[ February 19, 2026 ] One of North Georgia's best kept secrets has always been the charming Pickens County. If you're thinking about just day-tripping to Pickens, think again. After wandering around Talking Rock, shopping the day away in Marble Hill, strolling in and out of coffee shops and bakeries, and eating until your heart's content, we guarantee you'll wish you were booking a staycation! You can find all of these weekend activities and more just 1 hour from Atlanta, Georgia!

THIS WEEKEND'S HIGHLIGHTS by VISIT PICKENS

Thursday, February 19
Start your weekend early with free creative fun at the Pickens County Library's Paper & Textile Marbling sessions at 1:30 PM and 4 PM. Afterward, make your way to Talking Rock Brewery at 5 PM for their Open Mic Night with Rusted Melody - the perfect spot to grab a local brew and enjoy free, homegrown entertainment. You can also catch Poker at Rocco's Pub later at 7 PM.

Friday, February 20
Friday is full of great free activities, including Teen Crafting at 1 PM and Plants & Paints at 2:30 PM at the Library. When evening rolls around, Talking Rock Brewery is the ultimate local destination for their popular, free-to-play Hard Hitting Trivia at 7 PM. Theater lovers should make plans to catch the Tater Patch Players' fantastic production of BOCA opening this evening!

Saturday, February 21
Discover the area's charm with a free visit to the Tate Train Depot's Monthly Open House at 10 AM, or stop by the Library's Community Seed Swap at 2 PM. Be sure to anchor your afternoon at Talking Rock Brewery, where you can relax with Live Music with Michael Richardson starting at 4 PM. As the sun goes down, grab tickets for a 7:30 PM performance of BOCA by the Tater Patch Players, or rock out to the Shotgun Orchestra at Rocco's Pub at 8 PM. If you're exploring during the day, enjoy daytime tunes at Fainting Goat Vineyards or Canoe Vineyard, or check out ticketed classes like canning at Riggin Farm.

Sunday, February 22
Wind down your mountain staycation with a relaxing Sunday. The Tater Patch Players are hitting the stage once again with a 2 PM matinee performance of BOCA. If you prefer to spend your afternoon taking in the mountain views with a glass of wine, Fainting Goat Vineyards hosts live music from Scott Clayton at 1:30 PM.

Want to see everything happening in our mountains? For a full calendar of events, details on venues, and more travel inspiration, check out Visit Pickens and plan your perfect getaway.