Sunday Mountain Guide: Things to Do in North Georgia

The holiday weekend is in full swing! Sunday of Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to explore North Georgia's stunning state parks, catch an outdoor art show, or experience historic mountain culture.

If you're wondering how to spend your Sunday, here is the ultimate curated blog guide to events, hikes, and entertainment happening across North Georgia.

Crime and Punishment Historical Walking Tour (Dahlonega, GA)

• Website: Georgia State Parks - Dahlonega Gold Museum
• Time & Admission Fee: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, $5 entry fee.
• The Program: Step back in time to the wild days of Georgia’s gold rush. This fascinating, ranger-led historical walking tour starting at the Dahlonega Gold Museum covers real-life historical gunfights, bank robberies, mountain moonshining, and old-school jailbreaks that shaped the region.

North Georgia Winds Concert: Happy 250th Birthday America (Braselton, GA)

• Website: Explore Braselton Event Calendar
• Time & Admission: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, free community concert.
• The Program: Celebrate the holiday weekend with a stirring, patriotic community concert at the gorgeous Braselton Civic Center. Organized by the North Georgia Winds, this performance kicks off early celebrations for America’s 250th milestone with timeless classics.

Memorial Day Weekend Southern BBQ at Chateau Elan (Braselton, GA)

• Website: Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
• Admission: Food and drinks are available for purchase; resort access may require booking or parking fees.
• The Program: A holiday tradition centered around estate hospitality, live energy, and world-class culinary treats. Head out to the lawns of the winery resort to enjoy seasonal cocktails and classic Southern barbecue served straight from smoking grills.

Let's ROCK: Geology Hike at Cloudland Canyon (Rising Fawn, GA)

• Website: Georgia State Parks - Cloudland Canyon
• Time & Admission: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, free with a $5 daily state park parking pass.
• The Program: Discover the colossal geological forces that carved out one of the most beautiful canyon structures in the Southeast. This moderately strenuous 2-mile guided hike drops down from the Main Overlook all the way to the base of the majestic Cherokee Falls.

Alpharetta Arts Streetfest (Alpharetta, GA)

• Website: City of Alpharetta Festivals
• Time & Admission: All-day event, free admission.
• The Program: Located just on the edge of the North Georgia foothills at the Grove in Wills Park, this massive annual art festival features national artisans displaying creative fine arts, pottery, jewelry, and woodcrafts. Sunday includes a Kidz Zone, live strolling musicians, and delicious regional food trucks.

Guided Wildflower & Butterfly Walks at Fort Mountain (Chatsworth, GA)

• Website: Georgia State Parks - Fort Mountain
• Admission: Free with a $5 state park parking fee.
• Time: Wildflower Walk from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (1.2 miles) & Butterfly Bask Walk from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (0.75 miles)
• The Program: Fort Mountain State Park is hosting back-to-back guided nature trails around its pristine lake loop on Sunday. Learn to spot and identify local spring flora, native mushrooms, and beautiful basking butterflies.

The Toadstool Tour: Mushroom Identification Hike (Winder, GA)

• Website: Georgia State Parks - Fort Yargo
• Time & Admission: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, free with a $5 state park parking fee.
• The Program: For the foraging fans and curious nature lovers, join Fort Yargo’s resident naturalist to search the forest floor for native Georgia mushroom species, lichens, and unique molds.

50th Annual Spring Arts in the Park, Day 2 (Blue Ridge, GA)

• Website: Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association
• Admission: Ticketed/Paid entry. Proceeds support the local non-profit arts council.
• The Program: If you missed it on Saturday, the historic juried arts festival continues through Sunday afternoon in the heart of downtown Blue Ridge, featuring over 170 artists and fantastic food vendors.

Travel Tip for Sunday:

If you are heading out to state parks like Cloudland Canyon or Fort Mountain, lots fill up quickly on holiday weekends. Try to hit the trailheads by 9:30 AM to secure a parking spot!