Gilmer County Georgia Fairgrounds Events

Gilmer County, Georgia, is known for its apple orchards, mountain scenery, and seasonal community celebrations. In Ellijay, the county seat, the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds hosts two major annual events: the Gilmer County Fair in August and the Georgia Apple Festival in October. Both draw local residents and visitors from across North Georgia.

The fairgrounds are located at 1729 South Main Street, Ellijay, GA 30540. The Ellijay Lions Club organizes the county fair, while the Georgia Apple Festival is organized jointly by the Lions Club and the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce. The venue brings together carnival attractions, exhibits, craft vendors, food sellers, and community activities in a county where apple growing remains central to local identity.

Overview of Gilmer County Fairgrounds

Location and facilities

The Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds sit along South Main Street, near the Riverfront Park area. Visitors arriving from outside the county can reach Ellijay using Georgia State Route 515 and connecting roads, including routes into town from the Blue Ridge and Jasper areas.

The grounds serve as an outdoor event venue for the Gilmer County Fair and Georgia Apple Festival. Festival organizers use the property for vendor booths, food concessions, demonstrations, and public gathering areas. A verified acreage figure, complete building inventory, grandstand seating capacity, and permanent livestock-barn count are not publicly established in the information available.

Who operates the fairgrounds?

The Ellijay Lions Club is the primary organizer of the Gilmer County Fair. The club also participates in organizing the Georgia Apple Festival with the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce. The Lions Club has served the Gilmer County community since 1934, supporting humanitarian services and vision care.

These events have different focuses. The August fair emphasizes traditional midway entertainment and community exhibits, while the October festival is especially known for handmade goods, food, demonstrations, and the apple harvest season.

Upcoming Events at Gilmer County Fairgrounds

Gilmer County Fair 2026

The 2026 Gilmer County Fair ran August 6–16, 2026, at the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds. Its published schedule included evening fair hours during the week, later closing times on Fridays and Saturdays, and a Sunday afternoon opening. The 2026 dates have now passed, so visitors should look for the next announcement before planning a future trip.

The fair features carnival rides, indoor exhibits, vendors, bingo, food concessions, and family entertainment. Exhibitors can use the fair’s application process to submit indoor displays or arrange concession and vendor participation.

Georgia Apple Festival 2026

The 55th annual Georgia Apple Festival is scheduled for October 10–11 and October 17–18, 2026. Saturday hours are 9 a.m.–6 p.m., and Sunday hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The event features hundreds of vendors, handmade arts and crafts, live music, demonstrations, and festival food.

The festival takes place during the North Georgia apple season. Visitors can expect apple-themed treats alongside other food vendors and craft displays. The related Apple Arts Festival takes place in downtown Ellijay on the same weekends, with a separate venue and its own visitor arrangements.

Other local events

Gilmer County also hosts seasonal activities away from the fairgrounds, including orchard events and community festivals. Hillcrest Orchards, for example, has been associated with fall apple picking, wagon rides, family attractions, and harvest-season activities. Event dates and offerings vary by organizer and season.

The County Fair Itself

Typical fair season and activities

The Gilmer County Fair traditionally takes place in August, while the Georgia Apple Festival takes place over two October weekends. The two events serve different purposes: the fair centers on carnival entertainment and community exhibits, while the apple festival focuses on regional crafts, food, and seasonal traditions.

Exhibits, entertainment, and food

The Gilmer County Fair’s published 2026 information lists carnival rides, bingo, vendors, concessions, and indoor exhibits. The exhibit process allows residents to submit entries for display, although individual categories and judging requirements should be checked in the current application materials.

The Georgia Apple Festival offers a different mix of attractions:

• Handmade crafts, artwork, home décor, and other vendor products.
• Live music and on-site demonstrations.
• Festival food, including apple-themed treats.
• Family activities and entertainment.
• A companion arts festival in downtown Ellijay.

Apple pies, cider, fritters, and other apple-based foods are closely associated with the area’s fall tourism season. Vendor offerings vary, and not every item is available at every booth.

Admission and opening hours

For the 2026 Gilmer County Fair, the published gate prices were $5 for adults, $3 for students, and free for children six and under. Ride armbands were listed at $30, with individual ride tickets also available. These were 2026 prices and should not be assumed to apply in 2027.

For the 2026 Georgia Apple Festival, admission was $10 per person, with children 12 and under admitted free. The festival is an outdoor, rain-or-shine event.

Facilities and Grounds

Exhibition areas and outdoor space

The Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds accommodates the Gilmer County Fair’s midway and exhibits as well as the Georgia Apple Festival’s extensive vendor setup. The outdoor layout is particularly important during October, when visitors move between craft booths, food stalls, demonstrations, and activity areas.

A confirmed public inventory of permanent exhibition buildings, livestock barns, arena seating, commercial buildings, or camping spaces is not available. Visitors should not assume the venue has dedicated RV hookups or overnight camping.

Georgia’s agricultural fairs and community celebrations showcase local traditions through exhibits, livestock displays, and seasonal entertainment. People interested in Gilmer County Georgia Fairgrounds Events can explore upcoming activities while also checking out Fulton County Georgia Fairgrounds Events.

Parking and accessibility

Festival parking is available in the surrounding area, with paid lots and some locations offering shuttle service during the Georgia Apple Festival. Parking is managed by individual lot operators rather than entirely by the festival organizers. Limited parking is available close to the fairgrounds, so arriving early can help.

Accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis for the Apple Festival. The outdoor terrain may be uneven, and visitors needing mobility assistance should plan accordingly. The organizers do not provide wheelchair or motorized-scooter rentals.

Vendor and Exhibitor Information

Applying for a booth

The Gilmer County Fair accepts applications for general exhibits, indoor exhibits, and concessions. Vendors should obtain the appropriate application and check the submission requirements before planning their setup. The 2026 fair’s published materials included separate forms for these categories.

The Georgia Apple Festival has a separate vendor application process. The Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce has reported an annual application period running from January 1 through March 31, but applicants should verify the deadline for the relevant festival year. The festival features more than 250 vendors, and spaces may be limited.

Entering exhibits

Residents wishing to display crafts, artwork, or other competitive entries at the Gilmer County Fair should check the current exhibit rules, intake hours, and collection arrangements. For the 2026 fair, exhibit intake was scheduled for August 2, with pickup on August 16. These dates have passed and are not a confirmed schedule for 2027.

Getting to Gilmer County Fairgrounds

Driving directions

The fairgrounds are at 1729 South Main Street in Ellijay. Georgia State Route 515 is a key approach for travelers coming from Blue Ridge, Jasper, and other North Georgia communities. Once in Ellijay, follow local directions toward South Main Street and the Riverfront Park area.

During major festival weekends, allow extra time for traffic and parking. The Apple Festival draws visitors from outside Gilmer County, and local roads around the grounds can become congested.

Public transportation and shuttle services

No regular public-transit service directly to the fairgrounds has been confirmed. During the Georgia Apple Festival, some off-site parking areas offer shuttle buses. Visitors should check current parking arrangements before driving into downtown Ellijay. Service animals and shuttle rules should be reviewed in advance because animal transport is restricted on festival buses.

4-H and FFA at Gilmer County Fairgrounds

Gilmer County’s agricultural identity is closely tied to apple production, orchard businesses, and mountain farming. Youth agricultural programs can give students experience in livestock care, judging, horticulture, and other practical subjects.

However, a current official list of 4-H clubs, FFA chapters participating in the Gilmer County Fair, and a junior livestock auction schedule was not verified. Families interested in animal projects or youth competitions should contact the local University of Georgia Cooperative Extension office to ask about enrollment, event eligibility, and regional show opportunities.

A junior livestock auction should not be assumed to be part of the fair simply because livestock activities are common at agricultural fairs elsewhere in Georgia.

Special Events Beyond the Annual Fair

Apple-season celebrations

Fall is a particularly busy time in Gilmer County. The Georgia Apple Festival provides a central gathering for craft vendors, food sellers, and visitors exploring the region’s apple-growing traditions. Nearby orchards may also offer seasonal picking, family attractions, and harvest activities, depending on crop conditions and operating schedules.

Community events and fundraisers

The Ellijay Lions Club’s community work extends beyond festival organizing. The club has a long-standing local service role, including humanitarian aid and vision care. Other community events may take place at Riverfront Park, downtown Ellijay, or separate private venues.

No verified recurring schedule was established for gun shows, demolition derbies, motocross, or rodeos at the Lions Club Fairgrounds. Check the relevant organizer’s announcement before expecting these activities.

History of Gilmer County Fairgrounds

Gilmer County’s annual fair and apple festival reflect two aspects of local life: the tradition of community fairs and the region’s orchard economy. The Ellijay Lions Club has served the community since 1934, while the Georgia Apple Festival began in 1971 and has grown into a two-weekend October event.

The apple festival’s growth parallels Gilmer County’s reputation as a major apple-growing area in Georgia. Its mix of crafts, food, demonstrations, and regional vendors makes the fairgrounds an important seasonal gathering place for residents and visitors.

A verified founding date for the fairgrounds themselves, historic attendance records, or a comprehensive record of fair cancellations was not established. The fair’s history should be distinguished from the longer history of the Lions Club and the county’s apple industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Gilmer County Fair in 2026–2027?

The 2026 Gilmer County Fair ran August 6–16. Dates for the 2027 fair should be confirmed when the Ellijay Lions Club publishes its next schedule.

When is the Georgia Apple Festival in 2026?

The festival is scheduled for October 10–11 and October 17–18, 2026, at the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds. Saturday hours are 9 a.m.–6 p.m., and Sunday hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

What is the address of Gilmer County Fairgrounds?

The Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds are located at 1729 South Main Street, Ellijay, Georgia 30540.

How much does admission to the Gilmer County Fair cost?

For 2026, published admission was $5 for adults, $3 for students, and free for children six and under. Ride armbands were listed at $30. Future prices may change.

How much does the Georgia Apple Festival cost?

The published 2026 admission price is $10 per person, with children 12 and under admitted free.

Are dogs allowed at the Georgia Apple Festival?

Pets are not allowed on the festival grounds, although service animals are permitted under the festival’s stated rules. Shuttle-bus restrictions also apply to animals.

Is camping available at Gilmer County Fairgrounds?

No on-site camping or RV hookup facilities have been verified. Visitors planning an overnight stay should arrange separate accommodation or confirm available campgrounds in the Ellijay area.

How can I become a vendor at the Gilmer County Fair?

Check the Ellijay Lions Club’s current fair application materials for general exhibits, indoor displays, and concessions. Deadlines and requirements can change each year.

Where can I park for the Georgia Apple Festival?

Parking is available in surrounding lots, some of which offer shuttle service. Availability, prices, and shuttle arrangements vary, so arriving early and checking current instructions is advisable.

Is the Georgia Apple Festival held at the same place as the Gilmer County Fair?

Yes. Both events use the Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds at 1729 South Main Street in Ellijay, although they have different schedules, admission arrangements, and activities.