Fall in Love Anytime Of Year With Helen, GA: The Bavarian Village Atop The Mountains Of North Georgia

Check out this neighboring town that also makes for a great weekend getaway! Plan a Trip to Blairsville, in the Georgia Mountains

Bavaria In Georgia?

Bavaria, in the middle of the Georgia mountains, makes sense right? It did to a handful of local businessmen in 1968, who were trying to figure out how to revitalize this small mountain town. The idea was well-received by the town and now some 50 years later, it’s Georgia’s third most visited city. With all the things to do in this small town, it’s no wonder why people keep coming back.

Things to do in Helen, GA

2026 Oktoberfest in Helen

One of the two biggest attractions in Helen is their annual Oktoberfest. This traditional German festival is one of the longest-running in the country, lasting almost two months. The festival includes a parade, contemporary Bavarian music, food, and of course a Biergarten. The festivities run Thursday through Sunday during the month of September, and daily during the month of October.

Admission is $10 per person Monday–Thursday, $15 on Fridays and Saturdays, and FREE on Sundays. Kids ages 6–12 are $5 Mon–Thu and $7 Fri–Sat; children under 6 are always free. A Friday/Saturday combo pass is $25 for adults and $12 for kids 6–12. Active and retired military receive free admission with a valid military ID. This is just for venue entry — all food and beverages are extra. Prices are subject to change; always confirm current rates at helenchamber.com before your visit.

• Sept 10 – 13, 2026     (Thursday – Sunday)
• Sept 17 – 20, 2026  (Thursday – Sunday)
• Sept 24 – 27, 2026  (Thursday – Sunday)
• October 1 – November 1, 2026   (nightly)

The 2026 Oktoberfest Parade will start at 12:00 pm on Saturday, September 12, 2026 — a wonderful way to kick off the season. The tapping of the first keg follows immediately after the parade at the Festhalle.

Tubing The Chattahoochee River

Tubing in Helen Georgia is hugely popular and runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There are two companies that service the Chattahoochee River in Helen, and each offers shuttle service and comparable tubing adventures. 

• Cool River Tubing- Cool River Tubing offers affordable tubing rates ($14 Monday–Friday; $16 weekends and holidays) so that anyone 3 and older can enjoy a ride down the river. Cool River also offers a 1.5-hour ride or a 2.5-hour ride to choose from. The Chattahoochee Outpost on the premises offers changing rooms, lockers, ice cream, and a souvenir shop. They will even hold your keys for you through their Key Saver Service provided in the purchase of your tickets. Ticket prices include the tube, tube ties, key service, lifejackets, and a shuttle ride.

• Helen Water Park & Tubing– Helen Tubing offers riverside tubing along with a two and up age restriction. Lockers are not available, so pack lightly with essentials, especially if you have small children. Be sure to bring lifejackets or prepare to rent them for children 13 and under. Toddlers can enjoy tubing in their parent’s lap or seated in an inner tube. You can even bring your dog along for the adventure, but they will need a separate tube rental. Be prepared for a 2.5-hour-long ride down the river. If you’re still in the water mood afterward, you can purchase passes to the waterpark for an additional fee. 

Things to Know Before Tubing in Helen, GA

• Alcohol is strictly prohibited on the river within the Helen City limits. Coolers are not allowed on the river either and each tuber is allowed up to a 32 oz water bottle. The local PD does patrol and enforce the rules and a violation will mean a steep fine.
• Push Sticks are a must to help you dislodge your tube when stuck on a rock. Buy one onsite (the ones at Cool River are $5) or bring one from home. 
• Call the morning you plan on going, before heading out. If rain has made the river swell, this can drastically affect the way tubers are allowed on it that day, including increases in age limits.
• You will notice flip-flops floating down the river orphaned. I lost a pair that way. Water shoes can be purchased at the Cool River Outpost for just $10, or grab a pair locally. 
• Straps are offered to keep two tubes together. It is recommended that no more than two be attached.
• A waterproof phone case is well worth the less than $10 investment to keep your device safe.
• Children under twelve are required to wear a coast guard approved life vest at all times, adults are not required to. Both companies supply these for anyone wanting to use one.

Parking In Downtown Helen

Parking at the tubing companies is only allowed while you are tubing. If you venture into the heart of Helen and need to move your car, the best option is the city-owned lot on the corner of Chattahoochee and Edelweiss. The fee is around $5 (some privately owned places charge more) for the entire day, and the revenue generated goes back into the development and maintenance of the parks.

Best Hiking, Restaurants, and Places to Stay near Helen, GA

Places to Hike and Explore Near Helen Georgia

Georgia State Park, Hardman Farm– As you drive into Helen, you will drive by The Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound at Hardman Farm. The park offers 173 acres to explore and includes the Indian burial mound, a dairy farm, and the historical mansion that was last owned by a former Georgia governor, for whom the park is named. The park is open from March through December and admittance starts at $6. Check out the Hardman Farm Historic Site event calendar for fun things to do while visiting.

Unicoi State Park is just minutes from Helen and offers so many activities at the park, you’d almost think you were at a resort! Almost any type of outdoor activity is offered, including zip-lining, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, paddle boarding, fly fishing, hiking, and a GPS scavenger hunt. They also have Go Pro Hero Cameras for rent so you can capture your adventures to keep as a souvenir.

Best Places to Eat in Helen, Georgia

There are a lot of dining options in Helen. Many of the local restaurants embrace the German culture by utilizing authentic German cuisine on their menus. Be sure to check out The Troll Tavern located along the riverfront which visitors find charming and authentic, serving both American and German cuisine.

Also highly recommended is Bodensee for their delicious traditional German dishes, including pretzels with beer cheese and schnitzel! If you’re looking to fulfill a sweet tooth, Hofer’s Bakery and Cafe serves German food and “comfort fare”. For breakfast, be sure to check out the Alpine Cafe, where you’ll find a variety of breakfast food.

If you’re wanting to enjoy the outdoors during your meal, pack a picnic and head down to Riverside Park. Located just up from the Cool River outpost, it has a playground, picnic shelter, and restrooms. It’s the perfect place to enjoy lunch and watch other tubers float down the river.

Where to Stay in Helen, GA

The convenient distance of Helen from the Upstate means a day of fun can be had without requiring an overnight stay. However, if you choose to spend the night in Helen, you’ll have plenty of options. There are several chain hotels, like the highly-rated Hampton Inn Helen or the SureStay Hotel by Best Western, as well as locally owned hotels such as the Bavarian-style hotel The Helendorf River Inn and Suites. 

If you’re wanting to camp near Helen, be sure to check the camping and lodging options at Unicoi State Park and Lodge, including barrel cabins! This lodge has a ton of outdoor activities available, a beach for swimming, dining options, and more. Check out our review of the barrel cabin we stayed in at Unicoi Lodge.

Annual Festivals Hosted in Helen, GA

Helen also celebrates several other annual events including, Fasching which is the Bavarian version of Mardi Gras, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. One notable event includes the annual Christendlmarkt around Christmas, which is a German style Christmas market. Check out the Helen Georgia event calendar for updates on events for each month!

More Things to Do In & Near Helen, GA

Just 15 minutes from Helen is the town of Cleveland, GA where you will find the Cabbage Patch Babyland General Hospital. We got a chance to visit this magical cabbage patch (its FREE to visit). Find out all the details and about how you can adopt a cabbage patch doll right from the patch!

Frequently Asked Questions About Helen, GA

When is Oktoberfest 2026 in Helen, GA?

The 2026 Helen Oktoberfest runs from September 10 through November 1, 2026. The festival operates Thursday–Sunday during September, then daily beginning October 1. The Oktoberfest Parade kicks off the season on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 12:00 pm. Visit helenchamber.com for the full schedule and any updates.

How much does Oktoberfest admission cost in Helen?

For 2026, admission to the Helen Festhalle is $10 per adult Monday–Thursday and $15 on Fridays and Saturdays. Sunday admission is free for everyone. Kids ages 6–12 are $5 (Mon–Thu) or $7 (Fri–Sat); children under 6 are always free. Active and retired military get in free with a valid ID. A Friday/Saturday combo pass is $25 for adults. Prices are subject to change — always confirm at helenchamber.com.

When is tubing season in Helen, GA?

Tubing on the Chattahoochee River in Helen typically runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Call ahead the morning you plan to go — river levels from rain can affect operations and may change age minimums or close tubing for the day.

How much does tubing cost in Helen, GA?

At Cool River Tubing, rates are $14 Monday–Friday and $16 on weekends and holidays (ages 3 and up). Prices include the tube, lifejacket, key service, and shuttle. For the most current rates at both tubing outfitters, check their websites before you visit — prices are subject to change.

What else can families do in Helen, GA besides Oktoberfest?

Helen is a year-round destination! Beyond Oktoberfest and tubing, families love hiking at Hardman Farm State Historic Site, exploring the trails and zip lines at Unicoi State Park, and visiting the stunning Anna Ruby Falls waterfall nearby. The town also hosts annual events like Fasching (Bavarian Mardi Gras) and a Christmas Market. Check the Helen event calendar for what’s happening during your visit.

What are you excited about doing on your trip to this picturesque town in the Georgia Mountains?