Events and festivals

I B

C E

D

G

• CIRClE THESE 2015 DATES •

D c E D : G HOTO P

A February 1-28 (Atlanta Metro)

Atlanta’s rich civil rights legacy is highlighted during Black History Month. Numerous events take place during this celebration, including a large parade from the historic Sweet Auburn district to Peachtree Street. www.atlanta.net

B March 20-29 (Historic Heartland)

Each March, Macon becomes a pink paradise as more than 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees bloom in all their glory. For 10 days, the International Cherry Blossom Festival treats visitors to one of the most extravagant displays of springtime color in the nation. www.cherryblossom.com

C April 23 – 25 (Plantation Trace)

Celebrating 94 years, the Annual Thomasville Rose Show and Festival has been a Southwest Georgia tradition since the early 1920s. The free, family-friendly festival encompasses the Rose Show, the Rose Parade, the Street Dance, live music, arts and crafts, Southern-style festival foods, a car show and more. www.ThomasvilleGA.com

thomasville Rose Show and Festival, thomasville

‘Yumion’ mascot, Vidalia onion Festival

D April 23-26 (Magnolia Midlands)

Georgia’s official state vegetable is celebrated each spring at The Vidalia Onion Festival in Vidalia. Events include The Miss Vidalia Onion Pageant, a chef competition and Battle of the Bands. www.vidaliaonionfestival.com

E May 9 (Classic South)

Honoring the legacy of the famous blues musician born near Thomson, the Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival welcomes blues acts from around the country for an unforgettable weekend of music. www.blindwillie.com

F June 13 – 14 (Northeast Georgia Mountains)

Enjoy bagpipes and drums, Highland music, dancing and food at the Annual Blairsville Scottish Festival & Highland Games. Watch athletes compete in traditional games, including caber toss, putting the stone and tossing the sheaf. www.blairsvillescottishfestival.org

G September 30 – October 5 (The Coast)

The inaugural St. Simons Food & Spirits Festival promises to become an annual favorite, allowing guests to experience all that is unique about the Golden isles. Area restaurants, regional farmers and artisans will be the highlight of Saturday’s tasting tents, farm stand and market. www.goldenisles.com/event/saint-simons-food-spirits-festival

LLE i HOMASV T C i STOR : Hi HOTO P

H October 10-11 and

October 17-18 (Historic High Country)

Find more than 300 vendors and a parade at Ellijay’s Georgia Apple Festival, but the real stars are the apples! Gilmer County is considered Georgia’s Apple Capital for a reason – apple orchards are scattered all over the region. www.georgiaapplefestival.org

Georgia Apple Festival, ellijay

D c E D : G HOTO P

I November/December (Presidential Pathways)

Fantasy in Lights in Pine Mountain showcases 8 million dazzling lights around Callaway Gardens, which create scenes like “Twin Trees” and “Snowflake Valley.” Activities for the entire family, such as storytime with Mrs. Claus, add to the dynamic celebration of the holiday season. www.callawaygardens.com