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Things to Do in North Georgia This Weekend: Veterans Day, Holiday Markets & MTB Adventure Day (Nov. 14–15)

Trail Scouts MTB Adventure Day at Blankets Creek, Marietta's Veterans Day 5K and parade, a tree lighting in Woodstock, and holiday markets from Canton to Ellijay
November 12, 2026

Things to Do in North Georgia This Weekend: Veterans Day, Holiday Markets & MTB Adventure Day (Nov. 14–15)

Trail Scouts MTB Adventure Day at Blankets Creek, Marietta's Veterans Day 5K and parade, a tree lighting in Woodstock, and holiday markets from Canton to Ellijay

Looking for things to do in North Georgia this weekend? The thing we're most excited about is Trail Scouts MTB Adventure Day at Blankets Creek in Canton on Saturday at 10 AM. It's not a race. Families ride the trails at their own pace and check them off as they go, which makes it a great way to get kids on mountain bikes. It's also Veterans Day weekend, so the Marietta Square fills up Saturday morning with the Veterans Memorial 5K and the Veterans Day Parade. Woodstock lights its Christmas tree that evening, and holiday markets are popping up from Canton to Ellijay. Whatever you pick, get outside while the leaves are still hanging on.

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Events This Weekend

Saturday, Nov. 14

12th Annual Veterans Memorial 5K Marietta | 7:30 AM Start Veterans Day weekend with a 5K around Marietta.

Trail Scouts MTB Adventure Day Blankets Creek, Canton | 10 AM A no-pressure mountain bike day for families. Ride the trails at your own pace and check them off as you go.

Veterans Day Parade Marietta Square | 10:40 AM Marietta's parade honoring those who served.

Annual Christmas Market Ellijay | Nov. 14 Holiday shopping with local vendors from the Ellijay Farmers & Artisans Market.

Holiday Kick-Off & Tree Lighting The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, Woodstock | Tree lighting at 6 PM A holiday kick-off with Santa's arrival and a tree lighting.

Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 14–15

The Cotton Mill Exchange Holiday Open House Canton | Nov. 14–15 A holiday open house at the Cotton Mill Exchange in Canton.

Events may be canceled or rescheduled. Check the organizer's website before heading out.

Local Favorite: Giggle Monsters Craft Donuts

If you haven't been to Giggle Monsters in Canton yet, put it on your list. It's right off Bells Ferry Road, and the donuts are hard to beat. We featured owner-operator Arturo Howard in a community spotlight back in 2022, and he's still turning out some of the best donuts in the Atlanta area. Grab a dozen on your way to the trails this weekend.

From the Feed: A Secret Torta Spot in Cherokee County

There's a torta spot in Cherokee County that most people drive right past. We found it, and it's worth the stop. Watch the reel on Instagram to see where it is and what to order.

Trail of the Week: Garland Mountain Horse & Hike Trails

If you want a long walk in the woods without the crowds, head to Garland Mountain outside Waleska. This 950-acre Cherokee County park has miles of quiet, wooded trails.

  • Hiking trails: About 19.7 miles of marked trails, so you can do a short loop or spend the morning
  • Difficulty: Well graded, with few rocks or roots, and good for families
  • Good to know: Horses share the trails and have the right of way. Parking is free.
  • Location: 1411 Garland Mountain Way, Waleska, off GA-140

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Every week, we send a short list of what's happening from Marietta to the mountains, plus a Trail of the Week and one of our favorite local spots. Sign up for the free Weekly Wander newsletter and get your weekend plans in your inbox before Friday.

Thinking about a move from Marietta to the mountains? Book a call with Greg.

See you out there, Greg & the Trails to Towns team

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