Summer is right around the corner, and Dahlonega has an action-packed season headed your way. From art festivals to wine festivals to live music, there is more than enough activity in Dahlonega to keep you busy! Read below for upcoming events or visit www.dahlonega.org for more information. 

The 15th annual Bear on the Square festival was held in Dahlonega April 16-17, 2011. Despite some chilly weather earlier in the week, we had a great turnout. 38,000 people gathered on the square to listen to bluegrass and gospel music, eat delicious food, and view some amazing art work from all over the country.

Bear of the Square made local headlines on CBS Atlanta.  Check out this segment featuring Blue Billy Grit!

Save the Date for next year’s event, April 21-22, 2012

The festival fun began on Friday with the Master Classes, Jamming on the Square, and the Live Country Auction. One of the most popular events was the Master Class Workshops, two-hour music workshops with top bluegrass and old time musicians and instructors. Participants were treated to one-on-one private sessions with artists to learn about their crafts. Later that afternoon bluegrass musicians gathered on the historic Public Square for street jam sessions. Musicians were huddled into circles all over the square playing their instruments with visitors joining in.

The Appalachian Trail can be accessed from paved state highways at Neels Gap on U. S. Highway 19 and Woodys Gap on Ga. Highway 60. Gravel surfaced National Forest roads provide access to the trail at Gooch Gap, Cooper Gap, Hightower Gap, Three Forks area and at Springer Mountain. Hikers can park their cars at the Springer Mountain parking lot.

Hikers who don’t want to leave their cars can take advantage of these shuttle services that leave from the Atlanta airport and will drop visitors off in Dahlonega along the trails.