The Country Music Capital of Georgia
Our 2025 Rhododendron Festival is scheduled to be the BEST EVER!
Join us at the Hamilton Gardens at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds from April 12 to May 11 for a month-long celebration of vibrant blooms, live music, and unforgettable mountain charm. With exciting activities and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beauty of spring, this year's festival promises to be bigger and better than ever!
What's Happening at the Festival?
Plant SalesStock up on stunning rhododendrons and other plants to bring the beauty of the festival home!
- Monday–Thursday: 11 AM – 3 PM
- Friday–Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Saturday, April 12 - Kilough
Sunday, April 13 - Wyatt Espalin
Saturday, April 19 - Anna Shinholster
Easter Sunday, April 20 - Amanda Heinke
Saturday, April 26 - Troy Underwood
Sunday, April 27 - Zach Kilmer
Saturday, May 3 - Cody Marlowe
Sunday, May 4 - Mark Miller
Sunday, May 11 - Tom Edwards
Wine Bar & Food Court: Savor local wines and delicious bites at our Wine Bar and Food Court, open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM – 4 PM.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Hamilton Gardens at the Georgia Mountain FairgroundsParking: FREE parking is available, and we kindly request a $10 donation per entry to help support the gardens and events.
Make this spring unforgettable with a visit to the 2025 Rhododendron Festival. Mark your calendar, invite your friends, and get ready to experience the best of North Georgia!
Interested in being a vendor? Sign up HERE.
But wait. There's MORE! 
Run For The Rhodos
SIGN UP HERE!
Saturday, April 26th
5k Run & Walk
Run for the Rhodos is a unique, blossoming event presented by Hamilton Gardens of the entertainment rich Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds nestled in exceptionally scenic Hiawassee, Georgia. This runner/walker friendly 5K experience offers racers a woodland trail course that immerses you in our ravishing Rhododendron Garden while in its full bloom splendor!
Top of Georgia Plein Air Fine Arts Festival
Thursday thru Saturday May 8 - 10, 2025
Top of Georgia Plein Air Festival is a 3 day painting event with $2,000 + in prize money. The public is invited to observe the artists as they work in their chosen mediums. Multiple drawings, a gallery of the artists' work and wet paint sale will be held at the Hamilton Gardens Pavilion.
Wet Paint Sale Saturday, May 10, 2025 - All paintings completed at the event and entered for judging will be for sale in the afternoon of May 10, 2025. A percentage of the proceeds will go to help establish a scholarship for a local art student. 
Hiawassee Highlands Wine Festival
Saturday, May 10th, 2025
11am-5pm
Tickets:
Advance Tickets: $40.00
At the Gate: $45.00
Age 16-20 $25.00
Age 15 and under free
Enjoy music by Wyatt Espalin & friends on two stages, arts and crafts, food trucks, 30+ Wineries offering Tastings, and tours of the blooming Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens.
Acoustic Sunsets
Thursday Nights 6pm to 9pm
FREE Admission
Donations appreciated
May 8th | May 15th | May 22nd | May 29th
Diane Durrett - Celebrated Atlanta-based blues artist and songwriter
Sara Jean Kelley - Moody singer/songwriter from Nashville, TN and daughter of acclaimed bluegrass artist Irene Kelley
May 15th:
Mike Kinnebrew - Atlanta Country singer/songwriter known for his thoughtful intelligent lyrics
Austin Coleman - Raised in Hayesville, NC, this artist and high school teacher makes the most of his side hustle sharing his unique style of Americana music
May 22nd:
Grace Morrison - Cape Cod-raised songwriter who has fashioned her own brand and style knows as Saltwater Country; a favorite from last year's series
Canon Tyler - North GA-based flatpicker and bluegrass songwriter slings an acoustic like a boss. His witty banter adds flavor to his performance
May 29th:
Pickers Anonymous - Dynamic duo from Chattanooga, John Benjamin Davis and Nicholas Edward Williams join forces for an authentic, old-time jam. These wonderful artists have also worked hard putting instruments back in the hands of the many performers affected by severe hurricanes and floods over the last two years with their charitable organization, Restring Appalachia
Food Court and Wine Bar open at 5pm
The Acoustic Sunset Series is hosted by Songwriter/Singer/Fiddler Wyatt Espalin
Seating in Pavilion, Food Court or on the Lawn (bring a blanket or a chair!)
Later this year
Eller Holler Music FestivalLocated at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
FREE Admission
Donations appreciated
Thursday Nights at 6:30pm, Village opens at 5pm
Food Trucks, Art Vendors, Craft Beer & Wine Bar
July 10th | July 17th | July 24th | July 31st
Fall Series
Thursday Nights 6pm to 9pm
FREE Admission
Donations appreciated
September 4th | September 11th | September 18th | October 2nd | October 9th
The Park After Dark
Thursday Nights (7pm to 10pm)
September 4 | September 11 | September 18 | October 2 | October 9
An open walk down the gardens Main Trail to Fishing Hole Rock. The trail is lined with colorful lights and torches – bring a glass of wine or champagne from our Wine Bar with you!
Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens Photo Gallery
