Dahlonega, a town known for its rich history as the site of America’s first major gold rush, is preparing for its annual Gold Rush Days festival, set to take place Oct. 19 – 20 in the town’s square. Streets have already begun closing in preparation with no parking after 6 p.m. starting Friday Oct. 18. The event, which has become one of the region’s most popular fall festivals, is expected to draw nearly 200,000 visitors to celebrate the area’s gold-mining heritage.
Organized by the Dahlonega Jaycees, the 2024 festival will mark its 70th year, continuing the tradition of offering a variety of family-friendly activities including a parade, live music, arts and crafts booths and gold panning demonstrations. Local vendors will also sell handmade goods, food and souvenirs, showcasing the talents and tastes of North Georgia.
The Festival is open Saturday from 8 a.m. – 6p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. The festival’s parade will kick off at 3 p.m. Saturday, featuring floats, local organizations and marching bands including UNG’s Golden Eagle Band. Meanwhile, live entertainment will be held throughout the weekend, with performances ranging from bluegrass and folk music to traditional Appalachian dance. And we can’t forget about the King and Queen of the Gold Rush Days coronation, where Kings and Queens are nominated by community members. Nominees must be over 60 years of age and seen as pillars of the community.
This year there will be a few new additions. The festival is expanding its gold panning demonstrations, allowing more attendees to experience the town’s mining history firsthand. The Dahlonega Gold Museum will also host special exhibits and guided tours, offering a deeper dive into the area’s historical significance.
For those interested in art, more than 300 booths will line the downtown streets, featuring regional craftspeople and artisans. From pottery and paintings to jewelry and woodworking, the festival promises a diverse array of handmade goods.
Parking will be available at designated lots including Lumpkin County High School and the UNG Dahlonega campus, with shuttle services to the square. Event organizers are encouraging early arrivals, as crowds are expected to reach over 200,000 across the two-day event.
Admission to Gold Rush Days is free. For more information, visit the Dahlonega Jaycees website at goldrushdaysfestival.com or contact the Dahlonega Visitors Center at 1 (800)-231-5543.
First held in 1954, Dahlonega’s Gold Rush Days commemorate the discovery of gold in the area in 1828, which led to America’s first major gold rush.
