Annual Events

THINGS TO DO

Welcome > Departments > Tourism > Things To Do > Annual Events

Annual Events

Fitzgerald has a great schedule of annual events! This charming place has that “Small Town, USA” feel with programs and events to rival many much larger communities. Fitzgerald hosts a broad and growing slate of annual events from community clean ups, parades, and kids’ activities to multi-day festivals, fireworks, and somber remembrances. Be sure to check out our Events Calendar for more details on upcoming events in Fitzgerald.

WILD CHICKEN FESTIVAL
Have you got something to crow about! So do we! Come help us celebrate Fitzgerald's wild chickens with pancake breakfast, 5K run, pine wood derby, artisan market, classic car cruise, street vendors, kids characters, crowing contest and dance party! For more information, please visit Wild Chicken Festival.

MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION
Memorial Day services are held in Veteran’s Park (Central Avenue in front of the Federal Building) on Memorial Day. It is further celebrated at Evergreen Cemetery by placing flags on the graves of all known veterans. Specific information including time and inclement weather location is available on the Event Calendar and the city’s Facebook page.

CONCERTS IN THE PARK
Get ready to dance the night away under the stars listening to music that's sure to get you moving. The Fitzgerald-Ben Hill Arts Council and Grand Theatre Productions sponsor indoor and outdoor concerts throughout the year. Previous performances include the Bellamy Brothers, John Anderson, Daryl Singeltary, Megan Fowler, The Bushmen, and the Ensemblettes. You may view upcoming concerts sponsored by the Fitzgerald-Ben Hill Arts Council by visiting the Events Calendar and searching "Concert".

EASTER EGG HUNT
Kids are invited to hunt eggs and receive a treat bag. The Easter egg hunt is held at 6:00pm on the Thursday before Easter in the Grand Plaza Park block in front of the Grand Theatre. This event is hosted by the City of Fitzgerald Department of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
The City of Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County host an Independence Day Celebration each year on July 4th at Paulk Park. Beginning at 4:00pm, the Recreation Department provides hot dogs, chips and drinks, free while supplies last. A watermelon eating contest begins at 4:30 and is followed by a Buried Treasure Hunt and Greased Pole. The live band starts at 6:00 p.m. At 9:00 p.m., the City of Fitzgerald Honor Guard will lead a pedestrian parade of flag-waving children, youth and adults through the park to the Band Pavilion. The Honor Guard will present the colors and the entire park audience is invited to join in the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of the Nation Anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner”. The Independence Day Fireworks Show will be the Grand Finale to the evening which is delivered by Mr. Allen Conger and the Ben Hill County Volunteer Fire Department.

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL SERVICE
The Fitzgerald Hebrew congregation erected an obelisk in the Hebrew section at Fitzgerald’s Evergreen Cemetery as a perpetual reminder of the Holocaust. Each year a service is held in memoriam to those lost. The service is a poignant reminder to our entire community of one of history’s most bitter lessons. The observance also serves as an educational opportunity for local history classes. No one walks away unmoved. This years' service will be held on April 13, 2018 at Evergreen Cemetery. Please contact Penson Kaminsky at (229) 423-9280 for more information.

GRAND HOMECOMING
The Grand Homecoming is a weeklong class reunion founded for the alumni of Fitzgerald’s traditionally African American schools occurring in August of every third year. The next one is scheduled for 2020. Graduating classes subsequent to integration now make up a large portion of attendees. The 2017 drew some 3,000 participants. For more information, please contact Marquis Melton.

FITZGERALD TOUR OF HOMES
Each December, some of the most beautiful and architecturally interesting homes are all dressed up for the holidays and welcome you to come take a peak inside. This event is hosted by the Fitzgerald Lions Club, formerly known as the Colony Business Association.

VETERAN'S DAY
Veteran’s Day services are held in Veteran’s Park (Central Avenue in front of the Federal Building) at 10 a.m. on Veteran’s Day. It is further celebrated at Evergreen Cemetery by placing flags on the graves of all known veterans.