From peaches to azaleas, music festivals and St Patrick’s Day parades, Georgia packs its annual calendar full of fun events. Nature often plays a starring role thanks to the bounty of pretty trees, beaches, and mountains in the state, but the rich culture of Georgia is also in the limelight, from its folksy Appalachian roots to the grand belles of the Old South in Savannah.
Cherry Blossom Festival
Each March, Macon, Georgia revels in its 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees as they burst into a symphony of blossoms. The historic town is cool to begin with, but add a splash of color and things get downright inspiring. During this time, Macon also hosts a week of music concerts, food fairs, hot air balloons, fireworks after dark, and parades by day.
Savannah Irish Festival
Surprisingly, the city of Savannah puts on the biggest and best St Patrick’s Day party in the South. For several days each March, the city holds parades, concerts, outdoor parties, and other festivities to herald in spring and let off some steam.
Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Georgia’s biggest city kicks off its spring with a celebration of the lovely dogwood tree as it blooms each April. For three days in the first half of April, Piedmont Park turns into a carnival of food stalls, entertainment, and horticulture marvels with the dogwood center stage. Part gardening festival, part spring celebration, this is one fun weekend in Atlanta at the city’s biggest park.
NASCAR Races
Every September, it’s time for the NASCAR motor racing circuit to make its stop in Georgia at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. The quad-oval shaped track is one of the fastest in America, and the speedway can hold up to 125,000 spectators.
Atlanta Arts Festival
Every September, Atlanta’s massive Piedmont Park becomes a playground for art lovers. More than 200 artists representing every medium imaginable come to the city to show their talent to throngs of residents and visitors. The fall weather is ideal for frolicking outdoors and the city also tacks on music concerts and food events to round out the experience.
Georgia Mountain Fall Festival
Fall is a magical season in the hills of Georgia, and this popular festival brings together a number of elements that make for an all-around good time with family and friends. Taking place at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee each October, the state’s unofficial country music capital also has carnival rides, food stalls, pageants, parades, and of course, lots of country and bluegrass tunes.
Savannah Harbor Boat Parade of Lights
Savannah’s harbor is already about as iconic as a waterfront can be. Add about 60 ships decked out in lights and parade them along the edge of the harbor and you’ve got something really special. Every November, the city of Savannah celebrates its maritime heritage with this one-day extravaganza that ends with a lovely fireworks display over the water.