Gopher Tortoise Festival - Douglas-Coffee GA

05/29/2026

A huge THANK YOU to our Gold Sponsors for jumping in early and committing to help make the Saturday, October 3rd Gopher Tortoise Festival in downtown Douglas, GA our best one yet! 💛🐢

⭐️Smile Doctors
⭐️Southwire

Your early support helps us bring this beloved community event to life and welcome visitors from all over to enjoy a full day of fun, shopping, food, entertainment, and hometown charm in beautiful Downtown Douglas.

Last year, the Gopher Tortoise Festival welcomed close to 5,000 visitors, and this year we are planning for even more excitement! Sponsors receive great exposure through social media campaigns all summer long, event promotions, day-of recognition, and the chance to be part of one of Douglas-Coffee County's favorite traditions.

Businesses, now is the time to step up and be part of the fun! Sponsorships are a wonderful way to show your community support, promote your business, and help make this festival unforgettable.

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact Visit Douglas - Coffee County GA today and let’s make this the best Gopher Tortoise Festival ever! 🐢✨

05/22/2026

Your Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce crew can't wait for this year's festival! The food, the fun, the music! What are you most looking forward to this year?

05/15/2026

Fun Fact Friday!

05/07/2026

The Gopher Tortoise Festival will be here before you know it!🐢✨

Take a look back at some of our favorite moments from past years — smiling faces, local talent, handmade goods, delicious food, and plenty of family fun.

This year’s festival will once again celebrate all things handmade, homegrown, and community-loved, featuring local vendors, exhibitions, performances from cheer and dance groups, live music, kids’ activities, food trucks, and more.

It’s a great day to come out, support local, enjoy the festival atmosphere, and make a few memories along the way.

We can’t wait to see everyone at this year’s Gopher Tortoise Festival!

05/01/2026

🐢 Vendor spots are filling up for the 2026 Gopher Tortoise Festival! 🐢

Last year’s festival was a great one, with around 5,000 attendees, and we’re excited to keep that momentum going!

Apply here:
🛍 Handmade, Homemade, Homegrown Arts & Crafts:
https://forms.gle/5QpZoM5ZM6i5Gv7k9
🍴 Food, Beverages & Activities:
https://forms.gle/Zgui1WviHJ8ohVss8
💛 Non-Profits:
https://forms.gle/t5fXbFRdJCWP42i5A

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day! 🌎🐢💛

Around here, taking care of the Earth starts right beneath our feet… literally.

Gopher tortoises are one of South Georgia’s most important native species, creating burrows that provide shelter for hundreds of other animals. When we protect them, we’re protecting an entire ecosystem.

So today’s a good reminder: the little things matter—like preserving natural habitats, respecting wildlife, and keeping our corner of the world beautiful.

Want to see Earth Day in action? Visit General Coffee State Park and experience these amazing creatures where they belong—right at home.

And of course… we’ll keep celebrating and protecting them at the Gopher Tortoise Festival 🐢✨

04/21/2026

04/10/2026

Happy National Gopher Tortoise Day! 🐢✨

They dig the holes… and run the whole neighborhood.

Gopher tortoises may be slow, but they’re kind of a big deal around here. Their burrows double as homes for over 350 other species—basically the landlords of the South Georgia ecosystem.

Born and raised right here in our sandy soil, these locals are now considered a threatened species thanks to habitat loss… so yeah, we protect these VIPs at all costs 💛

Want to see one doing its thing? Head over to General Coffee State Park and keep your eyes peeled (and your distance—we’re respectful neighbors 😉).

And don’t worry… we give them the celebration they deserve at the Gopher Tortoise Festival each October🎉

04/03/2026

🎉🐢 Applications are now OPEN for the Gopher Tortoise Festival! 🐢🎉

Make plans to join us in Downtown Douglas on Saturday, October 3rd for a fun-filled day of community, creativity, and festival fun! 🌿💚

We are currently accepting applications for:
🎨 Handmade, Homemade, Homegrown Arts & Crafts
https://forms.gle/5QpZoM5ZM6i5Gv7k9
🌮 Food, Beverages & Activities
https://forms.gle/Zgui1WviHJ8ohVss8
💙 Non-Profits
https://forms.gle/t5fXbFRdJCWP42i5A

Please note: this is a Handmade, Homemade, Homegrown ONLY arts & crafts festival! 🧵🍯🌻 Farmer's Market type vendors are also welcome.

Be sure to submit your application early for the best chance of being accepted! ✅

We can’t wait to see all the amazing vendors, organizations, and activities that will help make this year’s festival extra special! 🎈✨