Georgia Apple Festival 2026 dates, parking shuttle, 5K start time — plus Blue Ridge add‑ons

Georgia Apple Festival 2026: dates, parking, shuttles

The 55th Annual Georgia Apple Festival runs two weekends—2026-10-10–2026-10-11 and 2026-10-17–2026-10-18—at the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds. Expect 250+ arts and crafts vendors, apple treats, and Apple Arts downtown both weekends. Plan fast: parking fills quickly. Use the designated paid lots and ride the free shuttles (pets aren’t allowed on shuttles; bring cash for parking per festival guidance). Lodging books early for both weekends—if your heart is set on the festival, secure your stay now.

Oct 10 kickoff: 5K, fairgrounds, and a Blue Ridge art stroll

Start Festival Saturday with the Apple Festival 5K (50th running) at 08:00 on 2026-10-10 from Ellijay Elementary School in downtown Ellijay. Online registration closes 2026-09-30 or at capacity, and race-day signups aren’t guaranteed a shirt; packet pickup begins 7:00 a.m. After the finish, head to the fairgrounds via shuttle for the main festival.

If you’d like to split the day, pair Ellijay with downtown Blue Ridge: Fall Arts in the Park (2026-10-10–2026-10-11) fills Blue Ridge City Park with juried fine arts and crafts. Parking gets tighter after 10 a.m., so either arrive early or plan a later-afternoon visit after the festival crowds thin.

Hungry after your loop? In Ellijay, Buckley Downtown Table & Vine (new in 2026) pours Buckley Vineyards wines and cider with shareable plates on a pet-friendly patio—an easy wind-down before heading back to your cabin.

Peak color extras through early November

Leaf season in North Georgia typically peaks at town elevations like Blue Ridge and Ellijay from late October into early November, with higher ridges changing a bit earlier. A classic way to see it: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Fall Foliage Trips (2026-09-19–2026-11-03) along the Toccoa River. Peak weekends and afternoon cars sell out; choose midweek or the day’s first/last departures for lighter crowds. Traveling with kids over Halloween? The Railway’s Trick‑or‑Treat Train runs only on 2026-10-31 at 5 p.m. and books out.

Still have apple fever? Orchard season continues into November—Hillcrest and other Ellijay farms run daily fall hours with weekend festivals. Arrive at opening to beat parking and lines.

Where to stay near Ellijay and Blue Ridge

For festival weekends and leaf‑season hopping between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, we recommend Rivendell Cabin in Epworth, GA. It sleeps 12 across 5 bedrooms and gives your crew space to spread out between big days—think mountain‑top views for sunrise coffee, a jacuzzi and firepit for cool evenings, and gigabit wifi for planning your next stop. It’s a great home base for the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds, downtown Blue Ridge’s City Park, and the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Depot.

We’re a small, family‑run cabin host, and we’re happy to help you time your shuttle runs, 5K start, and art‑market strolls. If your dates are still in flux or you need a different size, browse all our cabins.