Tappin’ your toes and swaying to the beat while sipping a cold brew is the quintessential live music experience in North Georgia. If you’re more into head banging, hyped laser shows, and massive crowds in tight spaces…plus all the smells that come with it, downtown Atlanta, Decatur, Athens, and Marietta have you covered with concert halls, amphitheaters, and bars. But if you’re interested in Appalachian culture through music and a melodious time in the Blue Ridge Mountains, North Georgia is worth a visit. What are some popular music venues in North Georgia? Glad you asked! Any music events worth checking out? You bet!
Top 7 Music Venues in North Georgia
Where are the best places for live music north of Atlanta? Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, plus breweries and wineries across North Georgia! Georgia bands and musicians from across the Peach State venture to the Blue Ridge Mountains for a chance to perform in our picturesque setting. Not to mention, we have plenty of local talent performing at open mic nights, karaoke, intimate venues, and seasonal festivals. Our specialties: bluegrass and old-times music.
1. Bear Claw Vineyards
Get a taste of Nappalachia music — centered around North Georgia’s wine country — at Bear Claw Vineyards, one of many vineyards hosting musical talent throughout the year. While sipping local wine and enjoying scenic vineyard views, let the live music experience take you away to a realm of relaxation in the North Georgia Mountains.
2. Blue Ridge Community Theater
Featuring concerts and musicals, the Blue Ridge Community Theater is a great pick for a classic venue in a more intimate setting. Their musical stage has showcased local performers, national acts, and even international talent. Shows often sell out quickly, so don’t hesitate to book before you arrive in North Georgia!
3. Canopy + The Roots
Venture to the underground listening room, grab a Costa Rican coffee in the social house, and practice yoga in the glass studio at this unique venue in downtown Dahlonega. Here, you’ll find artists singing the blues or playing bluegrass music. There’s also open-mic comedy and spoken word.
4. Grumpy Old Men Brewing
Live music on the weekends, karaoke on Thursdays, occasional food trucks, and local brews on tap make Grumpy Old Men Brewing a fun place to hang out in Blue Ridge, GA. Outdoor seating is plentiful, happy hour is every hour, and you can even bring your dogs! Grab a flight to taste and kick back for an evening of entertainment at this easygoing brewery.
5. Misty Mountain Hops
First and foremost a vinyl pub, Misty Mountain Hops is a music-centric eatery focused on bringing people together through great music and good food. Performers taking the center stage include Jeremy Wells, The Orange Walls Duo, Adrian Stover, Daisy Chain, and Gabe Myers, to name a few. Check out the concert lineup before you go out for brunch or show up for a surprise performance on Fridays and Saturdays! They also host trivia nights.
6. The Crimson Moon
Get up close and personal with live music in Georgia at this notable dive bar in Dahlonega — The Crimson Moon. There’s a bar and patio, music venue, and restaurant to enjoy in a classic North Georgia Mountain setting. Hear local folks belt out beloved melodies and strum guitars with a mix of bluegrass, swing, gypsy jazz, plus indie-folk-pop grass. They even put on live shows for all ages throughout the year.
7. Historic Holly Theatre
Come see a concert or musical production at The Holly, a historic community theater that’s making a difference in the local arts and music scene with shows, summer camps for kids, and tribute concerts. Featuring Georgia musicians playing classics from the 60s and 70s, this theater takes you back in time through music. Many of their entertainers have even gone on to perform on Broadway! Wine, beer, and group discounts are available.
Live Music Events in North Georgia
Our favorite live music events and music festivals in North Georgia welcome YOU to hang out, play or sing along, sip Appalachian moonshine, eat Southern food, and make memories with family and friends in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival | Mid-Sept in Blue Ridge
- Pickin’ in the Park | Thursdays, May-Sept in Mineral Bluff
- Appalachian Jams | Saturdays, Apr-Oct in Dahlonega
- Blue Ridge Mountains Wine & Jazz Festival | Jun 25-26 (2022) in Blue Ridge
- Music in the Park | First Friday Nights, May-Oct in Dahlonega
- Bear on the Square Mountain Festival | Apr 15-16 (2023) in Blue Ridge
Where to Stay
Songwriters, musicians, singers, artists, and music lovers are welcome to stay with Georgia Cabins for YOU — featuring vacation rentals of all shapes and sizes close to music venues and other entertainment in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Plan your next musical getaway with family and friends in the peace and serenity of the mountains.
Imagine strumming by the Toccoa River while marshmallows roast at the firepit, singing along to favorite tunes while enjoying stunning mountain views on the deck, or relaxing in a steamy hot tub after walking around a local music event all day. Additional cabin amenities include fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, grills, game rooms, theaters, king suites, and community extras, like swimming pools, clubhouses, trails, and tennis courts!
Enjoy live music entertainment in the North Georgia Mountains and unwind at YOUR cabin rental today.
