Labor Day Weekend Kickoff: The Ultimate North Georgia Guide to Festivals, Orchards, and River Floats

Posted on September 5, 2026

Welcome to the unofficial start of fall! If you are spending Labor Day weekend in North Georgia, Saturday is the perfect day to dive headfirst into Appalachian culture, outdoor adventures, and peak seasonal traditions. 
I have put together an educational, step-by-step itinerary designed to help you beat the holiday crowds while experiencing the very best of the Blue Ridge and Blairsville areas. Here is your ultimate Saturday guide to exploring North Georgia!

Stop 1: Morning Apple Picking at Mercier Orchards
Start your morning at a beloved 80-year-old staple of North Georgia. Founded in 1943, Mercier Orchards is a massive 300-acre family and veteran-owned farm. Early September marks the sweet spot for U-Pick apple season. By arriving when the gates open, you'll beat the afternoon heat and the holiday traffic. Don't leave without visiting their bakery for their world-famous fried apple pies and apple cider donuts!

• Website: mercier-orchards.com

• Suggested Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

• Location: 8660 Blue Ridge Dr, Blue Ridge, GA 30513

• Parking: Free on-site parking in large designated gravel lots.

• Registration: No pre-registration required for general entry, though purchasing U-Pick bags at the gate is required for orchard access.

Stop 2: Blairsville Mountain Heritage Festival
Take a beautiful 30-minute scenic drive east on US-76 to downtown Blairsville. Held annually over Labor Day weekend, this festival is a crash course in Appalachian history. It features living history demonstrations like quilting, basket making, chair caning, and gold panning. You'll find regional artisans selling handmade brooms, pottery, and honey, all set to the soundtrack of live mountain bluegrass music.

• Website: visitdowntownblairsville.com

• Suggested Time: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM

• Location: Downtown Square, Blairsville, GA 30512

• Parking: Free street parking and designated public lots around the Union County Courthouse.

Stop 3: Afternoon Float on the Toccoa River
After exploring the festival, head back west toward McCaysville to cool off. The Toccoa River offers mild, family-friendly Class I rapids perfect for a lazy afternoon tube float. The water remains refreshingly cool year-round. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to float the standard route, making it a perfectly relaxing mid-afternoon activity.

• Suggested Time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

• Location: Various outfitters in McCaysville, GA

• Parking: Free parking provided at the outfitter’s launch/shuttle site.

• Fee: Typically $12 – $15 per person (includes tube, life jacket, and shuttle service).

• Registration: Walk-ins are generally welcome, but booking online in advance is highly recommended for holiday weekends.

Stop 4: Double Feature at the Swan Drive-In Theatre
Cap off your Saturday night by stepping back in time. Established in 1955, the Swan Drive-In is one of only five remaining drive-in theaters in Georgia. You don't even need to leave your car to grab dinner—they offer a full concession menu featuring pub steakburgers, funnel cakes, and deep-fried Oreos.

• Website: swan-drive-in.com

• Suggested Time: Gates open around 5:00 PM.

• Location: 651 Summit St, Blue Ridge, GA 30513

• Parking: Pull your car right into a designated viewing spot.

• Fee: $10.00 for Adults; $5.00 for Children; free for babies under 2.

• Registration: Tickets are purchased at the gate upon arrival. Arrive early on holiday weekends to secure a prime spot!

Whether you spend the day crunching into crisp early-season apples, humming along to mountain bluegrass, or drifting lazily down the river, Saturday is all about embracing the vibrant energy of North Georgia. Take your time, soak in that fresh mountain air, and don't forget to pack a small cooler for any fresh produce or baked goods you pick up along the way!