Celebrate History at the Doc Holliday Festival in Griffin, Georgia

Meet Doc Holliday – Griffin’s Most Legendary Son

Born in Griffin in 1851, John Henry “Doc” Holliday is more than just a figure from the Old West. He’s a local son who walked Griffin’s streets and began his dentistry practice downtown on Solomon Street. While he’s often remembered for the shootout at the OK Corral and his friendship with Wyatt Earp, his roots are deeply connected to the genteel neighborhoods and historic buildings of Griffin.

Every year, locals and visitors gather in September – this time on Saturday, September 6, 2025 – to remember Doc’s dramatic journey from Southern upbringing to legendary gunslinger.

Step Into the Story: Festival Highlights

This festival is more than just a trip down memory lane. Here’s what you can expect when festival day rolls around:

Experience the Wild West with “Aces and Eights” Reenactments

One of the festival’s biggest draws is the “Aces and Eights” reenactment group, who bring the drama and excitement of the infamous OK Corral showdown to the heart of Griffin. You’ll get three action-packed performances throughout the day, each one retelling moments from Doc Holliday’s storied life. It’s like your favorite Western come to life – kick up some dust, grab a shady spot, and watch history unfold before your eyes.

BBQ That’s Smokin’ Hot – The Georgia Barbecue Association Cook-off

There’s no Southern festival without great food, and Doc’s celebration goes big on barbecue. The Georgia Barbecue Association hosts a massive cook-off where close to 30 teams fire up their smokers in pursuit of bragging rights and a trophy. Festival guests can taste their way through juicy ribs and smoky pulled pork with the “People’s Choice” competition: buy a sampler from 12 different pitmasters and cast your vote for the best cue around.

Everything is served up with a helping of hospitality, soulful sides, and all the charm of a bustling Southern cookout.

Live Music, Crafts, and Local Eats

Festival stages fill up with the sounds of Griffin, featuring artists like Bella Dunn and more. Spend the afternoon surrounded by toe-tapping music, then wander through rows of arts, crafts, and food vendors. Local businesses get in on the fun too – many roll out Doc Holliday-themed specials and sidewalk sales. Whether you’re gathering keepsakes for your own Wild West collection or picking up something delicious, there’s plenty to see and taste.

Walk Doc Holliday’s Hometown: Historic Driving Tour

A neat part of the festival experience is exploring the places that shaped Doc Holliday’s early years. Grab a festival guide and set out on a self-guided driving tour of Griffin’s historic sites – many are within an easy drive or even a relaxed walk from downtown events.

Here’s a quick highlight reel of stops you won’t want to skip:

• Holliday Family Home Site – Picture the spot where Doc’s story began, nestled in the heart of historic Griffin.
  
• Camp Stephens – Experience a key Civil War site connected to the Holliday family and local lore.
  
• Presbyterian Church Site – Visit the church site where young John Henry worshiped and built community ties.
  
• Martha Eleanora Holliday’s Grave – Pay respects at the tranquil resting place of Doc’s mother, a moving piece of local history.
  
• Old Spalding County Courthouse – Snap a photo in front of the stately courthouse that saw Griffin’s rise during Doc’s era.
  
• Solomon Street Building – See where Doc hung his dentist’s shingle before history called him out West.
  
• Oak Hill Cemetery – Explore the mysterious spot believed to be Doc’s final resting place, right here amid oak trees and Southern sky.

This tour is an easy way to add some adventure to your Doc Holliday day. Whether you’re a history buff or just want some unique photo ops, each marker tells a part of Griffin’s fascinating story.

Enjoy True Southern Hospitality

What makes the Doc Holliday Festival truly special isn’t just its Wild West vibe or legendary barbecue. It’s the way Griffin opens its arms to visitors. You’ll find locals ready to recount legends, support local charities, and point you toward the best shops and eateries all across town.

The festival is organized by a group of passionate local partners: Eagle’s Way Church, Griffin Downtown Council, the Chamber of Commerce, City of Griffin, Spalding County, and Spalding Collaborative. Not only is it all about celebrating history – it’s about giving back, too. A portion of event profits goes to support families and children in the community, keeping Griffin’s warm spirit alive and strong.

Festival Details at a Glance

• Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
  
• Location: Griffin City Park, Griffin, Georgia
  
• Hours: 10:00am – 5:00pm (double-check closer to the event for any updates)
  
• Admission & Parking: Free
  
• Entertainment: Live reenactments, live music, BBQ competition, arts & crafts, kid-friendly activities, local food, and shopping
  
• How to Make the Most of It: Arrive hungry, bring comfy shoes for the historic tour, and get ready to join in the fun

Make It a Weekend: Explore More of Griffin

With the festival as your anchor, why not stretch your trip a little? Take a stroll down Solomon Street, check out museums and galleries, or pop into a downtown café for a cold drink when you need a break from the sun. There’s a friendly, laid-back vibe that runs through all of Griffin – and after Doc’s festival, you’ll see why so many folks keep coming back.

Small-town charm, big flavor, and a little shot of the Old West – there’s no place like Griffin, and no festival like the Doc Holliday. Grab your hat, bring your crew, and celebrate one of Georgia’s most beloved legends in true Southern style.