Events for May 2 - May 2

The Hiawassee Night Market started with a conversation that generated after visiting another market in South Georgia and recognizing the need for a market like this, one where people of all ages could gather in an outdoor setting, enjoy local artists, food (fresh and prepared), with music. The Hiawassee Downtown Development Authority (DDA) knew that such a market aligned with their vision of what was needed in the downtown area and the Night Market was created. The concept was simple: offer art, live music, games, and food in an open outdoor setting that would be welcoming for guests of all ages.

With the allure of a modern day outlaw, Gary Allan has won over fans, peers and critics with his signature blend of smoldering vocals, rebellious lyrics and raucous live performances. While becoming a force on the country music scene, Allan has remained true to his artistic voice each step of the way. RUTHLESS, Allan's first new album in eight years was released in June 2021. The California native released his first album, USED HEART FOR SALE, in 1996 and since then has released eight additional studio albums selling over 8 million albums, been certified platinum on three back-to-back albums, and been certified gold five times. Allan has five #1 hits at country radio, fourteen Top 10 hits to his credit and amassed over 2.8 billion total streams. Some of his biggest hits include "Right Where I Need to Be", "It Ain't the Whiskey", "Smoke Rings in the Dark", "Nothing on but the Radio", and "Watching Airplanes."

Acoustic Sunsets at Hamilton Gardens - A Thursday Night Concert Series Acoustic Sunsets at Hamilton Gardens - A Thursday Night Concert Series Thursday evenings from May 8 - May 29 May 8th | May 15th | May 22nd | May 29th Food Court & Wine Bar open at 5pm Live Music Starts at 6:00pm Admission: FREE! Donations appreciated!

Acoustic Sunsets at Hamilton Gardens - A Thursday Night Concert Series Acoustic Sunsets at Hamilton Gardens - A Thursday Night Concert Series Thursday evenings from May 8 - May 29 May 8th | May 15th | May 22nd | May 29th Food Court & Wine Bar open at 5pm Live Music Starts at 6:00pm Admission: FREE! Donations appreciated!

Acoustic Sunsets at Hamilton Gardens - A Thursday Night Concert Series Acoustic Sunsets at Hamilton Gardens - A Thursday Night Concert Series Thursday evenings from May 8 - May 29 May 8th | May 15th | May 22nd | May 29th Food Court & Wine Bar open at 5pm Live Music Starts at 6:00pm Admission: FREE! Donations appreciated!

Join us at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds for a Rodeo on Memorial Day Weekend! Enjoy the best bucking horses, bulls, world class contestants from all over the United States and Canada, and the top of the line specialty acts! This is a family event that will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat with live entertainment!

Acoustic Sunsets at Hamilton Gardens - A Thursday Night Concert Series Acoustic Sunsets at Hamilton Gardens - A Thursday Night Concert Series Thursday evenings from May 8 - May 29 May 8th | May 15th | May 22nd | May 29th Food Court & Wine Bar open at 5pm Live Music Starts at 6:00pm Admission: FREE! Donations appreciated!

Acoustic Sunsets at Hamilton Gardens - A Thursday Night Concert Series Acoustic Sunsets at Hamilton Gardens - A Thursday Night Concert Series Thursday evenings from May 8 - May 29 May 8th | May 15th | May 22nd | May 29th Food Court & Wine Bar open at 5pm Live Music Starts at 6:00pm Admission: FREE! Donations appreciated!

Heavy hitting rock legends, Night Ranger recently released a live album titled, 40 Years and a Night with Contemporary Youth Orchestra and it is available on CD/DVD, Vinyl, Blu-ray, and digitally across all streaming platforms. Filmed live at the Key Bank State Theatre in Cleveland, this special event finds band members Jack Blades, Kelly Keagy, Brad Gillis, Eric Levy, and Keri Kelli taking the stage for a one-of-a-kind set joined by Cleveland's acclaimed Contemporary Youth Orchestra—an impressive outfit that boasts more than 80 talented student musicians between the ages of 12 and 18, who represent more than 40 schools in Ohio and who have previously performed alongside fellow rock legends such as Jefferson Starship, STYX, Pat Benatar, Kenny Loggins, and more. The historic collaboration with CYO marks the first time ever that Night Ranger has performed with a live symphonic orchestra, providing a unique and soaring backdrop to signature classics such as “Sister Christian,” “(You Can Still) Rock In America,” and “Don't Tell Me You Love Me” among many others. The live concert event was also turned into a two-part special for AXS TV in fall of 2023. In addition to all this, Night Ranger is also on the road continuing the celebration of their landmark 40TH Anniversary, and will continue to tour across the country throughout 2024. Having sold over 17 Million albums worldwide, performed across more than 4000 stages, and captivated a radio audience that exceeds 1 Billion, Night Ranger has both epitomized and transcended the arena rock sound and style well beyond that era. The band continue to grow their ever-evolving fan-base and they are proof that powerful songs alongside, incredibly talented musicians is the perfect formula for continued success. Night Ranger have earned widespread recognition that includes both multi-platinum and gold album status all while leaving their indelible mark on the music industry with a long list of best-selling albums (Dawn Patrol, Midnight Madness, 7 Wishes, Big Life and Man In Motion). Their popularity is fueled by an impressive number of instantly recognizable hit singles and signature album tracks. Over the years, the band's music has made notable contributions to and been featured in many different areas of global media and pop culture. Night Ranger was one of the first big “video” bands on MTV, with over ten #1 hit videos. Their songs can be heard in TV Shows like, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, American Dad, Glee, Grey's Anatomy, Parks & Recreation. The band have also had music featured in video games such as, Rock Band, Guitar Hero and Grand Theft Auto, plus hit Broadway musical Rock of Ages, the Oscar-Nominated film Boogie Nights, and other feature films such as Friday the 13th, Teachers, Sixteen Candles, and The Secret of My Success. Most recently the band's classic hit “Sister Christian” can be heard in a Dr. Pepper commercial. They can also be heard throughout JBL's “Hear The Truth” brand campaign. Night Ranger is Jack Blades (bass, vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums, vocals), Brad Gillis (lead & rhythm [...]

The Hiawassee Night Market started with a conversation that generated after visiting another market in South Georgia and recognizing the need for a market like this, one where people of all ages could gather in an outdoor setting, enjoy local artists, food (fresh and prepared), with music. The Hiawassee Downtown Development Authority (DDA) knew that such a market aligned with their vision of what was needed in the downtown area and the Night Market was created. The concept was simple: offer art, live music, games, and food in an open outdoor setting that would be welcoming for guests of all ages.

2025 will mark the 16th year of the highly successful, hit-filled summer package, THE “HAPPY TOGETHER” TOUR. The touring sensation that has crisscrossed the nation delighting audiences for over a decade returns this summer with a show full of chart-topping hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s – an undeniable 55 Billboard “Top 40” smashes. The Tour is once again joined by THE TURTLES, who also act as musical hosts for the evening. Along with THE TURTLES will be JAY and the AMERICANS, LITTLE ANTHONY, GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP, THE VOGUES and THE COWSILLS. THE TURTLES are best known for their harmony-heavy California pop sound. With such hits as “Elenore,” “She'd Rather Be with Me,” “It Ain't Me Babe,” “You Showed Me,” and the title of the tour, “Happy Together,” the band ruled the airwaves in the late ‘60s. Ron Dante joins the line-up to delight with his own mega-hits, “Sugar Sugar” and “Tracy.” We are proud to present JAY and the AMERICANS! Few groups have ever reached the musical heights with hits from 1962 – 1971. This group charted an amazing Five Billboard “Top 10” hits and Twelve “Top 20” hit records. Their breakout hit was “She Cried”. Their next chart hit was “Only In America“, which they followed with hit songs ‘”Come A Little Bit Closer”, “Cara Mia” and “This Magic Moment”, which hit the “Billboard Top 10”. We are equally proud to present LITTLE ANTHONY, featuring all his timeless classics, including: “Tears on My Pillow”, “Shimmy, Shimmy Ko-Ko Bop”, “I'm on the Outside (Looking In)”, “Goin' Out of My Head”, “Take Me Back”, “Hurt So Bad” and more. Also joining the tour for 2025 are: THE VOGUES are also known for their harmony-driven soaring pop sound. They had numerous “Top 10” hits with singles such as “Five O'clock World”, “You're the One,” “My Special Angel” and “Turn Around Look At Me,” among others. Gary Puckett and The union Gap had six consecutive gold records and sold more record in 1968 than any other recording act....including The Beatles. Gary's trademark voice will be belting out his hits one more time. Fans will affectionately remember “Young Girl,” “Over You,” “Woman, Woman,” “This Girl Is A Woman Now,” “Lady Willpower” and “Don't Give In To Him” and more. Rounding out the bill are THE COWSILLS, the harmonious singing family (two brothers and a sister) that inspired the smash ‘60s hit television show, THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY. They are sure to delight with their best-known songs, “Hair,” “Indian Lake,” “The Rain the Park & Other Things (I Love the Flower Girl)” and more. The tour has played more than 50 plus shows a year and 2025 will be no exception

Whether or not your family's heritage has Scottish ties, come experience Scotland without the need of a passport or international flight across the ocean. Highland dancers, Scottish athletes, family clans, bagpipes and drums and traditional musicians will come to celebrate their heritage at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds on June 7 and 8, 2025. The opening ceremony with the massed bands and parade of tartans will be at 12 noon on Saturday. Sheep dogs herding sheep and ducks, falcons and birds of prey, Scottish Cows, all come with their handlers. Scottish Athletes, Highland dancers, pipers and drummers all come to celebrate the culture of Scotland, here in the highlands of North Georgia. The blacksmith/knife smith demonstrations and Clan Nan Con will be in set up in the vendor area. Wee lads and lassies are encouraged to come to the festival with their family. Special activities for the children include the “passport to the clan” where children visit clan tents and learn one fact about each clan earning a stamp, once their passport is full they receive a prize. There will also be face painting and other activities especially for the wee ones. There is no additional charge for any of the children's activities. What is a festival without shopping? Many favorite vendors with traditional Scottish wares, clothing and food are returning plus new merchants who are making their first trek to the Georgia Mountain Scottish Festival. Delicious Scottish food, jewelry, sporran, kilts, T-shirts, clothing, and many more Scottish items will be available for purchase.

Enjoy a special evening with CMA and Grammy award-winning country artist, Travis Tritt, on Saturday, June 7th at Anderson Music Hall at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee. This show, which will include Tritt's band, will give attendees an opportunity to hear some of the performer's biggest hits, including “T-R-O-U-B-L-E,” “It's A Great Day to Be Alive” and “Best of Intentions.” Plan to sing along with Tritt's vast catalog of crowd favorites like “Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde” and “Here's a Quarter — songs that have created a devoted fan base that continues to sell-out shows across the globe. Bringing his award-winning songs to life, the Grand Ole Opry member will leave the audience with a truly memorable experience.

Come to our annual summer British in the Blue Ridge (“BIBR”) Rally at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee Georgia! This is the premier British motorcycle rally in the southeastern United States, held every year since 1985. Lots of fun and activities for all, including a poker run and other mountain rides on the best motorcycle roads in Georgia, a British motorcycle show featuring vintage and new British motorcycles, field events, vendors, comradery and camping. All makes and models of motorcycles are welcome! RV hookups and campsites are available.