Octoberfest is Open! A Music Sampler & Previews of Coming Attractions!
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Arts Alive at the City Auditorium Previewing Rome Shakespeare Festival and an Event Packed Weekend in October.
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Helen is a little farther than we usually wander for Worth The Drive — about two and a half hours from Rome — but some fall events are simply too big to ignore.
The 56th annual Helen Oktoberfest is already underway and runs through November 1, with weekend celebrations through September and daily events beginning October 1. It is the longest-running Oktoberfest in the United States, and year after year Helen lands among the country’s most recognized Oktoberfest destinations.
And if you’re going to drive that far, I’d make a weekend out of it.
Saturday could start with the mountains instead of the beer hall. The Chattooga River rafting outfitters near Clayton are about an hour from Helen, and fall rafting runs through October.
Families and first-timers can take on the milder Section III, while the more adventurous can tackle Section IV and its famous Five Falls. Most guided trips run five to six hours and include lunch.
That makes for a pretty good North Georgia doubleheader: whitewater in the morning, bratwurst and polka music at night.
If full-on rafting sounds like a little too much commitment, Helen itself sits on the Chattahoochee and offers tubing during the warmer part of the season. Cool River Tubing is operating into September, weather and water permitting, with one- and two-hour float options.
Then trade the life jacket for lederhosen.
The Helen Festhalle is the center of Oktoberfest, with live German music, dancing, food and beer, while the rest of town plays along with the Bavarian theme. The atmosphere is part festival, part mountain getaway and part somebody-decided-Georgia-needed-a-little-Germany-and-never-looked-back. That is what makes this more than just a festival listing.
You can turn the trip into a full fall weekend: raft the Chattooga, spend the afternoon exploring Helen, check into a mountain hotel or cabin, then head to the Festhalle for Oktoberfest. Wake up Sunday, grab breakfast, wander the shops, maybe take in the riverwalk, and head back toward Rome.
Yes, it is a drive.
But between the mountains, the river, the food, the music and one of the South’s biggest Oktoberfest celebrations, Helen is exactly the kind of place that earns the words Worth The Drive. Read More... |
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Arts Alive Rome: A Musical Sampler |
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The event, designed as a musical sampler, will spotlight brief performances by cherished local ensembles, including the Northwest Georgia Winds, Clock Tower Jazz Ensemble, Three Rivers Singers, Rome Festival Brass, Rome Shakespeare Festival and some of our community's favorite local individual performers, promising something for every ear.
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Own a Bar, Restaurant, Coffee Shop or Salon? |
Rome Shakespeare Festival Sneak Peak |
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Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Rome Shakespeare Festival with A Midsummer Night’s Dream! The Rome Shakespeare Festival will be held September 23-27. Learn more Join us for a special Sneak Peak Performance before the festival: September 17, 6:30 pm, Rome City Auditorium – FREE |
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Do You Know A Food Truck Operator? |
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🎉 Welcome to The Seven Hills Spotlight! 🎉 I have been sending this newsletter out for the past 6 months in one form or another. My wife and I sit down every few weeks to check our calendars to see what events we might like to support or attend. These always include Rome Little Theatre, Rome Shakespeare, Rome International Film Festival, Shorter University Theatre, Berry College Theatre, Rome Festival Brass, and Rome’s Own Music Ensembles. Sadly, there is no place that has a single inclusive calendar that includes all of these events.
Thank You.
Dr. B |
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The Hope Family Wine Experience |
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Join us at Chophouse on Broad Street for a special evening celebrating the distinctive wines of Hope Family Wines and the rich winemaking heritage of Paso Robles.
The Hope Family Wine Experience features five exceptional wines, thoughtfully paired with a chef-crafted multi-course menu. From the bright, refreshing character of Austin Hope Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc to the bold richness of Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon, each course has been designed to complement its featured wine and showcase the diversity of the Hope Family portfolio.
Amuse-Bouche - Austin Hope Rosé paired with Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Citrus Aioli • Micro Greens • Lemon
Insalata - Austin Hope Chardonnay paired with Grilled Peach & Burrata Baby Greens • Crispy Prosciutto • Candied Pecans • White Balsamic Vinaigrette
Primo Piatto - Treana Sauvignon Blanc paired with Pan-Seared U-10 Sea Scallop Sweet Corn Risotto • Applewood-Smoked Bacon • Fresh Herbs
Intermezzo - Peach & Lemon Sorbet
Secondo Piatto - Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Hand-Selected USDA Prime Ribeye — 4 oz Cabernet Demi-Glace • Crispy Shallots
Contorni - Truffle Parmesan Whipped Potatoes Creamed Corn Charred Broccolini with Garlic & Lemon
Dolce - Quest Paso Robles Cab Franc paired with Chocolate Cheesecake Dark Chocolate Ganache • Fresh Berries • Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream
Seating is limited for this special dining experience. Reservations are required. Reserve your table at chophouseobs.com. |
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The first weekend in October is shaping up to be one of those weekends when leaving town makes absolutely no sense. Weekends like this is why this newsletter exists.
From October 1 through 4, Rome will be loaded with festivals, theatre, music, history, art and enough activity downtown to keep most of us busy without ever getting in the car for a road trip.
Saturday’s Fiddlin’ Fest will bring live music, vendors, food and crowds to Broad Street, while the Georgia’s Rome Plein Air Showcase puts artists throughout downtown painting Rome as it happens.
And right in the middle of all that, the Armuchee Ruritan Car Show will take over the 300 and 400 blocks of Broad Street, filling downtown with classic cars, hot rods and enough polished chrome to require sunglasses.
Elsewhere around town, the Georgia Mushroom Festival runs October 2–3, while the FRLS271 Conference fills the Forum River Center.
Add Downtown History and Clocktower Tours, and you’ve already got a full weekend.
But apparently Rome wasn’t done.
The theatre lineup includes Boeing, Boeing at Berry College, Peter and the Starcatcher ( I don't have a link yet) at the J.W. Tiscornia Studio Theatre and Broadway on Broad from Upstagers at the Rome City Auditorium.
Then there’s Rome Shakespeare Festival’s Poe Night at La Scala, just in case your weekend needs a little candlelight, mystery and Edgar Allan Poe.
And on Sunday, Rome Festival Brass closes things out at Garden Lakes Baptist Church.
So yes, Helen has Oktoberfest.
But this particular weekend, you may want to leave the lederhosen in the closet.
October 1–4, Rome is the destination.
If you own a restaurant or food truck, you need to order a few more groceries. Read More... |
An Evening of Bubbly |
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Come raise a glass—or five—and experience an evening where exceptional bubbles meet inspired cuisine at the Chophouse on Broad Street. Join us for An Evening of Bubbly, a specially curated dining experience celebrating the elegance, versatility, and unmistakable pleasure of sparkling wine.
Throughout the evening, enjoy Jeio Rosé Prosecco, Collet Brut Champagne, Chandon, Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, and Jeio Prosecco—thoughtfully paired with a progressive menu created by the Chophouse culinary team.
From cold-smoked salmon and Champagne with our Classic Caesar to a 6 to 7 oz cold-water lobster tail and Sicilian Chicken, each course is designed to showcase how beautifully bubbles complement an elevated dining experience.
Amuse-Bouche - Jeio Rosé Prosecco paired with Smoked Salmon Crostini Cold-Smoked Salmon • Lemon Mascarpone • Fresh Dill • Capers • Toasted Crostini
Insalata - Collet Brut Champagne paired with Classic Caesar Crisp Romaine • Parmigiano-Reggiano • House Caesar Dressing • Garlic Crostini
Primo Piatto - Chandon paired with a Cold-Water Lobster Tail — (6-7 oz) Drawn Lemon Butter • Fresh Herbs
Intermezzo - Champagne Lemon Sorbet Lemon Sorbet • Splash of Champagne • Fresh Mint
Secondo Piatto - Piper-Heidsieck Champagne paired with Sicilian Chicken Pan-Seared Chicken Breast • Artichoke Hearts • Sun-Dried Tomato • Lemon Caper Cream
Contorni - Sweet Potato Purée Charred Broccolini Creamed Corn
Dolce - Jeio Prosecco paired with Lemon Mascarpone Torte Fresh Berries • Mascarpone Cream
Seating is limited for this special dining experience. Reservations are required. Reserve your table at chophouseobs.com. |
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Georgia's Rome Farmers Market |
📅 Wednesday, Sept. 17 & Saturday Sept. 19, 2026 ⏰ 7:00 AM 📍 Ridgeferry Park
Twice weekly this popular community gathering brings together local farmers, growers, artisans, makers, and small businesses from across Northwest Georgia. Visitors can shop for fresh seasonal produce, locally made foods, handcrafted goods, baked treats, specialty products, and unique gifts while supporting local businesses and agriculture.
Whether you're searching for farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade products, locally sourced foods, or simply looking for a fun morning activity, the Rome Farmers Markets has something for everyone. |
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Leo and Lucille Frank are a newlywed Jewish couple struggling to make a life in the old red hills of Georgia. When Leo is accused of an unspeakable crime, it propels them into an unimaginable test of faith, humanity, justice, and devotion. Riveting and gloriously hopeful, PARADE reminds us that to love, we must truly see one another. With a book by acclaimed playwright Alfred Uhry (Driving Miss Daisy) and a rousing, colorful and haunting score by Jason Robert Brown (The Last Five Years, Bridges of Madison County, Songs For a New World), PARADE combines soaring music with a deeply human story. Directed by Dawn Parker (Bright Star, 2025), this production brings the Tony Award-winning musical back to the very community where these events unfolded. The result is a powerful theatrical experience that confronts one of the most complex chapters in Georgia history while illuminating the endurance of love, hope, and conviction in the face of overwhelming odds. Tickets are $27 to $42 and are on sale now! Purchase tickets 24/7 at strandmarietta.org, or get tickets through the box office at 770.293.0080 or 117 North Park Square. Read More... |
City Springs Theatre presents |
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Directed by Tony Award®-winner |
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Finster Fest 2026 |
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Over 70 Artists, 17 Musical Performances, 3 Stages, over 2 days of Live Performances.
Free shuttle from the Walmart on US-17 in Summerville. |
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Killer Beaz Comedy |
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Killer Beaz |
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When locals are asked where to find authentic Mediterranean food in Rome, Jerusalem Grill is often one of the first names mentioned. Known for its flavorful shawarma, perfectly seasoned kabobs, fresh hummus, homemade Mediterranean specialties, and handcrafted desserts, Jerusalem Grill has built a loyal following throughout Northwest Georgia. Guests appreciate the restaurant's commitment to authentic recipes, fresh ingredients, and generous portions that bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to the heart of Rome. Whether you're stopping in for a quick lunch, enjoying dinner with family, or introducing friends to Mediterranean cuisine for the first time, Jerusalem Grill offers a dining experience that is both welcoming and memorable. |
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Harvest Moon Cafe has been a beloved fixture in the heart of historic downtown Rome for years, serving delicious Southern cuisine from its prime spot on Broad Street. Known for its commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the cafe offers a unique and welcoming atmosphere for any occasion.
Whether you're stopping in for their famous Sunday brunch or enjoying a relaxing evening with friends on the Moon Roof Bar, you will always find a taste of hometown flair.
This spotlight is presented by Harvest Moon Cafe. For a true Rome experience that feels both classic and creative, we encourage you to visit. Explore their menu online and see what makes them a local favorite.
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Q&A Questions |
Q: Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Rome, GA? A: A: Some popular outdoor activities in Rome, GA include hiking at Mount Berry Trail and exploring the heritage of Chieftains Museum.
Q: Q: What are some must-visit historical sites in Rome, GA? A: A: Some must-visit historical sites in Rome, GA are the Rome Area History Museum and the Myrtle Hill Cemetery.
Q: Q: What is the dining scene like in Rome, GA? A: A: The dining scene in Rome, GA offers a variety of options, from Southern comfort food at Stanley’s on North Broad to international cuisine at Blue Fin Sushi & Grill. |
