Hops, Vines & Dines Blue Ridge 2026: date, tickets, and where to stay nearby

August 8: Hops, Vines & Dines! at The Art Center (BRMAA) Hops, Vines & Dines! is scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026 at The Art Center (Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association) in Downtown Blue Ridge. This is BRMAA’s annual tasting fundraiser featuring regional breweries, wineries, and local bites.

• Official info/tickets: Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association (BRMAA) – blueridgearts.net and the Chamber’s listing: blueridgemountains.com/events/hops-vines-dines/
• Hours and ticket tiers: This is an evening event; in recent years, VIP has had early entry before General Admission (for example, VIP often 5–6 pm, GA 6–9 pm). Check the BRMAA ticket page linked above for 2026 hours and tiers, and buy early—this one sells out.
• Practical tip: Park once downtown (public lots off E Main/Depot St) and walk to The Art Center; rideshare is limited after 9–10 pm in Blue Ridge, so designate a driver if you plan to stay late.

Build an August weekend: Georgia Mountain Fair + live music Georgia Mountain Fair (Hiawassee, GA)

• Official site for dates and schedule: georgiamountainfairgrounds.com (Calendar)
• 2026 dates are posted on the Fairgrounds site; verify there before you book. The Fair is a full day trip from Blue Ridge with rides, exhibits, and nightly music.
• Drive time from Blue Ridge: about 1–1.25 hours each way (scenic mountain roads). Go earlier on concert nights to avoid gate lines.
• Parking and policies: On-site parking is widely available at the Fairgrounds. Bag checks are common at major concerts, and policies (including any clear-bag rules) can change—confirm on the Fairgrounds site. Some vendors may prefer cash; ATMs are typically on-site.

Where to find weekend live music near Blue Ridge (check calendars before you go):

• Bear Claw Vineyards (Blue Ridge): bearclawvineyards.com/events/
• Tooney’s Live Music (McCaysville, 15–20 minutes): tooneyslive.com/events/
• Cartecay Vineyards (Ellijay, ~30 minutes): cartecayvineyards.com/events/

Mark your fall dates now (and verify on official pages before purchasing) Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival (Downtown Blue Ridge)

• Typical timing: the Saturday after Labor Day; in 2026 that points to Saturday, September 12, 2026. Always confirm once the official date posts.
• Official link: blueridgemountains.com/events/blue-ridge-blues-bbq-festival/
• Tickets: Advance tickets are recommended; day-of sales are often available unless the event sells out. Check the official page for final ticketing and gate details.

Fall Arts in the Park (Downtown Blue Ridge City Park)

• Dates: Saturday–Sunday, October 10–11, 2026 (per BRMAA’s festival schedule; confirm before you go).
• Hours: 10 am–5 pm both days. Admission is a small per-person fee (often around $5; verify current pricing on BRMAA’s site).
• Official links: BRMAA (The Art Center): blueridgearts.net and the Chamber’s listing: blueridgemountains.com/events/fall-arts-in-the-park/
• Parking/shuttle tip: Use the free festival shuttles rather than circling downtown. Common pickup points include Blue Ridge Farmers Market (811 E Main St, Blue Ridge, GA) and Fannin County Middle School (4560 Old Hwy 76, Blue Ridge, GA). Watch festival signage and BRMAA updates for exact pickup times and stops each day.

Paws in the Park (Humane Society of Blue Ridge)

• Host and location: Humane Society of Blue Ridge; Downtown Blue Ridge City Park.
• Date: Typically early October; check the official page for 2026 once posted.
• Parade: A dog parade and costume contest are part of the day. Parade registration is required; details, forms, and any fees are posted by the Humane Society.
• Official links: humanesocietyofblueridge.org and blueridgemountains.com/events/paws-in-the-park/

Fall color timing (North Georgia)

• Expect peak color mid to late October at higher elevations (e.g., Brasstown Bald, Springer Mountain), and late October into early November around Blue Ridge and the Toccoa River valleys. Weekday visits mean easier parking at overlooks and trailheads.

Stay close to the action in Blue Ridge For downtown-centered events, Rohan Chalet is our closest base in Blue Ridge (4BR, sleeps 12): vacaywith.us/accommodation/rohan/

• Approximate distances: Rohan Chalet to The Art Center and Downtown Blue Ridge is roughly a 10–20 minute drive (traffic and route dependent). Message us for the best routes and timing for your dates.
• Getting around at night: Uber/Lyft can be scarce late; line up a designated driver or local cab in advance for festival nights.
• Parking: Downtown has public lots near City Hall and the Depot, plus signed street parking. For big events, use festival shuttles or arrive before peak hours.

Book lodging first for single-date events (like Hops, Vines & Dines! and Blues & BBQ), then secure tickets. If Rohan is booked for your weekend or you need different dates, browse our North Georgia cabins: vacaywith.us/properties/ and we’ll help you match a cabin to your itinerary.