Calling all apple fans! Are you looking for a festive apple experience? Look no further than the best Apple Festival in Ellijay, Georgia! Georgia is known for its fresh, juicy apples and this festival makes sure to celebrate them in style. Every year locals, tourists, and apple lovers from all over come together to enjoy the festivities. There is something for everyone; from apple picking and tasting, to music and carnival rides, the Apple Festival has it all. With the scenic backdrop of the North Georgia Mountains, you won’t find a better place to get your apple fix. So, if you’re looking for a fun and delicious experience, come join us at the Apple Festival in beautiful Ellijay!
Festival Summary
The Georgia Apple Festival is a can’t-miss fall event that celebrates the bountiful apple harvest of Gilmer County. Hosted by the Ellijay Lions Club, the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce, and the cities of Ellijay and East Ellijay, the festival features over 300 vendors, live music and entertainment, and, of course, plenty of apple treats.
Held the second and third weekends in October (i.e. Oct. 14th-15th & 21st-22nd, 2023), the festival is held at the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds and admission is $10 for adults. Kids under 12 are free and parking donations are accepted to benefit local civic and school groups.
For 2023, the details of performance has not been out. In 2022 the festival kick-offs with a parade in downtown Ellijay, followed by the Apple Classic Auto show at Ronnie Thompson Ford. Also featured is the Apple Festival 5K Road Race and the 1-mile Fun Run/Walk & Tot Trot, with proceeds benefiting the Gilmer Cross Country Program. Visitors can enjoy Apple Arts on the Square, a free art exhibition showcasing local talents, and the play area for kids, with activities like camel rides, rock climbing, and face painting. There’s something for everyone at the Georgia Apple Festival!
History of this event
Held in Ellijay, the heart of Gilmer County, this event is hosted by the Ellijay Lions Club, the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce, the cities of Ellijay and East Ellijay, and Gilmer County. Since 1971, for 52 fun-filled years, the Georgia Apple Festival has brought two exciting weekends in October to Gilmer County, drawing about 25,000 attendees annually.
After the boll weevil came through and destroyed Georgia’s cotton crops in the 1920s, Gilmer County’s economy was bolstered by its apple orchards. Hence Ellijay is a festival to celebrate the apples and what they did for the county during the hard times created by the loss of the cotton crop was first held in 1971.
Discovering the Basics: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Beginning with a spectacular kick-off parade, the festival includes over 300 vendors and stands displaying handmade crafts and goods, tasty apple treats, a Classic Auto Show, a 5K race, and a variety of live music. The festival also features a play area for kids, offering activities such as camel rides, rock climbing, and face painting.
Held the second and third weekends in October (i.e. Oct. 14th-15th & 21st-22nd, 2023), the festival is held at the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds and admission is $10 for adults. Kids under 12 are free and parking donations are accepted to benefit local civic and school groups.
It will start from 9am to 6pm on Saturdays and 9am to 5pm on Sundays. Admission is $10 per person, with children 12 and under admitted free. Shuttle services are provided from nearby schools and are free of charge. Unfortunately, no pets or firearms are permitted on the premises.
Parking & Shuttle Service
Parking is limited at the fairgrounds, but local groups and schools offer additional parking around town. For added convenience, in 2022 there is a free shuttle service is available from 8:30am-6:30pm on Saturdays and 8:30am-5:30pm on Sundays, with stops at Gilmer High School, Gilmer Middle School, Ellijay Elementary School, Ellijay Primary School, and Mountview Elementary School.
Best Food in the Georgia Apple Festival
With over 300 vendors, the Georgia Apple Festival has plenty of food offerings that are sure to satisfy any appetite. Here are three of the best foods you can find at this amazing festival!
Apple Fritters: Everyone knows that apples go great with cinnamon and sugar, and apple fritters are the perfect way to enjoy this delicious combination. You can find these delicious treats at the Georgia Apple Festival, and they make the perfect snack for apple lovers of all ages.
Apple Pie: Apple pie is a classic fall treat, and it’s an easy favorite at the Georgia Apple Festival. Whether you get a slice from one of the vendors or pick up an entire pie to enjoy at home, you won’t be disappointed.
Cider: For those who don’t like sweet treats, the Georgia Apple Festival has plenty of options for you. You can find apple cider from local orchards, and there are plenty of other drinks to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or something tangy, you can find it at the Georgia Apple Festival.
No matter what you’re looking for, you can find it at the Georgia Apple Festival. With so many vendors offering delicious treats, you’ll be sure to find something you love. Come out and see all that this amazing festival has to offer!
Performance & Activities
The festival runs for two weekends in October, with over 300 vendors and exhibitions. The vendor booths range from candles, crafts, woodworks, food, and art to wildlife, blacksmith, and glass blowing exhibits. In last year, there is also a kick-off parade and an antique car show. For the runners, there’s the Apple Festival 5K Road Race, 1-mile Fun Run/Walk, and Tot Trot. Apple-tastic treats like apple fritters, pies, and cider can be found in the many stalls. Unfortunately there will be no alcoholic beverages permitted on the premises.
In 2023, they will organize the skill demonstration show – check this out if you want to demonstrate a skilled craft!
Three Things you should know before you go!
The festival is held at the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds, 1729 South Main Street, Ellijay, GA 30540.
In 2023, it will be held on the second and third weekends in October (i.e. Oct. 14th-15th & 21st-22nd, 2023). It will open from 9am-6pm on Saturdays and 9am-5pm on Sundays. Admission costs $10 for adults, with those aged 12 and under being admitted for free.
Admission is $10 for adults, kids under 12 are FREE. No pets are allowed on the fairgrounds and parking donations are requested to support local civic and school groups. For more information, visit the official event website.