Don't miss these Canton Must-Dos in 2025!
Discover a year full of unforgettable experiences in Canton, Georgia! From festive community events to scenic outdoor escapes, creative art hubs to some of the finest food in Northern Georgia, there's no shortage of inspiration for your 2025 to-do list. If you're ready to make the most of 2025 in Canton, this guide will help you plan your ultimate year of adventure, offering something for everyone — food enthusiasts, adventurers, music lovers, history buffs, and everyone in between.
Discover Canton's Signature Annual Events
Canton's calendar is packed with can’t-miss events that will have you circling dates on your calendar all year long. We are especially known for our free-to-attend annual events that have become unmissable traditions in the Canton community. Here are some annual highlights for 2025:
1. First Fridays (May–October): On the first Friday of each month, Downtown Canton transforms into a celebration of live music, local eats, and good times. Main Street closes to traffic as Downtown Canton becomes the ultimate community block party! Food trucks line the streets, musicians take the stage, and thousands of people come together to kick off a memorable weekend. Keep an eye out for next year's music lineup - it's going to be a good one!
2. West Main Arts Festival (March 1, 2025): 2024 year marked the first-ever West Main Arts Festival and it became an instant community favorite. Join us again in 2025 and immerse yourself in a world of creativity as local artists showcase their work in Downtown Canton. Shop the fine arts market, kick back to live music all day, and take in some incredible live street performances.
3. Wing & Rock Fest (March 22–23, 2025): The Southeast’s largest wing festival returns to Canton, serving up the most delicious flavors from the top local wing experts. Bring your appetite and for a weekend of live music and flavorful eats.
4. River Rock Concert & Festival (Summer 2025): This outdoor music festival brings legendary musicians across multiple genres to Etowah River Park for an outdoor festival you won’t forget. Each year, the lineup gets more impressive than the last. Previous years' artists include The Cadillac Three, Bryce Leatherwood, Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin, and Collin Raye! You just never know who will be headlining next, so be sure to follow Explore Canton to be the first to know when River Rock 2025's lineup gets announced!
5. Riverfest (September 27-28, 2025): This annual arts & crafts festival at Etowah River Park draws more than 25,000 visitors, so it's fair to say it's a community favorite! With hundreds of vendors, it's the perfect chance to shop handmade goods, one-of-a-kind art, and unique gifts. Not only is it a great outing, but all funds raised support the Service League of Cherokee County's mission to assist children in need across the County.
6. Canton Multicultural Festival (Fall 2025): Take a journey around the world and discover all the cultures that make up our community without leaving Canton! This vibrant festival celebrates the City's diversity through free food tastings, music, dance, and performances representing countries from around the world.
7. Denim Fest (Fall 2025): Did you know that Canton was once the world's largest producer of denim? Celebrate Canton's textile history at The Mill on Etowah with live music, a BBQ cook-off, and so much more.
8. Bizarre Bash (Fall 2025): Bizarre Coffee invites you to run, walk, or stroll a scenic 5K trail through Downtown Canton which culminates in an epic all-day festival featuring live music, food, and activities. You do not need to register for the 5K to attend the free Bizarre Bash festival, so whether you're a runner or just want to take part in the festivities, we hope to see you all there!
9. Christmas in Canton (December 2025): There's nothing quite like Christmas in Canton. Our Historic Downtown is often compared to those in your favorite Hallmark Christmas movies. From the iconic Downtown Tree Lighting to visits with Santa, holiday parades, and festive shopping, Canton becomes a winter wonderland filled with holiday spirit.
This is just a brief overview of some of the annual events making their return in 2025. For more detail on these events and more, check out our Annual Events page!
Explore Canton's Flourishing Arts Scene
Art is alive in Canton, and 2025 is the perfect time to experience it firsthand. Explore local galleries, workshops, and public murals to awaken your inner artist.
This creative space offers visitors a chance to explore unique exhibits, attend art classes, or listen to live music on the porch of a repurposed historic home. Owner Jamie Foreman curates a truly welcoming space for creativity.
Throughout Canton, vibrant murals bring color and character to the city. See how many you can spot on your own mural tour — and be sure to snap a selfie in front of your favorites!
The Historic Canton Theatre has been a hub for Arts & Culture in Downtown Canton for over 113 years! From film festivals to live theatre, the arts thrive at the Canton Theatre! We'll go into more detail about the Theatre later in this blog post, so keep reading if you want to learn more about this Downtown gem!
Satisfy your Inner Foodie
Canton has earned a reputation for having some of the best food in Northern Georgia, and it’s easy to see why! With so many options—from casual bites to upscale dining—there’s truly something for everyone. If you’re looking for the full lineup, head over to our restaurants page. But for now, let’s talk about some of the newest places hitting the Canton food scene in 2025. Trust us, you’re going to want to give these a try!
B&B Social: One of the newest additions to Downtown Canton's nightlife scene, B&B Social in the historic Jones Building combines delicious comfort foods, expertly crafted drinks, and activities like an arcade, Smart Darts, and a 2-lane Rollerball bowling alley; just to name a few. It's the perfect spot to catch up with friends for drinks, a meal, or some friendly competition!
The Jones Building, 130 E Main St #100, Canton, GA 30114
Three Roses Tavern: Discover Three Roses Tavern, an upscale gastropub in Canton where innovative New American cuisine meets classic comfort. Grab a gourmet burger or relax with handcrafted cocktails as you catch a game on the impressive 160” screen! With a diverse menu featuring everything from fried green tomato BLTs to indulgent sticky toffee pudding, Three Roses Tavern delivers an elevated yet approachable dining experience to Downtown Canton.
117 W Main St, Canton, GA 30114
Campania: Step into Campania and experience the art of authentic Neapolitan pizza. Every pie is a testament to tradition, crafted with imported “00” flour, DOP-certified San Marzano tomatoes, and premium Italian meats and cheeses. The process is finished off in a Stefano Ferrara oven, which is handmade in Naples using volcanic soil from Mt. Vesuvius. These ovens fire up pizzas to golden perfection in under 90 seconds. Campania delivers an authentic journey to Italy, right in the heart of Canton.
The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton, GA 30114
P.O.P.S. (Palermo's Original Pasta & Sandwiches): Located in the historic Jones Building, P.O.P.S. offers a menu of homemade pastas, sauces, and sandwiches that celebrate Italian-American tradition. Enjoy freshly made pasta dishes in a cozy dining room or visit the on-site market to take home pasta and sauces for your own creations. Opening just a few months ago, P.O.P.S. has already become a local favorite in Downtown Canton!
The Jones Building, 130 E Main St #206, Canton, GA 30114
La Cantina on Main: The highly anticipated La Cantina on Main, which opened in 2024, brings authentic Mexican cuisine to Downtown Canton. Enjoy vibrant dishes like signature tacos, enchiladas, and zesty margaritas in a welcoming atmosphere perfect for any occasion. Open daily for lunch and dinner, it’s your new go-to spot for bold flavors and fresh ingredients.
210 E Main St, Canton, GA 30114
Enjoy a Show at the Historic Canton Theatre
The Historic Canton Theatre has been a cornerstone of entertainment in Downtown Canton since 1911, and it continues to shine brighter than ever in 2025. Whether you’re into live theatre, concerts, film festivals and screenings, or stand-up comedy, this beautifully preserved venue has something for everyone. Don’t miss the Summer Family Film Series for budget-friendly fun or catch one of the many concerts taking the stage if you can't get enough of live music. There’s always something happening at the Canton Theatre— become a part of it's 114-year history and make it part of your 2025 plans!
Explore the Outdoors
Love the great outdoors? Canton's proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Etowah River make it a perfect destination for an outdoor getaway. Here's some of our favorite ways to enjoy nature in Canton:
1. Canton's Parks and Trails System – Enjoy walking trails and outdoor spaces with picnic areas and scenic views of the Etowah River.
2. Murph’s Surf – Rent a kayak or tube and float down the Etowah River.
3. Blankets Creek – Hit the mountain biking trails, with options that cater to all skill levels.
4. Lake Canton – Bring your fishing gear or non-powered boat and enjoy a relaxing day by the water.
5. Lake Allatoona – Boat, swim, or enjoy water sports on this scenic North Georgia lake.
Take a Stroll Through History
History buffs will love discovering Canton's rich history. Visit the Cherokee County History Center, where exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays bring the past to life. Want to dig deeper? Book a research session to uncover historical photographs and other publications from throughout Cherokee County.
Explore Canton’s historic buildings, statues, and preserved sites as you walk through Downtown. Of course, you won't want to miss The Mill on Etowah, once one of the largest denim production facilities in the world that now serves as a hub for dining, shopping, and live entertainment.
Additionally, there is an abundance of museums and historic sites within a short drive from Downtown, including the Funk Heritage Center at Reinhardt University. Here, you can discover the culture and stories of Native Americans and early settlers at Georgia’s official Frontier and Southeastern Indian Interpretive Center and a National Parks 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 2025. 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 2025!