The Eatonton community is gearing up for two events in month of October that draws in visitors from the local and surrounding county areas to explore regional tastes, arts and crafts, and entertainment alike.

On Monday, Oct. 4, the Eatonton CVB is hosting Taste of Eatonton, a regional foodie event that showcases restaurants in the local area and gives visitors a bite-sized portion of foods to sample.

This year, more than 20 restaurants have signed up to participate in the event, according to Eatonton CVB Tourism and Special Events Coordinator Bonnie Simmons.

This year’s samplings are being offered by an array of restaurants in the area including Balcony Bar & Grill at Spotlight Theatres, Bone Island Grill at Crooked Creek Marina, Cake Matters, Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee, Dairy Queen, Eenoco Japanese Steak & Sushi, Hannah’s Restaurant, Mikey’s Hot Boiled Peanuts, The Oconee Cellar, Oconee Sweet Sensations, Publix, Putnam General Hospital Café, Rock Eagle 4-H Center, Save Room for Seconds, Sylvia’s Grille, Tabitha’s Bakery, That Pizza Place, Wal-Mart, Wendy’s and The Yesterday Café.

Tickets are $20 in advance of the event and $25 on the day of the event.

More information on the event and participating restaurants is available on the Taste of Eatonton website at www.TasteofEatonton.com.

The event will happen rain or shine, so bring your rain gear if the weather forecast predicts rain this date.

Following the annual Taste of Eatonton event, the Eatonton community will begin focusing on the second annual Briar Patch Arts Festival, which will be held in downtown Eatonton from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30.

So far more than 50 vendors have signed up to participate in the arts and crafts-oriented festival to offer a variety of artisanal products including stained glass, quilts, jewelry, pottery, photography and more.

A children’s area, food vendors and live music will ensure that there’s something for everyone at the event.

Additionally, a children’s costume contest will kick off the event, and children ages 0-13 can participate.

For more information on the event or to register as a vendor or for the costume contest, call Eatonton Better Hometown at (706) 749-9150 or visit www.eatontonbht.com.

Vendor forms are available on the Better Hometown website, and although the application deadline has passed, applications are still being accepted.