When the leaves turn to shades of gold, amber, and crimson across the North Georgia Mountains, the towns of Ellijay and Blue Ridge become the perfect setting for unforgettable fall adventures. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend for two, a family getaway, or a girls’ weekend filled with wine and laughter, this time of year offers a brilliant mix of vibrant festivals, scenic beauty, and cozy moments that make you want to savor every second.
Annual Fall Festivals You’ll Love
Blue Ridge Mountains Wine & Jazz Festival (Ellijay)
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025 – Nestled in the rolling hills of White Path Creek Farms, the Blue Ridge Mountains Wine & Jazz Festival is a highlight of the fall season in North Georgia. Spend the day sipping award-winning regional wines, savoring smoky barbecue, and relaxing to the soulful sounds of live jazz and blues under the open mountain sky. As the streets of downtown Blue Ridge fill with the aromas of pitmaster creations and the vibrant energy of local craft vendors, the festival invites visitors to experience the best of music, food, and culture in one unforgettable setting. Celebrating the rich traditions of American jazz, the event also supports future generations of musicians through scholarships and educational opportunities. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend escape or a getaway with friends, this unique festival offers the perfect blend of rhythm, flavor, and North Georgia mountain charm, a must-visit event for any fall itinerary.
Ellijay Bacon Fest
Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025 – Crispy, savory, and undeniably Southern, the Ellijay Bacon Fest is a tribute to bacon in all its glorious forms. From gourmet bites and bacon‑infused cocktails to live music and lawn games, this festival is the perfect way to kick off your fall foodie fun. And even if you don’t like bacon, this is a Non-Profit event, and last year over $5,450 was raised and 490 pounds of canned goods were donated. So join the fun, enjoy the craft booths, get a chuckle out of the bacon eating contest, find something different to sample at one of the food trucks, and have yourself a good ole time!
Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival
Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 20, 2025, as the heart of Downtown Blue Ridge, GA, transforms into a smoky, soulful celebration at the 14th Annual Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival. Set along West Main and Church Street, this highly anticipated fall event brings together the best in Southern barbecue, live blues music, and Appalachian craftsmanship for a full day of fun. Gates open at 11:30 a.m. (rain or shine), with over 15 award-winning pitmasters and local food vendors serving up mouthwatering ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and more. This year introduces The Market—a special showcase of 10 vendors offering BBQ sauces, spice rubs, handcrafted cutting boards, and other gourmet finds. The live music lineup is stacked with talent, featuring performances by Out of the Blue, The Garrett Collins Project, The Crossroads Band, Tullie Brae, and headliner Black Cat Zydeco keeping the energy high from noon to 9 p.m. Don’t miss the Traeger Grill raffle, giveaways, and family-friendly atmosphere, kids 12 and under get in free, and general admission is just $20. Whether you’re dancing in the streets, sampling smoky creations, or picking up unique BBQ goods, this event is the perfect way to enjoy the crisp mountain air and festive vibes of early fall in the North Georgia Mountains.
Georgia Apple Festival & Apple Arts Festival
Dates: The weekends of October 11th/12th and 18th/19th and this is the cornerstone of fall in Ellijay! The Georgia Apple Festival is a heartwarming celebration of everything apple and Appalachian. Think: fried apple pies, warm cider, handmade crafts, a lively parade, and over 300 local vendors. Apple Arts, happening in downtown Ellijay during the same weekends, brings even more artisan flair and mountain charm. This event is ideal for the entire family, with plenty of activities for everyone to explore. There are jumpy houses,a petting zoo, 5k race, a classic car show, and several fun orchard activities such as apple picking and wagon rides. The kids will enjoy the candy apple, cotton candy and frozen delights, while the adults can indulge in some delicious fried pies, boiled peanuts and spicy street tacos.
Arts in the Park – Blue Ridge
October 11th-12th – For nearly five decades, Arts in the Park has been one of the premier arts festivals in Blue Ridge, GA, attracting visitors from all over the Southeast. Hosted by the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, this vibrant event series takes place each fall in the heart of Downtown Blue Ridge at the scenic City Park. Nestled in the North Georgia Mountains at the foothills of the Appalachians, the festivals welcome more than 20,000 attendees each year. With over 170 talented artists, unique craftsman(and women), plus an abundance of food vendors, guests can explore a wide selection of fine art, handmade crafts, live artist demonstrations, and delicious local cuisine. This event is perfect for families, couples, and art lovers alike, Arts in the Park offers a fun and inspiring way to experience the creative spirit of North Georgia. It’s not uncommon to see a couple wandering through the Arts in the Park festival, fingers entwined, stopping to admire a rustic wood carving or to chat with a local painter about their mountain-inspired collection. Maybe they find a hand-thrown mug perfect for Saturday mornings, or a quirky sculpture destined for a bookshelf back home. They’re not just shopping, they’re curating memories.
Make It Personal: Fall Memories in the Making
Picture this: the whole family loads into a tractor-pulled wagon at Mercier Orchards, bundled in flannel and giggling as you bounce gently through the rows of apple trees. The kids dash off to pick the perfect Red Delicious or Pink Lady, juice dripping down their chins, while you and your partner sneak away for a quiet stroll through the vineyard, wine tastings in hand. Later, maybe the kids cast a line into the pond, hoping to reel in a fish and bragging rights for the day.
Romantic Weekend:
Imagine a morning train ride aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, your breath visible in the crisp mountain air as you watch the fall foliage roll by. Later, head to Cartecay Vineyards or Bear Claw Vineyards for a tasting, then unwind fireside at your cozy cabin rental. Finish the day with live music and a warm bowl of chili at the Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival.
Girls’ Weekend:
Start with mimosas and brunch downtown, then spend the day at the Wine & Jazz Festival in either Ellijay or Blue Ridge. Grab your cutest sweater and dance barefoot on the lawn, wine glass in hand. Afterward, relax in a hot tub at your cabin, swap stories, and maybe plan to make this trip a yearly tradition.
There’s something magical about fall in Ellijay and Blue Ridge. Maybe it’s the crunch of leaves under your boots or the way a fresh apple tastes right off the tree. Maybe it’s watching your kids light up during a pig race, or clinking wine glasses under the stars with your favorite people.
Whatever brings you to the mountains this season, festivals, orchards, or just the simple beauty of nature, you’ll leave with memories that warm your heart long after the leaves have fallen.
Start planning your autumn adventure today, because fall in North Georgia doesn’t just happen, it’s celebrated.
Be sure to book your luxury cabin rental in the North Georgia Mountains with Morning Breeze Cabin Rentals. The weekends of the Apple Festival fill up fast, so start your search now to get the perfect vacation getaway for you and your family.
