Blues, BBQ, & Views: Your weekend guide to the Blue Ridge Blues Weekend, Sept 18-20
Words by Ashley Locke
Photos provided by Visit Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge is known for misty mornings, firefly nights, and weekends that feel like something out of a Southern novel. But come this September, this charming town turns up the volume—LITERALLY. The 14th annual Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival brings together the best of both worlds: unforgettable blues music and smoky, slow cooked, mouthwatering BBQ. If you’re craving a weekend escape with your partner or group of friends, this is the weekend for you.
Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or just someone who likes their vacation with a side of soul, the Blues & BBQ Festival is the perfect excuse to slow down, dig in, and dance your way through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here is a guide to make the most of your weekend.
Thursday: Settle In and Unwind
Your getaway starts the moment you turn on HWY 515 and start seeing the mountains in the distance. Just 90 miles north of Atlanta, but worlds away, Blue Ridge is all about mountain lifestyle and mountain time. Check into a cozy rental (bonus points for a fire pit, porch swing, and that crisp mountain air) and let the slower pace take over.
Dinner’s casual tonight—try The Lookout (formerly the Hook & Eye) for rooftop drinks and elevated bar bites, or head to The Dogwood for craft cocktails and comfort food under the trees. If the weather’s nice, grab a table outside, lock your phone in one of their “cell cages”, and soak in the simple joy of being fully present.
Friday: Beautiful Falls, Bevs, and Blues
Spend the morning exploring the natural side of Blue Ridge. Hike to Long Creek Falls for Appalachian Trail views, go apple picking at Mercier Orchards, or sip local vintages from Bear Claw Vineyards.
When the sun starts to dip, it’s time to turn up the volume.
Choose your Friday night Flavor:
- The Blues Train & Block Party – Kick off the festivities with a scenic one-hour train ride through the North Georgia countryside. Live blues music will be on each train car, while you sip beer and wine and enjoy mountain views. After the ride, a lively block party welcomes you back to Blue Ridge with dancing, a full BBQ dinner, and tunes that carry into the night – all supporting local children’s literacy through Ferst Readers.
- BBQ at Old Toccoa Farm – Overlooking the most beautiful golf courses, distant mountain peaks, and the Toccoa River, this event features live music, special drinks, and a jaw dropping…..dripping, BBQ spread. It is more intimate, but certainly no less exciting. Plus, every ticket includes a VIP swag bag (festival tee shirt, raffle entries, free admission to Saturday’s BBQ festival, and a special gift that will wet your whistle).
Tickets for both of these events are limited, go grab yours early here:
- Blues Train & Block Party – Tickets and Information Here
- BBQ at Old Toccoa Farm – Tickets and Information Here
Saturday: The Main Event – Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival
From 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Downtown Blue Ridge becomes the main stage, a smokehouse, and a street party all at once. The 14th Annual Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival is North Georgia’s largest one-day food and music event – and it lives up to the hype. Bring an empty belly and some dancing shoes!
The Vibe
This is a family-friendly event, but it’s also ideal for anyone who loves music, food, and laid-back good times. You’ll find kids bouncing in inflatables, grandparents dancing to blues riffs, and couples sipping libations between bites of ribs.
The Blues Music Lineup
- 12:00 PM – Out of the Blue
- 1:30 PM – The Garrett Collins Project
- 3:30 PM – The Crossroads Band
- 5:30 PM – Tullie Brae
- 7:30 PM – Black Cat Zydeco
You’ll hear everything from smooth soul to foot-stomping bayou blues and trust us—dancing is inevitable.
The Food
With over 15 BBQ pitmasters, and a total of 30 food vendors, your taste buds are in for a workout. Start with brisket tots from Bussin’ BBQ, get an award-winning rib plate from Jim’s Smokin’ Que, and don’t skip the birria egg rolls from Joe’s Lonestar Tacos. Save room for sweet treats from The Peach Cobbler Factory or an ice cream flight from Blue Ridge Creamery.
The Market
New this year, The Market features 15+ vendors offering BBQ sauces, handmade cutting boards, chocolate truffles, small-batch pickles, fiery peppers, and more. It’s the perfect place to grab a souvenir—or just some spicy sauce to remember the weekend.
Sunday: One Last Sip
Before heading out, grab breakfast at one of our many local options. Sit on the porch, relive your favorite moments from the weekend, and plot your next visit. Maybe a winter cabin trip? A spring wildflower hike? Blue Ridge has a way of getting under your skin in the best possible way.
Fuel up with one last coffee for the road. And as you pull away from town, don’t be surprised if your friend group chat lights up with one final thought:
Same time, same place, same fun next year?
