What You Can’t Miss at the 2023 Georgia Apple Festival 🍎

Since 1971, the Georgia Apple Festival has been a staple for fall Ellijay getaways. This Festival brings two weekends full of arts, crafts, entertainment, and EVERYTHING apples. Get ready for a mouth-watering extravaganza, a vibrant parade, unique vendors, and days full of family fun. The countdown has officially begun for the 2023 Georgia Apple Festival!

Food Lover’s Paradise

The Georgia Apple Festival is a paradise for your taste buds. Indulge in a variety of scrumptious treats. From the classic boiled peanuts to delicious apple goodies. Craving some international flavors? We’ve got you covered! Sample tasty Greek food and savor the flavors of delicious Asian fusion and Italian cuisine. The food lineup is not complete without authentic Mexican street tacos! Try delicious festival treats such as apple dumplings, funnel cakes, pineapple drinks, and more. With such a diverse range of options, there is something to satisfy every palate.

Unforgettable Family Fun

Bring your little ones along for a day full of non-stop fun! Watch them conquer new heights as they enjoy rock climbing, camel and pony riding, and bounce houses. Get their faces painted with their favorite characters and hop aboard a fun little train ride that will leave them creating memories that will last a lifetime!

Unique Handmade Crafts

Looking for a unique buy? Look no further! Discover a treasure trove of handmade items perfect for yourself or as a gift. From exquisite home decor items to beautifully crafted wooden furniture, hand-painted art, stunning jewelry, aromatic candles, and even Himalayan salt lamps – you’ll find something truly special that speaks to your heart.

Where to Stay in Ellijay

When it comes to accommodation, Ellijay has something for everyone. Whether you prefer a cozy cottage, a charming bed and breakfast, a rustic campground, or a unique farm stay, we have it all. For those seeking a touch of the extravagant, our luxury cabins and geo domes are sure to exceed your expectations. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a girls’ trip, or a family trip to remember, no matter where you choose to stay, a visit to Ellijay guarantees restful nights and warm hospitality. Visit our Stay page to find the perfect place for your trip!

Other Georgia Apple Festival Events

Apple Arts

After your visit to the fairgrounds, bring your family to Downtown Ellijay for Apple Arts. This sister festival of the Georgia Apple Festival happens on the same dates and times and adds fun arts & crafts and delicious food to the downtown scene. Ready for the best part? Apple Arts is pet-friendly, accessible, and admission is FREE! After exploring all of the unique vendors, visit the shops in Downtown Ellijay. From antiques to boutiques, you’re sure to find something special here, including handmade crafts and vintage treasures. Your taste buds will love the tasting rooms, specialty bakery and coffee shops, and must-try local cuisine!

Georgia Apple Festival Parade

The Georgia Apple Festival Parade is a true highlight of the Georgia Apple Festival. Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 14th, at 10:30 AM, as Downtown Ellijay will come alive with the vibrant colors and joyful sounds of the parade. This year, the theme for the Georgia Apple Festival Parade is Fall Harvest! We can’t wait to see the creativity and imagination of our community as they put together floats, costumes, and decorations that everyone can enjoy. From local businesses to schools and organizations, we expect a fantastic showcase of talent and community spirit. The parade is a family-friendly event that promises fun for all ages. Gather your loved ones and join us for a morning filled with laughter, cheers, and don’t miss out on one of the most anticipated parades of the year! For parade applications, participant guidelines, and more, visit 2023 Georgia Apple Festival Parade.

Apple Classic Car Show

Annually, the Apple Country Classic Auto Club hosts a classic auto show. They offer over 300 show car spaces, and 100 awards, including Top 60 Cars, Top 25 Trucks, and 15 “Best Of” Awards. They will also have door prizes, a live DJ, food, a raffle, and a 50/50 drawing. All proceeds benefit our local community through scholarships, children’s Christmas programs, the food pantry, and more.

Apple Festival 5k

The 47th Annual Apple Festival 5K and 1-mile race is a great way to kick off your Apple Festival weekend! This race is a certified course that starts and ends at the Ellijay Elementary School located off North Main Street across from City Hall. Awards are given to overall, master, and grandmaster winners, as well as the top 3 in various age categories. 

Apple Orchards

Gilmer Country is known as the Apple Capital of Georgia, with over 22 varieties of apples harvested from June-November. Visit one of our many apple orchards for fresh apples, apple pies, jellies, jams, butter, ciders, and more. Our orchards offer petting zoos, flower picking, and many U-Pick events, perfect for all ages. Browse pickellijay.com or click to plan your visit to Ellijay’s apple orchards! Note: no apple picking on fairgrounds. 

Let’s Get Social

Follow Georgia Apple Festival and Pick Ellijay on social media to stay connected, and visit a Pick Ellijay Welcome Center to pick up your copies of our brochures, maps, and important visitor information.

View or download our “FALL FOR ELLIJAY” brochure

Read the Times-Courier Apple Capital Magazine here