Fall is right around the corner, and we can already taste the sweet flavors of apple pie, apple cider, and apple butter. This time of year wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the rich apple aroma, which is why the 2026 Georgia Apple Festival is the place to be.
What Is the Georgia Apple Festival?
Photo Credit: DC Studio
Dates: October 10, 11, 17 & 18, 2026
In 1903, a man named John W. Clayton planted the first apples for a market in Gilmer County.
At about the same time, the boll weevil started its journey from the Rio Grande into Texas, heading east. It devoured cotton crops across the South. Georgia, like the rest of the South, depended on cotton to keep its economy afloat.
It was John Clayton’s apple orchards that kept the economy of Gilmer County from collapsing. Today Gilmer County produces over 200,000 bushels of apples a year, and Gilmer County is showing its appreciation.
Thanks to Mr. John Clayton and the citizens of Ellijay, Georgia, you can get ready for another trip to the Georgia Apple Festival, 2026.
This year, you can visit more than 250 vendors that share their items. Not only will you get to taste delicious apple products, but you can also find numerous artisan products and many people ready to share their craft with a live demonstration.
The festival kicks off with a fun 5K race at 8 AM on October 10, 2026. You can then visit the campgrounds to enjoy the festival between 9 AM and 5 PM on October 10, 11, 17, and 18, 2026.
How Do I Get There?
Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks
Address: Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds, 1729 South Main Street, Ellijay, Georgia 30540
The festival is in Ellijay, Georgia, right in the northern part of the state.
If you’re coming from Ellijay or a nearby neighborhood, you can use one of the shuttle buses that transport visitors from the city to the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds on the southwest side of the town. You can park at one of the pick-up locations, which include Gilmer High School, an elementary school off the GA-282 highway, or near McCutchen Street.
Since parking is scarce at the actual campgrounds, you can park at any of those pick-up locations and shuttle to the festival. If you are coming from another part of the state – or country – still consider shuttling to the campgrounds to ensure you have a safe place to park.
Keep in mind that you may need to pay for parking. The lots and shuttle services are run by local community organizations, and fees vary between lots.
Handicapped individuals can take advantage of limited parking spaces at the campgrounds, but it’s best to get there early to ensure a spot.
How Do I Get Tickets?
You can pay for tickets when you get to the festival. All adults pay only $10, while children under 12 enjoy free admission.
What Can I Do There?
There are over 250 vendors spread out across the Lions Club Fairgrounds. Their tables will be covered with handmade clothes and jewelry, candles, wood carvings, and lots and lots of food. If you’re hungry, the Fairgrounds in Ellijay is just the place for apple bread, butter churned on somebody’s front porch and a mug of warm cider.
It’s like a family reunion, and you don’t have to be from Gilmer County to be part of this family. There are no strangers at the Georgia Apple Festival. Take the whole family and stroll through the campgrounds, enjoying the fall season and celebrating Georgia’s apple orchards and craftsmanship.
Of course, not all the fun happens at the campground! Visit downtown Ellijay for continued enjoyment
Events Around Town
By mid-morning, the shops in Ellijay’s 19th-century downtown will open their doors, and you can count on friendly owners in every doorway, offering slices of apple cake, muffins, and cups of warm apple cider.
Don’t wander too far. This year’s festival is an exceptional kind of gathering, and you won’t want to miss anything the town has in store. Consider the following events:
- Apple Arts on the Square: This event is a miniature Apple Festival in the town square on all four days of the Festival. It’s a great place to shop for gifts if you like a smaller venue.
- Apple Festival 5K Road Race: Participate or cheer on your loved ones at the race on October 9th. It starts at 8:00 am, but make sure to arrive at the Ellijay Elementary School at 7:00 am for registration.
Enjoy the Delicious Apples!
Make sure your fall experience is complete with a trip to the 2026 Georgia Apple Festival. It’s a perfect place to take the whole family, share delicious food, and support local businesses.
