Callaway Gardens has plenty to offer on any day of the year, and it also hosts many annual events that have become favorite getaways for the whole family.
They're a great way to enjoy every season of the year and take in Callaway's regular activities at the same time. You can buy a ticket for each event, which also includes admission to the Gardens' other activities, or buy a package which lets you stay overnight and may include other benefits as well.
From a new event – Sip & Savor – to the popular annual Holiday Lights, the following are a few of the awe-inspiring happenings you'll want to check out this year at Callaway Gardens:
Sip & Savor
March 16 from 7-9 p.m., plus additional events on March 15-18
Indulge in food and beverages from featured restaurants, distilleries, wineries and other providers under a tent at the Ski Pavilion. You can listen to live music as you sip and eat, and Southern celebrity guest and local chefs will also be present. A live auction will be held to benefit the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation, and additional events will be held from March 15-18 including accomplished chefs competing in a Waffle House showdown.
Tickets for the event are $55 per person in advance (by Feb. 28 or until quantities run out) and $60 thereafter. You'll need to be 21 or older to attend, and dress is casual. Additional events, such as the Waffle House Showdown, are ticketed separately.
Credit: Callaway Gardens
Credit: Callaway Gardens
July 4 Star Spangled Beach Party
Celebrate Independence Day with an all-day celebration that culminates in a large fireworks display. Special events include Florida State University Flying High Circus performances, live music, sandcastle contests and food and drink specials. Beach activities including paddle boats, mini-golf, Aqua Island and Flying Trapeze. Some of these involve an extra charge.
Admission to the fireworks and many other activities don't have any additional charge, but you'll need to buy the special event ticket that costs $34.95 for adults, which is $10 more than the park's regular admission. Senior special event tickets for guests ages 65 and up are $31.95, children age 6-12 or military/veterans are $24.95, and children 5 and under are free.
Credit: Callaway Gardens
Credit: Callaway Gardens
Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival
Labor Day weekend (Aug. 31-Sept. 2)
Summer unofficially comes to a close over Labor Day weekend, and Callaway Gardens sends off the season with its Hot Air Balloon Festival. The Friday Night Balloon Glow starts on Aug. 31 and continues nightly; other activities include live music, tethered balloon rides, disc dog demonstrations and a Kids Zone. A night photography course is also offered to help you get some fantastic shots of the balloons as they're illuminated by the lake.
Special events admission pricing of $34.95 for adults applies for day guests on Sept. 1 and 2, and some activities also have additional fees. Senior special event tickets for guests 65 and up are $31.95, children age 6-12 or military/veterans are $24.95, and children 5 and under are free.
More from AJC’s One Take Trip series, presented by Callaway Resort & Gardens
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Credit: Callaway Gardens
Credit: Callaway Gardens
The Steeplechase at Callaway Resort & Gardens
Nov. 3
Held the first Saturday of each November, the steeplechase is a thrilling event that's combined with plenty of pageantries. Don your finest hat and decorate your group's terrace box to maximize your experience and compete in contests. Jack Russell Terrier and stick pony races add to the fun. There are plenty of kids' activities as well.
Tickets start at $25 for an advance infield parking pass and include many other options, such as a finish-line terrace box for six people for $550.
Credit: Callaway Gardens
Credit: Callaway Gardens
Fantasy in Lights
Nov. 17-Jan. 6
Callaway celebrates Christmas in style with a stunning light display that was named one of the top 10 by National Geographic. Drive your car or ride in an open-air Jolly Trolley as you make your way through an illuminated forest with approximately eight million lights. Additional activities such as meeting holiday characters and a dinner show featuring "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" are also held throughout the celebration.
Ticket prices vary by date, and purchasing them in advance is highly recommended. They include access to the Christmas Village, where you can shop, meet Santa and more, as well as a trip through the Fantasy in Lights and a day admission to Callaway Gardens.
One-tank trips is an occasional series from The Atlanta Journal Constitution that highlights places you can visit on – you guessed it – one tank of gas. Contact Stephanie Toone at stephanie.toone@ajc.com with questions or ideas.
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