Explore Gainesville

Hops and Holly: Wreath Making Workshop - Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville
2025-11-22 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Atlanta Botanical Garden – Gainesville, 1911 Sweetbay Drive, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Do you love plants and beer? Then this is the class for you! Join our horticulturists as they walk you through the creation of your evergreen wreath using unique and easy techniques. One garden beer and materials for your wreath are included in the ticket price. Ages 21+
Special Note: Participants will be using staple guns to build their wreaths. Please keep this in mind upon registration.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

The Nutcracker - Gainesville Ballet Company
2025-11-22 13:00, 2025-11-22 18:30, 2025-11-23 14:00 | Brenau University’s Pearce Auditorium, 202 Boulevard NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Experience the magic of The Nutcracker this holiday season with the Gainesville Ballet Company!
Nothing quite captures the spirit of the festive season like Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker combined with the historic beauty of Brenau University’s Pearce Auditorium.
The Nutcracker is an iconic ballet that recounts the tale of young Clara, who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince, a fierce battle with the Rat King, and a trip to the Sugar Plum Fairy’s royal court! With stunning costumes, beautiful music, and breathtaking dance, the Nutcracker is a holiday tradition that the entire family can enjoy.
To purchase tickets for this unforgettable performance, visit the Gainesville Ballet Company’s website. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create lasting memories with loved ones and experience the magic of The Nutcracker!

Jingle Mingle 2025 - Downtown Gainesville
2025-11-22 16:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Square, 112 Main Street, SW, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Join us November 22nd, 2025 at Jingle Mingle when we LIGHT IT UP, (the 25 foot metal chicken sculpture on top of Main Street Market) on the Downtown Gainesville Square!

As one of the Southeast’s quirkiest, fun, family-friendly events, Jingle Mingle is the perfect way to start your holiday season here in the Poultry Capital of the World!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW EVENT DETAILS

Die Laughing Comedy - NoFo Gainesville
2025-11-22 20:00 - 21:30 | Nofo Brewing Co., 434 High St SE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Die Laughing Comedy comes to NOFO with their lineup of stand up comedians featuring, national touring comedians, working club comics, and up and coming talent.
Grab a craft beer or cocktail in this brewery and kick back with laughs.
Now in ALL NoFo locations!
Recommended age 21+
Purchase Final. No Refunds.
NOTE: in event of a rescheduled show, purchased tickets transfer to new date.

November No School Nature Days - Elachee Nature Science Center
2025-11-24 - 2025-11-26 | Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville, GA, 30504, United States
Discover Our Land’s History at Elachee!
When school is out, adventure is in! Join us this November for No School Nature Days, where kids dive into the stories of the land we call home. Through engaging activities, guided hikes, and creative crafts, children will explore the history of the Creek and Cherokee peoples, learning how nature and culture are beautifully connected.
Highlights:
Themed Activities & Crafts – Create hands-on projects inspired by Cherokee traditions and the creek that shaped this land.
Live Animal Encounters – Meet Elachee’s animal ambassadors and learn how wildlife has always been part of our region’s story.
Guided Nature Hikes – Explore the Chicopee Woods while discovering how people of the past lived with and learned from the forest.
Explore the Exhibits – Enjoy our discovery spaces with interactive learning opportunities indoors and out.
Dates: November 24, 25, 26, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Admission: $10 nonmembers / members free
Perfect for elementary-aged children and younger. Give your child a school break filled with history, culture, and outdoor adventure!

Annual Holiday Celebration and Gala - Brenau University
2025-11-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Brenau University’s Pearce Auditorium, 202 Boulevard NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
All aboard The Golden Express! Join the Brenau University Departments of Music and Dance for an unforgettable holiday celebration filled with song, dance, and festive cheer. Inspired by the spirit of a holiday train journey—and Brenau’s signature black and gold—this collaborative performance will feature lively singing, spirited dancing, instrumental music, and even an audience singalong. Come experience the joy of the season through music and movement. Free and open to the public, this event is a holiday tradition you won’t want to miss!
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Behind the Scenes: Animal Care in Action - Elachee Nature Science Center
2025-11-27 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-04 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville, GA, 30504, United States
Get an up-close look at what it takes to care for Elachee’s resident animal ambassadors! Join our Animal Curator and volunteers each Thursday afternoon to assist with real animal care tasks—like feeding, habitat upkeep, and enrichment—while learning fascinating facts about the reptiles, amphibians, and other creatures that call Elachee home.
Perfect for curious minds ages 8 and up—space is limited for this hands-on experience!
Admission: $10 non-members, members free

Elementary Art I: Art Adventures - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2025-11-27 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-04 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-11 15:00 - 16:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
This early education class nurtures children’s sense of wonder while engaging them with various mediums and beginner techniques. Students are encouraged to use their natural sense of wonder to explore, play and create, while learning about the basic elements of art and some fun famous artists too!
Ages: 6-8
Thursdays | 3:00 – 4:00 PM | $225 per session
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October 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20, 27, and December 4, 11, 18

Elementary Art II: Art Explorations - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2025-11-27 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-04 16:00 - 17:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
This exciting class will meet twice a week and explore painting, sculpture, collage and/or drawing in a confidence building, hands on, setting. These students will be introduced to different art styles, and various mediums, while making their own masterpieces! We will also learn some of the great artists of history and their most famous pieces. Build confidence, have fun and learn art!
Ages 9-11
Thursdays | 4:00 – 5:00 PM | $225 Per Session
October 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20, 27, and December 4, 11, 18

Holly Jolly Trolley - Downtown Gainesville
2025-11-29 - 2025-12-27 | Downtown Square, 112 Main Street, SW, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Oh, what fun it is to ride … on the Holly Jolly Trolley!
The Holly Jolly Trolley returns this holiday season to connect City of Gainesville residents and visitors with the historic square, home of award-winning growlers and tasting rooms, restaurants and retailers; and Wilshire Wonderland of Lights, an annual holiday offering at Wilshire Trails Park hosted by Gainesville Parks & Recreation.
Schedule:
Thursday-Saturday from 5-10 PM
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Dueling Pianos: Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - The Hall at Bourbon Brothers
2025-11-29 19:30 | The Hall at Bourbon Brothers, 312 Jesse Jewell Pkwy, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
DOORS @ 5:00 PM | SHOW @ 7:30 PM
Get Ready for the 3rd Annual Dueling Pianos: Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree!
Our talented Dueling Pianists are back to bring you an unforgettable night of holiday cheer and high-energy entertainment! This festive showdown will have both pianists battling it out in a lively musical duel, filling the room with holiday classics, song requests, and interactive sing-alongs. Expect non-stop fun, dancing, and plenty of laughs–perfect for kicking off the holiday season in style! Don’t miss this crowd favorite that’s sure to be a highlight of the season!

Die Laughing: Comedy Night - Blue Door
2025-11-29 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)

Thunderstruck: America's AC/DC Tribute - Boot Barn Hall
2025-12-03 19:30 | Boot Barn Hall, 312 Jesse Jewell Pkwy, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
DOORS @ 6 PM | SHOW @ 7:30 PM
Thunderstruck: America’s AC/DC Tribute gives fans so much more than the sound of AC/DC, they truly capture the high voltage energy and experience! For fans, it’s about a sense of familiarity, and it’s about a feeling that snatches up listeners and takes over. It’s about a contagious kind of power and electricity that few AC/DC tribute bands can provide. From Kyle LaPato’s strong on-stage performance replicating Angus Young, to Bobby Lee Stamper’s versatile vocals mimicking both Bon Scott and Brian Johnson ranges. Then you have the incredible rhythm section made up of Kevin Feller on rhythm guitar, Corey Baetz on drums, and Chris Jones on bass. They provide the groove and the swing to keep you shakin’ all night long. “Thunderstruck” gives a complete, and consistent quality live show every time, and they always showcase “The Spirit of AC/DC”.

Women of the Woods Club - Elachee Nature Science Center
2025-12-05 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.

Christmas Voices - Voices of North Georgia
2025-12-05 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-12-06 19:30 - 21:00 | St. Paul United Methodist Church, 404 Washington Street, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Ring in the holiday season with Christmas Voices, a joyful concert filled with the sounds of hope, peace, and cheer. Voices of North Georgia invites you to experience the magic of Christmas through a heartwarming blend of traditional carols, festive favorites, and Christmas classics that capture the spirit of the season.
Special Friday Night Reception
Following our Friday evening performance, join us for a holiday reception featuring delicious treats from Puzzle Piece Bakery! Enjoy the festive atmosphere, connect with fellow music lovers, and share in the joy of community.
Holiday Basket Raffle
Don’t forget to bring some cash and enter our Holiday Basket Raffle! Each ticket purchased supports our mission as a community choir and helps us continue bringing beautiful music to North Georgia.

Holly Jolly Market - Gainesville Times
2025-12-07 13:00 - 16:00 | Gainesville Times, 345 Green Street, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Join the Gainesville Times for the First Annual Holly Jolly Market during Christmas on Green Street!
Enjoy a festive shopping experience with local artisans, crafters, and businesses!
Discover unique holiday gifts, support local vendors and enjoy holiday spirit.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Christmas on Green Street 2025 - Downtown Gainesville
2025-12-07 15:00 - 19:00 | Historic Green Street, 830 Green St NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Join us in 2025 for Christmas on Green Street!
Join the City of Gainesville on the first Sunday in December for our annual Christmas on Green Street celebration! This magical event includes a parade of antique cars, holiday floats, marching bands, and community groups starting at the Gainesville Civic Center and continuing all the way down Green Street!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE EVENT DETAILS

Lanier Chamber Singers: Sing a Song of Christmas - GFUMC
2025-12-07 16:00 - 17:00 | Gainesville First United Methodist Church, 2780 Thompson Bridge Rd, Gainesville, GA, 30506, United States
Step into a world of musical enchantment as the Lanier Chamber Singers present Sing a Song of Christmas: Carols of Hope and Joy.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in the church office or online at www.lanierchambersingers.org. Students admitted free with valid ID.

Wheel of Fortune LIVE! - Boot Barn Hall
2025-12-08 - 2025-12-09 | Boot Barn Hall, 312 Jesse Jewell Pkwy, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Doors 5:00 PM | Show 7:00 PM
All Ages Welcome | Must be 18 or older to participate on stage
Wheel of Fortune LIVE! brings America’s Game® to your hometown! The all-new live stage show with a well-known host is the one-and-only way you can have the chance to spin a replica of the wheel and win prizes outside of Sony Pictures Studios. At Wheel of Fortune LIVE!, contestants are selected from the audience to go on stage and step into the game show itself. They’ll have a chance to spin, solve puzzles, and win fantastic prizes at every show, including trips to Paris or Hawaii or up to $10,000 cash. Everyone gets in on the fun and a chance to win at Wheel of Fortune LIVE!
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Food service will only be provided from 5pm-7pm for this show.

Ekphrasis for the Masses - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2025-12-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
The “Q” continues to be a fountain of inspiration for artists, writers, readers and poets! Our walks through each gallery inspired by the art we see there have been rich in so many ways. It is a joy to have patrons of Ekphrasis return, eager to discover nuances. Please join us for this welcoming and fun poetry session to learn more about ekphrastic poetry and to write poems of your own! All levels of writers and poets are welcome. Feel free to ask a Quinlan staff member for a chair if you wish to write in the presence of the artwork; sit in the Quinlan’s Sculpture Garden for some fresh air; take a photograph of the piece and write at your leisure. ​

Forum Lecture Series: Santa's Fashion Through the Ages - NEGA History Center
2025-12-09 19:00 - 20:00 | NEGA History Center, 322 Academy St NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
With Special Guest Speaker: Santa himself!
Join us and learn about how Santa Claus’s wardrobe has evolved with the changing times. The lecture will be followed by a short Question and Answer session with our special guest speaker.
Preregistration Now Open!

Homeschools Days - Elachee Nature Science Center
2025-12-11 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 learn how to navigate and identify like some of Georgia’s earliest explorers.
Theme: Winter/Slowing Cycles of Nature
Activities to include:

Plants- Tree unit activities
Mammals- Hibernation
Reptiles/amphibians- Brumation and animal experience
Weather/solstice- Discovery dome

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
