
Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville will welcome visitors from across the region this weekend for Finster Fest 2026, a two-day celebration of art, music, food and the legacy of renowned folk artist Howard Finster.

Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville will welcome visitors from across the region this weekend for Finster Fest 2026, a two-day celebration of art, music, food and the legacy of renowned folk artist Howard Finster.

Chattooga County EMA is advising motorists about a temporary traffic change near Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville during Finster Fest this weekend.
According to the Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency, Rena Street will temporarily operate as a one-lane road during the festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20.
The traffic change is expected to go into effect Saturday morning between 7 and 8 AM and remain in place until the conclusion of the event.
County officials say the adjustment is necessary because of the large number of pedestrians expected to be walking to and from Finster Fest, along with buses transporting festival attendees throughout the weekend.
Motorists traveling through the area are being asked to use caution, watch for pedestrians and be prepared for possible delays.
Finster Fest will be held Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM until 5 PM each day at Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville.

Families looking for an outdoor activity next weekend can enjoy a free movie under the stars at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park.
The park and Friends of Sloppy Floyd will host an Outdoor Movie Night on Saturday, September 19, beginning at 8 PM.
Park rangers will show a classic, G-rated animated movie about the life of bugs. The event announcement doesn’t give the movie’s title, but offers a pretty strong hint with the theme, “I’m a beautiful butterfly.”
Visitors should meet at Picnic Shelter 1 at 8 PM and are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets to get comfortable for the outdoor showing.
The movie program itself is free, although the regular $10 Georgia State Parks parking pass is required for vehicles entering the park.
Friends of Sloppy Floyd State Park will also have concessions available for purchase during the evening.
The event offers families another opportunity to enjoy the state park after regular daytime activities while supporting the Friends organization, which assists with programs and projects at Sloppy Floyd.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located near Summerville in Chattooga County and includes two lakes, hiking trails, picnic areas, camping and access to the Pinhoti Trail system.
Anyone with questions about Outdoor Movie Night can contact the Sloppy Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.
The movie begins at 8 PM Saturday, September 19, at Picnic Shelter 1.

Residents looking for something to do Saturday will have plenty of choices, with several events planned in Chattooga County and neighboring communities on Saturday, September 12.

Another longtime Northwest Georgia fall tradition gets underway this week as the Northwest Georgia Regional Fair opens Friday in Gordon County.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will offer two special outdoor programs Saturday, August 29, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the park from sunrise through moonrise.
The day begins with a Sunrise Paddle from 7 until 8 AM. Participants will join park rangers for an early-morning paddle around the Lower Lake. Those attending should meet at the park office by 7 AM and bring water and clothing that can get wet.
The Sunrise Paddle costs $20 per person with kayak rental included, or $10 for participants who bring their own kayak. A $10 park pass is also required.
Saturday evening, the park will host a Moon Pie Hike beginning at 8 PM.
Rangers will lead an easy hike around the Lower Lake before participants enjoy Moon Pies and hot cocoa while watching the moonrise from the lower dam. Participants should bring a flashlight, a blanket to sit on and comfortable walking shoes.
The Moon Pie Hike costs $3 per person, in addition to the required $10 park pass.
Registration is required for both events. To register or get additional information, call the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will offer visitors two opportunities to explore the natural world on Saturday, August 22, with a Plant ID Hike during the morning and a Creatures of the Night program that evening.
The Plant ID Hike begins at 10 a.m. Saturday. The ranger-led program gives participants an opportunity to explore some of the plant life found at the park while learning more about identifying native plants and the role they play in the surrounding ecosystem.
Later Saturday, visitors can return for Creatures of the Night at 8:30 p.m. The nighttime program offers a chance to experience the park after dark and learn more about the animals and other creatures that become active after the sun goes down.
Both programs are part of Sloppy Floyd State Park’s August lineup of outdoor activities.
Those interested in participating are asked to call the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826 to register or for additional information.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located near Summerville in Chattooga County.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Summerville has two special programs planned tomorrow, Saturday, August 15, offering visitors opportunities to enjoy the park during both the day and after dark.

Dog lovers will want to mark their calendars for next Saturday, August 15, when Downtown Dog Daze returns to Summerville for a day dedicated to four-legged friends and the people who love them.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Summerville Train Depot and along East Washington Street.
Downtown Dog Daze will feature a variety of activities and services for dogs and their owners, including dog adoption opportunities through the Chattooga County Animal Shelter, a photo booth, dog grooming by Bishop’s Dog Grooming, a Pup Cup Station, vendors offering dog products, arts and crafts, food, and a kiddie pool cooling station sponsored by Mr. Pickles Dog Bakery.
Free rabies, DHPP and Bordetella vaccinations will also be offered, sponsored by HSNEGA in partnership with the Chattooga County Animal Shelter.
One of the highlights of the day will be the Pup Strut at noon.
Visitors can also look forward to the arrival of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum steam engine passenger train during the event.
Downtown Dog Daze is presented by the City of Summerville, Mr. Pickles Dog Bakery LLC and Bishop Grooming.
The Summerville Train Depot is located at 111 East Washington Street.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park will offer visitors a chance to enjoy the lake as the sun goes down with a special Sunset Paddle this evening.
Park rangers will lead participants on a paddle around the park’s lower lake from 8 until 8:30 p.m. Participants are asked to meet at the park office by 8 p.m.
The cost is $20 per person with kayak rental included, or $10 per person for those bringing their own kayak. A $10 park pass is also required, and participants must register in advance.
Those taking part should bring drinking water and wear clothing that can get wet.
To register or get additional information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is located near Summerville in Chattooga County.