The wait is over for one of Chattooga County’s biggest annual events, as the 2026 Chattooga County Agricultural Fair opens this afternoon in Summerville.
The 2026 Chattooga County Fair Demonstration Kitchen, sponsored by Chattooga County Farm Bureau, will offer a full lineup of hands-on demonstrations covering crafts, cooking, gardening and homemade household products.
Students will get into the Chattooga County Agricultural Fair free on opening night, as the annual fair prepares to return to Summerville later this month.
Opening night is Thursday, August 27, with the fair open from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. According to the Chattooga County Fair, every student who comes through the gate Thursday night will receive free admission.
Thursday will also feature the fair’s lowest-priced armband night, with unlimited rides for $25.
Fairgoers can expect the traditional midway experience with rides, games, prizes and plenty of fair food, including funnel cakes.
The Chattooga County Agricultural Fair is held at 40 Middle School Road in Summerville.
The fair continues through the weekend, giving families across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia several opportunities to enjoy one of the community’s annual late-summer traditions.
Summerville Main Street is inviting dog lovers and their four-legged companions to downtown Summerville for Dog Daze on Saturday, August 15.
Families and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to spend a day enjoying nature, wildlife and hands-on activities when Outdoor Adventure Day returns to James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park near Summerville.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the park, located at 2800 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road.
Organizers are planning a full lineup of activities for children and adults, including a Kids Fishing Rodeo featuring 50 tagged fish that can be caught for prizes.
Visitors will also have an opportunity to learn archery with instruction provided by park staff.
Wildlife will be a major part of the day’s activities. Southeastern Reptile Rescue is scheduled to present a snake show, while Greg’s Turtle Haven will bring a turtle show to the park. Wings to SOAR will also present a birds of prey program.
Families are encouraged to bring relatives and friends and spend the day exploring the activities at the park.
Food will be available for purchase from food trucks during the event. The Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park will also have “Rodeo Catfish” T-shirts available for sale.
Parking is $10 per vehicle.
Outdoor Adventure Day provides families with an opportunity to enjoy one of Chattooga County’s most popular outdoor destinations while learning more about fishing, archery and wildlife.
The Chattooga County Fair is set to return later this month, bringing four days of rides, livestock shows, live entertainment, competitions and family activities to the Chattooga County Agricultural Center in Summerville.
Country music stars Lauren Alaina and Mark Wills will headline the 2026 Labor Day at the Post celebration in Fort Oglethorpe on Monday, September 7, with a full day of free entertainment and family activities planned.
The free event will take place from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. at Barnhardt Circle in Fort Oglethorpe.
Live music begins at 1 p.m. with James Rogers, followed by Shelby Mosteller at 2 p.m., Hiwassee Bend at 3 p.m., Remembering January at 4 p.m., and special guest The Singing Barber, Noah Peters, at 5 p.m. Mark Wills will perform at 6 p.m., with Walker County native and Grand Ole Opry member Lauren Alaina taking the stage at 7:30 p.m.
In addition to the music, the celebration will feature a classic car show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with awards at 3:30 p.m., along with food trucks from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., a local vendor market from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and a free Kids Zone and petting zoo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is free, and organizers invite residents from across Northwest Georgia and the Chattanooga area to enjoy a full day of music, food, shopping, classic cars and family-friendly activities.
Nature lovers will have the opportunity to explore one of Northwest Georgia’s scenic trails while learning about local wildlife during a Turtle Hike at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park this Saturday.
The guided hike begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, and will take participants around the park’s Upper Lake Trail, where they’ll learn about the turtles that call the park home.
Participants should meet at the park office by 10 a.m. and are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. Binoculars will be available, but visitors who have their own are encouraged to bring them.
The program costs $3 per person, and advance registration is required. A $10 Georgia State Parks ParkPass is also required for vehicles entering the park.
To register or for more information, contact the park office at 706-857-0826.
Organizers of the 2026 Chattooga County Agricultural Fair are reminding visitors of several rules that will be in effect during this year’s fair, which runs August 27-30 at the Chattooga County Fairgrounds and Agricultural Center in Summerville.
The fair will be held rain or shine, and organizers say no refunds will be issued because of weather.
Among the rules, no outside food or beverages, no glass containers and no alcohol will be permitted on the fairgrounds. Animals are also prohibited, with the exception of service animals and animals participating in livestock shows.
Fair officials say all bags and backpacks are subject to search, and firearms and other weapons are prohibited. Because the fair is held on school property, Georgia law also restricts weapons on the grounds.
Smoking is allowed only in designated areas. Guests who engage in disorderly conduct may be removed from the fairgrounds without a refund.
Those attending concerts are also reminded that umbrellas and tents are not permitted in the concert seating area, although visitors are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs.
Additional information, including entertainment schedules, livestock events and Blue Ribbon entry guidelines, is available at www.chattoogafair.com.
Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden will once again host Finster Fest 2026 on Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20, bringing artists, music, food and family activities to Summerville.
The annual festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at Paradise Garden, 200 North Lewis Street.
Festival organizers say this year’s event will feature more than 60 folk artists and craftsmen from across Georgia and around the country, showcasing paintings, pottery, sculpture, stained glass, jewelry, fiber art, woodwork and other handmade creations. Several artists will be exhibiting at Finster Fest for the first time, while others are returning after previous appearances.
In addition to the artist market, Finster Fest will include live music, Southern food, children’s art activities, guest speakers and special exhibits throughout the weekend. A list of performing musicians will be announced closer to the festival.
Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden, one of Northwest Georgia’s best-known folk art attractions, draws visitors from across the nation each year to celebrate the legacy of the internationally recognized artist and minister.
Additional information and updates are available through the Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden Facebook page.