Each card shows the date the organizer published, with a link to that page and the day we checked it. Cards marked with a dates-not-published badge are annual events whose next date has not been announced. Events outside downtown, at Tallulah Gorge or Foxfire for example, say so on the card. Add any confirmed event to Google, Apple or Outlook calendars from its card. Looking for Clayton County events south of Atlanta? That is a different place.
Upcoming events in and around downtown
Tallulah Gorge Aesthetic Water Releases (fall 2026)
Organizer date for 2026Georgia Power raises the flow through the gorge to 200 cubic feet per second, compared with 35-40 cfs on a normal day, and the waterfalls run full. Rim trails and overlooks stay open. Hiking and rock climbing in the gorge are not allowed on release dates, so no gorge-floor permits are issued. The park charges a $10 ParkPass parking fee.
Oct. 21, 23 and 31; Nov. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22, 2026, per the park's 2026 Water Release Dates. The park's site also says some aesthetic flows were cancelled "for the 9th, 14th, and 16th" without naming the month, so call the park (706-754-7981) before you go.
Add to calendar: Google Apple / Outlook (.ics)
Source: Georgia State Parks: Tallulah Gorge State Park, 2026 Water Release Dates, checked 2026-10-18
Hayride, S'mores and More, plus Spooky Tales on the Trails
Organizer date for 2026Fall Friday nights at the park campground with hayrides and s'mores. On Saturday, Oct. 24, an evening hike on the North Rim Trail features Appalachian ghost stories told by a local author.
Oct. 23, 24 and 30, 2026, per the Georgia State Parks event calendar.
Add to calendar: Google Apple / Outlook (.ics)
Source: Georgia State Parks event calendar: Tallulah Gorge State Park, checked 2026-10-18
Foxfire Heritage Skill Classes (fall 2026)
Organizer date for 2026Hands-on Appalachian craft classes at the Foxfire museum. They include cigar-box dulcimer building, woodstove breakfast and cookery in the historic Warwoman cabin, sourdough and buttermaking, woodcarving, basketmaking, face-jug and hand-built pottery, a native-plant walk, and forging. Most classes are ticketed, for example $75 for woodstove cooking and $199 for the dulcimer class.
Classes on Oct. 24-25, Oct. 31, Nov. 9, 11, 14, 21 and Nov. 28-29, 2026, per Foxfire's events calendar. Foxfire's calendar also lists dulcimer classes on Apr. 17 and June 19, 2027.
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Source: Foxfire: Events calendar, checked 2026-10-18
Full Moon Hikes at Tallulah Gorge
Organizer date for 2026A ranger-led evening hike down 310 stairs to the suspension bridge to watch the moon rise over the gorge.
Oct. 26, Nov. 25 and Dec. 23, 2026, per the Georgia State Parks event calendar. Fees are not shown in the calendar feed.
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Source: Georgia State Parks event calendar: Tallulah Gorge State Park, checked 2026-10-18
Downtown Clayton Halloween Parade & Trick-or-Treating
Organizer date for 2026A family Halloween morning downtown. Kids' games start at The Rock House at 10:30, the costume parade steps off at 11, and children can then trick-or-treat outside participating businesses. Families return to The Rock House at noon for costume-contest winners and prizes. Bring a candy bag.
Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, 10:30 AM-12 PM, per the CMBA's event post of Oct. 12, 2026. The CMBA's earlier 2026 calendar (posted Dec. 12, 2025) listed "10:00 AM – Noon"; we use the newer post.
Add to calendar: Google Apple / Outlook (.ics)
Source: CMBA (visitclaytonga.net): Downtown Clayton Halloween Parade & Trick-or-Treating 2026, checked 2026-10-18
Trunk or Treat at Tallulah Gorge
Organizer date for 2026Families decorate their vehicles and hand out candy as costumed kids go car to car. There are hayrides and prizes for best costume, best pet costume and best decorated vehicle. Admission is free, but the park parking fee applies.
Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, 5:30-7 PM, per the Georgia State Parks event page.
Add to calendar: Google Apple / Outlook (.ics)
Source: Georgia State Parks event calendar: Trunk or Treat, checked 2026-10-18
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour (fall weekend)
Organizer date for 2026A self-guided tour of artists' studios and galleries across six mountain counties, including Rabun. You can start anywhere and plot your own route. The tour publishes a downloadable brochure of venues. Most venues are open year-round, but some have seasonal hours, so call ahead.
Nov. 6-8, 2026, 10 AM-5 PM, per the organizer's "Welcome to the 2026 Northeast Georgia Arts Tour" page (the spring 2026 weekend was June 12-14). A lower block on the same page is still headed "2025 Dates" with the same dates; we read the 2026 heading as current.
Add to calendar: Google Apple / Outlook (.ics)
Source: Northeast Georgia Arts Tour (official site), checked 2026-10-18
Tallulah Gorge Whitewater Boating Weekends
Organizer date for 2026On these weekends, releases push 500 cfs through the gorge on Saturdays and 700 cfs on Sundays. Expert kayakers run the river while spectators watch from the rim overlooks. Hiking and climbing in the gorge are closed on these dates, and the southside staircase is closed to hikers.
Nov. 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22, 2026, per the park's 2026 Water Release Dates. Georgia Power describes the pattern as the first three weekends in November.
Add to calendar: Google Apple / Outlook (.ics)
Source: Georgia State Parks: Tallulah Gorge State Park, 2026 Water Release Dates; Georgia Power: North Georgia Lakes, checked 2026-10-18
Whitewater Watch Hike
Organizer date for 2026A ranger-led hike that takes you into the gorge to watch the whitewater kayakers from the splash zone. The park rates it highly strenuous and technical, with 800 feet of elevation change on a rocky 25-55 degree incline, and says it is the only gorge access without a boat. A waiver is required. The hike costs $15, plus the ParkPass parking fee.
Nov. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22, 2026. Event phone: 706-754-7981.
Add to calendar: Google Apple / Outlook (.ics)
Source: Georgia State Parks event calendar: Whitewater Watch Hike, checked 2026-10-18
Of These Mountains Fall MarketPlace
Organizer date for 2026An outdoor market of more than 100 artisans, makers, vendors and small businesses, with crafts, food and entertainment. Admission is free for all ages, which makes it an easy start to holiday shopping.
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, 10 AM-5 PM, per the organizer's MarketPlace page. The CMBA's Oct. 12, 2026 post gives the same date.
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Source: Of These Mountains: OTM MarketPlace, checked 2026-10-18
Tallulah Tour and Tea / A Very Victorian Thanksgiving
Organizer date for 2026Two programs on the history of Tallulah Falls, once a Victorian resort town. A morning talk by a naturalist in Victorian dress covers Thanksgiving traditions. In the evening, a North Rim walk on Victorian history ends with tea.
Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, per the Georgia State Parks event calendar. Fees are not shown in the calendar feed.
Add to calendar: Google Apple / Outlook (.ics)
Source: Georgia State Parks event calendar: Tallulah Gorge State Park, checked 2026-10-18
Mini Poplar Bark Basketmaking for Christmas Ornaments
Organizer date for 2026A seasonal workshop at Foxfire with The Primitive Arts' Andrew Lee. Participants fold tree bark into miniature poplar-bark baskets to use as Christmas ornaments. The class costs $80.
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, 10 AM-1 PM, per Foxfire's events calendar.
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Source: Foxfire: Events calendar, checked 2026-10-18
Black Friday Hike at Tallulah Gorge
Organizer date for 2026Skip the shopping crowds and walk the 1.5-mile Inspiration Loop Trail with a ranger. The same afternoon (4-4:30 PM) the park offers a Black Bears 101 talk in the Interpretive Center.
Friday, Nov. 27, 2026, per the Georgia State Parks event calendar.
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Source: Georgia State Parks event calendar: Tallulah Gorge State Park, checked 2026-10-18
Clayton Christmas Parade
Organizer date for 2026Clayton's annual nighttime Christmas Parade. The 2026 theme salutes America's 250th: an early-American Christmas honoring the Founding Fathers, with strings of popcorn, paper chains, cranberry garland, and fife and drum. Groups can enter a float; the entry deadline is Nov. 30, with applications online or at City Hall.
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026 at 6 PM, per the City of Clayton's "Save the date for the Annual Christmas Parade" post (Oct. 13, 2026). Information: 706-782-4512 or info@cityofclaytonga.gov. The 2025 parade was co-hosted with the Rabun County Chamber of Commerce; the 2026 post names only the City.
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Source: City of Clayton: Save the date for the Annual Christmas Parade, checked 2026-10-18
Christmas at the Gorge
Organizer date for 2026The park's holiday afternoon: crafts, Christmas music, a visit with Santa, a snack and a hayride. It is the same day as Clayton's evening Christmas Parade. The park parking fee applies.
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, 1-3 PM, per the Georgia State Parks event page, which also lists Dec. 4, 2027.
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Source: Georgia State Parks event calendar: Christmas At The Gorge, checked 2026-10-18
Downtown Clayton Cookie Crawl
Organizer date for 2026An evening holiday stroll on Main Street. Participating downtown businesses hand out holiday treats while shoppers browse. The CMBA has not published a list of participating shops for 2026.
Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, 5-7 PM, per the CMBA's 2026 events calendar.
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Source: CMBA (visitclaytonga.net): CMBA 2026 Events in Downtown Clayton, checked 2026-10-18
Sunset Candy Cane Hunt
Organizer date for 2026A candy cane hunt at sunset, followed by a holiday movie, s'mores and hot chocolate. Call the park office to sign up. The park parking fee applies.
Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, 5-7 PM, per the Georgia State Parks event page. The park office number is 706-754-7981.
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Source: Georgia State Parks event calendar: Sunset Candy Cane Hunt, checked 2026-10-18
Downtown Christmas Candle Lighting
Date not yet announced. The City's Oct. 13, 2026 parade post does not mention a candle lighting. The Clayton Tribune (Dec. 14, 2023) reported that the 2023 lighting followed the parade.The downtown Christmas candle is a replica 18-19 feet tall. Before 1987 the original hung at the main intersection, and the replica returned in 2022. In 2023 it was lit after the Christmas Parade. No 2026 lighting has been announced.
Source: The Clayton Tribune, Dec. 14, 2023; The Clayton Tribune, Dec. 22, 2022, checked 2026-10-18
Downtown Clayton Block Party (spring)
Date not yet announced. The 2026 spring Block Party was March 14, 2026, 4-7 PM.The CMBA's first street party of the year, with live music, food vendors and local businesses. The 2026 edition was on Saturday, March 14. A second, summer Block Party followed on Aug. 8, 2026, the same day as the City's Soapbox Derby.
Source: CMBA (visitclaytonga.net): CMBA 2026 Events in Downtown Clayton, checked 2026-10-18
Tallulah Gorge Spring Whitewater Releases
Date not yet announced. Georgia Power describes spring releases as the "first two weekends in April"; the 2027 dates are not yet posted by Georgia State Parks.Georgia Power schedules spring whitewater releases through Tallulah Gorge. Paddlers run the gorge while spectators watch from the rim, and the gorge floor is closed to hikers on release days.
Source: Georgia Power: North Georgia Lakes (White Water Releases), checked 2026-10-18
Of These Mountains Spring MarketPlace
Date not yet announced. The organizer lists only the Nov. 7, 2026 fall market as upcoming.The spring edition of the artisan and maker market, held on the Civic Center lawn and pavilions. The organizer says the MarketPlace takes place each spring and fall, with free admission.
Source: Of These Mountains: OTM MarketPlace, checked 2026-10-18
Northeast Georgia Arts Tour (spring weekend)
Date not yet announced. The 2026 spring weekend was June 12-14, 2026.The tour's other annual weekend: a self-guided circuit of artists' studios and galleries in Habersham, Lumpkin, Rabun, White, Towns and Clay counties.
Source: Northeast Georgia Arts Tour (official site), checked 2026-10-18
Ramshackle Street Festival
Date not yet announced. Ramshackle 2026 was Saturday, June 6, 2026, 10 AM-8 PM, per the CMBA calendar.Downtown Clayton's free all-day street festival. In 2026 it had about 70 vendors on North Main Street, live music on South Main Street from 1 PM with headliner Grady Spencer and the Vegabonds, an art show and a kids' area. The 2026 edition, on June 6, was the third annual.
Source: CMBA (visitclaytonga.net): Ramshackle Returns; The Clayton Tribune, June 11, 2026, checked 2026-10-18
Who runs downtown’s events
- The Clayton Merchants & Business Association (CMBA) publishes visitclaytonga.net and hosts downtown's annual street events. Its 2026 calendar listed two Block Parties, Ramshackle, Halloween and the December Cookie Crawl, all on Main Street. Clayton Merchants & Business Association: CMBA 2026 Events in Downtown Clayton
- Ramshackle is a free all-day street festival in downtown Clayton. In 2026 it had about 70 vendors along North Main Street from 10 a.m., live music on South Main Street from 1 p.m., an art show and a kids' area. The Clayton Tribune called the June 6, 2026 edition the third annual Ramshackle. Clayton Merchants & Business Association (visitclaytonga.net): Ramshackle Returns; The Clayton Tribune, June 11, 2026
- Clayton's annual Christmas Parade is hosted by the City of Clayton and the Rabun County Chamber of Commerce. The 2025 parade was on Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m., with a Christmas-movies theme. City of Clayton: "Christmas Parade – Dec 6th, 5:30pm" (Nov. 20, 2025)
Event days: parking
- On Ramshackle day in 2026, the City asked visitors to follow the parking signs and arrows, or the event map, to public parking areas, and not to park on the street, on sidewalks or next to no-parking signs. City of Clayton: Live Feed ("Happy Ramshackle Eve!" post, June 2026)
More on where to leave the car is on the parking page.
Questions
Why is the festival called Ramshackle?
The name comes from Clayton's own history. In a June 2026 post written in the town's voice, the City said Clayton started out as a crossroads called The Dividings and was once described as a "ramshackle" little town. The Historical Society uses the same word for the isolated town before the railroad arrived in 1904.
Source: City of Clayton: Live Feed (June 2026); Rabun County Historical Society
When are the Tallulah Gorge water releases in 2026?
The remaining 2026 aesthetic releases (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) are Oct. 21, 23 and 31 and Nov. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22. Whitewater boating weekends (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) are Nov. 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22. The gorge floor is closed to hikers on every release date, but the rim overlooks stay open.
Source: Georgia State Parks: Tallulah Gorge, 2026 Water Release Dates
When is the Clayton Christmas Parade in 2026?
The 2026 Clayton Christmas Parade is Saturday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. in downtown Clayton, according to the City. This year's theme is an early-American Christmas honoring the Founding Fathers for America's 250th. Groups can enter a float through Nov. 30, with applications online or at City Hall. For details call (706) 782-4512.
Source: City of Clayton: Save the date for the Annual Christmas Parade (Oct. 13, 2026)
What is the downtown Clayton Cookie Crawl?
The Cookie Crawl is an evening holiday stroll on Main Street. Participating downtown businesses hand out holiday treats while shoppers browse. In 2026 it is Saturday, Dec. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m., according to the Clayton Merchants & Business Association. The CMBA has not yet published which shops are taking part.
What's happening in downtown Clayton for Halloween 2026?
The CMBA's Halloween Parade and Trick-or-Treating is Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026. Kids' games start at The Rock House at 10:30 a.m., the costume parade begins at 11, and children trick-or-treat outside participating businesses. Costume-contest winners are announced at noon. That evening, Tallulah Gorge State Park holds a Trunk or Treat from 5:30 to 7.
Source: CMBA: Downtown Clayton Halloween Parade & Trick-or-Treating 2026; Georgia State Parks
What events are in downtown Clayton this fall?
Fall 2026 brings the Halloween Parade and Trick-or-Treating on Oct. 31 and the free Of These Mountains Fall MarketPlace on Nov. 7 at the Civic Center pavilions on West Savannah Street. The Christmas Parade is Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. and the Cookie Crawl is Dec. 12. The Northeast Georgia Arts Tour runs Nov. 6-8.
Source: CMBA; Of These Mountains; City of Clayton; Northeast Georgia Arts Tour
What is the Of These Mountains MarketPlace?
It is a free outdoor market of more than 100 artisans, makers, vendors and small businesses, held each spring and fall on the Rabun County Civic Center lawn and pavilions at 201 W Savannah St. The fall 2026 MarketPlace is Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The spring 2027 date has not been announced.
When is Ramshackle in 2027?
The 2027 Ramshackle date has not been announced. The 2026 festival, the third annual, filled downtown on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It had about 70 vendors on North Main Street, live music on South Main Street from 1 p.m., an art show and a kids' area, and admission was free.
Source: CMBA: Ramshackle Returns; The Clayton Tribune, June 11, 2026
Who runs downtown Clayton's events and city services?
Downtown events come from two groups. The Clayton Merchants & Business Association runs the Block Parties, Ramshackle, Halloween and the Cookie Crawl, and the City of Clayton hosts the Christmas Parade and the Soapbox Derby. City Hall, at 837 Highway 76 West (706-782-4512), handles city services. Roy Quilliams is mayor, and the city has a Downtown Development Authority.
Dates, rules and hours can change. The organizers have the final word: City of Clayton
