Cannot Miss Summer Events in Milledgeville

As summer sunshine warms Milledgeville, the town bursts to life with a vibrant calendar of events. Whether you are indulging in local cuisine, enjoying time with the family on the water, or exploring Milledgeville’s history, this summer offers something for everyone. In addition to the summer activities, make sure to check out the regular tours as well. As always, you can see the full list of upcoming events here, but below are some can’t-miss events of the season. 

July Signature Events

July 4th - Milledgeville Fireworks Display

Celebrate the 4th of July with Milledgeville’s Independence Day Fireworks Celebration, lighting up the sky at dusk over Central Georgia Technical College. Suggested viewing areas include Walter B. Williams Jr. Park and the Board of Education parking lot, as the CGTC campus lot will be closed.

July 5th & 19th - Ghosts of Milledgeville Morning Walking Tour 

Step into Milledgeville’s storied past with the Ghosts of Milledgeville Morning Walking Tour, a guided experience through the city’s historic downtown. Hear tales of local legends, unexplained encounters, and the spirits believed to linger in familiar places. Departing from the Visitor Information Center at 9:00 AM, this $12 tour blends history and mystery for an unforgettable start to your day.

July 12th - Christmas in July

Milledgeville Main Street’s Christmas in July is bringing festive fun to downtown on July 12th. Browse a holiday market filled with vendors offering unique gifts to kickstart your seasonal shopping. Enjoy great specials from downtown restaurants and shops while you explore this cheerful summer celebration.

July 12 - Full Moon Float

Oconee Outfitters offers a memorable evening of kayaking under the glow of moonlight with the Full Moon Float. This popular nighttime paddle along the Oconee River includes rental options starting at $55 for a single kayak and $85 for a tandem kayak or canoe. Shuttle service is also available for personal boats. To reserve a spot, call Oconee Outfitters and get ready for a moonlit adventure on the water.

July 17th - Murals and Margaritas Walking Tour

Get ready to explore the vibrant streets of downtown Milledgeville on the Murals and Margaritas Walking Tour, a unique two-hour pop-up experience that blends local history, colorful public art, delicious bites, and refreshing margaritas. This guided tour offers a lively and flavorful way to discover the city’s creative energy and hidden gems. The Murals and Mimosas Walking Tour, offered on different dates, provides a similar experience with a bubbly twist.

July 19th - Central State Hospital Campus Trolley Tour

Explore one of Milledgeville’s most storied landmarks on the Central State Hospital Campus Trolley Tour, a guided journey through the historic campus once home to the nation’s largest mental institution. Led by a former hospital employee, this two-hour guided tour offers a deep dive into the institution’s complex history, its evolving role in patient care, and the ongoing redevelopment efforts shaping the future of the site.

July 19th - Ladies’ Paddle

Join Oconee Outfitters for Ladies' Paddle, a relaxed afternoon on the river perfect for both new and experienced paddlers. This scenic float from the Oconee River Greenway to the Central State boat ramp offers gentle waters and a great way to unwind with friends. Equipment rentals and shuttle service are available—just be sure to reserve your spot!

August Signature Events

August 1st - First Friday: Car Show

First Friday: Car Show, hosted by Milledgeville Main Street, brings a lively evening of vintage and modern cars, live music, and tasty eats to downtown. With face painting for kids and fun for all ages, it’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Don’t miss this festive night of engines, entertainment, and family fun.

August 1st & 15th - The Milly Farmer’s Market

Join The Milly Market for Friday evening Farmer's Markets every first and third Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The market features a variety of locally sourced products, including fresh produce, meats, baked goods, handmade cleaning supplies, and natural skincare items. Enjoy live music while you shop and support local vendors.

August 5th - Deep Dive Book Talk: Blood Ties & Brown Liquor

Deep Dive Book Talk invites readers to join Lockerly Director of Education, Kensey Amerson, for an engaging conversation on the works of Sean Hill and Latria Graham. Explore Blood Ties & Brown Liquor, set in Milledgeville, along with selected essays by Graham, as the discussion dives into themes of local history, nature, and our relationship with the land—no poetry background required, just curiosity and a love for storytelling.

August 9th - Full Moon Float

Oconee Outfitters offers a memorable evening of kayaking under the glow of moonlight with the Full Moon Float. This popular nighttime paddle along the Oconee River includes rental options starting at $55 for a single kayak and $85 for a tandem kayak or canoe. Shuttle service is also available for personal boats. To reserve a spot, call Oconee Outfitters and get ready for a moonlit adventure on the water.

August 14th - Deep Dive Speaker Series: An Evening with Sean Hill & Latria Graham

Lockerly Arboretum’s Deep Dive Speaker Series will welcome poet Sean Hill and journalist Latria Graham for a thoughtful conversation on the relationship between writing and the natural world. Hill, a Milledgeville native and author of Dangerous Goods and Blood Ties & Brown Liquor, joins Graham, a South Carolina-based writer and recipient of The American Mosaic Journalism Prize, to share personal insights, creative journeys, and how nature influences their work and lives

Looking for more events? See our full events calendar here.