Events and Festivals
Dawson County is home to an exciting series of events that the entire family can enjoy. In addition to the annual events are showcased here, be sure to look at our list of calendars for detailed information on many more events taking place in our community.
Annual Events
KARE for Kids Community Egg Hunt
Bring the family out for a day of fun, Easter Bunny photos, egg hunt, and more at Veterans Memorial Park (football field). Pre-hunt activities begin at 11:30AM and will include an inflatable bounce house, face painting, train rides, Easter Bunny photos, concessions, and hot dog eating contest. Egg hunt begins promptly at 2:30PM and will consist of over 20,000 eggs. Those wishing to only participate in the egg hunt should plan to arrive no later than 2:00PM in order to find parking and arrive at event site in time for the start of the egg hunt. The egg hunt portion of the event lasts approximately 2-5 minutes. Due to the quick nature of the egg hunt portion of the event, arriving after 2:00PM could result in missing the egg hunt completely. The egg hunt will be divided into 5 age groups: 0-2 years/handicap (1 parent may assist), 3-4 years, 5-6 years, 7-9 years, 10-12 years. General admission for this event is FREE; however, a cost is associated with some activities/concessions. Sorry, no pets (service animals only, please).
Mountain Moonshine Festival
The Mountain Moonshine Festival explores Dawson County's history during Prohibition and the Great Depression when running moonshine through the foothills of the Northeast Georgia mountains was a way of life. Thousands of tourists flock to the birthplace of NASCAR racing to hear about storied legends like Lloyd Seay, Roy Hall, Raymond Parks, and Gober Sosebee. These men loved the thrill of being chased through the hills. Bring the family and visit an old moonshine still; listen to stories from both "Trippers" and Revenuers. Visit the Car Show, Cruise-In, and Swap Meet held at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame and see the largest collection of vintage race cars and authentic moonshine-hauling cars, and meet legendary race car drivers. As you stroll around the square in downtown Dawsonville you will enjoy live entertainment from various artists and a large array of vendors - something for everyone!
Trunk-or-Treat
Come out to Rock Creek Park on Halloween, 4:00PM - 7:00PM, to trunk-or-treat with your family! The purpose of this event is to provide the children in the community with a safe place to trick-or-treat. Rock Creek is a well-lit area that provides plenty of parking, restrooms, and easy access! We will designate a specific area in the park for the trunk-or-treat and have it sectioned off so that vehicle traffic will not be permitted, providing a traffic-free area for the children. Admission is free and so are most of the activities; concessions will be available for purchase. Stick around afterwards for a FREE family-friendly outdoor movie!
Veterans Day Celebration
We are looking for all Veterans from every branch of service to participate in our parade and celebration as we honor you, our heroes. We will have a special service for Purple Heart Recipients, a VIP tent just for our veterans with lunch prepared for you by our caterers and restaurants in Dawson County, keynote speakers, laying of a wreath, twenty-one gun salute and color guard. Additionally, we will pay tribute to our men and women who are actively serving in the military, our law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical personnel. Men and women, you served us well. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to say, "Welcome Home!"
When: Veteran's Day (November) Website: Dawson County Chamber of Commerce
Breakfast with Santa / Christmas Bazaar
Breakfast with Santa truly is your one-stop-shop for Christmas! Come out to Rock Creek on the first Saturday in December to visit with Santa, eat breakfast, and enjoy some fun activities and vendors. Santa has arranged to send some of his elves (disguised as humans) to work at the annual Christmas Bazaar (hosted by the Dawson County Senior Services). This joint effort will expand the entire event, offering crafts, baked goods, local vendors, and handmade items. This is your chance to do some holidays shopping at the Christmas Bazaar and have breakfast and enjoy free children's activities at Breakfast with Santa.
Admission is FREE!
FREE Activities for the kids: Goodie Bags/Toys, Ornament Station, and MORE!
Available for purchase: Photos, Breakfast, Live Christmas trees, Horse-drawn Carriage rides, Local Vendors,Crafts, and MORE!
Breakfast + Photo Packages starting at just $5; additional photo packages will be available for purchase, to be shipped directly to you within 10 days (cash only, please.)
Breakfast with Santa: 8:00AM - 11:00AM Christmas Bazaar: 8:00AM - 2:00PM
Community Calendars
In addition to the annual events are showcased here, be sure to look at our list of Community Calendars for detailed information on many more events taking place in our community.
