Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival
Held annually on the third weekend in May, the Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival is a much-anticipated celebration that marks the official start of summer in the North Georgia mountains.
Gold Rush Days Festival
October 17th & 18th, 2026
Gold Rush Days is Dahlonega’s largest festival of the year—a true fall staple that brings the community together and welcomes thousands of visitors from near and far.
Held annually on the third full weekend in October, this beloved event celebrates the town’s rich history and its place as the site of America’s first major gold rush in 1828.
This tradition has been going strong for over 70 years, offering a weekend of celebration as the North Georgia mountains come alive with peak fall color. Festival-goers fill Dahlonega’s charming Historic District, where over 300 art and craft exhibitors and food vendors line the streets around the Public Square.
Gold Rush Days features live music, gold panning, a parade, children’s activities, and traditional Appalachian demonstrations, all set against the stunning backdrop of the season. Whether you're searching for unique artisan goods, savoring local flavors, or simply enjoying the festive mountain atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.
More than just a festival, Gold Rush Days is a vibrant celebration of heritage, community, and the golden spirit that put Dahlonega on the map.
Check out the links below for more information!
Dahlonega Chocolate Crawl
Indulge your sweet tooth at one of Dahlonega’s most beloved annual traditions—the Dahlonega Chocolate Crawl!
Literary Festival
Held annually in early March, the Dahlonega Literary Festival is a free, family-friendly celebration of storytelling, knowledge, and culture nestled in the heart of the North Georgia mountains.
Bear on the Square Mountain Festival
Each spring, the foothills of the North Georgia mountains echo with the sounds of fiddles, banjos, and joyful laughter during one of Dahlonega’s most treasured traditions: the Bear on the Square Mountain…
Camp Frank D. Merrill 5th Ranger Battalion Open House
Since 1951, the rugged terrain of the Appalachian Mountains near Dahlonega, Georgia, has served as a critical training ground for the U.S. Army Rangers.