Summer in Calhoun-Gordon County means block parties downtown, lavender fields ready for picking, and family hikes on scenic trails. Whether you’re joining the crowd at the Wings & Wheels show, catching a free movie at the historic GEM Theatre, or exploring New Echota’s living history events, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the warm months ahead. This guide highlights the top events happening in Summer 2025—so you can plan, participate, and make the most of it all!
1. Downtown Calhoun Block Parties: Summer in the City 2025
Dates: May 16, June 20, July 18
Downtown Calhoun comes alive with the Summer in the City block parties, featuring live music on Park Avenue, local vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. You’ll also find yard games like cornhole set up for everyone to enjoy. These free events are perfect for all ages and a great way to experience the community spirit of Calhoun-Gordon County.
2. Classic Rides and High-Flying Fun: Wings & Wheels Air and Car Show
Date: May 31
Get ready for a day of revving engines and soaring skies at the Wings & Wheels Air and Car Show. Held at the Tom B. David Airport in Calhoun, this family-friendly event kicks off at 9 a.m. and features an impressive lineup of vintage aircraft and classic cars for visitors to admire up close.
While you’re exploring the displays, bring your appetite—there will be plenty of local flavor on site, including food vendors like Uncle Brian’s BBQ, Shorty’s Snack Shack and Taqueria Rodriguez.
3. Lavender Days: U-Pick at Saddle Creek Lavender Farm
Dates: June 18–29
Lavender Days at Saddle Creek Lavender Farm in Ranger, Georgia is a local favorite that visitors look forward to each year. From June 18 to 29, guests can wander the blooming fields, pick their own lavender, and shop handcrafted products like soaps, scrubs, and essential oils. Whether you use your bundle for baking, crafts, or simply to brighten up your home, it’s a relaxing summer tradition worth savoring.
4. Rodeo Nights: Phillips Championship Rodeo
Dates: June 20–21
Saddle up for a high-energy weekend at the 46th Annual Phillips “Tough Enough To Wear Pink” Championship Rodeo in Resaca, Georgia. This family-friendly event features all professional rodeo events including bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, and the always-thrilling bull riding.
Attendees are encouraged to wear pink in support of breast cancer research, and there’s plenty of fun beyond the arena too, with rodeo vendors, food, a mechanical bull, and pony rides for the kids. It’s a true Southern summer tradition you won’t want to miss!
5. GEM Theatre Free Summer Movie Series
Dates: May 25 – July 22 (select dates)
Cool off in the A/C and enjoy a classic summer tradition at the historic GEM Theatre in downtown Calhoun. Thanks to generous local sponsors, this beautifully restored 1939 venue is offering a full lineup of free family-friendly movies throughout the season.
Snacks will be available for purchase inside the theatre. For a complete list of movies and showtimes, check the schedule below and plan your visit to one—or a few—of these unforgettable screenings.
Summer 2025 Schedule:
- May 25: The Sound of Music – 3pm
- June 3: Moana 2 – 10am & 1pm
- June 10: Dog Man – 10am & 1pm
- June 12: An American Tail: Fievel Goes West – 7pm
- June 14: The Sword in the Stone – 7pm
- June 17: Sonic 3 – 10am & 1pm
- June 19: City Slickers – 7pm
- June 21: Willow – 7pm
- June 24: Inside Out 2 – 10am & 1pm
- June 26: Blazing Saddles – 7pm
- June 28: Highlander – 7pm
- July 3: The Sandlot – 7pm
- July 8: The Garfield Movie – 10am & 1pm
- July 10: Rango – 7pm
- July 12: Krull – 7pm
- July 15: Paddington in Peru – 10am & 1pm
- July 17: Tombstone – 7pm
- July 19: The NeverEnding Story – 7pm
- July 22: Despicable Me 4 – 10am & 1pm
6. Trail Days and Water Ways: Calhoun Rec Outdoor Adventures
Dates: Select dates in June and July
This summer, the Calhoun Recreation Department is leading the way outdoors with a variety of guided hikes, river trips, and a family camping trip. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, paddling a scenic river, or sleeping under the stars, these activities are a great way to stay active and explore the natural beauty of North Georgia.
Registration is now open—sign up online or in person at the Calhoun Recreation Department. See below for the full list of upcoming events:
- June 7 – Family Hiking Day at Keown Falls
- June 11 – Family Rafting Trip at the Hiwassee River
- June 21 – Family Hiking Day at Little River Canyon Preserve
- June 26 – 18+ Rafting Trip at the Ocoee River
- July 8 – Family Tubing Trip at the Toccoa River
- July 17–19 – Family Camping Trip at Sloppy Floyd State Park Pioneer Campground
- July 26 – Family Hiking Day at Long Creek Falls
7. Walk Through History: Summer Events at New Echota Historic Site
Dates: Select dates throughout summer
As one of Calhoun-Gordon County’s most important cultural landmarks, New Echota Historic Site offers a season of hands-on history and educational events. From ranger-led hikes and Cherokee cooking demonstrations to Jr. Ranger Camp Days, each program invites guests to explore the land, stories, and skills that defined Cherokee life in the 1800s.
See the list below for upcoming events, and be sure to check their official event page for updates—new programs are added regularly throughout the season.
- May 24 – Come Fly With Me: Birding Hike
- May 24 – Orienteering 101: Compass Reading
- May 31 – Bean there, Bean Bread: Traditional Cherokee Recipe
- June 7 – First Saturday Hike
- June 14 – Jr. Ranger Family Camp Day
- July 12 – Jr. Ranger Family Camp Day
Plan Your Perfect Summer in Calhoun-Gordon County
Summer in Calhoun-Gordon County brings together the best of small-town charm and big experiences. With events planned nearly every weekend—and more being added as the season unfolds—there’s always something to look forward to. So mark your calendar, gather your crew, and enjoy everything our county has to offer this 2025 season!
