Things to Do in North Georgia This Weekend: Woodstock, Ball Ground, Jasper & Blue Ridge (Nov. 6–8)
Nov 5, 2026 · @Lauren
Halloween is behind us, and now it's leaf season. Fall color is coming in across North Georgia, and peak is right around the corner. Before the holidays take over, this weekend brings Woodstock's International Food Festival and Día de los Muertos Festival, a free music festival in Ball Ground, a mountain history festival in Jasper, and a Veterans Day parade in Blue Ridge. Here's the full rundown, plus a pizza stop in Ellijay and a quieter hike in the Cohuttas.
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Events This Weekend
All Weekend, Nov. 6–8
Woodstock International Food Festival Woodstock | Nov. 6–8 Food from around the world, all weekend in Woodstock.
Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 7–8
Día de los Muertos Festival Woodstock | Nov. 7–8 A weekend Day of the Dead celebration from Woodstock Arts.
Saturday, Nov. 7
Handmade for the Holidays Market Blue Ridge | 9 AM–3 PM Get a head start on Christmas shopping with local makers at the Fannin Ag Center.
Veterans Day Parade Blue Ridge | 10 AM A parade and community celebration honoring those who served.
Ball Ground Rocks Ball Ground | Noon–8 PM A free music festival in downtown Ball Ground.
Soup Bean & First Mountain Days History Festival Jasper | Nov. 7 A festival celebrating Pickens County's mountain heritage.
Events may be canceled or rescheduled. Check the organizer's website before heading out.
Local Favorite: Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza
Heading up to Ellijay for the leaves? Save time for Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza in downtown Ellijay. They make Neapolitan-style pies in a wood-fired oven brought over from Naples, using fresh, local ingredients. The menu runs from a classic Margherita to some creative combos. It can get busy, but the wait is worth it. Grab a pizza, walk around downtown, and spend the afternoon in the mountains.
From the Feed: Fall Color in North Georgia
Fall color has officially arrived. It's working its way south from Brasstown Bald through Blairsville, Blue Ridge, Ellijay, and Jasper, right down the 575 corridor. We're close to peak, so get out before the leaves are gone. Hike, bike, ride, or just take a drive. Not up for the mountains this weekend? Toonigh Creek Falls is close to home and worth a stop this time of year.
Trail of the Week: Grassy Mountain Tower Trail
Want to get off the beaten path? The Grassy Mountain Tower Trail heads deep into the Cohutta Mountains. It starts along the shore of Lake Conasauga and climbs through thick forest, mountain laurel, and rocky ground. Partway up you'll pass a beaver pond, then keep climbing to the historic Grassy Mountain fire tower. The tower is closed to visitors, but the hike is worth it on its own, and it's a great way to spend a day in a quieter corner of North Georgia. Plan for gravel roads on the drive in.
- Distance: 5.3 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate, with a steady climb to the summit
- Highlights: Lake Conasauga, beaver ponds, mountain views, and a historic fire tower
- Dog-friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome
- Good to know: Remote area with limited cell service. Bring a map and plenty of water, and check road conditions before you go.
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See you out there, Greg & the Trails to Towns: North Georgia team
