Georgia Mountain Fair
Hiawassee's lakeside fairgrounds: a summer fair since 1950, a fall festival, and lights at Christmas
The short answer
The fairgrounds sit on the shore of Lake Chatuge, and they stay busy most of the year. The fairgrounds are home to the Georgia Mountain Fair, a summer tradition in Hiawassee since 1950, plus a fall festival, a haunted maze, a Christmas light show and a spring rhododendron bloom. It's an easy drive from Helen: about 21 miles over GA-75 and US-76.
Pioneer Village, with its log buildings, hosts the "Old Ways" craft demonstrations during the fairs. Anderson Music Hall is where the concerts happen. The campground has 207 sites on the lake, open year-round for RVs and tents, which helps when nearby rooms are full on festival weekends.
What's coming up
Dates and prices as published by the fairgrounds
| Event | When | Hours | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Country Christmas in Lights | Nov 26-Dec 31, 2026 (see schedule below) | 6-9 PM | $10 walk-through, kids 12 and under free; drive-thru nights $25 per car |
| Rhododendron Festival at Hamilton Gardens | Mid-April through Mother's Day 2027, dates to be announced | Open daily in 2026: 11 AM-3 PM Mon-Thu, 10 AM-4 PM Fri-Sun | Check with the fairgrounds |
| Hiawassee Pro Rodeo | Labor Day weekend, 2027 dates to be announced | Gates have opened at 6 PM, rodeo at 8 PM | Check with the fairgrounds |
| Georgia Mountain Fair | Aug 13-21, 2027 | Carnival daily; concerts and crafts on two weekends | $10 in 2026, kids 12 and under free; concerts and wristbands extra |
Fall Festival: two weekends every October
The Fall Festival spreads across two weekends with arts and crafts, the Pioneer Village and exhibit hall, music around the grounds and festival food. The carnival runs the first weekend only. Parking is free, and a concert ticket includes festival admission. Thursday, October 15 is Military and First Responder Appreciation Day.
| Date | Concert |
|---|---|
| Fri, Oct 9 | Bellamy Brothers & Exile |
| Sat, Oct 10 | Brad Kaylor & Mineral Bluff Revue |
| Sun, Oct 11, 2 PM | Gospel Music Show |
| Thu, Oct 15 | Malpass Brothers & Always Loretta |
| Fri, Oct 16 | Molly Tuttle |
| Sat, Oct 17 | Tanya Tucker |
Evening concerts start at 7 PM unless noted. Call (706) 896-4191 or check the fairgrounds' site before you buy tickets.
Christmas in Lights
The walk-through light show has Christmas music, an outdoor craft market, food and hot cocoa, train rides, Sea Lion Splash shows and visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch. Pony and camel rides cost extra. Walk-through admission is $10, kids 12 and under are free, and parking is free.
| Dates | Format |
|---|---|
| Thursdays to Saturdays, Nov 26 to Dec 12 | Walk-through, 6-9 PM |
| Nightly, Dec 17-23 | Walk-through, 6-9 PM |
| Dec 24 and Dec 26-31 | Drive-thru only, $25 per car, no characters, rides or vendors |
| Dec 25 | Closed |
Planning the day
Pair it with the lake
Lake Chatuge is right there. Walk the shore or drive the lake before or after the gates open; our Lake Chatuge guide has the details.
Add Brasstown Bald
Georgia's highest point is a short drive from Hiawassee. See Brasstown Bald for fees and hours.
Book early or camp
Hiawassee is small and rooms go quickly on festival weekends. The fairgrounds campground has 207 sites on the lake.
Call ahead
Schedules and ticket details change. The fairgrounds office is at (706) 896-4191.
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