October 2025 Events in and Around Blue Ridge

  • Posted on

Blue_Ridge_GA_Events_October_2025_TwoPage_NO_LOGO.pdf

October 2025 Events Around Blue Ridge, GA

Fall in the North Georgia Mountains is pure magic—cool mornings, blazing color, and a calendar packed with festivals and small-town fun. Here’s your easy guide to what’s happening in October 2025 in and around Blue Ridge, with quick ideas for planning your stay at The Tranquil Trout.

In Blue Ridge & Fannin County

Fall Arts in the Park

Sat–Sun, Oct 11–12, 10am–5pm • Blue Ridge City Park
The town’s signature juried art show brings 150+ artists to the park—fine art, pottery, jewelry, woodcrafts, and great festival food. Stroll the booths, grab a kettle corn, and let the kids play on the grass while you hunt for that perfect mountain memento.

PAWSFEST (Humane Society of Blue Ridge)

Sat, Oct 18, 10am–5pm • Downtown Blue Ridge
Bring your four-legged travel buddies for the pet parade, costume contests, and vendor village. It’s a feel-good afternoon that supports local rescue efforts.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway – Fall Foliage Rides

Runs many days in October
Leaf-peeping without driving! Choose a 2- or 4-hour ride along the Toccoa River. Tip: book morning departures for softer light and fewer crowds.

Ride the Rails (Tri-State Model Railroaders)

Sat–Sun, Oct 25–26 • Mineral Bluff Depot
Climb aboard a historic motor car for a 5-mile out-and-back over vintage track. It’s a quirky, only-here experience that railfans love.

Halloween Safe Zone Trick-or-Treat

Fri, Oct 31 from 5:00pm • Downtown Blue Ridge
Main Street closes to cars and opens to costumed kids. Candy starts at 5:00; the costume contest kicks off at 5:30. A wholesome, small-town Halloween.

Mercier Orchards – Apple U-Pick

Select days (typically weekends in Oct)
Nothing says fall like a wagon ride and a sack of apples. After you pick, don’t miss the cider doughnuts and hard cider tasting room.

Easy Day Trips (≈30–60 minutes)

Georgia Apple Festival (Ellijay)

Oct 11–12 & Oct 18–19
Two big weekends of crafts, live music, and all things apple. Combine with downtown Ellijay’s Apple Arts Festival on the square the same dates.

Georgia Mountain Fall Festival (Hiawassee)

Oct 10–12 & Oct 16–18 • GA Mountain Fairgrounds
Pioneer village demos, arts & crafts, and nightly music on the lakeside stage—classic mountain-fair vibes with serious scenery.

Helen Oktoberfest (Helen)

Daily through October
Oompah bands, dancing, pretzels, and steins at the Festhalle. Go midweek for elbow room; bring cash for the bakery line.

Sorghum in the Mountains (Blairsville)

Oct 11–12 & Oct 18–19 • Meeks Park
A heritage harvest festival with sorghum syrup making, old-time music, and local crafts. Great for families and history buffs.

Halloween at the Fairgrounds (Hiawassee)

Fri, Oct 31, 5–8pm
Safe trick-or-treating and costume fun at the fairgrounds—nice alternative if you’ll be exploring the lake area on the 31st.

Weekend-by-Weekend Snapshot

  • Oct 10–12: Georgia Mountain Fall Festival (Hiawassee) • Fall Arts in the Park (11–12) • Apple Festival & Apple Arts (Ellijay) • Sorghum in the Mountains (Blairsville)

  • Oct 16–19: GA Mountain Fall Festival (16–18) • PAWSFEST (18) • Apple Festival & Apple Arts (18–19) • Sorghum (18–19)

  • Oct 25–26: Ride the Rails (Mineral Bluff)

  • Oct 31: Blue Ridge Halloween Safe Zone • Halloween at the Fairgrounds (Hiawassee)

  • All month: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway foliage rides • Helen Oktoberfest • Mercier U-Pick (select days)

Planning Tips

  • Leaf color timing: Peak varies by year, but mid-to-late October is a good bet at our elevation.

  • Parking & timing: For festivals, arrive before 10am or after 2pm for easier parking.

  • Rain plans: Many events run rain or shine—pack layers and a light rain jacket.

  • Make it easy: We’re happy to help with restaurant reservations, kayak/boat rentals, grocery delivery, and itinerary tweaks.

Stay With Us & Book Direct

Make The Tranquil Trout your home base—hot tub, fire pit, game room, and quick access to downtown Blue Ridge. Book direct for the best rate, no platform fees, and flexible, human support. Visit tranquiltroutga.com to see dates and secure your fall getaway.

P.S. Event details can shift—always verify hours before you go. If you’d like this guide as a printable handout or added to your calendar, I’ve got you covered.