Things to do at Night in Dahlonega
You can feel it, it’s in the air. That cool breeze in the mornings, the way the temperature drops by 10 degrees in the shade, and the days are getting shorter. Fall is clawing tooth and nail to get to us as fast as she can, and boy are we ready for her!
Fall brings all sorts of goodies from festivals and funnel cakes to what might be deemed by some as “perfect” camping weather. The leaves will change and hikes will become more vibrant and colorful pretty soon, everything will be pumpkin flavored.
With such great weather right on the horizon and plenty to do during the day, we figured we would share some insider information with you about how to spend those beautiful, clear, Fall nights!
Eyes on the Skies!
On Friday nights the North Georgia Astronomical Observatory hosts an OPEN (Observatory-Planetarium Public Education Nights) program night that is free to the general public. The doors open for the planetarium show at 7:30pm and the show will start promptly at 8:00pm (late admittance will not be allowed under any circumstances). The OPEN program telescopic viewing at the Observatory will begin at 9:30pm (weather permitting).
The George E. Coleman, Sr. Planetarium is located in the Health & Natural Sciences (HNS) Building on the UNG Dahlonega campus.
For more information about the OPEN Program, show times or directions, check the UNG website.
If you’d rather just look at the stars on your own, there are several great spots right around Dahlonega to go and gaze with minimal to no light pollution!
Brasstown Bald gives a great pollution-free view at nights and you don’t even have to work for it! Right in the parking lot at the visitor’s center is a great place to park and enjoy the stars.
If you’re looking for a little more of a hike, try Rabun Bald. Three miles to hike in and the stargazing can’t be beat!
Hogpen Gap is also a great location for stargazing and with close access to state parks like Unicoi and Vogel, would be a great stargazing get-a-way on your next camping trip!
Live Music/Trivia/Comedy Shows
Dahlonega has a great night life if you know what to look for and when. Luckily, you have us to tell you!
Several restaurants on the square offer specialty entertainment throughout the week. Not only is the entertainment great, but the food is pretty darn good, too!
Bourbon Street Grille
Bourbon Street Grill offers Louisiana-Style food and a beautiful outdoor patio area for enjoying local music acts on the weekends.
Crimson Moon
Crimson moon is a listening venue located on the Dahlonega Square. With a slew of shows to choose from (and mostly out-of-town acts) there’s always a great show to be seen. Click the link above for a full schedule of upcoming shows!
Gustavo’s
Great pizza, a wide variety of beer and live music. Does a Friday night get any better than that?
Shenanigan’s Irish Pub
Not only does Shenanigans bring a taste of Ireland to little ‘ol Dahlonega, but they also have a variety of seating options (bar, tables, heated patio and deck) and music on the weekends. If you’re tired of hearing about all these music options and are wondering “where’s the trivia nights?” They are at Shenanigan’s! Shenanigan’s hosts trivia nights every Thursday at 7:30pm where teams of up to 6 people can compete for prizes!
Spirits
Spirits Tavern has a little bit of everything in the way of nightly entertainment and a full bar with great specialty drinks that change weekly! Want music? Spirits has it! Want Trivia? Monday nights at 7:30! Want to see a comedy show? Spirits has that, too! In fact, on September 11 Spirits is bringing back comedy night. The show begins at 8pm, you won’t want to miss it!
Ghost Tours
Looking for a different kind of “spirit”? Dahlonega has walking ghost tours. The 13-location guided tour takes guests on an eerie and intriguing journey full of local tales and legends. The Tour weaves through streets, back alleys, rows of historic buildings, and the historically significant Mount Hope Cemetery. Click the link above for more information!
So whether you’re looking to hang out with a cold one and listen to music with friends, catch a glimpse of the supernatural or a glimpse of the supernova Dahlonega’s night life should be on your todo list!
Other blogs in the “Things to do in Dahlonega” series:
5 Things to do in Dahlonega this Spring