Another weekend is upon us, and there are plenty of great ways to spend it across Northeast Georgia!
Here is this week's list of events around the region:
Weekend Events May 17–May 19
Event Name: Arts, Wine & Jazz Festival
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Event Location: Historic Square & Hancock Park, Dahlonega
Event Details: The 9th Annual Festival features jazz music in Hanock Park (starting at 1 p.m.) while over 80+ artists and crafters will be on hand. Local & regional wines, craft beer and terrific jazz performances will be the focus of the day. No admission is charged, although tickets for wine or beer can be purchased at the garden.
Event Name: Toast of Toccoa
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 18, 12 – 6 p.m.
Event Location: Downtown Toccoa
Event Details: Craft beer, local wine samples, regional art, food trucks, live music and more. Also, while you’re there check out the classic car cruise-in. Admission is free, but tokens will be sold for beer and wine tasting. For details, go to www.mainstreettoccoa.com. This event was originally set to be scheduled on May 4 but was rained out and moved to this Saturday.
Event Name: 62nd Annual Mountain Laurel Festival and Parade
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Event Location: Washington St., Clarkesville
Event Details: The longest running festival in the NE Ga area hosts a variety of arts and crafts, a parade, live music, dance troops, food trucks and more. The parade starts at 10 a.m. with a full day of fun activities for the whole family. Free tours will be given of the Mauldin House and the Old Clarkesville Cemetery. You can shop for ceramics, jams, jewelry, leather, drawings, sculptures and more. The festival is rain or shine.
Event Name: Racing to the Rescue Car Show: Cats, Canines & Classics
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Event Location: Racing Hall of Fame, Dawsonville
Event Details: Hosted by the Dawson County Marshals Office and the Humane Society, learn more about the marshals office, as well as meet adoptable pets and find resources for your pets. See inside the animal control truck and other First Responder vehicles. Free for everyone. Hot dog lunches are available for $5 and proceeds go to the Dawson County Humane Society.
Event Name: Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 18, 12 – 2 p.m.
Event Location: Bowen Center for the Arts, Dawsonville
Event Details: Come dress in your “maddest” hat to win a prize! Games, tea, photo ops and more. Fun for the whole family. You can come early starting at 11 a.m. to decorate your hat or if you need one of theirs. The cost is $10 each and you can get tickets by calling the Bowen Center for the Arts.
Event Name: Cornelia Music Festival
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 18, 5 – 10 p.m.
Event Location: Main St., Cornelia
Event Details: Downtown Cornelia will come alive with music, dancing, singing, food vendors and fireworks! The lineup includes “Headed South, “Departure: The Journey Tribute Band,” and the legendary John Schneider. Stick around to the end for the fireworks!
Event Name: Surf Fest
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 18, 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Event Location: Lake Lanier Olympic Park, Clarks Bridge Rd., Gainesville
Event Details: Find out the best surfboard that’s out there! The on-water experience will include 4 riding sessions with each boat featuring a different industry leading brand. Dinner, swag and concert included for all riders. Space is limited. If surfing isn’t your thing, there’s plenty to do on land including an Arbor Skatebord demo presented by SurfATL. Spectators of all ages are welcome! Go to www.surf-atl.com.
Event Name: Bob Ross “Joy of Painting” Evening by the River
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Event Location: Helen Arts & Heritage Center, Helen
Event Details: Come and experience the techniques of Bob Ross. No experience needed. It will take approximately four hours to complete an 11x14 oil painting. Costs $75.00. Contact the Arts & Heritage Center for a spot!
