As Henry Wadsworth Longfellow famously said, “Music is the universal language of mankind.” Each song speaks a language all its own, transcending any cultural or societal barrier in its way. But have you ever wondered about the story behind the song? For an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at country, folk, and indie rock songs crafted in Nashville and Georgia, visit the Helen Songwriters Festival from April 25-27, 2025. Here are five reasons to experience this lively, down-to-earth event in our charming Bavarian village at the height of spring.
A One-of-a-Kind Musical Journey
The three-day 2025 Helen Songwriters Festival has grown in recent years. This year, it will feature 16 artistical sensations across five venues: Betty’s Country Store, Cowboys & Angels, Heidelberg Restaurant and Music Hall, Hofbrauhaus, and the Marketplatz Bandshell.
You won’t go hungry as you tap your toes to the tunes mixed in with the tales of how the songs were conceived. From the decadent 26-ounce Cowboy Ribeye at Cowboys & Angels and authentic German food like goulash and an assortment of schnitzels at Heidelberg Restaurant and Hofbrauhaus to on-the-go deli delights at Betty’s Country Store, you’re sure to find something to keep your tastebuds humming along too.
Floating between these venues through the weekend will give you a front row ticket to experience some of our most popular restaurants as you rub elbows with the regional stars on the cusp of becoming household names.
Breathtaking Alpine Backdrop
Getting to experience a songwriter festival of this caliber would be an uber memorable experience wherever it was hosted. But with a trip to Helen, you’ll be immersed in our awe-inspiring mountainous landscape that makes the music even more magical. Cozy mountain vibes will envelop you as you pull up a chair at one of the venues. Marvel at our intricate German architecture and crisp air coasting in from the elevations as you lose yourself in the music and the moment.
In between sets, check out the Georgia Mountain Coaster to experience our scenery from another dimension. As the only mountain coaster in the state, you’ll get to control your own speed in an open-air cart as you zoom by rolling green and crystal blue skies. You’ll be invigorated and inspired for whatever your day holds next!
Discover Hidden Gems and Rising Stars
The Helen Songwriters Festival hand selects rising stars that are just becoming hot on their genre’s scene. You’ll discover some of your new favorites before the rest of the world does in an unplugged and intimate way. Country crooner Mary Kate Farmer is a two-time winner of Georgia’s Country Female Artist of the Year award who will be at this year’s festival delivering her unique style of heartfelt storytelling tunes that truly capture the South as she knows it.
You’ll also hang around with hidden gems from musical greats you may not have connected the dots to previously. Bobby Tomberlyn has garnered national attention as a CMA, ACM, and Grammy nominee and will be forever remembered for penning the timeless classic “One More Day” as performed by Diamond Rio. Other songwriters expected to be in attendance include Wil Nance who has written for Brad Paisley and John Michael Montgomery, as well as Rafe Von Hay, the author behind some tracks for Brooks and Dunn and LeAnn Rimes, and many more.
Immersive Experiences Beyond the Music
The festival brings Helen’s culture to life, with the storytelling heart songs setting the rhythm in wineries, breweries, and shops across town. You’ll find the festival is your launchpad for further creativity and connection while you’re here.
Situated in an American Viticultural Area, you can reap the rewards of Helen’s wine country with a tasting at one (or a few!) of our wineries. Check out Kaya Vineyard and Winery for sweeping mountain views at 1,600 feet elevation on a covered deck with a glass of their Oola Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (the first wine ever made on the property) in-hand.
Paying homage to a rustic yesteryear, Sweet Acre Farms Winery Tasting Room is proud to produce fruit wines that pair perfectly with sun-saturated spring days (but don’t forget about their wine slushies and beer on tap).
A 2021 Travelers’ Choice Award winner, Habersham Winery welcomes you into the family for a tasting – their slightly herby yet citrusy Chardonel makes for a tantalizing afternoon treat when choosing your flight.
For the beer aficionados, Alpine Brew Deck is not to be missed. Toast the day with an ice-cold mug of beer of your choosing while you enjoy entertaining views of the Chattahoochee River. Pub-themed bites are also available for a pick-me-up before you head back to the festival.
Stroll our picturesque cobblestone streets as you savor our curated selection of boutique shopping. Helen is home to over 200 unique merchants, from handcrafted pottery to gold panning. Soak up golden hour (don’t forget to snap a pic for the ‘gram) at Lavendar Lamb Farm and treat yourself to a lavender product handmade on site, or even pick some of your own. You’ll assimilate well into the songwriter culture with something to don from Helen Hat Company. And don’t forget that timeless teleport sponsored by the signature smell of molten sugar with a stop in to Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen for barks, brittles, and other classic confections to snack on throughout the weekend.
Unforgettable Weekend Getaway
The Songwriters Festival is a perfect reason to turn your trip into a true vacation with outdoor attractions to weave in between the music.
Make a reservation at Lucille’s Mountaintop Inn and Spa for serene bed and breakfast accommodations that are steeped in understated luxury. As the name suggests, you’ll be nestled into the Blue Ridge Mountains with plush comforts like a prepared dessert to tuck you in each night and an on-site spa to check out of reality for a while.
Within Chattahoochee National Forest, Unicoi State Park is a recognized outdoor epicenter of exploration, with equal parts relaxation and heart-revving fun to chart your own adventure. Campgrounds and RV sites are available for you to stay your way. If you’d prefer to rent, homey mountain cabins with kitchens and Wi-Fi could be your home away from home. Bike, fish, hike, try your hand at archery – the activities are seemingly endless. Come mealtime, The Unicoi Restaurant prides itself on concocting Southern fare with local flavors so you won’t have to go far for quality nourishment right from the land you’re playing on.
Speaking of adventure, Anna Ruby (Dual) Falls is the most visited waterfall in North Georgia. Enjoy a 0.5-mile trail walk to two falls cascading down 150 feet, casting delightfully cool mist as you marvel in the natural wonder surrounding you. Stop in to their Visitor Center and pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the dedicated areas.
Plan Your Memory-Creating Escape to the 2025 Songwriters Festival
The 2025 Songwriters Festival in Helen is more than dates on a calendar – it’s an unforgettable escape into the heart of music and culture, surrounded by Georgia mountain charm. Make plans now to visit our all-encompassing, cozy-cool, old-world town to celebrate the art and story behind songwriting while creating top tales to be told of your own.
