Georgia Mountain Fair

The Georgia Mountain Fair has been running in Hiawassee since 1950, making it one of the longest-running heritage festivals in the Southeast. It is held at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds on the shores of Lake Chatuge, about 45 minutes from Helen via GA-75 and US-76. The summer fair typically runs for about 10 days in late July or early August, featuring country and gospel music acts at Anderson Music Hall, a carnival midway, pioneer craft demonstrations, and agricultural exhibits. A separate fall festival in October adds the Official State Fiddlers' Convention and pairs well with the surrounding mountain foliage.

The fairgrounds themselves are worth visiting even outside of festival season. Pioneer Village has historic log structures and craft demonstrations, Hamilton Gardens houses the largest collection of rhododendrons in the Southeast, and the campground offers RV and tent sites right on the lake. Throughout the year, the fairgrounds host antique markets, car shows, quilt exhibitions, and the Mountain Country Christmas in Lights from late November through December.

Admission for the main summer fair is typically in the $5 to $15 range for adults, with children often admitted free. Carnival rides are additional. If you are planning to attend during the summer fair or fall festival, book lodging early - Hiawassee is a small town and rooms fill up. The fairgrounds campground is a convenient option if you have an RV. For day-trippers from Helen, the drive through the mountains is scenic, and you can easily combine the fair with a stop at Brasstown Bald or a morning on Lake Chatuge.

Contact the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds at (706) 896-4191 for current schedules and ticket information. The fairgrounds are at 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546.