Escape the Ordinary at these Georgia Music Festivals
Discover new bands, local flavor, cultural celebrations, and more at these festivals made for music fans throughout the state.
Music festivals are a tried-and-true Peach State tradition as synonymous with the state as peanuts and Coca-Cola. In Georgia, we have weather on our side for a festival season that lasts all year long. Throughout the year, Georgia hosts a variety of diverse music events to keep the state abuzz with rock and roll, country, soul, jazz, hip hop, and plenty more. Grab your calendars and start planning your getaway!
AthFest in Athens, Georgia
Athfest Music & Arts Festival, June 20-22, 2025
The AthFest Music and Art Festival was founded in 1997 to promote music and arts from the talented folks in Athens and its surrounding counties. Music, children’s activities, family events, film, comedy, an art market, and more are all wrapped together for a multi-day festival raising money for AthFest Educates, Inc., a nonprofit supporting Athens area music and arts education programs.
Plan more things to do on your trip with this Guide to Athens.
Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival in Thomson, Georgia
Blind Willie McTell Music Festival, Sept. 6, 2025
Awarded and recognized as one of the finest small festivals in the South, this blues heritage festival in Blind Willie McTell's hometown of Thomson is an all-day tribute to one of the founding fathers of American roots music. McTell was a blind street performer who got his start as a sought-after guitarist and lyricist who gave the world "Statesboro Blues" and influenced everyone from the Allman Brothers to the White Stripes.
While McTell is acclaimed for his blues-country style, the Blind Willie McTell Festival has grown in its diversity of music genres and acts, with performances by local, regional, and national musicians. Also worth mentioning: their iconic artist-rendered posters have become collectible!
Explore more to do in town with this Guide to Thomson.
Shaky Knees in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Charles Regan Hackleman
Shaky Knees, Sept. 19-21, 2025
Shaky Knees attracts big indie rock and alternative rock bands as well as up-and-comers to perform in Atlanta's Piedmont Park. In 2025, Deftones, My Chemical Romance, and Blink-182 are headliners at the three-day festival, which also features Lenny Kravitz, Sublime, Cage the Elephant, The Black Keys, Vampire Weekend, and Alabama Shakes, among many others. Besides the music, fans enjoy delicious fare from food trucks serving everything from barbecue to vegetarian corn dogs.
Love Atlanta's music scene? Check out this list of 10 Can't-Miss Atlanta Music Festivals.
Dailey & Vincent at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, Georgia
Dailey & Vincent's Music Fest, Sept. 25-27, 2025
Head to North Georgia for this three-day music festival featuring traditional country, bluegrass, and gospel music in a beautiful mountain setting. Featured performers include Randy Travis, Crystal Gayle, Diamond Rio, and Dailey & Vincent. Bring your RV or tent, and camp for the weekend on the banks of Lake Chatuge.
Find more Georgia music festivals throughout the year at ExploreGeorgia.org/calendar-of-events.
