Your Guide to Everything Canton in 2026
Whether you’re a longtime local or planning your first visit, the Canton's calendar is packed with ways to celebrate community, creativity, and culture all year long. Start planning now and get ready to experience everything that makes Canton a place people love to call home.
Discover Canton's Signature Annual Events
Start planning your calendar now and save the dates for Canton’s annual events. These free-to-attend celebrations highlight the City’s culture, creativity, and strong sense of community throughout the year.
1. West Main Arts Festival (March 7, 2026): After quickly becoming a community favorite, this arts-focused festival returns to Downtown Canton. Enjoy a fine arts market featuring local artists, live music throughout the day, and engaging street performances.
2. Wing & Rock Fest (March 21–22, 2026): The Southeast’s largest wing festival brings together top local wing vendors for a weekend of bold flavors. Pair delicious food with live music and high-energy entertainment for a crowd-pleasing event.
3. First Fridays (May–October): On the first Friday of each month, Downtown Canton comes alive with live music, food trucks, and family-friendly fun. Main Street closes to traffic, creating a lively block party atmosphere where locals and visitors gather to kick off the weekend.
4. River Rock Concert & Festival (Summer 2026): Held at Etowah River Park, this outdoor music festival features nationally recognized artists across multiple genres. Each year’s lineup builds excitement, making it a must-attend summer event.
5. Riverfest (September 26-27, 2026): This popular arts and crafts festival attracts more than 25,000 visitors to Etowah River Park. With hundreds of vendors, it’s the perfect place to shop unique, handmade items while supporting the Service League of Cherokee County.
6. Canton Multicultural Festival (Fall 2026): Travel the world without leaving Canton at this vibrant celebration of diversity. Enjoy free food tastings, music, dance, and performances representing cultures from across the globe.
7. Denim Fest (Fall 2026): Celebrate Canton’s rich textile history at The Mill on Etowah, once home to one of the world’s largest denim producers. The festival features live music, a BBQ cook-off, and family-friendly activities.
8. Christmas in Canton (December 2026): Historic Downtown Canton transforms into a festive winter wonderland reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. Enjoy the Downtown Tree Lighting, visits with Santa, holiday parades, and cheerful seasonal shopping.
This is just a brief overview of some of the annual events making their return in 2026. For more detail on these events and more, check out our Annual Events page!
Connect with Canton’s Creative Side
Art is alive and thriving in Canton, making it the perfect time to experience the City’s creative side. From intimate galleries to bold public art and historic performance venues, Canton offers inspiring ways to connect with the arts.
Housed in a beautifully repurposed historic home, Menagerie on Main invites visitors to explore rotating exhibits, take art classes and enjoy live music on the porch. Curated by owner Jamie Foreman, Menagerie is a warm and welcoming place, designed to spark creativity.
Canton’s streets come alive with colorful murals that add personality and charm throughout the City. Take a self-guided mural tour, discover local artistry, and don’t forget to snap a photo in front of your favorites.
For more than 113 years, the Historic Canton Theatre has been a cornerstone of arts and culture in Downtown Canton. From live performances to film festivals and special events, this beloved venue continues to bring the arts to life.
The New Bites in Town
In 2025, a variety of restaurants opened their doors to the community. New cuisines from Peru and France provide a taste of international fare. While classic flavors of new coffee shops make the rounds in the brewing community.
Stitch Coffee and Cafe Flōralia are two coffee spots that have joined the ranks of Canton’s best brews. Stitch Coffee, situated off Reinhardt College Pkwy, Cafe Flōralia is a perfect study or work spot
Stitch Coffee: 135 Reinhardt College Pkwy, Canton, GA 30114
Cafe Flōralia: 149 Prominence Point Pkwy Suite 100, Canton, GA 30114
Tumi Peruvian Restaurant brings a fresh, new flavor to Canton’s streets. Recently opened in December 2025, this new spot already has customers raving.
Tumi Peruvian Restaurant: 190 E Main St, Canton, GA 30114
In need of a sweet treat? Look no further than Kilwins and Le Macaron. Kilwins offers a variety of classic and rich American desserts, ranging from rich fudge to crunchy caramel corn. With a different taste, Le Macaron brings the French patisserie vibe across the pond with its titular dessert and various French confections
Kilwins: The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Pkwy, Ste 400, Canton, GA 30114
Le Macaron: 186 North St, Canton, GA 30114
Coming Soon: The Palermos of POPs fame are back and ready to break into The Mill with homemade smashburgers. Opening in early 2026, Bully Run will offer the same elevated and unique approach to new classics like hot dogs, chicken strips and more
Bully Run: 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 300, Canton, GA 30114
The Great Outdoors
Need a breath of fresh air? Canton offers endless ways to get outside and enjoy nature. Whether you’re looking to relax or seek adventure, these outdoor experiences showcase the area’s natural beauty.
Canton’s Parks and Trails System: Explore a network of well-maintained walking trails and green spaces, perfect for strolling, picnicking, and soaking in scenic views along the Etowah River.
Etowah River Tubing: Cool off during the summer with a leisurely float down the Etowah River. It’s a fun, relaxing way to enjoy the sunshine and take in the natural surroundings.
Cox Arboretum: Discover this internationally-acclaimed garden featuring one of the largest collections of conifers, maples, and rare plants in the country.
Blankets Creek: One of the region’s top mountain biking destinations, Blankets Creek features an extensive trail system with routes designed for beginners through advanced riders.
Lake Canton at Hickory Log Creek Reservoir: Cast a line, launch a kayak, or simply unwind along the shoreline. This peaceful lake is ideal for fishing and non-powered boating in a serene setting.
Lake Allatoona: Just a short drive away, this popular North Georgia lake offers boating, swimming, and a variety of water sports, making it a favorite spot for summer fun.
Step Inside our History
Cherokee County History Center: Step into the past at the Cherokee County History Center, where engaging exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays showcase the area’s rich heritage. For a deeper dive, schedule a research session to explore historical photographs, publications, and records from across Cherokee County.
The Mill on Etowah: Once among the largest denim production facilities in the world, this historic site has been transformed into a vibrant destination for dining, shopping, and live entertainment.
Funk Heritage Center at Reinhardt University: Explore the culture and stories of Native Americans and early settlers at Georgia’s official Frontier and Southeastern Indian Interpretive Center, also recognized as a National Park Service Trail of Tears Interpretive Site.
Click HERE for a list of museums in and around Canton's City limits.
... And so much more!
We have only just scratched the surface of everything to see and do in Canton in 2026. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook, sign up for our newsletter, and keep an eye on our rapidly-changing events calendar to keep up to date with everything happening in Canton. Here's to an action-packed 2026!