Info & FAQ
Parking
Parking is available in the public lots near the Square and in the parking lots and deck on the UNG campus. We strongly recommend you park in either the UNG parking lot on S. Chestatee or the UNG parking deck, entrance off of College Circle (off W. Main). All are within walking distance of the Festival. For those who need to be dropped off, the closest drop-off to the MainStage Tent is at the corner of Hawkins and N. Park St. behind the stage in Hancock Park. See the map here.
Bear's Den
The Bear’s Den is a venue for festivalgoers to relax and enjoy a local brew or glass of wine or mead from Etowah Meadery. Located across the street from the Mainstage Tent, and adjacent to the Food Court and Hancock Park, this venue is open to all ages, although anyone wishing to enjoy an alcoholic beverage will be carded before ordering. You can take alcoholic beverages into Hancock Park, the Food Court and the MainStage Tent (but not the other areas of the festival).
Food
A variety of food trucks are located near Hancock Park, next to the MainStage tent. There is plenty of seating and easy access to the Bear’s Den. There are also numerous restaurants on and around the Square. in 2024, food vendors included: The Inked Pig BBQ, The Hillbilly Cafe, Mountain Tapas, Red Hills Catering, Express Food, R & R Boiled Peanuts, Miss Judy’s Shaved Ice and Pretzel Company, T & A Ohana-Made Lemonade, Hillbilly Soda Shop, and Rhonda’s Double E Sweets.
Contra Dance on Saturday Night
Join us for a contra dance in the MainStage tent on Saturday night starting at 8:00 p.m. Live music from the Sugar Gliders and dance steps called by Marie Graham will ensure fun for all ages! No experience is necessary.
Are you still accepting vendor applications?
The deadline for artists and food vendors is in early February. Look for next year’s application in late fall.
Can I bring my dog?
Rover.com says make sure your dog displays these traits to know your pooch is festival ready:
- Well-socialized with other dogs (you’re bound to see some at the fest)
- Gets along with all types of people, including kids and unpredictable adults
- Comfortable in noisy environments
- Good leash manners and recall
How did the festival get its name?
The story began on a spring morning in 1996, when a mama bear with two cubs made her way into the town’s historic square, causing a “big commotion.” The mama bear and one cub apparently escaped from town after being seen on North Grove Street later that afternoon. The other cub, however, decided to climb the sycamore tree, where it remained for several hours. The cub was eventually coaxed down from the tree by Forest Service rangers and was delivered unharmed back into the mountain woodlands.
After the bears’ Dahlonega adventure, several local residents began kicking around the idea of throwing a “party” to give a boost to local businesses; this ultimately led to what is now the annual Bear on the Square Festival.