BRASELTON, Ga. — Sheila Fest will return to Traditions of Braselton on Saturday, Oct. 17, bringing a full day of live music, food, vendors and family activities while raising money for local nonprofit organizations.
Now in its 11th year, the outdoor music festival will benefit iServe Ministries, Amped Kids and Legacy Youth Mentoring. Organizers said the 2025 event raised $60,000 for local charities.
The festival was created in 2016 in honor of Traditions of Braselton resident Sheila Anderson, who survived a major cardiac event the previous year. The event grew out of Anderson’s love of music and community and has since developed into an annual fundraiser drawing visitors from throughout Northeast Georgia.
Gates will open at 11 a.m. Oct. 17 on the Traditions of Braselton event lawn, with live music beginning at noon and continuing until 11 p.m.
The 2026 lineup includes Radio Star, Redneck Blonde, Freebird-ATL, Smokey Jones & The 3 Dollar Pistols, Stereo Superstar, After School Special, Departure — The Ultimate Journey Tribute Band, Kissing Kaos and the Andrew Dixon Band.
“Not many neighborhoods are equipped to host an event of this size each year,” Traditions of Braselton General Manager Bryan Allen said. “We are blessed with 1,140 acres of scenic North Georgia landscape and neighbors who truly embody the concept of community.”
Allen said the event draws residents and visitors from communities including Jefferson, Hoschton, Dacula and Buford.
“There’s something incredibly special about seeing all these people converge on Traditions of Braselton to enjoy good music for a good cause,” he said.
In addition to the musical performances, Sheila Fest will feature food trucks, craft vendors, a tailgate game truck for college football fans, a petting zoo and an Ultimate Kid Zone.
Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, canopies and coolers for the day.
Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the gate for guests ages 15 and older. Children 14 and younger will be admitted free.
The festival will be held at Traditions of Braselton, 1665 Traditions Way in Jefferson. Parking will be available at the community’s Owners Clubhouse and in designated grassy areas. Additional parking will be available as lots fill, and complimentary shuttles will transport guests to and from the festival grounds.
Organizers are also seeking sponsors and vendors for this year’s event. Sponsorship packages may include festival admission, event T-shirts, signage, stage recognition, vendor space and other benefits. Vendors receive two festival admission tickets.
Those who cannot attend may also make tax-deductible donations to the Sheila Fest Foundation.
Tickets, sponsorship and vendor information are available at sheilafest.org.
