Here in Blue Ridge, we’re never short on reasons to celebrate with our seasonal festivals! And you know what I always look forward to the most? The food, of course! There’s just something so perfect about sipping on a fresh, cold lemonade on a sunny afternoon, or wrapping your hands around a cup of hot chocolate on a chilly day. We’re lucky to have so many fantastic festivals around here, but I definitely have a few that hold a special place in my heart:
Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival –
Held annually on the third weekend of September in the heart of downtown Blue Ridge, this festival is a real treat. The mild weather is usually just right for a lovely day outdoors, with the air alive with soulful blues music and that irresistible scent of smoky, sweet BBQ. It’s a favorite that draws folks from everywhere, and they come back without fail each year. Honestly, the toughest choice you’ll have is which tempting food vendor to try first, so my tip is to take it easy and savor as many as you can!
Arts in the Park –
A true local tradition for over 30 years, this festival on Memorial Day weekend never disappoints! You can usually find a few hundred vendors from all over, offering everything from pottery, wall art, and leather goods to those beautiful heirloom-style cutting boards and forged iron, and so much more. I always end up going home with treasures I didn’t even know I needed! And there are two things I simply can’t resist: a classic funnel cake and some of that fresh-made lemonade. In recent years, a second Arts in the Park festival has been added in October, and both take place right in the park in downtown Blue Ridge.
Fire and Ice –
Downtown Blue Ridge comes alive on President’s Day weekend in February with a fun festival featuring not one, but two exciting events: a chili cook-off and an ice sculpture display! The local restaurants and clubs participating in the chili cook-off are sure to impress you with their delicious creations. Meanwhile, prepare to be amazed by the ice sculptures, where you can expect to see everything from trout and cabins to creations you can hardly imagine, all carved from ice!
Blue Ridge Trout and Outdoor Adventures Festival –
Did you know that Blue Ridge proudly holds the title of the Trout Capital of Georgia? This festival is a wonderful annual celebration honoring that very distinction! You can look forward to finding vendors and demonstrations showcasing all the incredible outdoor activities that Blue Ridge has to offer. And of course, don’t forget the food! You’ll find all sorts of delicious options, from burgers and pizza to mouthwatering BBQ. Plus, you’ll even have the chance to sample local beer! This is a fantastic all-day event, typically held on the last Saturday in April in the park in downtown Blue Ridge.
Paws in the Park –
This annual festival is a real treat for dog lovers, but honestly, everyone will have a great time! Held every October in the downtown park (you guessed it, right in the park in downtown Blue Ridge!), it’s more than just food and drinks. Of course, the pet parade and costume contest are highlights, but you’ll also find an array of vendors offering all sorts of goodies and necessities for your furry friends!
What’s so great about all these festivals is that they’re a blast for folks of every age, and they also do so much good by supporting a bunch of our fantastic local charities. The sweet charm of our town really shines through at each one, and they all give you a little taste of what makes Blue Ridge such a special place to be.
Until next time…
❤️ Tabetha
Ready to experience these amazing Blue Ridge festivals for yourself?