Dahlonega Gold Rush Days Festival 2025: Dates, Schedule, Parking & Insider Tips

What is the Dahlonega Gold Rush Days Festival?

The Dahlonega Gold Rush Days Festival is North Georgia’s signature fall celebration, honoring Dahlonega’s 1828 gold discovery with a full weekend of live music, contests, a parade, delicious festival food, and 200+ arts & crafts exhibitors throughout the Public Square and Historic District. It’s the can’t‑miss autumn tradition in the North Georgia Mountains.

2025 Festival Schedule (At‑a‑Glance)

Friday (Set‑Up & Closures)

• 3:00–9:00 PM – Vendor registration in front of the Visitors Center

• 6:00 PM – Festival streets close to the general public for set‑up

Saturday, October 18

• 7:30 AM – All vendor/merchant vehicles off streets (to accommodate the Rotary‑sponsored 5K)

• 9:00 AM – Festival opens (booths open 9:00 AM–5:30 PM)

• Morning/Afternoon – Live music and contests (pie‑eating, beard‑growing, old‑time fashion show, hog calling, and more)

• 3:00 PM – Gold Rush Days Parade (plan your viewing spot early)

• 4:30–5:30 PM – Main Stage concert

Sunday, October 19

• 9:00 AM – Festival opens (booths open 9:00 AM–5:30 PM)

• 6:00 PM – Vendor vehicles permitted for load‑out

• 8:00 PM – Streets re‑open to the general public

Note: Exact stage lineups and contest times may adjust slightly closer to event weekend; check the posted schedule as the festival approaches.

Getting There: Parking, Shuttles & Street Closures

• Street Closures: Downtown streets around the Square close Friday evening through Sunday night to accommodate booths, parade routing, and pedestrian safety.

• Parking: Expect limited on‑street parking downtown. Use designated lots and park‑and‑walk locations. Historically, UNG Dahlonega and Lumpkin County High School lots have been popular options on festival weekend. Some downtown churches and organizations may offer paid/donation parking when available.

• Arrival Strategy: Arrive before 9:00 AM to avoid peak congestion. If you can’t, budget extra time for traffic, parking, and walking/shuttle to the Square.

• Navigation: Follow event detours and downtown wayfinding; allow extra time if you’re meeting a group before the parade.

Highlights You’ll Love

• 200+ Arts & Crafts Exhibitors – Hand‑thrown pottery, woodwork, jewelry, textiles, seasonal décor, and more.

• Live Music & Appalachian Dance – Bluegrass, folk, clogging, and local performers on the Main Stage.

• Classic Festival Eats – From funnel cakes and kettle corn to BBQ, brats, and lemonade stands.

• Contests & Old‑Time Traditions – Pie‑eating, beard‑growing, old‑fashioned attire, and even hog‑calling.

• Saturday Parade – Colorful floats, marching bands, equestrian groups, and more.

• Family Fun – Face‑painting, gold panning demos, and kid‑friendly activities dotted around the Square.

Pro Tips from Local Experts

• Beat the Rush: Get downtown early, especially before the parade crowds build.

• Footwear Matters: Expect to walk—wear comfortable shoes.

• Cash is Handy: Many vendors take cards, but cash speeds up lines.

• Fuel Up: Grab breakfast/lunch just off the Square to avoid peak vendor lines.

• Photographers’ Golden Hour: Autumn color + historic storefronts = amazing shots before 10 AM.

What to Wear: Festival Fashion Tips

To fully enjoy the weekend, plan your wardrobe with the following tips in mind:

• Layers: A sweater or jacket for the cooler mornings that can be shed as temperatures rise.
• Comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking a lot, so wear something sturdy and supportive.
• Rain protection: Pack a small umbrella or waterproof jacket just in case of rain.
• Sun protection: Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for midday protection.

Family-Friendly Activities

The festival isn’t just for adults! There are plenty of activities to keep children entertained, such as:

• Children’s Parade: Let your little ones take part in their very own parade through downtown.
• Interactive Craft Stations: Kids can try their hand at pottery or painting at the various craft booths.
• Face Painting and Balloon Animals: Located near the children’s activity area, kids can enjoy festival-themed face art and whimsical balloon creations.
• Petting Zoo: For animal lovers, a small petting zoo will feature goats, sheep, and bunnies.

Best Food at the Festival: What to Try

Food lovers will not be disappointed at Gold Rush Days:

• Southern BBQ: From pulled pork to smoked ribs, local vendors will serve up classic Southern favorites.
• Funnel Cakes: No festival is complete without funnel cakes topped with powdered sugar.
• Boiled Peanuts: A Southern staple, boiled peanuts can be found at various food stands around the festival.
• Homemade Pies: Enter or simply enjoy the Pie-Eating Contest on Saturday for a taste of local flavors.

Accommodations in Dahlonega: Where to Stay

With the expected high attendance, be sure to book accommodations early:

• The Smith House Inn: Located just steps from the Public Square, this historic inn offers modern amenities in a traditional setting.
• Long Mountain Lodge: For a more scenic stay, this lodge offers breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains, ideal for those looking to unwind after a day of festivities.
• Camping: For the adventurous, consider camping at nearby locations like Dahlonega Campground or Blackjack Campground.

Beyond the Festival: Must-See Attractions in Dahlonega

Extend your visit by exploring some of the top attractions that make Dahlonega a must-visit destination:

• Consolidated Gold Mine: Take a tour of this historic underground mine and even try panning for gold yourself.
• Dahlonega Gold Museum: Located in the heart of downtown, the museum offers insight into the gold rush that put Dahlonega on the map.
• Wolf Mountain Vineyards: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of wine tasting and stunning mountain views at one of Georgia’s top vineyards.

Real Estate in Dahlonega: Your Dream Home Awaits

For those captivated by the charm of Dahlonega and considering making it their permanent home, Gold Peach Realty is here to help. From cozy cottages to sprawling mountain estates, our real estate experts will guide you through the process of finding the perfect home in this historic region. Explore Dahlonega homes for sale or contact us directly for a personalized consultation.

FAQs – Dahlonega Gold Rush Days Festival 2025

When is the Dahlonega Gold Rush Days Festival?
Saturday–Sunday, October 18–19, 2025.

What time does the festival run each day?
Booth hours are 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM both days.

Where is it held?
Historic Downtown Dahlonega around the Public Square & Historic District.

How much does it cost?
General admission is free; food and vendor items are priced individually.

When is the parade?
Saturday at 3:00 PM. Arrive early for the best viewing spots.

Are pets allowed?
Crowds can be dense; use discretion for pet comfort and safety. Check official guidance before bringing pets.

Is the event rain or shine?
Yes—pack layers and a small umbrella if rain is forecast.

Is there ADA/accessible parking?
Accessible parking is typically available in designated lots; arrive early and follow on‑site signage/instructions.

Plan Your North Georgia Weekend Around the Festival

Dahlonega is a launchpad for fall color drives, winery visits, mountain hikes, and waterfall photo ops. Make it a full weekend with a cabin stay, a vineyard brunch, and a sunset stroll on the Square.

Moving to or Investing in Dahlonega?

Gold Peach Realty is Dahlonega’s #1 real estate team. From in‑town cottages to mountain retreats and vineyard‑view estates, our elite in‑house marketing and team approach deliver a world‑class buying and selling experience.

Thinking about a home in Dahlonega or the North Georgia Mountains?
Call/text (770) 283‑1223 or explore the latest Dahlonega homes for sale.

Celebrate Dahlonega’s Golden Legacy

The Dahlonega Gold Rush Days Festival 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience for all who attend. Whether you're coming to discover local art, try your hand at gold panning, or enjoy a weekend filled with music and community, Dahlonega is ready to welcome you with open arms. As the fall colors peak in the North Georgia Mountains, there's no better time to visit this historic town.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this incredible celebration! If you fall in love with Dahlonega during your visit and dream of making it your home, Gold Peach Realty is here to help you find the perfect property. Contact us at 770-283-1223 to start your journey today.