[ May 21, 2026 ] There's a reason people head north for Memorial Day weekend. In Pickens County, summer begins with scenic drives, waterfall hikes, patio dinners, and time spent outdoors without feeling rushed. It's a refreshing way to start the season.

THIS WEEKEND'S HIGHLIGHTS by VISIT PICKENS

Thursday, May 21
Kick off your holiday weekend early at Talking Rock Brewery at 5 pm for their Open Mic Night. It is the perfect casual setting to grab a craft beer and enjoy homegrown local talent. You can also stop by the Pickens County Library at 5 pm for the May Writers Meeting with Sassafras Literary to gather with local creatives.

Friday, May 22
Friday is packed with daytime exploration, including U-Pick Strawberries at Bella Orchards at 9 am, Bingo with Friends at 10 am, and Old Pickens County Jail Tours at 11:30 am. As night falls, a massive shoutout and congratulations goes out to the Pickens High School Class of 2026 graduating this Friday evening! After celebrating the graduates, wind down the night with some friendly competition at Talking Rock Brewery for their popular Hard Hitting Trivia starting at 7 pm.

Saturday, May 23
Start your Saturday morning like a local at the Jasper Farmers Market at Lee Newton Park, opening at 7:30 am. Spend your afternoon exploring the Pop Up Market at Endless Hunt at 10 am or taking in gorgeous vineyard views across the county. Be sure to make your way to Talking Rock Brewery at 4 pm to relax with live music from Rusted Melody. To cap off your evening, head over to catch live music by Rival at Rocco's Pub at 8 pm, or enjoy the first concert of the season at The Terraces of Big Canoe Chapel at 7 pm.

Sunday, May 24
Wind down your long weekend by browsing unique local finds at the Talking Rock Mountain Makers Market in Downtown Talking Rock starting at 12 pm. The music keeps rolling all afternoon, featuring live tunes by Jonathan Callicut at Talking Rock Brewery at 2 pm, alongside great weekend acoustic sets at Fainting Goat Vineyards and Canoe Vineyard & Winery.

There is so much more to explore this holiday weekend! For the full community calendar, check out Visit Pickens and make the most of your weekend!