Event Name
Description and highlights of the event.
Time: Hours of operation
Where: Location, City
information and website
Spring EVENTS
MARCH • APRIL • MAY
March 1
3rd Annual Cumming Wine Festival
Don’t miss the 3rd Annual Cumming Wine Festival. 50 wineries and wine market tents and music from G Clef and the Viceroys.
Time: 1 pm – 4 pm
Where: Cumming City Center 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA, 30040
March 15
Leprechaun-a-thon 5K and Health Walk
The annual Leprechaun-a-thon 5K and Health Walk, presented by Atrium Health Floyd for the third consecutive year, will transform downtown Rome into a festive green celebration. Race highlights include a pre-race costume contest with three exciting divisions: Littlest Leprechaun (ages 5 and under), Most Festive Leprechaun, and Best Leprechaun Group.
Time: 5K at 6:30 p.m., Health Walk at 6:45 p.m.
Where: Starts at First Avenue near Bridgepoint Plaza, ends at the pedestrian bridge near the Town Green and The Forum Registration: Registration is available online at runsignup.com
March 22 - 23
44th Annual Conyers
Cherry Blossom Festival
Spring it On at the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival! The 2025 event marks 44 years of the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival in Conyers. Shop among unique art and craft exhibitors, eat your way through the multiple food courts, enjoy cultural performances, listen to live music, and play in the children’s area.
Time: Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Park NE, Conyers
More Information: Call 770-860-4190 or visit www.georgiahorsepark.com.
March 25
Georgia Paint Horse Club
Time: 8 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where: Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center, 1855 Calvary Church Road, Gainesville, GA, 30507
More Information: Visit georgiapainthorseclub.weebly.com.
March 29
Monster Truck Wars SATURDAY MATINEE EVENT
Gates open at 10:00 am
Pre-show Meet & Greet Pit Party with Kids Zone 10:30 am-11:30 am
(Pit Party admission tickets only $5. Pit Party included only w/ VIP Tickets. Must purchase show admission tickets first before purchasing Pit Party add-on pass.)
Show starts at 12:00 pm and ends approx. 1:30 pm
Post show drivers autographs near Merchandise Stand
SATURDAY EVENING EVENT
Gates open at 4:00 pm
Pre-show Meet & Greet Pit Party with Kids Zone 4:30 pm-5:30 pm
(Pit Party admission tickets only $5. Pit Party included only w/ VIP Tickets. Must purchase show admission tickets first before purchasing Pit Party add-on pass.)
Show starts at 6:00 pm and ends approx. 7:30 pm
Post show drivers autographs near Merchandise Stand
Time: All Day
Where: Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center, 1855 Calvary Church Road, Gainesville, GA, 30507
April
4
Hall County Master Gardener’s
Spring Expo
Experience a wide range of activities, including workshops, seminars and demonstrations on various gardening techniques and practices. Attendees can also browse through a variety of vendors selling plants, seeds, tools and other
gardening supplies.
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center, 1855 Calvary Church Road, Gainesville, GA 30507
April
5
International Street Festival
This free, annual community event is full of performances, activities, and food from all around the world. Held in downtown Athens with 3,000-5,000 visitors each year, we offer something for everyone. Bring family and friends of all ages to explore different cultures without leaving Athens.
Time: 12 – 5 pm
Where: Downtown Athens, College Avenue, Athens, GA
April
11 - 13
89th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival 2025
Hundreds of artists from around the country will set up their tents for the 89th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival this Spring. An Atlanta staple for over 80 years, with a juried Fine Artist Market that includes sculpture, paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography and much more.
Time:
(Artist Market closes at 7 p.m. on Friday & Saturday)
Friday: Noon – 9 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Piedmont Park, Atlanta GA
April 12
Glow-in-the-Dark Easter Egg Hunt
Hall County Parks & Leisure are bringing back the biggest Easter Egg Hunt in Hall County. Bring the whole family for a night of amazing food, bouncy houses and glow-inthe-dark egg hunting at dusk. With nearly
50,000 filled neon eggs, this will be an event you do not want to miss.
Parking is limited.
Time: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Where: Laurel Park, 3100 Old Cleveland Road, Gainesville GA
April 12 - May 11
The Rhododendron Festival
The magical Hamilton Gardens hosts this festival, filled with native wildflowers like trilliums, shooting stars, trout lilies and more than 1,500 rhododendrons and native azaleas. Enjoy crafts, live music, food, drinks, plant sales, seminars and more. A $6 donation for admission is appreciated.
Time: Monday–Thursday: 11AM – 3PM
Friday–Sunday: 10AM – 4PM
Where: Hamilton Gardens, Towns County Park, 96 Pavillion Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546
April 18 - 19
Georgia Mountain Fair
Spring Yard Sale
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure – and there are plenty of treasures available to shop and browse. Come join in the treasure hunting fun. Free for shoppers. Free parking.
Time: Friday, April 18, 9 am-3 pm Saturday, April 19, 9 am-3 pm
Where: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546
April 18 - 20
Sweetwater 420 Fest
Annual event presented by SweetWater Brewing Company. Over 20 bands across three indoor and outdoor stages. Featuring local vendors, workshops, food trucks, artist market, the Planet 420 non-profit village and much more.
Where: Pullman Yards, Atlanta, GA
April
19
KARE Annual Easter Egg Hunt 2025
The Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt is held the Saturday before Easter each year. All activities are FREE to community children. Over 20,000 eggs are divided into age groups and when the siren blows, children spread out in desperate search for the best prizes and candy-filled eggs. Bounce houses, train ride, face-painting, popcorn and much more.
Time: 12 pm – 3 pm
Where: Main Street Park, Downtown Dawsonville
For more info visit – www.kareforkids.org
April
25
Southeastern Championship Bull Riding
The Southeastern Championship Bull Riding will host its good, fun, family rodeo event. In addition to bull riding, the event brings vendors, food and fun for the whole family, including bounce houses for the children.
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Where: Chicopee Woods
Agricultural Center Address: 1855 Calvary Church Road, Gainesville, GA 30507
April
26 - 27
Bear on the Square Mountain Festival
An annual celebration of Appalachian culture in Dahlonega, Georgia. Artist Market, music, story-telling and free workshops. Where: Historic Downtown Dahlonega Square, Dahlonega GA 30533
April 26th
Run for the Rhodos 5k Run & Walk
Run for the Rhodos is a unique, blossoming event presented by Hamilton Gardens of the entertainment rich Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds nestled in exceptionally scenic Hiawassee, Georgia. This runner/walker friendly 5K experience offers racers a woodland trail course that immerses you in our ravishing Rhododendron Garden while in its full bloom splendor.
Race begins and ends at Paris Pavillion. Time: 8 am – 11 am
Where: Hamilton Gardens, Towns County Park, 96 Pavillion Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546
April 26th
Jaemor Farms Strawberry Festival
The 4th annual strawberry festival. U-pick berries, farm tours, cook-off, arts, samples, crafts, vendors, ice cream.
Time: 9 am – 4 pm
Where: Jaemor Farms, 5340 Cornelia Highway, Alto, GA 30510
For more info about the Strawberry Festival and other Spring events visit – www. jaemorfarms.com.
April
30 - June 28
Cumming Arts Center
“Windows to the World” Art Exhibit
Member and non-member art exhibit featuring the theme: Let us take a look into your world.
Where: Cumming Arts Center, 111 Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming, GA 30040
For 2025 Exhibits and Events Visit sawneeart.org/exhibits-shows
May 3 - October 2
Tin Cup Cruise-In
Get ready for an evening of classic cars and family fun. The Tin Cup Cruise-In Car Show will take place from 6pm-8pm on the first Thursday of every month, beginning in April and running through October.
Time: 5 pm – 8 pm
Where: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming GA 30040
May 8
32nd Annual Taste of Alpharetta
The Taste of Alpharetta boasts an unforgettable array of culinary magic throughout the area’s charming downtown. This annual event will celebrate the vibrant
You can feel safe when you live or visit in Dawson County. It is the mission of the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office to protect the lives and property of our people through professional, progressive, and proactive service. We shall serve with compassion and respect while seeking solutions to improve quality of life, liberty, and safety for all.
We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to serve you!
Visit us on Facebook @ Dawson County Sheriff’s Office Dawsonville, Ga www.dawsoncountysheriff.org Non-Emergency 706-344-3636 Tip Line- 706-265-4744
GALLERY GIFT SHOP CLASSES
STUDIO
HOURS: WED-SAT 11AM - 3PM
Looking to refine your skills, discover new techniques, enjoy the process of creating and artistic community or just want to support the Arts in Forsyth County? The Cumming Arts Center is the place to make your artistic vision come to life.
Color! Art Exhibit March 5-April 26 Windows to the World Art Exhibit April 30-June 28 World of Art Festival - June 7
Sheriff Jeff Johnson
food community of Alpharetta through dining events, cooking demos, culinary collaborations, and tasting tents galore.
Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
Where: 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, GA
May 10
Hiawassee Highlands Wine Festival
Springtime in the mountains is better with wine, music and flowers. Enjoy 30+ wineries offering tastings, 20 acres of Rhododendron gardens, live music, food, art/craft vendors, plus beautiful mountain and lake views.
Time: 11 am – 5 pm
Where: 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546
May 16 - 17
Georgia Mountain Fire & Smoke Cooking Festival
Come and experience this culinary feast featuring over 120 cooks/chefs preparing their specialty items and giving generous samples of their preparations to all paid attendees. From savory barbecues to delectable desserts, the festival offers a diverse selection of culinary creations
Time: May 16, Free Meet & Greet Party
5 pm – 8 pm
May 17, Cooking Festival 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546
May 23
Ultimate Music Wave Festival
Rehabs “Sittin at a Bar” 25th Anniversary
Presents: The Ultimate Music Wave Festival featuring- Rehab, Mickey Avalon, Adema, Tantric, Scotty Austin (former frontman for Saving Abel), Flaw and Defiant hosted by Peter Dante from the Adam Sandler movies. The Smithgall Arts Center brings to you a cross-genre day of music from many multiplatinum bands & National bands. Each band on the bill is known for their different hit songs. Expect a night full of hit songs, amazing bands, celebrity host and Rehab’s Anniversary.
Time: 4:45 pm – 10 pm
Where: The Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring Street SW, Gainesville, GA 30666
May 24 - 25
Hiawassee
Pro Rodeo
Enjoy the best bucking horses, bulls and world class contestants from all over the United States and Canada, and the top-ofthe-line specialty acts. This is a family event that will keep you on the edge of your seat with live entertainment.
Time: Gates open at 6 pm, Rodeo begins at 8 pm
Where: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
May 29 - 31
52nd ANNUAL HELEN TO THE ATLANTIC BALLOON RACE
The South’s oldest balloon event and the United States’ only long-distance hot air balloon race will begin (weather permitting) with a mass ascension of around 20 bright and colorful hot air balloons, in North Georgia’s Alpine Village – Helen. Race competitors and local flyers will take to the sky at 7:00 am, Thursday, May 29, for the Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race. The race begins in Helen and the finish line is I-95 (anywhere between Maine and Miami). While the competition to the Atlantic continues, other balloonist competes in local events beginning Thursday evening around 6:00 pm. Local flying events will take place also on Friday and Saturday. The balloons will fly around 7:30 am and 6:00 pm each day (weather permitting). The balloons will only fly for around 1 to 2 hours.
Where: Downtown Helen, GA 30545
Get Out in North Georgia
by Sudie Crouch, Columnist
It seems like we all wait for the first signs of Spring to help us shake off the doldrums of winter, and there’s no better place to see all nature has to offer than North Georgia.
The Peach State has more than its fair share of scenic attractions, with an abundance of it in the North Georgia area. From the well-known Lake Lanier spanning across five counties to Lake Chatuge in Towns county and reaching into North Carolina, there are opportunities to get outside and enjoy the beauty our area has to offer.
Natural Wonders
The North Georgia area is home to so many natural wonders, with the Appalachian Trail cutting through the landscape and with well over a dozen waterfalls located throughout the area, making them a great hiking destination.
Visit us at 423 Canton Road for delicious cuisine, fun and sophisticated shopping, and plenty of entertainment! Some of this spring’s highlights:
Spring & Summer Concerts and Free Outdoor Exercise Classes at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater Begin in March!
Other Spring Events:
3rd Annual Cumming Wine Festival March 1st, 1-4 p.m.
Dog Dayz of Spring March 29th, 12-4 p.m.
Tin Cup Cruise-In Every First Thursday from 6-9 p.m. beginning April 3rd
Bounce Into Spring April 4th & 5th, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
City Center Spring Market April 12th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Memorial Day Ceremony May 23rd, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
TGIF Inflatables, Water Slides & Games May 30th, 12-8 p.m.
Cumming Farmers Market
Every Saturday 8-11 a.m. through May; Wednesday & Saturday 8-11 a.m. June through September
Check out the fill listing of City Center Events on Facebook @cummingcitycenter
Dawson County
Amicalola Falls - at 729 feet (222 m) Amicalola Falls is the highest waterfall in Georgia and the third highest east of the Mississippi River. It is approximately four times the height of Niagara’s Horseshoe Falls. It is located on Amicalola Creek in Amicalola Falls State Park and is accessible via several trails, bridges, and parking areas. Visitors may park at either the top or the base of the falls; a well-maintained trail, including over 600 steps, connects those two points. Another trail connects the falls to the terminus of the Appalachian Trail on nearby Springer Mountain. Some sources, including the 2004 Georgia State Parks guide book, claim that Amicaolola Falls are “the tallest east of the Mississippi River,” although Crabtree Falls in Virginia (at 1000 feet) and Glassmine Falls in North Carolina (800 feet) are both taller.[2] (The state park website is more specific—and perhaps more accurate—citing Amicalola as “the tallest cascading waterfall”. More recent editions of the print version of the guide have corrected the error.) (34o33.81’N 84o14.66’W)
Bearden Falls - located in the Chattahoochee National Forest on Bearden Creek. (34o36.48’N 84o11.77’W)
Cochrans Falls - at 600 feet (180 m), is tied with Caledonia Cascade as the second highest waterfall in Georgia. It is on Cochrans Creek near Dawsonville. (34o34.52’N 84o12.97’W)
Crawford Falls - located on private property and not accessible to the public.
“Edge of the World” Rapids - Class IV rapids on the Amicalola River. (Parking area: 34o25.60’N 84o12.80’W)
Falls Creek Falls - located in the Dawson Forest, an area containing at least forty three waterfalls. (Upper Falls: 34o30.78’N 84o19.42vW; Falls Creek Falls: 34o30.94’N 84o19.11vW; Lower Falls: 34o30.79’N 84o18.43’W)
Lower Falls & Upper Falls - located on Disharoon Creek in the southwest corner of Dawson County, near the gated community of Big Canoe. (34o28.36’N 84o19.12’W)
Lumpkin County
Black Falls - on the grounds of Camp Frank D. Merrill, a Mountain Ranger camp 11 miles (18
km) north of Dahlonega. Public access may be restricted.
Blood Mountain Creek Falls - four falls (Lower Falls, Middle Falls, Upper Falls, and Cascade). (Trailhead for two lower falls: 34o41.87’N 83o57.18’W; for two upper falls: 34o42.40vN 83o57.30vW)
Cane Creek Falls - located on the grounds of Camp Glisson, a camp operated by the United Methodist Church near Dahlonega, these falls are often (but not always) open to the public.
Cannon Falls - located on Frogtown Creek, on the grounds of Cannon Falls Lodge, a private fishing preserve, and only accessible with a guide.
Clay Creek Falls - located on private property but easily viewed from Clay Creek Falls Road, just outside the city limits of Dahlonega. (34o32.26’N 84o1.32’W)
Copper Mine Shoals - there are several rapid drops on the Chestatee River north of Dahlonega.
Cow Rock Creek Falls - near Boggs Creek Camp-ground in the Chattahoochee National Forest. (34o42.66’N 83o52.90’W)
DeSoto Falls - a pair of falls on Frogtown Creek in the DeSoto Falls Scenic Area of the Chattahoochee National Forest. According to legend, Hernando de Soto passed through the area in 1540. (34o42.37’N 83o54.95’W)
Dick’s Creek Fallsa pair of falls just below the site where Waters Creek joins Dicks Creek in the Chattahoochee National Forest. (34o40.782vN 83o56.202’W)
DeSoto Falls
Elvarado Falls - not open to the public.
Etowah River Shoals - the Etowah River rises in Lumpkin County, northwest of Dahlonega.
Falls on Branch of Jones Creek - located in the Chattahoochee National Forest and easily
accessible. (34o36.618’N 84o9.45’W)
Falls on West Fork of Montgomery Creektwenty-foot falls on the grounds of a US Army Ranger Camp. (34o37.452vN 84o6.9’W)
Grindle Shoals - on private property along the Chestatee River but viewable from the bridge carrying Cavender Creek Road across the Chestatee in eastern Lumpkin, near the White County line. (34o33.6’N 83o52.26’W)
High Shoals Falls - on Walden Creek; features a porch swing from which to view the falls. (34o38.91’N 84o1.332’W)
Jones Creek Falls
Little Ridge Creek Falls - a trio of falls near Boggs Creek Campground in the Chattahoochee National Forest. (34o42.42’N 83o53.4’W)
Martha Falls - on Pigeon Roost Creek; the area features spectacular lake and mountain views. (34o41.37’N 83o58.83’W)
Trophy Falls - located on Frogtown Creek, on the grounds of Cannon Falls Lodge, a private fishing preserve, and only accessible with a guide.
Ward Creek Falls - near Justus Gap, northwest of Dahlonega. {34o 39.107’N 84o 04.071’W}
Yahoola Creek Falls - just before the Yahoola Creek leaves the Chattahoochee National Forest. The remnants of Nineteenth Century gold-mining operations are nearby.
Towns County
Blue Hole Falls and High Shoals Creek Fallslocated on High Shoals Creek in the High Shoals Scenic Area of the Chattahoochee National Forest; features two observation decks. (34o48.972’N 83o43.62’W)
Denton Branch Falls - easily accessible thirtyfoot falls located near Tate City; the approach reveals numerous smaller falls and shoals. (34o59.142’N 83o33.00’W)
Cupid Falls - near Young Harris College in Young Harris. (34o56.1’N 83o50.34’W)
Enota Mountain Retreat & Conference Centerthe grounds of this facility in Hiawassee contain several falls; visitors must obtain permission before accessing the property.
Gurley Creek Falls - 220-foot falls viewable from an observation deck a short walk from the
visitors center. (34o50.298’N 83o46.8’W)
Joel Creek Falls - a ten-minute walk from the visitors center. (34o50.1’N 83o46.602’W)
White County
Anna Ruby Falls - actually two separate falls, one on Curtis Creek and the other on York Creek, but known together as Anna Ruby Falls. Combined, they form Smith Creek. Located in a grove of mountain laurel in the Anna Ruby Falls Scenic Area in the Chattahoochee National Forest. There is a visitors center and an interpretive walk from there to the falls. (34o45.83’N 83o42.73’W)
Duke’s Creek Falls - actually on Davis Creek, where it meets Dodd Creek to form Duke’s Creek; there is an easy approach featuring boardwalk trails and several observation decks. At least one deck is wheelchair accessible. (Parking Area: 34o42.105’N 83o47.361’W)
Falls near Unicoi Gap - just off Fire Service Road 44.
Falls on Dodd Creek - at Dukes Creek Falls.
Falls on Low Gap Creek - off Fire Service Road 44A near Robertstown. (34o44.60’N 83o47.84’W)
Raven Cliff Falls - the approach, through rhododendron and hemlock passes many smaller falls; located within the Mark Trail Wilderness Area near the Richard Russell Scenic Highway. (34o43.38’N 83o49.44’W)
Martha Falls
Places to Visit
History lovers can find some places to enjoy as well. The Dahlonega Gold Museum in the Old Lumpkin County Courthouse can share some of Georgia’s history in the first gold rush. In nearby White County, you can find the Hardman Farm Historic Site, which also offers guided tours.
While you’re in the area, there are some great businesses to visit. Before you hit the trails, you can go by Betty’s Country Store in Helen to fill your backpack or get a sandwich from the deli to go. Afterwards, visitors can try their hand at slinging axes at AxeBilly. And those wanting to stay a bit longer can either camp or rent a cabin at Mountain Lakes Resort, where they can also get in a horseback ride with one of the gorgeous views of the mountains around.
And, Forsyth county locals know The Collection at Forsyth has dining and retail shopping covered. Whether you are visiting for a day trip, a weekend, or maybe are fortunate enough to live here, there is something for everyone. And Spring is the perfect time to get out and enjoy North Georgia!
Sources: Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ waterfalls_in_North_Georgia
The Dahlonega Gold Museum
Hardman Farm Historic Site
Betty’s Country Store
