October 2026
Sometimes making time for someone begins with a small suggestion: come hear this with me.
Music is one of the easiest ways to share an evening. You don’t have to talk the whole time, and you leave with something in common. This month there’s bluegrass under the lanterns and jazz on the porch in Woodstock, a street evening in Roswell, a front-porch style jam in Ellijay and jazz in the park in Canton.
Before you go: Hours and plans can change, especially for outdoor events, so click through to the official page before heading out.
Bluegrass under the lanterns in Woodstock
Molly Tuttle, the Grammy-winning bluegrass singer, songwriter and guitarist, plays the Woodstock Arts Event Green on Saturday, October 17, at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Lantern Series. Lawn tickets are $30 (bring your own chair), and reserved seats are $36. Wine and beer are sold on site, and outside alcohol isn’t allowed.
The Event Green is at 113 Elm Street, a few minutes from anywhere in central Woodstock. The show goes on rain or shine, and leashed dogs are welcome in the lawn section. Bring a blanket, because the evening will turn cool.
Details: Concert details
Jazz on the porch at Reeves House
Woodstock Arts hosts Jazz Night at the Reeves House Visual Arts Center on Friday, October 23, at 6 p.m. A rotating jazz ensemble plays outdoors under a lit tent on the porch, rain or shine. Admission is free, and drinks and café bites are for sale.
Reeves House is at 734 Reeves Street, about five minutes from central Woodstock. Seating is limited, so bring a chair. It’s an easy way to end the week with someone you’ve been meaning to catch up with.
Details: Jazz Night details
A Thursday evening on Canton Street
Alive in Roswell wraps up its season on Thursday, October 15, from 5 to 9 p.m. along Historic Canton Street. There’s entertainment, food and shops open late, and it’s free, with free parking at Roswell City Hall.
Allow about 35 minutes from central Woodstock and plan on walking and standing. It’s a good one for meeting friends after work.
Details: Event listing
An open jam in Ellijay
Acoustic Blends at the Gilmer Arts Playhouse is a monthly third-Friday music night where local players share songs and jam together. This month it’s Friday, October 16, from 6 to 9 p.m., and it’s free. Bring an instrument if you play, or just come to listen.
The Playhouse is at 135 Dalton Street in Ellijay, about an hour from central Woodstock, so it pairs nicely with an afternoon at an orchard. Seating is indoors.
Details: Acoustic Blends details
Jazz in the park in Canton
The Cherokee County Art & Jazz Festival is Saturday, October 24, at Cherokee Veterans Park, 7345 Cumming Highway in Canton. It starts at 11 a.m. and runs into the early evening (the county lists 7 p.m.; some listings say 6, so check the end time). It’s free, with live jazz, original art and food trucks. This is only its second year, so it still feels small and local.
It’s about 20 to 25 minutes from central Woodstock. Bring lawn chairs and plan to stay a while.
Details: Festival details
Or make a little room at home
Put on a record you both love, or pull out an old songbook and sing a few. Singing a little off-key together still counts as music.