The Georgia Mountain Fair
Nine days of crafts, concerts, carnival rides and Pioneer Village demonstrations on Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee
The Georgia Mountain Fair, in short
Dates, prices and hours at a glance
2027 dates are set; 2027 prices and the concert lineup are not posted yet, so the 2026 figures are shown.
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| 2027 fair dates | August 13-21, 2027 |
| Where | Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546; about 35 minutes from downtown Helen |
| Admission (2026) | $10 for the grounds, carnival area, entertainment, crafts and food vendors; kids 12 and under free; concert tickets are separate but include fair admission |
| Carnival wristbands (2026) | Unlimited rides $20 presale, $25 at the gate, $30 on Saturdays after 5 PM; family 4-pack $70 presale |
| Ride specials (2026) | Monday $2 ride day; Tuesday and Wednesday buy-one-get-one wristbands; Thursday Military Appreciation Day |
| Parking | Free |
| Pets | Not permitted on the grounds |
| Phone and web | 706-896-4191; georgiamountainfairgrounds.com |
How the nine days work: the carnival runs daily, and the arts and crafts vendors, entertainment, and concerts at Anderson Music Hall fill two separate weekends. Evening concerts have typically started at 7 PM or 7:30 PM. The fair page and the Tickets & Hours page carry the 2027 schedule once it's posted.
What you will find
Start in Pioneer Village, where "Old Ways" demonstrations of the kind of skills the fair was founded to celebrate (blacksmithing, quilting, cider pressing and more) run on the fair weekends and come with your admission. Covered craft booths hold pottery, baskets, wood carvings and quilts from regional makers, and many of them demonstrate while they sell; go early on Saturday for the best selection.
Music is the other draw. Ticketed concerts happen at Anderson Music Hall in the evenings, and free music plays around the grounds on the fair weekends, including local and regional acts on the Pickin' Porch and the Hootenanny Stage. The 2027 lineup hasn't been announced. For food, expect classic fair fare such as funnel cakes, BBQ, burgers, fried apple pies and fresh cider; bring cash in case a vendor is cash only.
The midway is run by a traveling carnival (Amusements of America in 2026) with big rides, games and gentler rides for small kids. Lines are longest on Saturday evenings; weekday afternoons and the Monday $2 ride day are easier on a budget.
A short history
The fair began in 1950 as a three-day agricultural exposition on the high school recreation field, drawing about 2,000 people. By the 1970s it was drawing nearly 100,000 a year, and in 1978 the first fair was held at the new Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds on Lake Chatuge, with support from the Towns County Lions Club. The fairgrounds' own history and awards page lists recognitions including a Top 20 Events listing in 2013 and a GEORGIA Magazine Readers' Choice award in 2007.
Tips for visiting
Pick your day
Fair weekends have the full program of crafts, music and Pioneer Village. Weekdays are lighter and cheaper for rides.
Dress for August
Hiawassee days are warm and nights cooler. Bring sunscreen, a hat, a rain poncho and comfortable shoes; the grounds are hilly in places.
Stay on the lake
The fairgrounds has a campground on Lake Chatuge with RV and tent sites; see the fairgrounds site for rates and reservations.
Make a day of it
Brasstown Bald (Georgia's highest point, 4,784 feet) is about 25 minutes away, and our Hiawassee guide covers Lake Chatuge.
Other events at the same fairgrounds
| Event | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Mountain Fall Festival | Oct 9-11 and 15-17, 2026 | Gates 10 AM-7 PM; $10, 12 and under free; concerts at 7 PM |
| Mountain Country Christmas in Lights | Nov 26-Dec 31, 2026 | Walk-through and drive-thru nights; 6-9 PM |
| Georgia Mountain Fire & Smoke Cooking Festival | May 14-15, 2027 | Tasting tickets $30 |
| Georgia Mountain Scottish Festival | Early June 2027, dates to be announced | Highland games and pipe bands |
| Georgia Mountain Fair | Aug 13-21, 2027 | The big one |
Nearby: Brasstown Bald and the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Blue Ridge. From Helen, take GA-17/75 over Unicoi Gap. See also our fall festivals guide, Blairsville festivals and live music in Helen.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Georgia Mountain Fair in 2027?
August 13-21, 2027, at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee. The carnival runs daily; crafts, entertainment and concerts fill two weekends.
How much does the Georgia Mountain Fair cost?
In 2026, admission was $10 with kids 12 and under free, parking was free, and carnival wristbands were sold separately ($20 presale, $25 at the gate). A concert ticket includes fair admission. 2027 prices are not posted yet.
Can I bring my dog to the fair?
No. Pets are not permitted on the fairgrounds.
How far is the fair from Helen?
About 35 minutes by car, over Unicoi Gap on GA-17/75.
