Spring arrives this month, bringing with it mild weather and perfect opportunities for outdoor exploring and experiences here in Georgia. Start making your plans to stroll gardens or hike park trails where nature is showing off with rainbows of blooming flowers. Pencil in a day to explore a local festival celebrating music, art or food. Pick a bucket of strawberries. Get your sports fix with some pro golf, cycling or baseball. Walton Gas shares these ideas to help you find the fun.
BROWSE THE BLOOMS
From the mountains to the state’s southern border, find events geared to celebrating nature in full bloom. Click on links for event schedules.
Rhododendron Festival, April 11-May 10, Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens, Hiawassee
See a botanical paradise of native wildflowers like trilliums, shooting stars and trout lilies, and more than 1,500 rhododendrons and native azaleas in peak bloom. Each weekend, enjoy crafters, live music, food, drinks, a plant sale and gardening seminars. A $10 donation per entry is requested to help support the gardens.
Thomasville Rose Show and Festival, April 24-25, Downtown Thomasville
Since the 1920s, Thomasville has been celebrating spring by showing off roses and other flowers. Beyond the floral displays, there’s a parade, fireworks, live music, food, art show and car show.
FIND A FESTIVAL
Dive into a special interest or learn something new at a community event near you.
Atlanta Dogwood Festival, April 10-12, Piedmont Park
Against a backdrop of pink and white dogwood blooms, this Atlanta tradition will celebrate its 90th year of showcasing art, music and family entertainment. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is requested. Event schedule:
International Festival, May 2, Johns Creek
Get a taste of the world in one of the most culturally diverse cities in Georgia. Sample traditional foods, music and dance from other countries. Shop at a global marketplace.
Lavonia Renaissance Festival, May 2, Lavonia
Travel back in time at this living history experience featuring live demonstrations of combat, craftsmanship and life in the Middle Ages. Don’t miss the “cirkus” to see aerial acrobats, a dazzling fire show and knife throwing. Admission.
Ellijay Music Festival, May 8-10, Throughout Gilmer County
Recognized as one of the South’s premier music festivals, shows feature award-winning songwriters, recording artists and bands performing music in genres ranging from country to pop, blues to honky tonk, and Americana to rock n' roll. Most shows are free with performances occurring at a variety of locations in and near Ellijay.
A giant model train display in the town’s restored train depot is an annual highlight of the Winterville Marigold Festival, set for May 9.
Winterville Marigold Festival, May 9, Winterville
Along with its signature parade, live music, kids area, car show and the running of the state’s second oldest 10K race, this community classic features a giant model train layout provided by the Northeast Georgia N Scale Railroad Club.
TREAT YOUR TASTEBUDS
Georgia's spring food festivals offer a huge menu of options. A few choices include:
Georgia Craft Brewers Guild Festival, April 11, Woodstock
Billed as “the ultimate craft beer experience,” this one-day festival offers 50 Georgia breweries pouring 150+ unique beers. A $70 ticket includes unlimited pours of beer samples and entertainment. Food vendors, spirits and wine, and a makers’ market are also slated for the day.
Blessing of the Fleet, April 17-19, Darien
Seafood from local vendors headlines the three days of festivities when this coastal community pays homage to its thriving shrimping industry. A marine-themed parade, art show, 5K run, children’s activities, classic car show and live entertainment add to the fun.
Vidalia Onion Festival, April 23-26, Vidalia
Join food lovers to celebrate the harvest of Georgia’s official state vegetable, the famous Vidalia onion. Sampling food showcasing Vidalia onions in creative recipes tops a list of family-friendly activities, including an air show, parades, live music, carnival rides and arts and crafts sales.
Georgia Strawberry Festival, April 25, Reynolds
A strawberry patch and strawberry pie eating contest head a packed event list that includes a 5K race, antique tractor show, pet costume contest, live musical entertainment, a fire truck pull, dachshund races and arts and crafts sale.
Cave Spring Baconfest, May 2, Cave Spring
The opportunity to sample bacon-inspired food items tops the list of activities that also include a car show and arts and crafts vendors. Admission for ages 13 and older.
Taste of Alpharetta, May 14, Alpharetta
Dine at over 60 restaurants in one night at this food extravaganza. Sample appetizers, entrees and desserts from the top chefs in town. Enjoy culinary demonstrations, activities for all ages and entertainment to please every palate. Admission is free but tickets are required for food sampling.
PICK SOME PRODUCE
Head to one of Georgia's many pick-your-own strawberry farms for a true Southern springtime tradition. The official strawberry season can stretch from late April to early July in Georgia, with picking depending on weather and growing conditions. Check individual farm websites for exact dates and hours of operation. Many farms offer a variety of agritourism activities to complement berry picking.
You-pick strawberry farms across Georgia
Area favorites:
- Compton Bell Farms, Buford
- Pharr Farms, Winder
- Warbington Farms, Cumming
- Washington Farms, Bogart
BASEBALL TO BIKES
If sports is your thing, springtime offers a mixed bag of elite-level competitions for Georgia fans.
Atlanta Braves 2026 Season Home Opener, March 27, Truist Park, Atlanta
This is the 156th season of the Atlanta Braves franchise, the 61st in Atlanta, and the Braves' 10th season at Truist Park. The home opener kicks off a weekend stand versus the Kansas City Royals.
The Masters, April 7-13, Augusta
Tickets to the 90th edition of the legendary golf tournament have already been allocated, but there may be purchase options still available through third-party sellers. Even if you can’t manage a ticket, there are plenty of golf-inspired attractions and local hotspots to experience during Masters Week, reports Destination Augusta.
Pro cycle racing is the main event at Twilight Criterium, April 17-18 in Athens.
Twilight Criterium, April 17-18, Athens
Watch pro cyclers fly through the streets of downtown Athens at breakneck speed in one of the most exciting events on the national cycling circuit. Cycling fans can also enjoy BMX demos, a family festival and an artist market.
FAMILY FUN
The entire family can find something to love at these events and activities happening around the region.
Seasonal Farmers Markets, Saturdays
Buy Georgia-grown produce and grass-fed meats, fresh flowers, locally made jams and baked goods, crafts and more at seasonal farmers markets. The Oconee Farmers Market in Watkinsville hosts a monthly program for children. Past activities have included crafts, petting zoos and costume contests.
Lemonade Days, April 22-26, Brook Run Park, Dunwoody
More than 20 midway rides, pony rides, petting zoo, a large food court and beer garden are draws for this Atlanta-area festival that annually attracts some 80,000 attendees.
Cedar Valley Arts Festival, April 25-26, Historic Peek Park, Cedartown
It’s the 61st year for this community affair that showcases local artists and craftsmen alongside 5K and 10K races, a dog show, food and other entertainment.
May Day Celebration, May 2, West Broad Farmers Market, Athens
Local farmers, gardeners, artists and vendors invite the public to celebrate the changing of the seasons with music, festivities and a maypole dedication. A featured highlight is the Athens Berry Pie Contest.
Participants at the Keeping Georgia Wild Family Festival on May 16 can try out outdoor recreational sports like archery and fishing.
Keeping Georgia Wild Family Festival, May 16, Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, Mansfield
The whole family can enjoy the outdoors at this free event that includes activities focusing on Georgia wildlife, conservation and outdoor recreational opportunities. Kids can try archery, fishing, shooting sports and tree climbing. Live animal presentations, crafts, solar viewing and exhibitors displaying wildlife-themed booths add to the festivities. The first 500 kids receive a free event t-shirt and a free hotdog lunch is available while supplies last.