Explore Gainesville

Four Day Portrait Painting in Oils - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-03-20 09:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Instructed by: Abner Cope
Tuesday-Friday March 17-20, 2026 | 9:30AM – 4:30PM | $260 plus $35 modeling fee
​This workshop is designed to help artists enhance their skills in painting portraits. Painting from the live model, artists will employ various techniques for developing accurate proportions, and the proper placement of the model on the canvas. Participants will receive instructions on starting the portrait with a solid structural drawing done in monochromatic lines and tones on a stained canvas. Instruction will be based on demonstrations, discussions, and individual critiques.

Women's Leadership Colloquium - Brenau University
2026-03-20 13:30 - 16:30 | Brenau Downtown Center, 301 Main Street SW, Gainesville, GA, 30506, United States
Join us for an inspiring afternoon at the twelfth annual Women’s Leadership Colloquium!
This event will bring together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Brenau to hear from inspiring speakers, watch engaging student performances, and enjoy a delightful reception.

Women of the Woods Club - Elachee Nature Science Center
2026-04-03 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-01 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.

Three Day Painting Dynamic Still Lives Workshop - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-04-09 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-10 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-11 09:00 - 16:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Instructor: Qiang Huang, OPA
Thursday-Saturday April 9-11, 2026 | 9:00AM – 4:00PM | $500
Join acclaimed artist Qiang Huang for an inspiring workshop where he reveals his dynamic approach to painting. Through a masterful balance of value, color, edge control, and expressive brushwork, Qiang will demonstrate how to infuse your artwork with energy and emotion. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just beginning your journey, this workshop offers valuable insights into creating bold, captivating compositions that come alive on the canvas.

End Of The Line: Tribute to the Allman Brothers - The Hall at Bourbon Brothers
2026-04-10 19:30 | The Hall at Bourbon Brothers, 312 Jesse Jewell Pkwy, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
DOORS @ 6:00 PM | SHOW @ 7:30 PM
END OF THE LINE IS THE PREMIERE ALLMAN BROTHERS TRIBUTE BAND. HAVING CARVED UP THE SOUTHEAST WITH SOLD OUT SHOWS IN GEORGIA & TENNESSEE, END OF THE LINE IS MAKING A NAME FOR THEMSELVES WITH A SOUND AS CLASSIC & HEAVY AS THE ORIGINAL BROTHERS THEMSELVES.
FROM THE AUTHENTIC, RASPY VOCAL APPROACH OF JUSTIN SMITH TO THE CHUGGING DRUM/PERCUSSION TRAIN OF DAVE CZUBA AND RYAN MCCLANAHAN, THE BAND BOTH PAYS HOMAGE WHILE PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE TIMELESS & EXTENSIVE CATALOG. CARRYING THE WEIGHT OF DICKEY IS ADAM GORMAN, WHO IS THE BAND’S LONE MACONITE, AND JOINING HIM FILLING OUT THE ROLE OF DUANE IS NOAH PAVEY. LAST, BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST, THE LOW END DUTIES ARE VASTLY COVERED BY CASEY CONWAY, WHO IS A PERFECT BOTTOM END SANDWICH OF BERRY, ALLEN, AND OTEIL.
WITH ENDORSEMENTS FROM THE OFFICIAL ALLMAN BROTHERS MUSEUM THE BIG HOUSE, END OF THE LINE CARRIES ON THE LEGACY OF THE ALLMAN BROTHERS WITH POISE & POWER. COME EXPERIENCE THE SOUL, THE GUITARMONY, THE JAM, AND THE RAMBLIN’ SPIRIT THAT STILL LIVES ON THROUGH EACH NOTE HIT.

"Into the Woods" - Gainesville Theatre Alliance
2026-04-11 - 2026-04-19 | UNG-Gainesville’s Ed Cabell Theatre, 2900 Landrum Education Dr, Oakwood, GA, 30566, United States
Gainesville Theatre Alliance presents INTO THE WOODS, music & lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Lapine, Apr 10-18 at UNG-Gainesville’s Ed Cabell Theatre, inside the Performing Arts building.
The show is sponsored by the Gainesville Times.
An opening night reception follows the April 10 performance.
Be careful what you wish for… In this imaginative twist on classic fairy tales, a baker and his wife set out to lift a witch’s curse. Along the way, they cross paths with Cinderella, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, and more. But happily ever after is just the beginning. With a rich score by Stephen Sondheim and a poignant, playful book, Into the Woods explores dreams, choices, and the tangled consequences of desire. Recommended for ages 10+ for mature themes.
Gainesville Theatre Alliance is an inter-collegiate theatre collaboration between Brenau University and the University of North Georgia.
For tickets or more information, visit GainesvilleTheatreAlliance.org or call the GTA Box Office at 678-717-3624.

Composition Strategies for Painting Success with Susie Baker - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-04-15 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-16 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-17 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-18 09:00 - 16:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Compositional Strategies for Painting Success: A successful painting starts well before the first brush stroke. Whatever medium you paint in or whether you paint in plein air or the studio, this workshop will give you the tools you need to compose and design compelling paintings. A morning of inspiring information followed by applying what we are learning in the field will prepare you to move forward artistically with more confidence.
Workshop fee: $450

Homeschools Days - Elachee Nature Science Center
2026-04-16 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-14 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 and Program details coming soon!

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

Expressive Art as Therapy: Grief and Loss with Dawn Columbo - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-04-24 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-21 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-10-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
The arts can be supportive when experiencing grief and loss. Grief can be the end of a relationship, and/or the loss of a loved one. The act of creating something tangible can serve as a form of expression and allow your thoughts and feelings to guide and move you through the journey.
You can create your own art through monthly sessions. You can work at your own pace with at least 3 options available. The art materials/examples will be provided.
​No prior art experience is necessary. No pressure to talk. Just be present, and allow the process of creative writing, collage, painting, and other art forms be a catalyst for self-care.
Members: $40, Non-members: $65

2026 Gainesville-Hall Dragonboat Challenge - Lake Lanier Olympic Park
2026-04-25 07:00 - 15:00 | Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA, 30506, United States
The 2026 Gainesville Hall Dragon Boat Challenge is slated for April 25th from 7am – 3pm!
REGISTER BY JANUARY 31ST AND RECEIVE 10 FREE PARKING PASSES!!!!!
Entry fee includes a 1.5 hr. practice session the weekend before races with trained steersperson: April 17th (evening), April 18th and 19th (day).
This event uses 10-person +1 drummer Dragon Boats (teams of 11) with a weight limit of 2000 lbs. Perfect for the small business teams, corporate teams, church groups, or neighborhood teams! Yes, this event uses the small dragon boats which are a perfect way to get part of your full festival squad improving through practices. 100% of the proceeds of this event goes to LCKC.
All teams will have three 200 meters races (2 heats and a final). We also have the exciting distance race for Open and maybe some openings for a few other adventurous teams wanting to take part in racing for + – 2,000 meters.
-Best Dressed Drummer Contest
-Adrian Williams Most Team Spirit Award
-The Scott Crain Memorial Overall Champion Award
-Medals for top three in divisions
With the sponsorship option, we will put your company logo on a banner that we will hang up on the day of the event, make special announcements about your company during the event, and post your company information on our social media leading up to the event.

Evenings of Intimate Jazz: Joe Gransden Ensemble - Smithgall Arts Center
2026-05-16 20:00 - 22:00 | The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring Street SW, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
The Joe Gransden and his eight-piece band brings the timeless swing and excitement of classic big band jazz into the modern age, led by the charismatic trumpeter and vocalist Joe Gransden. Known for their electrifying performances, lush arrangements, and infectious energy, this powerhouse ensemble delivers everything from Count Basie–style grooves to contemporary jazz favorites. With every note, they remind audiences why big band music continues to thrill, uplift, and bring people together for an unforgettable night of music.
Seating is first come, first serve. Gates open at 7:00pm, concert starts at 8:00pm.

Summer Clay Camp - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-06-01 10:00 - 2026-06-05 13:00, 2026-06-08 10:00 - 2026-06-12 13:00, 2026-06-22 10:00 - 2026-06-26 13:00, 2026-06-29 10:00 - 2026-07-03 13:00, 2026-07-06 10:00 - 2026-07-10 13:00, 2026-07-13 10:00 - 2026-07-17 13:00, 2026-07-20 10:00 - 2026-07-24 13:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Instructed by: Lesther Martin
10:00AM – 1:00PM | $165
Welcome to our Clay Camp experience! Open to ages ten to fifteen.
Our program is designed to cater to individuals at every skill level, whether you’re just starting or have some experience with clay. We offer comprehensive instruction in throwing, trimming, hand-building, and glazing techniques.
Session One: June 1-5
Session Two: June 8-12
Session Three: June 22-26
Session Four: June 29-July 3
Session Five: July 6-10
Session Six: July 13-17
Session Seven: July 20-24
