Attractions
Looking for something to do? Tallapoosa invites you to enjoy our year-round calendar of festivals, concerts and special events. Look through the list below. We are sure you will find something to pique your interest!
Dogwood Festival – 2nd Saturday in April
The Annual Tallapoosa Dogwood Festival is sponsored by the Tallapoosa Historical Society. The festival runs from 9 AM to 6 PM on the 2nd Saturday in April each year. Food, music, great vendors, and fun for the entire family. There will be a parade on that day beginning at 2 pm. In addition, the local Lions Club will have its Annual Lions Club Dogwood Dash 5k Walk and Run.
City Wide Yard Sale – 4th Saturday in April
Huge yard sale throughout the town. Sunrise till Sold out!
Annual Summer Concert Series – 2nd Saturday in the months of May, June and July
2nd Saturday in the months of May, June and July. Free outdoor concert – usually bluegrass or country band. Begins at 7 pm on Head Avenue in the historic downtown. Bring a chair and have some fun
Annual Haralson County Veteran’s Association’s Annual Car Show – Saturday after Memorial Day
Car show is the Saturday after Memorial Day. The event is on Robertson Avenue- between the Vets’ Park and Tallapoosa Civic and Cultural Arts Center.
Annual Fourth of July Celebration
The date will vary every year but will be close if not on the actual holiday; veteran’s program, parade, and fireworks. Fireworks are at Helton Howland Park off Hwy 78 but can be seen from various locations.
Annual Tallapoosa Lions Club Annual Golf Tournament
The tournament is held on the second Friday in September each year. Proceeds to benefit local charities. The tournament is held at Tally Mountain Golf Course.
Annual Fall City Wide Yard Sale - 1st Saturday in October
Huge yard sale throughout the town. Sunrise till Sold out!
Annual Hat Robert’s Chili Cook-Off - 4th Saturday in October
Event held at the Tallapoosa Civic and Cultural Arts Center on Robertson Avenue on the 4th Saturday in October. There will be music, a Halloween costume contest, kid’s games, food vendors, and more. You can purchase chili dogs, chili spreads, and everything chili. Vendors will be set up to have their recipes judged. Attendees can vote on “People’s Choice.” Hours: 10am-2pm
Howell Vester “Hat” Roberts is a true Tallapoosa icon. Legend has it that Roberts, at one time, worked in the kitchen in Atlanta’s famed Dinkler Plaza Hotel. Perhaps that experience is what led to the development of his famous chili.
In the early 1950s, Hat ran a café on Head Avenue in Tallapoosa. According to legend, if you came into Hat’s and ordered the chili, you might be asked to pay in advance. That way, Hat could run down the street to Smith’s Market and procure the wieners to top the chili. Whether that story of paying in advance is true, or not, remains a matter of conjecture. However, one thing is certain: Few things in the world can stir the passion of a Tallapoosa native quite as quickly as a mention of “Hat Roberts Chili.”
Halloween Celebration – October 31 unless it falls on a Sunday
Residents and local merchants make a big show for local children on this night.
Annual Veteran’s Freedom Ride and 5K – Date varies but usually around Veteran’s Day
Motorcycle ride throughout Haralson County celebrating Veteran’s Day. Also, the 5K Walk and Run Competition. Joggers and walkers can participate in either a one-mile or 5K/ Freedom Run. The event starts at the Haralson County Military Memorial at Highway 100 and Robertson Avenue, Tallapoosa, and follows a route through the beautiful downtown. All proceeds will go towards supporting the Haralson County Veterans Association College Scholarship Program and High School JROTC Scholarship Program.
Annual Christmas in Possum Snout – Thanksgiving Day
On the afternoon of Thanksgiving, retail businesses along Head Avenue open for early Christmas shopping. Allen’s Florist also provides refreshments and an old-timey horse-drawn carriage ride around town.
Annual City Christmas Tree Lighting – Tuesday after Thanksgiving
The official lighting of the City Christmas tree. The tree is located on the southwest corner of Lyon Street and Head Avenue, across from the Baptist church. On that night, Santa visits, and the local chorus sings carols.
Annual Lighted Christmas Parade – 2nd Tuesday in December
Bundle up and bring the whole family to downtown Tallapoosa, GA, for our lighted Christmas Parade! All are invited. Christmas lights galore on a variety of floats and cars. Haralson County Marching Band usually performs.
Annual Possum Drop - New Year’s Eve
Big New Year’s Eve Celebration! Live music begins between 6 and 8 pm. Music continues through to the drop. Music – Food Vendors – Fireworks – Carnival Rides – Games and More. Early drop for the kids. Come and watch Spencer the Possum drop and ring in the New Year! Fireworks once the New Year begins!
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