Go Nuts in Blakely!
In Southwest Georgia, peanuts aren’t a snack; they’re practically a way of life. And once a year, Blakely throws a party to prove it!
The Peanut Proud Festival returns March 28, turning Blakely’s historic courthouse square into a full-day celebration of the crop that helped shape Georgia agriculture. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., downtown hums with live music, local vendors, runners, families, and the unmistakable scent of festival food drifting through the air. The best part? Admission is free!
This isn’t one of those blink-and-you-miss-it events. The Peanut Proud Festival packs the day with just enough small-town charm and organized chaos to keep things lively. The fun kicks off early with a 5K and Fun Run, drawing everyone from serious runners to folks who are mostly here for the post-race snacks.
By mid-morning, the square fills with floats, marching groups, and peanut-themed pride during the Proud Peanut Parade. After that, the real wandering begins. More than 100 vendors set up shop around the square selling handmade crafts, local goods, and festival treats that lean heavily into Southern comfort.
A Day That Runs on Peanuts and Community
What makes this festival stick around year after year is its easygoing energy. You can spend the whole day roaming without a plan and still manage to find something memorable.
Here’s a sampling of what fills the schedule:
- Free live concerts throughout the day on the main stage
- The Peanut Proud Parade featuring local groups and community pride
- The Peanut Butter Obstacle Course, a messy fan favorite
- A Kids Zone packed with inflatables, slides, and games
- More than 100 vendors selling crafts, food, and local goods
There’s also something bigger happening beneath the festivities. Georgia produces more than half of the peanuts grown in the United States, making the crop a major piece of the state’s agricultural identity. The festival celebrates that heritage while giving locals a chance to reconnect with neighbors, farmers, and small businesses who keep the community moving.
By late afternoon, bags of handmade goods are swinging from wrists, kids are worn out in the best possible way, and someone nearby is probably holding a cup of boiled peanuts. It’s loud, a little dusty, and full of laughter…which is exactly how a peanut festival should be!
Explore more of Georgia’s most unique festivals with our guide at https://gbj.com/festivals!
