2026 Green Bean Festival

Hey there, friends! If you've been thinking about visiting us up here in the North Georgia mountains this summer, we've got one more wonderful reason to get your reservation in soon — the annual Green Bean Festival in Blairsville will be held on June 25th & 26th and trust us, you do not want to miss it.

A Little History — Where It All Began

Up here in Union County, green beans aren't just a vegetable — they're a way of life. The green bean has long been a cornerstone crop of North Georgia mountain farming, with families growing, canning, and preserving them for generations. The Downtown Blairsville Annual Georgia Green Bean Festival grew organically out of that deep agricultural heritage as a way to honor local farmers and keep those Appalachian traditions alive and well for younger generations.

The festival is a celebration dedicated to learning everything there is to know about green beans — a staple in the North Georgia Mountains — and it takes place right on Town Square, in the heart of downtown, set against the backdrop of the historic Union County Courthouse. There's truly no better setting for a day that's equal parts Southern charm, mountain pride, and good old-fashioned fun.

As Atlanta Magazine put it: "If you've never been to Blairsville, consider the Green Bean Festival mandatory — especially if you have an interest in local food. You will love seeing how Union County treats its farmers, gardeners, and home economizers."

What to Expect at the Festival

Mark your calendars for the last Saturday in July, running from 10 AM to 5 PM on Town Square. Whether you're a first-timer or a returning regular, there's always something new to discover — and some beloved traditions you'll want to come back for year after year. Here's a taste of what's in store:

🍕 Green Bean Pizza Eating Contest — The fan favorite! Watch brave (and hungry) competitors battle it out for green bean pizza glory. Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like — and yes, it's delicious.

🥫 Canning Competition — Home canning is practically an art form in these mountains. Locals show off their finest preserved beans, jams, and pickles in this beloved homegrown contest.

🪡 Quilt Show & Quilting Circle — Breathtaking handmade quilts on display, with live quilting demonstrations. A beautiful nod to the Appalachian craft traditions passed down through the generations.

📖 "Tall Tale" Storytelling Contest — Southern storytelling at its finest. Grab a seat and prepare to be entertained — and maybe even a little convinced — by some of the mountain's best yarn-spinners.

🚜 Tractor Show & Farm Demos — A love letter to working farms everywhere. Vintage and modern tractors on display, plus live demonstrations at the Mountain Life Museum just off the square.

🎵 Live Entertainment & Square Dance — Music fills the mountain air all day long, capped off with a lively square dance. Whether you're stomping your boots or tapping your toes, you'll be moving.

🏃 5K Run & Bike Ride — Work up an appetite before you dive into the festival food! The scenic run and ride through the Blairsville area is a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.

🛍️ Crafts, Vendors & Farmers Market — Everything homegrown and homemade — fresh produce, local crafts, baked goods, honey, and one-of-a-kind gifts straight from the hands of Union County makers.

The Mountain Life Museum, just off Town Square, is also part of the festivities — it's home to the 1906 Grapel Mock House and the 1861 Payne Cabin, offering a truly immersive window into what life looked like for the families who built this mountain community. Kids and adults alike will love exploring the heritage displays and hands-on demonstrations.

Make a Long Weekend of It — Stay With Us!

We may be a little biased, but we truly believe there's no better way to experience the Green Bean Festival — and all that Blairsville has to offer — than to slow down and stay a few nights in the mountains. Festival day is wonderful, but waking up to misty mountain mornings, sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee, and falling asleep to the sound of the creek? That's the real magic.

Blairsville is tucked into the Chattahoochee National Forest and the Blue Ridge Mountains, with Lakes Nottely and Winfield Scott nearby, Brasstown Bald (Georgia's highest peak) just down the road, and Vogel State Park sitting at the foot of Blood Mountain. There is truly no shortage of beauty around every bend.

We're a small, family-run operation — just like this town — and we pour everything we've got into making sure your stay feels like home. Weekends around the Green Bean Festival fill up fast, so don't wait too long to lock in your dates. We'd love to have you up here with us.

👉 [Check Availability & Book Your Cabin or Lodge Room Now]