Lewis Family Homecoming & Bluegrass Fest

May 1-3; Lincolnton

(40 miles northwest of Augusta)

Featuring the First Family of Bluegrass Gospel, The James King Band, The Chuck Wagon Gang, Heaven’s Echoes and more.

Contact: (706) 359-3458

6th Annual Turtle Crawl & Nest Fest

May 2-3; Jekyll Island

This year’s festivities include a USA Triathlon sanctioned triathlon; 5K Fun Run/Walk; and Nest Fest, a festival of educational programs, live music and fun for all ages.

Contact: (770) 926-2367

Website: jekyllisland.com

Latino Fest

May 2-3; Fort Gordon (10 miles west of Augusta)

The Latino Fest is based on Hispanic culture and historic events. The festival consists of a carnival, fair rides, live music, dancing and concessions.

Contact: (706) 791-6779

Website: fortgordon.com

Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation’s Spring Tour of Homes

May 2-4; Athens

Featuring Architects of Athens, the 2008 Tour will focus on a selection of homes that were designed by Frederick J. Orr (1874-1935) and have been placed on the National Register for Historic Places.

Contact: (706) 353-1801

Website: achfonline.org

Macon Gardens , Mansions & Moonlight 2008

May 2-4; Macon

Central Georgia ’s premier home and garden event benefits the Hay House. Guests will enjoy tours of Macon’s finest private gardens and historic homes, plus a special Moonlight Tour of Homes featuring the architecture of Ella Mae Ellis League.

Contact: (478) 742-8155

Website: Hay House.org

The Cotton Pickin’ Fair

May 3; Gay (50 miles south of Atlanta)

A great day of fun awaits the entire family at this unique festival located on the grounds of a 1910 era cotton farm. Art, antiques, crafts, delicious Southern food and continuous entertainment can be found at this festival.

Contact: (706) 538-6814

Website: cpfair.org

MayFest

May 3; Dearing (20 miles west of Augusta)

The annual Mayfest, complete with a morning parade, afternoon burger battle and plenty of food, crafts, rides and activities for the kids, live entertainment and exhibits.

Contact: (706) 597-1000

Indian Spring Fest

May 3; Jackson (50 miles northwest of Macon)

Fun for the whole family at the beautiful historic Indian Spring Hotel. There will be homemade crafts, delicious food, music and more.

Contact: (770) 775-4839

Website: buttscountyhistoricalsociety.org

Down Home Days Festival

May 3; Chickamauga

(Northwest Georgia/Tennessee border)

A four-day event in which the Chickamauga Lions Club hosts a golf tournament, chili and bingo dinner, gospel night and the official festival featuring concerts, food, dance, parades and arts and crafts.

Contact: (706) 375-7702

Mayfest

May 3; Helen ( Northeast Georgia mountains)

Come watch a May Pole Dance, the traditional dance around the May Pole, performed by the young women of the community dressed in German costumes.

Contact: (706) 878-1619

Website: helenchamber.com

Indian Festival & Rendezvous

May 3-4; Cumming (40 miles north of Atlanta)

Festival includes a variety of exhibitions and demonstrations, Indian food and craft vendors, native Indian encampments, storytelling and more.

Contact: (770) 781-3491

Website: cummingfair.net

7th Annual Art in the Garden Festival

May 3-4; Dawsonville (60 miles north of Atlanta)

A wide variety of vendors offering first class art, handmade crafts, photography and garden related products.

Contact: (706) 216-4306

Website: dawsonarts.org

Tour of Homes

May 3-4; Dawson (25 miles northwest of Albany)

The annual tour gives visitors an opportunity to see some of the lovely Victorian and Greek revival homes in the area.

Contact: (229) 995-2011

Shady Days in Gay Arts & Crafts Festival

May 3-4; Gay (50 miles south of Atlanta)

On the grounds of the Old Cannery exhibitors continue the spirit of craftsmanship, skill, talent and vision. Great country cooking, live entertainment and a kid’s area.

Contact: (706) 977-8548

Website: shadydaysingay.com

30th Annual Athens Human Rights Festival

May 3-5; Athens

Brings together political activists, musicians and artists in a call for action on human rights issues. It is, as well, a celebration of advances in the area of human rights.

Contact: (706) 208-8674

Website: athenshumanrightsfest.org

Fiesta Atlanta 2008

May 4; Atlanta

A day-long celebration of Latino culture, music, and food taking place on Cinco de Mayo weekend. The festival will feature live performances by national and local artists, vendor booths, arts and crafts, and authentic Latino foods.

Contact: (404) 350-0200

Website: fiestaatlanta.com

Blue Sky Concerts

Wednesdays in May; Decatur (West of Atlanta)

Enjoy a mid-week, mid-afternoon music break. Grab some lunch and enjoy a concert on the square.

Contact: (404) 371-8386

Website: decaturdba.com

Fancy Feather Festival

May 10; Royston (30 miles northeast of Athens)

It’s a spring Tall Feather Festival and a day on the farm featuring free tours, crafters, yard sale items, and great food and fun for kids and adults alike.

Contact: (706) 246-0214

15th Annual Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival

May 10; Thomson (30 miles west of Augusta)

Paying tribute to country blues legend “Blind Willie” McTell, a Thomson native. Festival features an array of vendors serving traditional Southern food and beverages that go hand in hand with the music that will be on tap that day.

Contact: (706) 597-1000

Website: blindwillie.com

Spring Fair on the Square

May 17; Buchanan (55 miles west of Atlanta)

Arts, crafts, food and entertainment for all ages around the Courthouse Square.

Contact: (770) 646-8978

Website: visitharalson.org

Geranium Festival

May 17; McDonough

(30 miles southeast of Atlanta)

This one day festival is a highlight of their spring season that creates an exciting day of art, crafts, music, entertainment and food.

Contact: (678) 432-7112

Website: geraniumfestival.com

Mountain Laurel Festival

May 17-18 ; Clarkesville

( Northeast Georgia Mountains)

The festival is held on the Square in Pitts Park and features children’s activities, BBQ, concerts, a pancake breakfast, antique auto show, crafts, annual plant sale and more.

Contact: (800) 545-7759 ext. 3564

Website: clarkesvillega.com

Mountain Flower Art Festival

May 17-18; Dahlonega

( Northeast Georgia Mountains)

April showers bring May flowers; this year’s festival will present two days of Fine Art and wildflowers on the Historic Public Square.

Contact: (706) 864-3513

Website: dahlonegaarts.org

A Taste of Living History

May 17-18; Fayetteville

(20 miles south of Atlanta)

Artisans demonstrate the lost craft of their art including quilting, weaving, blacksmith and pottery. There are also children’s interactive displays and an antiques section.

Contact: (770) 716-5332

Celebrating Patriotism

May 22; Eatonton (40 miles northeast of Macon)

The 434th US Army Signal Corps band will accompany local talent. Memorial Wall of area veterans to be featured.

Contact: (706) 485-7701

1890s Day Jamboree

May 23-24; Ringgold

(Northwest Georgia/Tennessee border)

Bring the family out to enjoy live music on several stages, food, children’s rides, beauty pageant, a fiddle contest, crafters, and a closing night fireworks display.

Contact: (706) 935-2251

Website: cityofringgold.com

Memorial Day Mayhem

May 23-26; McRae (80 miles southwest of Macon)

Join in the H2O Olympics because you will get wet. Listen to a music concert, meet live animals, take a swampy canoe trip and make holiday crafts.

Contact: (229) 868-7474

Memorial Day Blast

May 23-26; Helen ( Northeast Georgia mountains)

Join in on relay races, field day activities, a campfire, a music concert and hoedown. Contact: (800) 573-9659 ext. 305

Spring Art & Wine Festival

May 24; Young Harris ( Northeast Georgia mountains)

Crane Creek Vineyards’ annual festival celebrating art and wine. Enjoy a day of food, live music, and fun for the entire family.

Contact: (706) 379-1236

Website: cranecreekvineyards.com

Civil War Medicine

May 24; Crawfordville (55 miles west of Augusta)

This Memorial Day program at A.H. Stephens Historic Park includes displays and talks about Civil War-era medicine and the hardships faced by the soldiers.

Contact: (706) 456-2221

Memorial Day Weekend at Fort McAllister

May 24; Richmond Hill (20 miles south of Savannah)

This program will focus on the life and duties of the average Civil War soldier, including musket and cannon firings.

Contact: (912) 727-2339

Memorial Day Campfire

May 24; Winder (25 miles east of Athens)

Celebrate summer’s arrival with a campfire at Fort Yargo State Park. The park will provide marshmallows and hot dogs for roasting.

Contact: (770) 867-3489

Locust Grove Day

May 24; Locust Grove (35 miles southeast of Atlanta)

A full day of arts and crafts, food, games, and entertainment! A parade will kick-off the festivities.

Contact: (770) 957-5043

Stockbridge Music in the Park

May 24; Stockbridge (20 miles southwest of Atlanta)

Relax under the stars at Memorial Park while listening to music.

Contact: (770) 474-9177

Arts in the Park

May 24-25; Blue Ridge (Georgia/Tennessee border)

Fine arts and crafts, live music and great food in the Blue Ridge City Park.

Contact: (800) 899-6867

Decatur Arts Festival

May 24-25; Decatur (West of Atlanta)

Come out to celebrate the Arts in Decatur! Includes Artists Market with over 120 artists, acoustic music, literary arts and children’s arts festival (Saturday only).

Contact: 404-371-9583

Website: decaturartsalliance.org

Memorial Day Weekend Celebration

May 24-25; Omaha (30 miles south of Columbus)

A variety of family events will include crafts, games and boat rides throughout the weekend at Florence Marina State Park.

Contact: (229) 838-4706

Veterans Association Annual Bar-B-Que

May 24-25; Tallapoosa (East of Atlanta Georgia/ Alabama border)

Bring the whole family to enjoy the barbeque, entertainment, and car show at Helton Howland Park.

Contact: (770) 574-2482

Website: visitharalson.org

2008 Atlanta Jazz Festival

May 24-26; Atlanta

This annual musical showcase celebrates jazz legends and up-and-coming jazz greats in venues throughout metro Atlanta during the month of May and culminates in a 3-day music festival on Memorial Day Weekend.

Contact: 404-853-4234

Website: atlantafestivals.com

History Live! WWII Remembrance Day

May 25; Atlanta

Living history interpreters representing Allied Forces including the United States, British, and Soviet soldiers demonstrate a soldier’s life in the field with authentic dress, equipment, and vehicles. Meet World War II veterans and hear their personal stories.

Contact: (404) 814-4116

Website: atlantahistorycenter.com.

Memorial Day in Memorial Park

May 25; Athens

Start the holiday with a visit to Bear Hollow’s Exhibit Hall on Sunday. Follow with a fun family day full of activities, swimming at the pool and a special ceremony in front of the flagpole.

Contact: (706) 613-3616

Website: accleisureservices.com

Memorial Day Activities

May 26; Lumpkin (50 miles north of Atlanta)

Join a ranger-led hike through Providence Canyon State Park followed by fun activities that all ages can enjoy.

Contact: (229) 838-6202

Day at Fort Hollingsworth

May 31; Alto (45 miles north of Athens)

Come enjoy storytelling, a tour of the Fort, period arts and crafts, re-enactments and entertainment.

Contact: (800) 638-5004