Come help us bring in the New Year with music, food, fun, party hats, dancing at the Festhalle with the annual Dropping of the Edelweiss, just steps from your room at the Helendorf! There will be Light Hors d'oeuvres, party favors and Midnight Champagne Toast. Family Friendly!
Experience the Annual Hogpen Hill Climb, with an elevation change of over 2500 ft. Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia and Georgia Runners Magazine invite all runners to participate in one of state's most famous races and "A Run & See Georgia Grand Prix Event".Challenge yourself with the 5K or put yourself to the test with the 2500 foot ascent of the Hogpen!
Join the city of Helen and the Helendorf and enjoy the excitement of the Hogpen then relax and recuperate in one of our Riverfront rooms. The Helendorf River Inn & Suites is the perfect riverfront location to stay with direct access to downtown.
You can get more info and register at runthehogpen.org
Celebrate Mardi Gras "Bavarian-Style", also known as "Winter Karnival" in Germany. Karnival season is traditionally a time of festivity and merry-making before the start of Lent, a time of feasting before fasting. Although Fasching in Helen is on a much smaller scale than in Germany, it is a time to celebrate before Lent. Dress as your favorite, or perhaps, your least favorite personality or character and join us for a night of dancing and fun! Live German Music!
Looking for some fun to break the winter blues???? Then Helenblitz promises to do that and more!!!!
Make plans to attend HelenBlitz, sponsored by MINI Motoring Club of the Carolinas (M2C2) and Middle Georgia MINI club, and enjoy the hospitality of the Helendorf River Inn, Suites & Conference Center as your base to participate in and/or explore the magnificent Mini's. There are a lot of fun activities including outstanding drives through the scenic and winding roads of the Georgia Mountains and other social events, opportunities to show off your MINI, and the charity auction. It is a family friendly event and everyone has always has a great time. Come join us for a weekend of motoring, great food, drinks and of course some MINI camaraderie. Last year's event was great and this years will be bigger and better! Helendorf is your Host Hotel!
INFORMATION
Join the city of Helen for its Annual TROUT Tournament and enjoy the excitement from one of our Riverfront rooms. The Chamber will put in 250-300 pounds of trophy size fish and DNR will be stocking the river for the enjoyment of all.
Fish the famous Chattahoochee River in Helen, GA for your chance to catch tagged fish worth up to $500, $1,000 or more in cash. Prizes will be available for tagged fish.
$20 entry fee and open to all age. Two raffle tickets for prizes are included in the entry and the first 200 to register will receive a tournament t-shirt.
Prize money subject to change.
INFORMATION
706-878-1908 or http://www.helenchamber.com
MEDIA CONTACT
helenchamber@helenchamber.com
Nestled in the Bavarian Alpine village of Helen, GA, the ride starts in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains. After passing through Unicoi State Park, the route explores the Seed lake area. Riders then enter the mountainous area that was made famous by the 2003-2008 Tour de Georgia. In 2008, Unicoi Gap was the second to last climb on the approach to the race-deciding ascent up Brasstown Bald where Kanstantin Suitsou got the jump on Trent Lowe and Levi Leipheimer to win the event. Be sure to plan to stick around for beers, food and music severed up at the finish line! https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/gran-fondo-georgia
Starting and finishing in Helen, GA, all three routes feature steep and challenging climbs, quiet country roads, scenic views, and thrilling descents.
Join the city of Helen for Bavarian Fest! Experience and dance to a live Oomph band, dancing and a festive German atmosphere. Enjoy domestic or imported beer, wine, or soft drinks along with wursts, Bavarian pretzels, hot dogs, barbecue, popcorn and desserts. In honor of Memorial Day weekend free admission to veterans or active military.
Don't miss this festival or you won't be able to tell your friends about your journey to Bavaria! Sponsored by the Helen Chamber of Commerce.
For your weekend reservations relax at the Helendorf River Inn & Suites. It's the perfect riverfront location to enjoy a break during the day or after the evenings festivities.
Make plans to attend and experience the Annual Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race sponsored by Head Balloons and the Helendorf River Inn, Suites and Conference Center. Enjoy the hospitality of the Helendorf, the Headquarters and Host Hotel for the Race. Last year's event was great! Race competitors and local flyers will take to the sky at 7 am. If the weather conditions are too windy or storms are forecast, the take off will be postponed until conditions are acceptable.
While the competition to the Atlantic continues, other balloonists compete in local events beginning Thursday evening around 6 pm. Local flying events will take place also on Friday and Saturday. The balloons will fly around 7:00 am & 6:30 pm each day (weather permitting). Balloons will only fly for approx. 1 to 2 hours. You can join in the action too! There will be opportunities available to the public; assisting with the inflations, being a part of a chase crew, taking a tethered ride in a balloon or a champagne flight over the mountains. Be sure and bring your cameras for special moments.
Be sure and check out www.HelenBalloon.com or go to the Helen Balloon Facebook page.
Discover the best biker rally in north Georgia and enjoy a weekend full of fun and excitement! The 25th annual Biker Nation Reunion Rally in beautiful Helen Georgia, smack dab in the middle of THE best motorcycle roads in the southeast. VIP packages available with discounted hotel rooms. Or just show up for the vendors, music , balloons and fun. Coincides with the Helen balloon fest!Head on over to https://reunionrally.com/ for all the details!!
It's time for the Shriner's from Yaarab Temple to assemble in Helen for the initiation of new members into their parade tradition. On Saturday afternoon the Shriner's will entertain spectators with the fun and frolic of the Shriner's parade through downtown Helen. Be sure and support this most worthy organization with your patronage and cheers as they perform their very best.
The parade will begin at the Helen Festhalle adjacent to the Helendorf, then cross over the lower bridge turning left onto Chattahoochee Street then turning right onto Main Street and ending at Betty's Country Store.
So please join the Yaarab Shriner's and enjoy the excitement of a parade for all ages.
It’s time for the Shriner’s from Yaarab Temple to assemble in Helen for the initiation of new members into their parade tradition. On Saturday afternoon the Shriner’s will entertain spectators with the fun and frolic of the Shriner’s parade through downtown Helen. Be sure and support this most worthy organization with your patronage and cheers as they perform their very best.
The parade will begin at the Helen Festhalle adjacent to the Helendorf, then cross over the lower bridge turning left onto Chattahoochee Street then turning right onto Main Street and ending at Betty’s Country Store.
So please join the Yaarab Shriner’s and enjoy the excitement of a parade for all ages.
Come and celebrate the week of the 4th of July at the Helendorf River Inn, Suites & Conference Center and enjoy the excitement the City of Helen has to offer. Walk across the street from the Helendorf to the Helen Festhalle and relax along the Chattahoochee River in the Fussen Biergarten. Barbeque Pork, hot dogs, coleslaw, baked beans and dessert will be available. Soft drinks and import & domestic Beer and wines will also be available for purchase.
City Fireworks at dusk!
The South's Longest running Oktoberfest!!
Join us for the 55th Annual Oktoberfest in Helen, GA! Helen's biggest celebration! German music, dancing, food & drinks! Enjoy Waltzes, Polkas and the Chicken Dance! Oktoberfest will run from September 4 - 7, then reopen September 11 - 14, then reopen September 18 - 21, then reopen again on September 25 and continue daily through October 26, 2025
Hours:
Mondays - Thursdays 6PM-10:30PM
Fridays 6PM-Midnight
Saturdays 1PM-Midnight
Sundays 1PM-7PM
Admission: Monday-Friday $8.00 per person, Saturday $10.00 per person, Sunday-Free Admission. Food & Drink are extra.
For an up to date schedule of bands visit www.helenchamber.com
BAND SCHEDULE
September 4 - 7: TBD
September 11 - 14: TBD
September 18 - 21: TBD
September 25 - October 1: TBD
October 2 - 8: TBD
October 9 - 15: TBD
October 16 - 22: TBD
October 23 - 26: TBD
INFORMATION
706-878-1908 or http://www.helenchamber.com
MEDIA CONTACT
706-878-1908 or helenchamber@helenchamber.com
Join the longest running Oktoberfest Parade in the United States, to officially usher in the festivities of Oktoberfest!!!
Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at the downtown band shell as the village is lighted to begin the holiday season. Musical performances by local groups will precede his arrival and children are invited to meet with Santa from 6:00 to 8PM.
The Helen Christmas Parade will wind through the town on beginning at 2:00 p.m.
INFORMATION
706-878-2181 or http://www.helenga.org
Join the City of Helen for the Annual Christkindlmarkt! Helen's Christkindlemarkt will be held the last weekend in November and the first weekend in December in Alpine Helen, Georgia. Christkindlmarkts are a German tradition of combining food, music, entertainment with markets of imported and local Christmas specialties in a holiday atmosphere. The Greater Helen Area Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring this market.
Dates and times:
November 30th (Saturday) 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
December 1st (Sunday) 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
December 7th (Saturday) 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
December 8th (Sunday) 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Make plans to attend the Georgia Mountain Fair and enjoy the hospitality of the Helendorf River Inn, Suites & Conference Center as your base to explore North Georgia. The fair has Arts & Crafts, live demonstrations, Country Music shows, midway. Fun for the whole family!
TIME
10:00am - 7:00pm
Arts & Crafts 10AM-7PM Mon.-Sat, 10AM-6PM Sun.
LOCATION
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
1311 Music Hall Rd.
Hiawassee, GA 30546
INFORMATION
706-896-4191 or http://www.GeorgiaMountainFairgrounds.com
The annual USRiderNews Reunion Rally is returning to Helen Georgia for the 19th consecutive year! Come on out and meet and ride with hundreds of other Motorcycle riders in a three-day event that is packed full with recommended rides, dinners, parties, raffles, bike show, bike games, a poker run and more!
Call 478-237-3761 or visit our Facebook page for up-to-the-minute updates!!
The Georgia Foothills chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold their annual fundraiser at the Helendorf Inn in Helen Georgia at 5:00 pm on Saturday, March 21st. There will be a band for entertainment and a barbecue dinner. A silent auction will also be held for those wanting to bid on many items…. Most related to fishing. There will also be raffle tickets for sale for many other donated items. The drawing for annual “Dream Trip” sponsored by Georgia Trout Unlimited will also be done at this event. The funds raised go toward the many projects the Foothills chapter of TU has during the coming year. Some of these are a week long trout camp for youth under 16, support for Smithgall Woods-education for kids and adults and work on stream access, stream restoration and improvement projects, working with Veterans through the healing Waters Project at Oakwood, work at the Burton Fish Hatchery, teaching local middle schoolers about fly fishing, including fly tying and casting and supporting Casting for Recovery for women who have had breast cancer.
Make plans to attend the Annual "Wine Highway" and enjoy the hospitality of the Helendorf River Inn, Suites & Conference Center as your base to explore the many North Georgia Wineries. Last year's event was great and this year's will be even better! Spending a weekend in the mountains and tasting the Award Winning wines that are made from Georgia grown grapes is truly a great way to shake off those winter doldrums!
The Wineries will use the same format as last year where you can purchase your "Passport" and receive your souvenir glass at any of the 40 participating wineries.
The Passport is good for every day of the event. You must remember to have your passport and glass at each winery. For those who will be staying for several days, many of the wineries are open during the week and will accept the passports for tastings during the week. If you plan on taking advantage of this, please be sure you check the hours and days of operation for the wineries you want to visit on days other that Saturday and Sunday.
For more information: 706-878-9463 or http://www.georgiawine.com
Be sure and visit our our local tasting rooms: Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards; Yonah Mountain Vineyards; CeNita Winery; Serenity Cellars; and Habersham Winery.
Celebrate Mardi Gras "Bavarian-Style", also known as "Winter Karnival" in Germany. Karnival season is traditionally a time of festivity and merry-making before the start of Lent, a time of feasting before fasting. Although Fasching in Helen is on a much smaller scale than in Germany, it is a time to celebrate before Lent. Dress as your favorite, or perhaps, your least favorite personality or character and join us for a night of celebration at Heidelberg!
Celebrate Mardi Gras "Bavarian-Style", also known as "Winter Karnival" in Germany. Karnival season is traditionally a time of festivity and merry-making before the start of Lent, a time of feasting before fasting. Although Fasching in Helen is on a much smaller scale than in Germany, it is a time to celebrate before Lent. Dress as your favorite, or perhaps, your least favorite personality or character and join us for a night of celebration at Hofbrauhaus!
In Bavaria, a "Hüttengaudi" is a fun-filled evening of drinking, playing music, singing and dancing where everyone really lets loose. Here in Helen, this experience begins with a pub crawl and scavenger hunt, followed by a night of live entertainment at the restaurant of your choice.
Visit any of the participating businesses to pick up your card and begin your journey. You can begin your journey at any time on Friday and/or Saturday.
Get your card punched at each of the participating businesses.
Locate the answer to each of the clues of the scavenger hunt. The clues will be on the back of your card. Record your answer on the space provided.
Turn in your card at the Hofbrauhaus by 6:00 PM. Cards will not be accepted after 6:00 PM!
Winner will be the person that collects the most answers to the clues of the scavenger hunt and visits the most participating businesses. If there is more than one person who completes both tasks, the cards will be placed in a drawing for the prize—a 2 liter oak barrel! Drawing will take place during a Facebook Live event at the Hofbrauhaus, 6:30. Must be present to win.
Be sure and book your room at the Helendorf for the Annual Helen Huttengaudi Pub Crawl & Scavenger Hunt at www.helendorf.com or call 706-878-2271
Celebrate Mardi Gras "Bavarian-Style", also known as "Winter Karnival" in Germany. Karnival season is traditionally a time of festivity and merry-making before the start of Lent, a time of feasting before fasting. Although Fasching in Helen is on a much smaller scale than in Germany, it is a time to celebrate before Lent. Dress as your favorite, or perhaps, your least favorite personality or character and join us for a night of celebration at Cowboys & Angels!
In Germany, Mardi gras is called Fasching. To promote this holiday in the Alpine Village of Helen, Georgia, the Faschingsverein Helen will be tubing down the Chattahoochee River – rain, sleet or snow! We will leave the Helendorf River Inn at 1:00 PM for a parade around town (complete with a band!), entering the river at the Riverbend Motel on River Street. Take out for the tubers will be at the Festhalle. Later that evening, the group will be hosting a Fasching party, beginning at 7:00PM at the Helendorf. There will be live music as well as games and contests. Light snacks provided; beer, wine and soft drinks available for purchase. Check us out on Facebook for more details - www.facebook.com/fvhelen.
Celebrate Mardi Gras "Bavarian-Style", also known as "Winter Karnival" in Germany. Karnival season is traditionally a time of festivity and merry-making before the start of Lent, a time of feasting before fasting. Although Fasching in Helen is on a much smaller scale than in Germany, it is a time to celebrate before Lent. Dress as your favorite, or perhaps, your least favorite personality or character and join us for a night of celebration at Heidelberg!
Biertasting event from 1pm - 4pm, then music at the Festhalle 3pm - 7pm and try a little bit of Oktoberfest with a live German band and traditional German dancing, food and beverages! Over 100 Beers to sample!!
Sponsored by the Helen Chamber of Commerce. http://www.helenchamber.com
Make plans to attend SpringFest 2023 Corvair Car Show sponsored by Corvair Atlanta, Heart of Georgia Corvair and Queen City Corvair. Enjoy the hospitality of the Helendorf River Inn, Suites & Conference Center as your host and base to participate in and/or explore the magnificent vintage Chevrolet Corvairs.
Last year's event was great and this years will be bigger and better! Spend Friday at varying activities to include go-cart races, 50/50 drawing, and valve cover races. Then on Saturday enjoy the Concours, people's choice, various vendors to include Clark's, the mountain drive, and don't miss the awards banquet.
For more information contact Lillian Law, 229-291-0567
Some of Nashville's top, award-winning songwriters will perform and tell stories in our first annual Alpine Helen Songwriters Festival! - 9 Songwriters, 3 Venues, 2 Days
Come help us bring in the New Year with music, food, fun, party hats, dancing at the Festhalle with the annual Dropping of the Edelweiss, just steps from your room at the Helendorf! There will be Light Hors d'oeuvres, party favors and Midnight Champagne Toast. Family Friendly!
Celebrate Spring at the Helendorf and attend the Babyland General Annual Cabbage Patch Kids Magical Easter Extravaganza!
The hospital staff has a day of activities planned for you and the 'Kids from breakfast with the Easter Bunny to an arts and crafts festival, dancing with Cabbage Patch Kid costumed characters, hourly prize drawings and a free Easter Egg hunt on the grounds of BabyLand General Hospital with 25,000 eggs.
The day's festivities also include an Easter Parade through the town square in Cleveland, Ga. Fun hats are all the rage. If you want to be creative, enter the Cabbage Patch Kid's Easter Bonnet Contest.
The Helendorf is the perfect riverfront location to stay and attend the festivities and then the tranquility of the Chattahoochee River on our new river patio.
INFORMATION
706-865-2171 or 706-865-5356 or http://www.cabbagepatchkids.com
Sweep the Hooch is an annual day of service to the Chattahoochee River mobilizing volunteers on foot, in waders, or paddlers to remove trash at sites throughout the watershed. Sweep the Hooch brings people together to give back to the mighty river that gives us so much.
Beginning in 2011, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper worked with Upper Chattahoochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area to host the inaugural Sweep the Hooch cleanup. Since then, the event has grown to include numerous local partners, hundreds of volunteers and cleanup sites along more than 70 miles of the river.
The Georgia School of Professional Photography is operated by the Georgia Professional Photographers Association, Inc. (GPPA). The School was established in 1967, as a means of providing excellent photographic education for professional photographers.
Since its beginning, the institution as been an Affiliate of the Professional Photographers of America, Inc. (PPA) and is authorized to award PPA merits to those students who are members of that organization. The Georgia School is one of approximately 17 such organizations in the nation that hold PPA Affiliate status.
The Georgia School of Professional Photography does not hold classes year-round. Instead, its operation is limited to a one-week workshop which may be held at various times throughout the year. There are always several classes that are taught by top professionals from all over North America. For over forty years, these classes have been held on the campus of North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) in Clarkesville, GA. The Photography Department of NGTC has excellent studio and lab facilities, all of which are made available to our classes.
Even though the Georgia School was established with the intent of providing photographic educational opportunities for members of GPPA, its classes are also open to non-members. Pre-requisite experience may be required for certain advanced level classes.
The Helendorf is proud to be host once again to Newborns In Need. Newborns In Need (NIN) is a 501(c)3 charity. NIN volunteers provide care necessities to local agencies and hospitals serving premature, ill or impoverished newborns. Newborns In Need distributes items free of charge regardless of race, religion or birth circumstances. Founded upon Christian principles, "NIN" has provided essential items without charge to those in need since 1992.
Volunteers use their talents to provide knitted, crocheted and sewn premature and full-term baby items. Chapters collect formula, clothes blankets, diapers and baby hygiene items to be distributed in their local communities. Newborns in Need offers support to the grieving family by providing bereavement and memory items to honor and swaddle the precious life that was lost much too soon. Come volunteer your time for a great cause!!!
Make plans to attend the Georgia Mountain Fair and enjoy the hospitality of the Helendorf River Inn, Suites & Conference Center as your base to explore North Georgia. The fair has Arts & Crafts, live demonstrations, Country Music shows, midway. Fun for the whole family!
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
1311 Music Hall Rd.
Hiawassee, GA 30546
INFORMATION
706-896-4191 or http://www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com
MEDIA CONTACT
Hilda Thomason
706-896-4191
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Celebrate Georgia Heritage at the Helendorf and attend the Civil War reenactment in Helen Georgia.
The scenic Chattahoochee serves as the backdrop for this event that features period Sutlers villages, demonstrations, and camps on display. (Sutlers are what we call vendors today and they were an important part of each camp, supplying ammunition, clothing, horse equipment and food.) There will undoubtedly be skirmishes between the Union and Confederate "armies" that will recreate some of the war's most interesting battles so bring your cameras.
For more information on how to participate please contact Al Platt at APlatt0021@aol.com
The event will be held at River Park, a short walk from the Helendorf River Inn & Suites, and a short walk from Helen, shops, restaurants and all of Helen's family-friendly attractions.
Mark your calendars and make your reservations today at the Helendorf River Inn, Suites & Conference Center to experience the Destination Helen Motorcycle Rally! Just a walk across the street to the Helen Festhalle from the Helendorf and you can join music and laughter with friends. There will be free escorted mountain rides, poker run, scavenger hunt, music food, vendors, blessing of the bikes, and much, much more. Fun for the whole family!
The Georgia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will host exhibits, calling contests, seminars, and sales of anything dealing with the fine sport of turkey hunting.
The annual “Run For The Hills” weekend originated in 1995 at the Gulf Coast Fiero Weekend, when a group of Florida Fiero owners celebrating America's first mid-engine sports car decided to go in search of something higher than a sand dune. This loose gathering of enthusiasts soon grew to an organized association of dedicated members. Since its formation, our club has grown into a non-profit organization that frequently donates to local charities and non-profit organizations.
Each year the event has grown and attracts participants from many parts of the Eastern United States, and on occasion, as far away as Texas, California, and even Australia. Since starting as a weekend road trip in the hills, the event has become an event that embraces a thrilling drive through the mountains and valleys of the Southeastern US.
We love the Corvette, honoring Veterans, and serving the community!
Our membership is comprised of Corvette enthusiasts who are proud to support America's Veterans and who collectively endorse community charities. Our club "Vets with Vettes and Corvette Owners" is open to any Corvette owner as well as everyone who has a mania for the Corvette automobile and its rich heritage. We welcome all: original stockers, concourse ready show cars, heavily modified street/strip versions, "rolling restoration" project cars and most importantly, your Corvette.
You need not be a military veteran to join. You need only to share in the passion. Some members served our nation in a branch of America's Armed Service's, some served as a civil servant or a contractor, some of us are still serving, and some of us have never served - but any Corvette owner with a heart for veterans is welcome and encouraged to join.
Southern Wörthersee 2015 sponsored by H2O Tuning VW Audi Club and enjoy the hospitality of the Helendorf River Inn, Suites & Conference Center, the Headquarters and Host Hotel. Spend the day exploring all that Southern Wörthersee 2015 has to offer.
Wörthersee 2015?
The inspiration for Southern Wörthersee is the Wörthersee Tour in Reifnitz, Austria, which is the largest gathering of VAG enthusiasts in the world. For more than two decades, this charming lakeside village has hosted millions of enthusiasts, who come to appreciate the most innovative and trend setting VWs and Audis in Europe. Wörthersee, as this event is most commonly known, derives its name from the beautiful lake that dominates this popular vacation area.
The goal for Southern Wörthersee is to bring together cars and fans of these beloved marquees in a truly authentic European atmosphere in the quaint Bavarian-themed town of Helen, Georgia. Located along the scenic Chattahoochee River in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it has striking similarities to the Wörthersee region in Austria and is a natural location for a stateside tribute to Wörthersee.
So please join the H2O Tuning VW Audi Club and your host hotel to celebrate these wonderful cars and the spirit of Wörthersee Tour.
Böser Wolf JeepFest offers jeep enthusiasts an opportunity to have fun in and around White County, Georgia. ABLH, Inc. is hosting Böser Wolf JeepFest and partnering with Charles Smithgall Humane Society, Georgia Jeepers and Chattahoochee - Oconee Forestry Service to bring a family fun event to the German themed village of Helen, GA. Located in the mountains of scenic Northeast Georgia, this area offers a variety of activities to enjoy the natural beauty from hiking to off-road trail use. The event features concerts, vendors, bonfire, parade, jeep show, private-land for off-roading, and more.
ABLH, Inc. along with Georgia Jeepers has taken a pro-active approach to ensuring responsible trail use in the area by working with the forestry service, DNR, and becoming an alliance member of Tread Lightly! Following the guidelines of Tread Lightly!®, we are working together to educate and promote responsible fun and adventure in the region for the Jeep community. This year we will be holding a class on Saturday morning to help the jeep community better understand the requirements, regulations and best practices for safe and responsible use of the trail systems in the area.
