has traditionally been one of the top small-town rodeos throughout the Southeast. This event draws approximately 2500 people per night! The annual Kiwanis Rodeo is ALWAYS held on the Third FULL Weekend of August and is open on both Friday and Saturday nights, rain or shine at our Fairgrounds! Our Rodeo consists of Professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls who compete in a variety of events, including bull riding. We always have a Professional Rodeo Clown that keeps us all on our toes and laughing. All of the events are family-friendly and are enjoyed by all ages. Advance tickets are offered at a discounted price and are available throughout our community. Tickets are also available at the gate on the day of the Rodeo. Children 8 and under are free with a paying adult. This is a Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge fundraiser, therefore No Additional Discounts are available to seniors, military, etc. All proceeds go to the Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge who in turn support the children and families of Fannin County. Check out our Facebook page for up-to-date information and ticket giveaways!