Summer is a time for outdoor fun and as many festivals as you can fit into your vacation after a refreshing white water rafting trip down the Ocoee River with Carolina Ocoee! Festivals bring out the nostalgia in us and a longing for the good old days when life seemed so much simpler. Festivals can be as simple as an arts and crafts event, to a small town street festival, to the more elaborate carnival rides mixed with good food, great entertainment and vendors showcasing their products and talents. Below are a few of the summer festivals scheduled for the 2023 season that are an hour or less from Ducktown, TN.
Cleveland’s Family Fun Day – June 10, 2023
Cleveland’s Fun Day packs a lot of punch for the entire family. It’s a chance to get together with friends and family and enjoy a fun day of pony rides, train rides, music, entertainment, vendors, giveaways and prizes, and so much more. All of this is less than an hour away from Ducktown, TN and the Ocoee River with free admission and free parking.
Blue Ridge Wine & Jazz Festival – June 24, 2023
On Saturday, June 24, 2023, enjoy music, wines, fine art, and delicious cuisine in Ellijay, GA just 40 minutes from Ducktown, TN and the Ocoee River. Their wines will include locally made (in North Georgia and North Carolina) and from all over the world. The Blue Ridge Wine & Jazz Festival’s goal is to be recognized as “A Cultural Tourism Destination” in the North Georgia Mountains.
2023 Blue Ridge Old Timers’ Parade – July 4, 2023
The Old Timers’ Parade is Blue Ridge, Georgia’s 4th of July celebration. They celebrate with a 1950s theme to bring back the way Blue Ridge used to be. You can join in and dress up in period costume if you want to, or not, but be sure to come out and enjoy all the fun with area businesses as they parade through historic downtown Blue Ridge, GA and celebrate America’s freedom.
Miner’s Homecoming Ducktown, TN – July 4th Weekend
The Miner’s Homecoming is Ducktown, Tennessee’s 4th of July celebration. Fireworks are shot from Tater Hill in downtown Mccaysville-Copperhill as part of an old-fashioned Independence Day Celebration. Held every year on the July 4th weekend, it combines traditional 4th of July activities as well as honoring the heritage of copper mining. Check with the Polk County Chamber of Commerce for dates, times, and schedule of events.
Blooms, Bluegrass, BBQ Festival – May 5-6, 2023
This festival is held a little more than an hour from the Ocoee River in Sweetwater, TN–a charming small town in Monroe County. Their festival will include a BBQ competition in addition to vendors, music, a kid’s zone, a carnival, and more. They welcome tourists with a smile and introduce them to the charm of a small town. Join them for a couple of fun days of family friendly events!
Georgia Mountain Fair – August 18-26, 2023
The Georgia Mountain Fair is held every year in Hiawassee, Georgia–a little less than an hour from Carolina Ocoee white water rafting in Ducktown, TN. This fair hosts Amusements of America–the largest traveling amusement park in the United States. In addition, the fair includes vendors, entertainment, and events that will give you a sense of nostalgia for the good old days. Be sure to pick up your concert tickets before August 19, 2023 for the Brotherly Love Tour, with John Michael Montgomery and Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry!
Sugarloaf Jeep/Off Road 4×4/Arts/Crafts Festival – September 23-24, 2023
The Sugarloaf Jeep festival is a bit later, but it’s still summer-like warm in September in the Tennessee mountains. Enjoy this festival on the Ocoee River in Benton, TN as you admire Jeeps and Off Road vehicles, shop vendors, and eat delicious food. The festival also includes entertainment, inflatables, pony rides, and much more.
Now that you’ve got a running start with a list of summer festivals to enjoy, remember to book your exciting white water rafting trip with Carolina Ocoee before you leave!