Explore Gainesville

Girls Flag Football Clinic - Atlanta Falcons
2025-09-02 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Johnson High School, 3155 Robert Wood Johnson Dr, Gainesville, GA, 30507, United States
Experience the excitement of girls flag football with the Atlanta Falcons at a free clinic on Tuesday, September 2, from 6 PM to 8 PM at Johnson High School in Gainesville.
Athletes will train with flag football experts, sharpen their skills through dynamic drills, and build confidence while learning the fundamentals of the game. This clinic is free to attend, but registration is required.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Back to the Castle: A Night of Wizarding Wonder - Elachee Nature Science Center
2025-08-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville, GA, 30504, United States
Back to the Castle: A Night of Wizarding Wonder ✨🦉
Date: Saturday, August 30th, 2025
Time: 6:00–9:00 PM
Wizards, witches, and magical creatures—your letter to Hogwarts ® has arrived! Join us for a spellbinding evening as Elachee is transformed into a school of witchcraft and wizardry for one enchanted night only. Whether you’re a brave Gryffindor ®, a clever Ravenclaw ®, or something in between, there’s magic waiting for you in the forest!
This year’s magical offerings include:
Planetarium Program: Uncover the mystical connections between the world of Hogwarts® and the celestial wonders of the night sky. Learn about the stars, planets, and constellations while immersed in the enchanting atmosphere of Harry Potter®
Potions Class – Create bubbling, fizzing potions with hands-on science experiments
Herbology Class ® Guided Hike – Discover the magical properties of native plants on a guided trail walk
Animal Encounters: Practice Your Parseltongue ® – Meet some of our slithering and scaly animal ambassadors
Butter Beer Station – Enjoy a frothy cup of our non-alcoholic Butter Beer, perfect for witches, wizards, and magical creatures of all ages!
Costumed Photo Spots – Strike a pose in front of our castle backdrop or enchanted forest scenes
Tickets:
$16 for Non-Members
$13 for Elachee Members
Costumes encouraged | Best suited for ages 6 and up | Pre-registration required

August Discovery Saturdays - Elachee Nature Science Center
2025-08-30 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-08-23 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-08-16 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-08-09 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-08-02 10:00 - 15:00 | 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! 🍂

Chicken City Paddle Battle Pickleball Tournament - Gainesville Parks and Recreation
2025-08-30 08:00 - 17:00 | GA
Get Ready for the First-Ever Chicken City Paddle Battle!Pickleball Tournament | Mixed Doubles | Ages 16+
Join us for a day of fun, friendly competition, and community spirit at the Inaugural Chicken City Paddle Battle Pickleball Tournament!
Wessell ParkSaturday, August 308:00 AM – 5:00 PM$50 per teamMixed Doubles | Ages 16+
Spots are limited!Register by August 22 to secure your spot and paddle your way to pickleball glory!
Whether you’re a seasoned player or just love a good match, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Bring your game. Bring your team. Bring the heat!
https://webreg.gainesville.org/webtrac/web/splash.html

A1A: Jimmy Buffett Tribute - Boot Barn Hall
2025-08-29 - 2025-08-31 | Boot Barn Hall, 312 Jesse Jewell Pkwy, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Doors 5:30 PM | Show 7 PM
Ages 14+
A1A—The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show was born in 1991 when lead vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist Jeff Pike invited drummer, harmonica player, and founder of the first Jimmy Buffett Parrot Head Club, Scott Nickerson to join Jeff’s already successful one-man tribute to Jimmy Buffett. In 1992, the band won a Jimmy Buffett Sound Alike Contest for Margaritaville Records, bringing them to the attention of Jimmy Buffett and his organization.
Starting in 1992, A1A was the first band to perform at and repeatedly headline the annual Jimmy Buffett ‘Meeting of The Minds’ Jimmy Buffett Parrot Head Convention and many other national landmark annual Parrot Head Events. These performances laid the foundation for the fundamental building and growth of the National Jimmy Buffett fan base, Parrot Head Club community, and the Trop Rock and Coastal Americana Music genres as they are today.
In 1993, A1A was invited to appear in Jimmy Buffett’s MTV Video, ‘Fruitcakes.’ In 1995, Jeff Pike performed with Jimmy Buffett and The Coral Reefer Band at Lakewood Amphitheater in Atlanta, Georgia. The show was recorded and released as “Jimmy Buffett’s Barometer Soup Radio Special.” This show and Jeff’s performance still receive regular rotation on Jimmy Buffett’s “Radio Margaritaville” on SiriusXM Radio.
In 2012, Jimmy Buffett and his assistant, Mike Ramos, were instrumental in landing A1A in the Lions Gate Major Motion Picture Release, ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting.’ The band recorded Jimmy’s classic, ‘Why Don’t We Get Drunk,’ included in the movie and on the soundtrack released by Capitol Records.
In 2016, A1A was honored to be requested to perform with Jimmy Buffett and Mac McAnally as their band in a private performance for State Dignitaries and some of Jimmy’s personal friends at The Masters Open in Augusta, Georgia. A1A closed out 2016 at The Labor Day End of Summer Beach Bash for The Washington State Fair with Tim McGraw, Kid Rock, and Uncle Kracker.
Today, the band’s popularity continues to grow, and with Jimmy Buffett’s devastating passing in September 2023, their mission, show, and presence are ever more critical.
The energy, musicianship, originality, excitement, and continuous honest dedication to preserving Jimmy Buffet’s legacy that has always surrounded a Jeff Pike and A1A performance are an experience and a driving force that has helped the band remain the first, foremost, and longest-running Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show in history.

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

The Band Loula - The Arts Council
2025-08-24 19:00 - 22:00 | The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring Street SW, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
The Band Loula, a North Georgia duo, blends swampy, haunting acoustic country with raw harmonies and a soulful, song-forward approach. With their signature chemistry and hard-touring ethos, Gainesville natives Malachi Mills and Logan Simmons deliver real, gritty country music that resonates with themes of desire, betrayal, and yearning. After touring with artists like Brothers Osborne, Ashley McBryde, and Elle King, The Band Loula is excited to return to the Gainesville area and perform at the Smithgall Arts Center.

Brian Kelley - Boot Barn Hall
2025-08-23 20:00 | Boot Barn Hall, 312 Jesse Jewell Pkwy, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Doors 7 PM | Show 8 PM
Ages 14+
DIAMOND-selling superstar Brian Kelley enters the next chapter of a record-breaking, history-making career with his sophomore album, Ed & Mary Margaret’s Son. A follow-up to his debut Tennessee Truth and the Deluxe edition via Big Machine Records, Kelley wrote the full-length project solely by himself.
With a sold-out run of headline shows and SURF POST SESSIONS live from Tribe Kelley Surf Post in Grayton Beach, FL – owned by the Ormond Beach native and his wife Brittney, Kelley continues to diversify his thriving enterprise with collaborations including Tribe Kelley (with Brittney), Papa Surf Burger Bar (with Brittney; Jason and Brittany Aldean; Tom and Chris Glavine), and a partnership with Real American Beer.
First known as the Florida half of the GRAMMY-nominated Florida Georgia Line, the ACM Breakout Artist of the Decade Award recipients garnered 19 career #1s and became the first and only act to achieve two RIAA DIAMOND singles in Country music history (14X PLATINUM #1s: “Cruise” and “Meant to Be” with Bebe Rexha). Surpassing 17 billion global streams, selling more than 40 million tracks and 4.8 million albums worldwide, plus playing to over 4 million fans, FGL has been honored by AMA, Billboard, CMA, and CMT Music Awards, as well as having a Florida Georgia Line: Mix It Up Strong exhibit at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

A Night to Remember - Gainesville Civic Center
2025-08-23 18:30 - 22:00 | Gainesville Civic Center, 830 Green St NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
The late August night is set for an evening of grown, sophisticated, and fabulous fun featuring live performances by The N3D Band and Primetime Smooth Jazz Band with Guitarist Douglas Ellison.
Starting with smooth jazz, Primetime sets the atmosphere for easy listening. When you’re ready to put your dancing shoes on, dance and groove to The N3D Band performing the music of the mighty O’Jays and other R&B artists.
You do not want to miss this end-of-summer must-attend All White Party.
To learn more about The N3D Band and booking information, visit www.N3DBand.com.
This event is sponsored by the Grady Young Foundation, an organization committed to serving the community through scholarships and service. Visit www.gradyyoungfoundation.org for more information.

Still Life Three Day Workshop - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2025-08-22 - 2025-08-24 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
The workshop will concentrate on the concepts and principles of composition in still-life painting and how to execute them effectively. The first part of the workshop will include a presentation followed by a live demonstration. Participants will then create their own still-life arrangements using items they bring or materials available at Quinlan.
Starting on the second day, participants will focus on bringing their compositions to life. They will receive one-on-one critiques and guidance as they progress.​

Friday, August 22th – Sunday, August 24th
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Smartphone Photography Workshop - Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville
2025-08-16 12:00 - 15:00 | Atlanta Botanical Garden – Gainesville, 1911 Sweetbay Drive, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Join us for a hands-on photography workshop focused on enhancing your smartphone photos using simple, effective techniques and editing. Set in the serene environment of the botanical garden, this class will teach you how to edit photos taken with your smartphone to bring out vibrant colors, adjust lighting, and fine-tune details. We’ll explore editing tools that improve exposure, highlights, shadows, saturation, clarity, and more, using popular mobile apps.
Whether you’re capturing the beauty of blooming flowers or lush landscapes, this class will guide you through easy editing steps to elevate your images. Perfect for beginners, this workshop will help you transform your everyday photos into professional-looking works of art, all from the convenience of your smartphone.

GlowBand: Tribute to The Eagles & Friends - Boot Barn Hall
2025-08-15 19:30 | Boot Barn Hall, 312 Jesse Jewell Pkwy, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Doors 6:00 PM | Show 7:30 PM
Ages 14+
Two years in the making is GlowBand’s first complete musical show. It runs about Two hours and 15 minutes and formed by GlowBand’s seven musicians and vocalists. The show is a non-stop tour of the Eagles’ top hits from 70’s through the 90’s. It is presented in a “Las Vegas” style format, complete with large stage and theatrical lighting. GlowBand’s crystal clear sound system captures every note and guitar lick. The music, vocals and amazing 4 to 6 voice harmonies are breathtaking, absolutely note-perfect reproductions of the quintessential “Eagles’ Sound. ”Friends included are Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt and Bob Seger. GlowBand’s charismatic performers are fun, engaging, enthusiastic and they entice the audience to sing-along and dance.This must-see production has sold-out every performance and always receives rave reviews & standing ovations.

Food Truck Fridays - Lake Lanier Olympic Park
2025-08-15 17:00 - 21:00 | Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA, 30506, United States
Food Truck Fridays are rockin’ all summer long!
On the third Friday of every month in the spring and summer, come enjoy the sunset from Lake Lanier Olympic Park’s Northeast Georgia Health System Plaza with friends and neighbors! Food Truck Fridays include live music, food trucks, beer & wine tents, and retail vendors. Entry to the plaza and concert is free and open to the public!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW EVENT DETAILS

Art Expression for Grief and Loss - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2025-08-15 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.

Fall Exhibition Opening Reception - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2025-08-14 17:30 - 20:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Join us for the Fall Exhibition Opening Reception at Quinlan Visual Arts Center on August 14 at 5:30 PM, featuring works by Kevin Chambers, Ester Deen, Beatriz Maliszewski, and the Georgia Art League.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Homeschools Days - Elachee Nature Science Center
2025-08-14 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: Early Explorers
Activities to include:

Identification: scat, photos, guidebooks. etc. with “scavenger hunt”
Way finding: Guided at 1:15 and 2:15- how to use map, compass, etc.
Hike using way finding skills and maps of campus and trail connections
Map making: create a map with key components (compass rose, scale, legend, north arrow, etc.)

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

Portrait Painting in Oils Workshop - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2025-08-14 - 2025-08-16 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
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.
Thursday, August 14th – Saturday, August 16th9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Ekphrasis for the Masses - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2025-08-12 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. ​

Back in Time - The Arts Council
2025-08-09 20:00 - 22:00 | The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring Street SW, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Saturday, August 9, 2025
8 PM (Gates open at 7 PM)
OUTDOOR CONCERT ON THE LAWN AT THE SMITHGALL ARTS CENTER – Rain or Shine! Bring Your Lawn Chairs, Picnic Blankets or Reserve a Table Up Front!
Tickets:
Individual Tickets $25
Tables of 8 – $35 Per Ticket (Required Purchase of 8 Tickets)
Please Note: All concert tickets are now subject to Georgia State Sales Tax and will incur an additional $5 per ticket to cover taxes and fees.
About Back In Time
Come sing and dance to that old-time rock and roll as the Back in Time band returns for one of Gainesville’s favorite outdoor summer concerts. Featuring a 11-piece rock-n-roll band with a 4-piece horn section, Back in Time features classic rock-n-roll, soul and East Coast beach music that is sure to rock your socks off. The band brings back musical classics from the 60s, 70s and 80s with hits like My Girl by The Temptations , It’s Not Unusual by Tom Jones, Desperado by The Eagles, and of course the band’s namesake Back in Time, by Huey Lewis and the News.

Summer Exhibition Artist Talk - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2025-08-09 11:00 - 13:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Join Us for Our Summer Exhibition Artist Talk!
Saturday, August 9th
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Come meet the artists behind the work, hear their stories, and dive into the creative process that shaped this year’s Summer Exhibition. Don’t miss this inspiring and engaging conversation!

Quick Pickling: Preserving Your Summer Harvest - Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville
2025-08-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Atlanta Botanical Garden – Gainesville, 1911 Sweetbay Drive, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Preserve the fresh flavors of summer with this hands-on quick pickling workshop! Learn how to safely and easily pickle your favorite summer produce like cucumbers, okra, green beans, and peppers. Discover the art of creating flavorful pickles using simple ingredients, herbs, and spices. You’ll have the opportunity to sample your creations and take home jars of your very own ABGG-grown produce, perfect for enjoying all year long!
Provided Supplies:
Jars for your pickled goodies
Fresh white vinegar
A variety of herbs and spices: dill seeds, garlic, and peppercorns
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Open Mic Night - Blackstrap Rock Hall
2025-08-08 20:00 - 23:00 | Blackstrap Rock Hall, 852 Main St SW, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
FULL BANDS AND SOLO ACTS WELCOME!Show us your talent by performing three of your best songs (15 min or less), whether they are covers or originals. Bring some friends. Be professional. And show us what you got!
We need changeovers to be as quick as possible. The backline will be provided. We will have all the sound checked and ready to go – you will not be sound-checking.
Spots do fill up so sign up online to reserve your spot…https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSetN-1K…/viewform

Excitable: Def Leppard Tribute - Boot Barn Hall
2025-08-08 19:30 | Boot Barn Hall, 312 Jesse Jewell Pkwy, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Doors 6 PM | Show 7:30 PM
Ages 14+
Get ready to pour some sugar on your night out—Excitable is bringing the electrifying energy of Def Leppard to the stage for one unforgettable evening. Experience the iconic sound, soaring vocals, and high-octane performance that defined a generation of rock.
From anthems like “Photograph”, “Hysteria”, and “Rock of Ages” to the thunderous power of “Pour Some Sugar on Me”, Excitable recreates the legendary Def Leppard concert experience down to the last power chord and leather-clad swagger.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering these rock legends for the first time, this tribute show delivers the perfect mix of nostalgia and high-energy entertainment. Don’t miss your chance to relive the glory days of arena rock.

All My Rowdy Friends: Hank Williams Jr. Tribute - Boot Barn Hall
2025-08-07 19:30 | Boot Barn Hall, 312 Jesse Jewell Pkwy, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Doors 6:00 PM | Show 7:30 PM
Ages 14+
The Nation’s One and Only Ultimate Hank Williams Jr. Tribute Show! – “ALL MY ROWDY FRIENDS”!
With his natural appearance, sound, and stage presence, frontman, Frank Morrow keeps the “Family Tradition” alive and does what no one else does better when it comes to portraying Hank Williams Jr.! With his natural look and sound and the stage presence of “Bocephus,” you will be blown away by the “All My Rowdy Friends” Tribute Show!
Nationally touring and performing with his band, “All My Rowdy Friends” since 2009 with a fan base that is Nationwide, he keeps the music of Hank Jr. performed with the same concert originality and high energy show of the actual concert as you would see Hank Jr. today! This show is phenomenal as a headliner act in addition to opening for Whey Jennings, The Outlaws, The Black Hawks, Craig Campbell, Aaron Tippin, Eric Beddingfield, LoCash, Foghat and Colt Ford just to name a few.
Unique in his portrayal of one of the most Award-winning American country singer-songwriter, and musician in the USA, Hank Williams Jr., Frank leaves everyone wondering if that is really “Bocephus” himself they are seeing and hearing! “All My Rowdy Friends” Tribute Show has become a force to reckon with!

Fool House: The Ultimate 90's Party - Boot Barn Hall
2025-08-03 20:00 - 21:30 | Boot Barn Hall, 312 Jesse Jewell Pkwy, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Doors 7 PM | Show 8 PM
Ages 14+
Step into the ultimate 90’s throwback extravaganza – Fool House isn’t just a concert, it’s a nationwide nostalgic takeover! Slip into your favorite retro threads, show up early for a VIP red carpet photo op, and brace yourself for an epic pop culture trivia showdown that’ll challenge even the most die-hard 90s fans.
The party kicks off with a video DJ spinning iconic hits to set the scene, seamlessly transitioning into a full-blown, two-hour live band performance that cranks up the energy. From sing-along anthems to wild party classics, every beat is designed to keep you dancing all night long. And just when you think it can’t get any better – the balloon drop brings the ultimate celebratory twist!
Round up your crew, grab your tickets, and curate your most epic 90s ensemble. Discover firsthand why Fool House is hailed as The Ultimate 90’s Party – where every moment is a blast from the past, reimagined for today’s partygoers!

Back to School Bash - Gainesville Parks and Rec
2025-08-02 11:00 - 14:00 | Midland Greenway, 682 Grove Street, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Presented by Amerigroup, Gainesville Police and Fire, Georgia Mountains YMCA, and Gainesville Parks and Recreation
Join us on the Midland Greenway from 11am to 2pm for a free community event to kick off the school year
What to expect:• 2,000 free backpacks filled with school supplies• Free haircuts for kids• Free lunch and snow cones from Frozen Frenzy• Games, music, inflatable archery with Cub Scouts Pack 16, and fun for all ages
Open to all students and families with no registration requiredLocation: Midland Greenway, 682 Grove Street, Gainesville, GA 30501
Dippin Dots and Pretty Panda face painting will be available for purchase
