November Festivals and Events

Syrup Making and Storytellin’

Jarrell Plantation Historic Site in Juliette (Central), November 1

Visit this cook-off, but leave the meat at home. This syrup cook-off is an important fall event for middle Georgia farms. Bring family and friends and get together with the community for work and play. This event brings an historic quality to present-day Georgia with demonstrations of the sugar cane mill, syrup kettle, steam engine, wood stove cooking and storytelling.

10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., $2.50 to $4, (478) 986-5172, www.gastateparks.org/info/jarrell.

Mt. Zion Craft Show

Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Mt. Zion (Northwest), November 7

Come help the community, church and local charities at this craft show featuring 52 juried vendors, a silent auction, door prizes, a bake sale and quilt drawing. All proceeds benefits churches and local charities, so spend a day giving back to the community.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m., No charge, (770) 971-1465, www.mtzionumw.org.

Cumming Steam, Antique Tractor & Gas Engine Exposition

Cumming Fairgrounds in Cumming (North), November 7 & 8

Enjoy a day of fun and take a step back in time at this unique event featuring steam engines, tractors and hit and miss engines. Live demonstrations of a cotton gin, saw mill, hay balers, threshers and cutoff saws will be available.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m., $5 (13 and up), No charge (under 12), (770) 781-3491, www.cummingfair.net/html/steam_and_gas_expo_.html.

Hemlock Fest

Starbridge in Murrayville (North), November 7- 9

This annual awareness festival is a fundraiser to help hemlock trees, which are facing near total devastation. This beautiful 40-acre camping site has a small lake for canoeing, fishing and other outdoor activities. All donations and proceeds will benefit the fight to keep hemlock trees out of harm’s way. Enjoy the fire dances, Celtic rock music, food and drinks.

11 a.m. to 8 p.m., No charge, (706) 864-3513.

 Chili Cook-Off

Downtown Bremen (Northwest), November 8

The aroma of chili will fill the air in Bremen. Bring the family to this second annual charity event featuring cooks and their teams vying for cash prizes. All you can eat chili is included with admission price.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., $5 (adults), $2 (children), (770) 537-2331, www.downtownbremen.com

Veteran’s Day Celebration

Downtown Dawsonville (North), November 11

Dawsonville is one of the only two Georgia sites to be approved as a Veterans Day Regional Site, and the third annual veteran’s day celebration will take place in Dawson county. The parade will begin at 3 p.m. with formal ceremonies and a keynote speaker later in the afternoon. Come show support for veterans everywhere.

3 p.m., No charge, (706) 265-5278, www.dawson.org.

Festivals of Trees Preview Gala

Museum of Arts and Sciences in Macon (Central), November 14

Wander through the museum for a winter wonderland of delights. The 21 st Annual Festival of Trees Preview Gala features designer decorated trees, live music by Bone ‘N Holmes, cocktail buffet by Natalia’s, Sugar Plum Shop and live and silent auctions to add glitz and glam to the evening.

7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., $80, (478) 477-3232, www.masmacon.com.

4th Annual International Festival

Mill Creek Regional Park in Statesboro (East), November 15

Join in on the activities that include Global Village, World Stage, International Bazaar, International Culinary Delights and It’s a Small World. Experience international activities right here in the peach state and connect with people of other cultures.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., No charge, (912) 478-0332, academics.georgiasouthern.edu/international/Festival/festival.htm.

Wild Gourmet Thanksgiving Dinner

Mistletoe State Park in Appling (South), November 16

Enjoy fun, interesting and tasty dinner made from wild and uncommon ingredients. Guests are invited to search online for “wild edibles recipes” and prepare a dish to share at the dinner.

2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., $3 Parking, (706) 541-0321.

Annual Candlelight Tour Festival

Historic Warm Springs Village in Warm Springs (West), November 21 & 22

Discover the magic of Christmas as Warm Springs is transformed into a glowing wonderland of lights. Shop by candlelight, listen to the carolers and musicians or take a horse and carriage on a scenic tour around the beautiful city. Enjoy warm greetings from restaurants and shops.

10 a.m. to 10 p.m., No charge, (800) 337-1927, www.warmspringsga.ws.

An Evening of Astronomy

F.D. Roosevelt State Park in Pine Mountain (North), November 22

Constellations and planets are important to human society and folklore for several hundred years. Enjoy this evening that includes start talks, star maps and viewings of the night sky.

6 p.m. to 8 p.m., $3 Parking, (706) 663-4858.

Pioneer Skills Day

General Coffee State Park in Nicholls (South), November 22

Experience crafters, musicians and dancers as volunteers demonstrate the skills of farm life from the 1800s. The heritage farm truly comes to life, so can’t miss out.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $3 Parking, (912) 384-1581.

Fourth Annual Christmas in Central Park

Central Park in Forsyth County (North), November 22 & 23

Take pictures with Santa, participate in hay rides or enjoy children’s activities. There will be a variety of vendors, featuring stained glass, pottery, soaps, candles, wood turned art, photography, bark baskets, warm glass and handmade jewelry. Be prepared for live entertainment both days and the lighting of the big Christmas tree on Saturday.

November 22 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.); November 23 (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.), No charge, (678) 455-8540, www.forsythco.com.

Halloween Fun Festival

Red Top Mountain State Park in Cartersville (Northwest), November 25

Red Top Mountain will be featuring a day of Halloween cheer with surprises, crafts and fun for all. Come take part in the costume contest and the cake walk.

10 a.m. to noon, $3, (770) 975-4227.

Lighting of Christmas Tree

Locust Grove (Central), November 27

Annual Lighting of the Locust Grove Christmas tree will feature various talents, and Santa will arrive for pictures, which are available for parents and guest free of charge. Bring out the family and enjoy the holiday spirit.

7 p.m., No charge, (770) 692-2320.

Festivals of Lights

Historic Haralson County Courthouse in Buchanan (Northwest), November 27

The historic courthouse will be overflowing with imagination-fill Christmas trees decorated by groups and community organizations. Simply enjoy or participate in the bake sale, children’s choir, Santa and an awards ceremony.

11 a.m. to 6 p.m., No charge, (770) 646-3369, www.hchistory.com.

Christmas Canteen

Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville (North), November 28

This nostalgic variety show sprinkles holiday favorites like White Christmas and Silent Night with American classics like Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. With the spectacle provided and the awe inspiring festival of trees in the majestic lobby, nothing will get you ready for the holidays like Christmas Canteen.

(678) 226-6222, www.auroratheatre.com/new.

A Step Ahead

Looking Ahead to December:

Christmas in the Park

Milton Daniel Park in Morrow (Central), December 6

Choirs and musical groups from area churches will provide entertainment to spread the holiday cheer. Children can have their pictures taken with Santa Claus and ride the Morrow Lil’ General Train. Churches and non-profits organizations will be at their Christmas-themed displays and exhibits. Join in and sing Singing Christmas Tree to help light the Morrow City Hall tree.

2 p.m. to 7 p.m., No charge, (770) 968-1623, www.morrowtourism.com.

Lighted Christmas Parade

Downtown Tallapoosa (Northeast), December 19

Christmas is almost here, so get the children excited about attending a parade, Christmas caroling and spreading the holiday cheer and spirit. Usher in this Christmas season with the annual lighted Christmas parade, and be sure to get the children a visit with Santa Claus. The parade is a wonderful event and time to spend with family and friends.

7 p.m., No charge, (770) 574-2482, www.visitharalson.org.

Looking Ahead to January:

32 nd Annual New Year’s Bluegrass Festival

Jekyll Island Convention Center in Jekyll Island (Southeast), January 1-3

Bring the family, children and friends to this non-stop weekend of music, food and fun. Help Jekyll Island bring in the new year by attending this show-stopping festival. There will be performances from The Grascals, The Gibson Brothers, The Gary Waldrep Band, The Lewis Family and The Bluegrass Brothers.

$30 (per day), (706) 864-7203, www.jekyllisland.com.

First Saturday on the River

River Street in Savannah (East), January 3

Historic River Street is well-known area to visit and explore. Bring the family and friends over to the historic River Street for a day of walking, chatting, observing and relaxing. Regional arts and crafts, food booths, activities and entertainment along River Street make this event something to worth waiting for.

No charge, (912) 234-0295, www.riverstreetsavannah.com.

Atlanta Boat Show

Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta (Northcentral), January 14-18

The all new 2009 Atlanta Boat Show features one of the largest displays of boats in the southeast. Enjoy seeing fishing boats, sport cruisers, bow riders, pontoon boats, house boats and personal water crafts. Whether you’re looking to purchase a new boat or simply just want to experience the boat scene, this event is for you.

10 a.m., $9 (adults), $5 (children), (404) 223-4000, www.gwcc.com.