New Salem Mountain Festival 2026 - 52nd Annual

The New Salem Mountain Festival is an annual arts and crafts show on Lookout Mountain in Georgia, held on the second full weekend of October. This is the 52nd year. About 100 artists and craftsmen exhibit pottery, paintings, furniture, wood turning and carving, stained glass, jewelry, candles, quilts, handmade soaps and more. An indoor Mountain Gallery shows work from each exhibitor, and local ladies demonstrate quilting.

Food includes home-cooked dishes from the New Salem United Methodist Church (the festival names its chicken stew and bar-b-que), plus funnel cakes, kettle corn and other fair treats. Live entertainment runs through the weekend, and the organizers recommend comfortable clothing and shoes. Alcohol, drugs and pets are not allowed.

Admission is $8 for adults, children 11 and under are free, and parking is free. The festival is held at the New Salem Community Center on Highway 136, about 30 miles from Chattanooga, and the festival says proceeds benefit the community center and New Salem Fire and Rescue. Details are on the festival website.