2025 Georgia Downtown Conference - Georgia Downtown Association
2025-08-25 - 2025-08-28 | Downtown Square, 112 Main Street, SW, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
We are so excited to welcome the Georgia Downtown Association to Downtown Gainesville for the 2025 Georgia Downtown Conference!
More information coming soon.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

August Discovery Saturdays - Elachee Nature Science Center
2025-08-30 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville, GA, 30504, United States
Terrific Trees: August Discovery Saturdays
Celebrate the towering giants of the forest this August at Elachee! Our Discovery Saturdays will be rooted in fun as we explore the incredible world of trees and the forests they call home. Through interactive learning, guided hikes, and creative crafts, you’ll uncover how trees support entire ecosystems—and why they matter more than ever. Bring the whole family and branch out into adventure each Saturday!
Highlights:
Engaging Activities: Enjoy hands-on crafts and learning stations that explore the life cycle of trees, forest layers, and more with Elachee Environmental Educator. Kids can create their very own first field guides and explore the diversity of trees through leaf and bark rubbings.
Guided Forest Hike: Join Elachee’s Environmental Educator for a walk beneath the canopy. Learn how to identify native trees, explore their ecological roles, and discover fascinating forest facts along the way (plus use your new field guide!).
Live Animal Ambassadors: Meet the forest-dwellers that rely on trees for shelter, food, and camouflage.
Family Fun: Perfect for all ages—create lasting memories while learning about the woods that surround us.
Event Details:
Date: August 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 (Every Saturday in August)
Time: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (NEW extended Saturday hours!)
Admission: Members free, Non-members $10
Come grow your love for Georgia’s forests with us this August—because every tree has a story to tell! 🍂

September Discovery Saturday - Elachee Nature Science Center
2025-09-06 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-13 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-20 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-27 10:00 - 15:00 | Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville, GA, 30504, United States
Backyard Wildlife Discovery Saturdays!
This September, discover the wild side of your own backyard at Elachee! Every Saturday, we’re highlighting the amazing animals that may be living just outside your door. Through hands-on activities, up-close encounters, and guided programs; you and your family will learn how to identify, support, and protect the wildlife that calls Georgia home.
Highlights:
Live Animal Encounters: Meet some of our resident animal ambassadors—like snakes and turtles—and learn how to spot their wild relatives in your own neighborhood.
Wildlife-Inspired Crafts: Our nature crafts are fun for all ages, with a special focus on early learners.
Naturalist-led Habitat Explorations: naturalist-led forest exploration to discover and collect backyard flora and fauna to use in craft.
Family Fun: Perfect for all ages—spend meaningful time together while learning how to make your own outdoor spaces more wildlife-friendly.
Event Details:
Date: September 6, 20, and 27 (Every Saturday in September, except Sept 13th)
Time: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Admission: $10 non-members, members free

Midland After Dark: Fireworks and Concert - Gainesville Parks and Recreation
2025-09-06 19:00 | Midland Greenway, 682 Grove Street, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Midland will be LIT with a fabulous party band, glow in the dark fun and FIREWORKS!

LIVE music from the incredible Mass Affect Party Band
Delicious tacos and pizza, plus local beer & alcohol vendors (Carniceria Tapatia, Peyton’s Pie, La Mejor Michoacana, King of Pops, Downtown Drafts, Tap It, & Sanctuary on the Square
Pretty Panda Face Paint Glow-in-the-dark face painting, 360 Photo Booth, & Chippers Axe-Throwing
Where: Midland Greenway 682 Grove St
When: Saturday, September 6Get ready for a glow party under the stars!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Homeschools Days - Elachee Nature Science Center
2025-09-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville, GA, 30504, United States
Welcome local homeschool families! We invite you to join us for an afternoon of adventure and learning!
Your students will discover how animals and plants adapt to their environments and how that impacts their diets, habitats, and more!
Theme: Migrations and Adaptations
Activities to include:

Oh Deer- guided at 1:15 and 2:15
Tree adaptation game
Fill the Bill
Bat vs. Moth
Create an animal for your chosen habitat

Recommended ages: Kindergarten through 6th grade

Time: 1:00-3:00 with guided activities at 1:15 and 2:15

Admission: $10/child, $50/family (5+), members free

Preregistration encouraged, walk-ins welcome based on availability

This program will take place rain or shine. Please come dressed for the forecasted weather!

Questions? Call 770-535-976 or email sam@elachee.org

Equality Fest '25 - Midland Greenway
2025-09-13 14:00 - 21:30 | Midland Greenway, 682 Grove Street, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Get ready for a full day of music and performances as Equality Fest makes its debut in Gainesville, GA! This all-day outdoor festival uplifts LGBTQ+ and minority voices through music, art, performances, and activism. Whether you’re dancing by the stage, shopping local vendors, or cheering on dazzling stars, there’s a place for everyone at Equality Fest!
CLICK HERE FOR EVENT DETAILS

Sunset Soiree - The Boathouse at Lake Lanier
2025-09-16 17:00 - 20:00 | The Boathouse at Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, GAINESVILLE, GA, 30506, United States
Experience the magic of Lake Lanier at sunset during this special evening at The Boathouse!
Guests are invited to relax on the covered terrace, take in the stunning waterfront views, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this beautiful venue without booking a private event. Food and beverages from Avocados will be available for purchase on-site, making it the perfect way to unwind with friends and family while exploring all that The Boathouse has to offer.

Swim Across America - Lake Lanier Olympic Park
2025-09-20 | Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA, 30506, United States
Join swimmers of all levels for the Swim Across America Atlanta open water swim at Lake Lanier Olympic Park on Saturday, September 21, from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Participants can take on a half mile, one mile, or three mile course while raising funds to support cancer research at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. This inspiring annual event brings together more than 1,000 swimmers, volunteers, Olympians, and supporters to make waves in the fight against cancer.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

28th Annual Buttery Festival - Gainesville Parks and Recreation
2025-09-21 13:00 - 16:00 | Midland Greenway, 682 Grove Street, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Join Gainesville Parks and Recreation on the Midland Greenway for the annual butterfly release in the fall! There will be crafts, exhibitors, food trucks, and of course THOUSANDS of butterflies! Same event, same great atmosphere.

Power of the Purse - WomenSource
2025-09-23 17:00 - 20:00 | Ramsey Conference Center, 2535 Lanier Tech Dr, Gainesville, GA, 30507, United States
Join us for The Leaders with Legacy Experience Fashion Show Fundraiser—a unique celebration where nominated community models take to the runway, each accompanied by someone who has profoundly shaped their journey and created a legacy in their life!
This inspiring event spotlights the power of mentorship, leadership, and generational impact, as every model honors a personal legacy-builder by sharing the stage with them.
The evening blends high fashion with heartfelt storytelling, as participants walk side by side, symbolizing the connections that foster growth, resilience, and community spirit.
Attendees will witness moving tributes and stylish ensembles, all while supporting WomenSource’s mission to educate and empower women in business throughout Northeast Georgia.
Join us for an unforgettable night where fashion meets purpose, and every step on the runway is a tribute to the leaders and legacy-makers who shape our community’s future!

Gainesville Reads Day Celebration - City of Gainesville
2025-09-30 | Downtown Square, 112 Main Street, SW, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Mayor Sam Couvillon recently issued a proclamation on behalf of the City of Gainesville declaring Sept. 30, Gainesville Reads Day in support of Georgia Reads Day! Join us at the Downtown Dragon on the Gainesville Square from 5:30-6:30pm for a special celebration featuring:

FREE Books from The Reading Crew (newest initiative from the Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County): 5:30-6:30pm
Storytime with Jesse the Gainesville Chick and Mayor Sam Couvillon: 5:35pm
Special Show from the Downtown Dragon: 6pm
Storytime with Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County: 6:05pm
Explore Gainesville providing coloring books, stickers and other goodies!

So bring a blanket or cushion and your little ones and enjoy a quick evening promoting literacy in our community!

Women of the Woods Club - Elachee Nature Science Center
2025-10-03 15:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-07 15:00 - 17:00 | Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville, GA, 30504, United States
Women of the Woods Club
Find your confidence, build your skills, and connect with community in the great outdoors!
As part of our Forest Fridays series, Elachee is excited to launch the brand-new Women of the Woods Club—a monthly gathering designed to empower women to explore nature with knowledge, safety, and confidence.

First Program: Friday, October 3, 2025. Programs will take place on the first Friday of each month as a part of the Forest Fridays programming.
Time: 3:00–5:00 PM
Admission is FREE!

Each month, participants will learn a new outdoor skill and experience a different hiking trail in the Chicopee Woods. We’ll start with shorter hikes and gradually level up, building endurance and confidence together.
Sample Topics Include:

Proper Footwear for Hiking (with special guests from REI or Big Peach Running Co.)
Orienteering and Navigation
How to Pack a Backpack
Wildlife Encounters: Snakes, Bears, and Beyond
Basic First Aid & Hiking Safety
Archery and Fire Building
The Mental Health Benefits of Nature
Earn Badges as You Go!

Track your progress and celebrate your achievements—attend 3 programs to earn your first badge, 5 for the next, and keep going to build your collection!
Whether you’re brand new to hiking or looking to expand your skills, Women of the Woods Club is your chance to learn, grow, and find strength in nature.

First Friday Concerts - Downtown Gainesville
2025-10-03 19:00 - 22:00 | Downtown Square, 112 Main Street, SW, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
First Friday Concerts continue ON THE SQUARE in Historic Downtown Gainesville!
Join us on the Downtown Square on the first Friday of the month from May-September for our First Friday Concert Series!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW EVENT DETAILS

October Discovery Saturdays - Elachee Nature Science Center
2025-10-04 12:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-11 12:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-18 12:00 - 17:00 | Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville, GA, 30504, United States
Nocturnal Nature Discovery Saturdays
This October, step into the shadows and uncover the secrets of nocturnal and “spooky” creatures at Elachee! Each Saturday, we’ll shine a light on bats, owls, spiders, and other misunderstood wildlife that play important roles in our ecosystems. Through hands-on crafts, sensory adventures, and up-close encounters, you and your family will discover why these creatures are more fascinating than frightening.
Highlights:

Live Animal Encounters – Meet some of Elachee’s resident nocturnal and misunderstood animal ambassadors.
Bat Craft – Create your very own bat-inspired art project to take home.
Using Your Senses Hike – Explore the forest in a whole new way by discovering how nocturnal animals rely on their senses of sound, smell, and touch to survive.
Family Fun – Perfect for all ages—celebrate the season with nature-themed activities that bring out the magic of fall.

Event Details:

Dates: October 4, 11, and 18 (**Please note Saturday, October 25 is a special Discovery Saturday that has a separate event registration and we will not be open until 1 pm that day)
Time: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Admission: $10 nonmembers, free for members

Homeschools Days - Elachee Nature Science Center
2025-10-09 13:00 - 15:00 | Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville, GA, 30504, United States
Welcome local homeschool families! We invite you to join us for an afternoon of adventure and learning!
Your students will learn how to navigate and identify like some of Georgia’s earliest explorers.
Theme: Astronomy
Activities to include:

Starlab (new)
Bottle Rockets
Walking solar system & solar telescope- guided at 1:15 and 2:15
play doh solar system model, pocket solar system model

Recommended ages: Kindergarten through 6th grade

Time: 1:00-3:00 with guided activities at 1:15 and 2:15

Admission: $10/child, $50/family (5+), members free

Preregistration encouraged, walk-ins welcome based on availability

This program will take place rain or shine. Please come dressed for the forecasted weather!

Questions? Call 770-535-976 or email sam@elachee.org

Mule Camp Market 2025 - Gainesville Jaycees
2025-10-10 - 2025-10-12 | Midland Greenway, 682 Grove Street, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Join us for the 31st Mule Camp Market that will take place October 10th-12th at the newly renovated Midland Greenway in Gainesville, Georgia. This annual event features over 180 vendors offering arts, crafts, food, and live music. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of carnival-like activities for all ages, and there will be local and regional musicians performing throughout the weekend.
Festival hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Additionally, a shuttle service will be provided from the Gainesville Parking Decks to the Midland Greenway for easy access!

PLEASE CONTACT THE GAINESVILLE JAYCEES DIRECTLY FOR VENDOR INFORMATION AND OTHER QUESTIONS: (770) 532-7714

October No School Nature Days - Elachee Nature Science Center
2025-10-13 - 2025-10-15 | Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville, GA, 30504, United States
October No School Nature Days
Explore the Wild Side of Fall Break at Elachee!
When school is out, adventure is in! Join us this October for No School Nature Days, a fun-filled, educational experience at Elachee. From guided hikes and live animal encounters to hands-on crafts and activities, kids can spend their fall break immersed in nature!
This October, we’ll put a spooky spin on our adventures by focusing on nocturnal and misunderstood creatures—the animals that thrive in the shadows!
Highlights:
Themed Activities & Crafts – Create spooky-inspired crafts and explore the secrets of bats, owls, spiders, and other “creepy-cool” creatures.
Live Animal Encounters – Meet Elachee’s resident animal ambassadors up close, including reptiles and other misunderstood wildlife.
Guided Nature Hikes – Discover the wonders of the forest while learning about nocturnal animal adaptations.
Explore the Exhibits – Enjoy our discovery spaces with interactive learning opportunities indoors and out.
Dates: October 13–15, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM* *Extended hours!
Admission: $10 nonmembers/members free
Perfect for elementary aged children and younger. Give your child a fall break full of fun, learning, and outdoor adventure!

Movies at Midland - Film Ready Gainesville
2025-10-14 17:00 - 21:00 | Midland Greenway, 682 Grove Street, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Join Film Ready Gainesville under the stars for a special double feature on the Midland Greenway! We’re getting into the Halloween spirit with a family-friendly favorite followed by a Gainesville-filmed romantic comedy.

5:00 PM – Hotel Transylvania (PG): Kick off the evening with laughs and spooky fun for the whole family.
7:00 PM – Blended (PG-13): Filmed right here in Gainesville, this heartwarming comedy is the perfect way to wind down your night.

Vendors:

PawPaw’s Peanuts – festival style snacks
Johnny’s Pizza – pizza and popcorn
La Lichoacana Es Natural – popsicles and fruit juices
Decoy – Beer and wine

COOLbus Shuttle Service:

COOLbus Service Times – 4:30-9:15pm
Pick up at Main Street Parking Deck (301 Main St SW)
Drop-off near Amphitheatre on Grove Street

Bring your blankets, chairs, and the whole crew for a night of film, food, and fall fun!

Georgia Film Festival - University of North Georgia
2025-10-16 - 2025-10-18 | University of North Georgia – GVL Campus, 3820 Mundy Mill Rd, Oakwood, GA, 30566, United States
Hosted annually by the University of North Georgia on its Gainesville campus, the Georgia Film Festival (GFF) is a three-day celebration of storytelling through film. Screenings take place in the university’s state-of-the-art Hawk Cinema, offering audiences a chance to experience compelling work created right here in Georgia and across the Southeast.
More than just a festival, GFF is a platform for filmmakers to share their vision, connect with peers, and build lasting relationships within the creative community. It’s also a hands-on learning opportunity for UNG students, who help organize and host the event, gaining leadership and professional skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
By spotlighting Georgia’s vibrant film industry and the voices shaping its future, the Georgia Film Festival raises the visibility of the University of North Georgia, the School of Communication, Film & Theatre, and the broader Georgia film community—while inviting audiences to be inspired, entertained, and engaged.

Camp Elachee for Adults - Elachee Nature Science Center
2025-10-23 17:30 - 20:30 | Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville, GA, 30504, United States
Join us for Elachee’s annual grown-up camp experience! Whether you’re an active outdoor enthusiast or a laid-back nature lover, we have something for everyone. Test your skills with archery, challenge your friends to yard game contests, view the awe-inspiring raptor demonstrations, or unwind on our patio with delicious food, live music, and refreshing drinks.

Event Details:
Date: October 23, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Elachee Nature Science Center
Admission:

$25: Non-Member
$20: Elachee Member

Thanks to our generous sponsors, we are able to provide these event tickets at a reduced rate for 2025! All ticket purchases are non-refundable.
Schedule:

Arrive early to make the most of all the fun! Park outside the park and enjoy a nostalgic bus ride to camp—buses run throughout the evening, so feel free to stay as long as you like.
A variety of exciting activities will be available during the event, including:

Archery
Georgia Mountain Falconry – live demonstrations!
Night Hike
Discovery Dome presentations
Live Music
Food and Drink Trucks

Other Things to Know:

Bring your sense of adventure!
Wear comfortable clothes (leave the fancy gala attire at home).
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to have a blast while supporting a great cause! All proceeds benefit our children’s programs and annual summer camp. We can’t wait to see you there!

Find out more info about sponsorship opportunities here: https://www.elachee.org/adult-camp/

Fall Fly-In - Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport
2025-10-25 09:00 - 15:00 | Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport, 1137 Aviation Way, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Join us at Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport for the 3rd annual EAA Chapter 611 Fall Fly-In!
This event is open to the public! Come and enjoy:

Pancake Breakfast
Food Trucks
Live Music
And Airplanes!

For more information, please contact Airport Manager Lisa Poole: 770-538-2470

Q Ball 2025 - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2025-10-25 19:00 | Ramsey Conference Center, 2535 Lanier Tech Dr, Gainesville, GA, 30507, United States
The Quinlan Visual Arts Center is hosting its 4th annual Q Ball, October 25, 2025, at Lanier Tech’s Ramsey Conference Center Ballroom at 7:00 PM!
Guests will enter on a red carpet, be greeted with specialty drinks, and enjoy curated fashion and décor of this year’s theme, The History of Music.
Indulge in the eras of music that inspire delicacy stations and dance the night away to a 14-member band, the Atlanta Groove Factory!
Once you’ve purchased your table/tickets, leave your wallets at home! There will be no auction, no raffle…just your energy propelling the Quinlan’s mission.
All proceeds from this event will benefit EDUCATION at and through the Quinlan.
Tables and Individual Tickets are on SALE!
Catering & Host Bar: Epting Events

Die Laughing: Comedy Night - Blue Door
2025-10-25 20:00 - 21:30 | Santuary on the Square, 107 Bradford Street NW, Gainesville, 30501, United States
Die Laughing comes to Blue Door in Gainesville bringing a line up of comedians that include national touring comedians and regular working club comics featured at national comedy festivals and comedy clubs all over the country!
TICKETS: thedielaughing.com/blue-door
(21+ material)

Headwaters River Rendezvous - Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
2025-11-08 09:00 - 13:00 | Chicopee Woods Aquatic Studies Center – Chicopee Lake, 2100 Calvary Church Rd, Gainesville, GA, 30507, United States
Come out with friends, family, or just yourself to collect water samples and track pollution on both sides of Georgia’s subcontinental divide. Upper Oconee Watershed Network (UOWN) and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper are joining together to gather data about the health of streams and rivers in both our watersheds. We’ll provide instructions on how and where to collect your water samples. Attendees will split up into groups to collect water samples. After you’ve visited your site, drop off your sample at our starting point and enjoy a complimentary lunch while our staff and interns analyze your water samples.
No previous monitoring experience is necessary! Most sample sites are accessible by a short drive and/or walk from our starting point, but volunteers will need to be comfortable navigating to and accessing stream-side sample sites. This event will take place rain or shine from 9:00AM to 1:00PM, so dress accordingly.
Be prepared to team up to drive or walk to assigned sample sites. This is a great activity for families and to do together!
