Fun Things to Do in Calhoun

Calhoun, GA is part of the High Country region of Northwest Georgia. Here, history, adventure, and culture come together to give residents and visitors year-round access to fun and recreation. From festivals to farms to fantastic art and nature, there is something here for everyone.

BBQ Boogie & Blues

A must-do for BBQ lovers of all ages! Held in Downtown Calhoun every April, the two-day BBQ Boogie & Blues festival features a competition that is sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society. Stop by, eat, and vote for your favorite BBQ recipes! Let the tasty aroma guide you to the rest of the festival’s attractions, including live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, kids’ play zone, and more food! Admission is free, it’s family-friendly, dog-friendly, and full of amazing food and crafts—there’s no reason not to stop by and check it out if you’re in the area!

Harris Arts Center

The Harris Arts Center seeks to make the arts available to the community and to honor Calhoun native Roland Hayes, the first African American classical singer to be recognized in international concerts and operas. The HAC houses the Roland Hayes Museum, rotating art exhibits, the Ratner Theater, and The Art Market (featuring handcrafted jewelry, pottery, paintings, and more from surrounding community artists). The Calhoun Community Chorus, Music Guild, and Calhoun Little Theater showcase several plays and concerts throughout the year. The HAC also functions as a community center where you can take classes and workshops in yoga, clay, music, painting, weaving, and more.

Enjoy free admission year-round to the Museum and art galleries.

John’s Mountain

Drive 16 minutes from Calhoun and you’re surrounded by nearly 25,000 acres of pure wilderness. John’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area offers a range of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. There are trails for biking, hiking, leisurely strolls, and horseback riding. There are areas for camping, fishing, wildlife watching, and hunting. Popular sites in the park include John’s Mountain Overlook and Keown Falls. Park entrance is free, but you will need to apply for a license if you wish to hunt or fish.

Payne Farm Strawberry Festival

The one-day Strawberry Festival at Payne Farm and Produce is held every May. Stroll through the fields and pick your own strawberries, or purchase a fresh, pre-picked basket at the market. The festival also features arts and crafts vendors and children’s activities (storytime, barrel trains, and more). Payne Farms has been providing quality produce since 1945, and the farm is still owned and operated by the Payne family. Admission to the Strawberry Festival is $7 (free for kids under 2).

The ROCK Garden

Tucked into a quiet corner of Calhoun is the ROCK Garden, a local favorite. This is a folk art showcase featuring mini constructions of houses, cathedrals, and castles. The garden is located behind the Calhoun Seventh-Day Adventist Church, amid a forest setting. In the garden you will come across its mini inhabitants and their animals as they wave to you from their homes or go about their daily activities. Children love exploring the little creations, which are all made from pebbles, stones, broken glass, ceramic tiles, and other repurposed objects. The garden is free and open to everyone, including pets (must be leashed).