Annual Toccoa Harvest Festival in Georgia's Blue Ridge Foothills

The History of the Toccoa Harvest Festival

The annual Toccoa Harvest Festival has become a beloved tradition for residents of this small mountain town in northeast Georgia. Set among the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Toccoa has a rich agricultural heritage that is celebrated each fall at the lively community festival.

The Toccoa Harvest Festival traces its origins to the original “Toccoa Harvest Homecoming” event held in 1986. What began as a modest weekend celebration has blossomed into a 10-day festival that welcomes over 60,000 visitors to enjoy food, music, entertainment, arts & craft vendors, and more.

When & Where the Festival Takes Place

The Toccoa Harvest Festival is held every October in downtown Toccoa, centered around Broad Street, Neal Street, and the historic Currahee Military Museum grounds. The mild fall weather makes it a perfect time for an outdoor celebration with most events taking place under open-air tents. With the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance, the setting for the festival creates an idyllic small-town backdrop.

Can’t-Miss Attractions & Entertainment

From apple bobbing to grape stomps, pie-eating contests to lively music performances, there is endless fun to be had at the Toccoa Harvest Festival for visitors of all ages. No trip to the festival would be complete without attending these signature events:

• The Carnival Midway – Ride the Ferris wheel and carousel or get your fill of corn dogs and fresh-spun cotton candy while game booths line the midway.
• Grape Stomp Competition – One of the most popular (and messiest!) events of the festival with teams competing to extract the most juice from grapes in a giant wooden barrel.
• Bluegrass & Country Concerts – Local and regional musicians take the stage for foot-stomping musical performances each night.
• Arts and Crafts Fair – Rows of local artisans sell pottery, paintings, quilts, jewelry, woodcrafts, and more.

Family-Friendly Attractions for All Ages

In addition to lively concerts and amusement rides, the Toccoa Harvest Festival offers plenty of mellower activities tailored for families with small children. Moms and dads can relax while the kids are entertained at these family-friendly attractions:

Farmyard Petting Zoo

Little ones delight at the chance to get up close with their favorite barnyard critters like ponies, pygmy goats, chickens, ducks, and bunnies in the festival’s petting zoo area. Feed stations are set up so kids can offer animals snacks and make some fuzzy new friends.

Children’s Play Area

An entire section of the festival grounds is dedicated just for kids with inflatable bounce houses, face painting, craft stations for making crowns and magic wands, and hands-on activities like digging for treasures in a giant sandbox. It’s the perfect spot for parents to relax while kids play.

The Little Farmer Barn

Kids can milk a (fake) cow, harvest crops, and learn about farm life in a pint-size barn filled with miniature farm equipment. It’s an immersive hands-on agricultural experience for little farmers-in-training.

Indulge Your Tastebuds with Local Flavors

Beyond rides and entertainment, no fall harvest festival would be complete without plenty of tempting food and drinks celebrating the tastes of autumn. The Toccoa Harvest Festival delivers with row upon row of mouthwatering fare.

Seasonal Comfort Foods

Warm up with hearty comfort foods like thick Brunswick stew, chicken & dumplings, chili, baked potatoes loaded with fixings, mac & cheese, and more. Nothing says autumn like digging into a bowl of stick-to-your ribs deliciousness.

Fresh Baked Goods

The aroma of fresh apple, pecan and pumpkin pies, fruit crisps, fudge, and other homemade goodies draws crowds to the festival’s baking competition. Be sure to browse the mouthwatering creations and sample a sweet treat.

Local Wineries & Craft Brews

The rolling hills surrounding Toccoa are home to several vineyards and wineries, along with local microbreweries crafting small-batch beers and ciders. Sip samples from FAITH Winery, Currahee Vineyards, Toccoa Falls Brewing and others.

When it comes to food, fun and small-town hospitality, the annual Toccoa Harvest Festival has it all. Mark your October calendars and come experience this beloved North Georgia tradition.

FAQs

What are the dates for the 2023 Toccoa Harvest Festival?

The 2023 Toccoa Harvest Festival takes place October 6th-15th in downtown Toccoa, Georgia.

What is there to do at the festival besides rides & games?

Some of the most popular highlights are grape stomp competitions, pie eating contests, bluegrass concerts, arts & craft vendors, and tasting food from local wineries and breweries.

Is the Harvest Festival family-friendly?

Definitely! In addition to lively concerts and rides, there is a petting zoo, inflatable bounce houses, face painting, and mini farm equipment for kids to explore hands-on.

How much do tickets cost to attend the festival?

General admission into the festival grounds is free! However, there are additional charges for food, rides, games and some special events or concerts.