Ellijay is Made for Music Lovers

a musician entertaining a crowd

Whether you love sipping wine while listening to local artist sounds like a Saturday well spent or prefer listening to a big-name artist in an intimate setting, Ellijay has an experience for every music lover. 

From open mic nights to music festivals, Ellijay offers a variety of opportunities to fall in love with the creative stylings of talented artists. Here are a few ways to treat the music lover in your life (or yourself!) to an awesome show when you visit Ellijay:  

Open Mic Night

Are you looking for a fun evening filled with great music? Check out these open mic night spots in Ellijay! Stop by Ott Vineyards and Winery to enjoy local wine and show off your talents on Tuesday nights. On Wednesdays, the Butcher and Bottle is the perfect spot for tasty steak, seafood, and great music. Grapes & Ladders Winery is open late on Thursday for open mic night and has popular drink specials. Join Acoustic Blends on the third Friday of the month at the Gilmer Arts Playhouse for Ellijay’s longest running open mic evening. Musicians play a couple of songs and gather all at the end for the famous “Ellijay Jam”. Whether you’re a musician or just a fan of live music (and free admission), enjoy local artists from Ellijay and the surrounding area as they showcase their unique talents and create unforgettable nights of music. 

Pickin’ on the Porch

Pickin’ on the Porch is returning to Coosawattee River Resort! This annual summer concert series is sure to be a great season of fun and music. With such a great selection of bands, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy. Bring a chair or a blanket and come dance the night away to the great bands lined up for Pickin’ season. Food trucks are available during the show, and show times are from 7-9 pm, so make sure to get there early to get the best spot! Visit mycrra.com/announcements for the full line up. 

Gilmer Arts

Gilmer Arts is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the cultural lives of the community, and they proudly offer a wide variety of musical experiences for all music lovers! The Acoustic Blends Series features local musicians playing live, giving audiences the opportunity to enjoy the sounds of their own community. Additionally, the Community Chorus Concerts bring together an amazing group of Gilmer County’s best voices. From jazz to symphony, opera to bands, and national touring acts to chamber music, you are guaranteed to find something to love! Visit gilmerarts.com for more events, tickets, and more information! 

Vineyards & Wineries

Explore Ellijay’s beautiful vineyards and unique wines while enjoying live music and entertainment for all at Buckley Vineyards, Cartecay River Brewing Company, Chateau Meichtry, and Reece’s Cider Company. Sip rose in a boutique tasting room, or enjoy sampling robust wines with a beautiful mountain view. Go to gilmerchamber.com/explore-the-ellijays/sip/ to view a full list of our wineries and vineyards, brewery, distillery, and hard cidery, as well as wine tours and transportation services. 

Music Festivals

Blue Ridge Wine & Jazz Festival 

Visit North Georgia this June for the Annual Blue Ridge Mountains Wine & Jazz Festival! Experience the best of North Georgia and North Carolina’s local cuisine, purchase wine by the glass or bottle, and peruse fine art while listening to some of the best jazz performers in the region. Bring your blanket and lawn chairs and enjoy a fun and relaxing evening at White Path Creek Farms!

Ellijay Songwriters Festival

This Memorial Day weekend, visit Ellijay for the First Annual Ellijay Songwriters Festival! The festival will take place at 6 of Gilmer County’s wineries including: Buckey Vineyards, Canoe Vineyard & Winery, Cartecay Vineyards, Chateau Meichtry, Engelheim Vineyards, and Grapes & Ladders Winery. Did we mention 36 of the 39 performances are free? Purchase General Admission tickets for ticketed events or secure your VIP tickets now to attend the exclusive meet-and-greet reception, receive premium seating, complimentary shuttle, and a goodie bag with festival swag including shirt, wine glass and a lanyard with laminated all-access pass!

Holla Yella 

It’s time to get your groove on and head to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains for an unforgettable weekend at Holla Yella this fall! This music festival brings together a diverse lineup of national and regional acts, all with their own unique styles of music including Bluegrass, Americana, Indie, Blues, Jam band, Rock, Southern, Funk, Soul, and Roots. For those looking for the full festival experience, camping sites are available! Visit hollayella.com for more information.

Experience music in Ellijay and you’re guaranteed to have a good time. Whether you want to explore Ellijay’s outdoors, apple orchards, or vineyards, there is always room for music. Visit pickellijay.com to find dining, lodging, shopping, and attractions to build your “must-see” music-filled itinerary!