Things to Do in Dahlonega: Events Calendar for 2025

Welcome to Dahlonega, Georgia – Where Every Season Offers Something to Celebrate

Nestled in the heart of North Georgia's scenic wine country, Dahlonega, GA is more than a charming historic town—it’s a year-round hub of unforgettable experiences. Whether you're a local looking for weekend activities or a visitor planning a trip, the Dahlonega events calendar for 2025 is packed with exciting opportunities to explore culture, music, food, and community spirit.

Get ready to fill your itinerary with the best events in Dahlonega—organized by season for easy planning.

📅 January – March 2025: Cozy Indoor Events & Early Spring Vibes

While winter wraps the mountains in crisp air, Dahlonega offers warm, welcoming experiences indoors:

• Winter Wine Tastings: Enjoy intimate wine flights at top vineyards like Kaya, Montaluce, and Wolf Mountain.

• Holly Theatre Winter Series: Catch live plays and musicals in this historic 1948 theater.

• Dahlonega Literary Festival (March): A regional celebration of books, authors, and storytelling—perfect for literature lovers.

• Valentine’s Weekend Getaways: Wine-pairing dinners, cabin retreats, and romantic downtown strolls.

🌼 April – June 2025: Festivals, Farmers, and First Fridays

As spring blooms, so does the energy across town. This season brings back some of the most beloved Dahlonega events:

Bear on the Square Mountain Festival

📍 April 19–20, 2025 | Downtown Dahlonega
A celebration of Appalachian heritage, with bluegrass music, folk art, storytelling, and local food vendors. One of the top cultural events in Dahlonega, this weekend attracts families and music lovers from all over the South.

Farmers Market at Hancock Park

🗓 Saturdays & Sundays, April – October | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Fresh produce, handmade goods, flowers, and live music in the heart of town. A must for weekend visitors!

Appalachian Jam (Weekly)

🎶 Every Saturday & Sunday | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Gold Museum Lawn
Tap your feet to traditional mountain tunes in this free, family-friendly gathering of talented local musicians.

First Friday Concert Series

🎤 May – October | Downtown Dahlonega Square
Local bands light up the night in this popular outdoor concert series. Bring a chair and enjoy dinner from food trucks and downtown eateries.

☀️ July – September 2025: Summer Sounds, Christmas Fun & Cycling Thrills

Summer in Dahlonega balances cool mountain mornings with lively cultural events.

“Christmas in a Small Town” Convention

🎄 July 25–27, 2025 | Downtown & Canopy + The Roots
A Hallmark-style celebration with celebrity meet-and-greets (like Taylor Cole & Colin Egglesfield), karaoke, hot cocoa crawls, photo ops, and cozy holiday vibes—right in the heat of summer.

Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival

🎨 August (TBD) | Historic Square
Art, jazz, and award-winning Georgia wines take over the square for a classy, relaxed weekend event.

Six Gap Century & Three Gap Fifty

🚴 September 28, 2025 | Lumpkin County High School Start Point
One of the Southeast’s premier cycling challenges—ride or watch hundreds of cyclists conquer North Georgia’s toughest mountain roads.

🍂 October – November 2025: Fall Festivals & Golden Memories

Autumn transforms Dahlonega into a golden paradise—and the events get even bigger.

Gold Rush Days Festival

🏆 October 18–19, 2025 | Entire Downtown
Celebrating Dahlonega’s rich gold mining history, this massive fall festival draws over 200,000 people! Enjoy a parade, live music, gold panning, food trucks, crafts, and more.

Appalachian Jam & Farmers Market (Final Dates)

🎻 Don’t miss the final live jams and market weekends before they pause for winter.

Scenic Drives & Fall Hikes

🍁 Peak foliage colors throughout late October make this the perfect time for vineyard views and nature trails.

🎄 December 2025: A Storybook Christmas in Dahlonega

If you love Christmas, there’s no better destination in the South than Dahlonega in December.

Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration

📅 All December | Downtown Dahlonega
Stroll through snow-globe-like streets with lights, wreaths, a giant tree, carriage rides, Santa sightings, and festive shop windows. It’s no wonder Dahlonega has been featured in Hallmark movies!

Holiday Shows at Holly Theatre

🌟 Local performers take the stage in holiday-themed musicals and plays for all ages.

🎟️ Year-Round Recurring Events in Dahlonega

• Farmers Market (Apr–Oct) – Hancock Park

• Appalachian Jam (Apr–Oct) – Downtown Square

• First Friday Concert Series (May–Oct)

• Wine Tastings & Tours – Every week, multiple vineyards

• Holly Theatre Shows – Monthly rotating schedule

🛏️ Where to Stay & What to Know

• Lodging: From charming inns like The Dahlonega Square Hotel to rustic cabins and vineyard cottages.

• Parking Tips: Arrive early during major festivals—parking fills fast downtown.

• Pet-Friendly: Many outdoor events welcome pets on a leash.

• Weather Watch: Spring and fall are mild and perfect for walking. Bring layers!

✅ Conclusion: Dahlonega Events Make Every Trip Memorable

From seasonal festivals and concerts under the stars to holiday magic and wine-filled weekends, Dahlonega offers something special all year long. Whether you're planning your next road trip or just exploring things to do in Dahlonega, this 2025 events calendar is your go-to guide for unforgettable moments.

Pack your bags, grab your calendar, and make Dahlonega your next adventure.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the best events in Dahlonega, GA in 2025?
Top picks include Gold Rush Days, Bear on the Square Festival, the Christmas Convention, and First Friday Concerts.

2. When is Gold Rush Days Festival 2025?
October 18–19, 2025.

3. What can I do in Dahlonega this weekend?
Check out the Farmers Market, Appalachian Jam, or live shows at the Holly Theatre.

4. Is the Dahlonega Christmas celebration worth visiting?
Absolutely. It’s one of Georgia’s most magical small-town holiday experiences.

5. Are there free events in Dahlonega, GA?
Yes! Appalachian Jams, concerts, markets, and seasonal parades are all free to attend.