Explore Gainesville

Paint Pour - Expressive Art as Therapy (October)
2026-10-24 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Paint Pour – Expressive Art as Therapy (October)
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 11:00 AM-1:00 PM: Colander/strainer paint pour and brief journaling | $55
The facilitator will be offering different types of paint pours on a choice of either a square or round canvas.
This process will be open-ended for anyone interested in loosening up their artwork,
or working through their thoughts, feelings, and ideas with a creative outlet.
No prior experience is necessary.

Halloween on Green - Gainesville Parks and Rec
2026-10-24 17:00 - 21:00 | Midland Greenway, 682 Grove Street, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 | 5PM TO 9PM
Free
Midland Greenway Amphitheater, 682 Grove Street
Food Trucks, Music, Games, Costume Contests.
Movie at dark.
*This is not a trick or treating event.

QBALL 2026 - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-10-24 19:00 - 23:00 | Ramsey Conference Center, 2535 Lanier Tech Dr, Gainesville, GA, 30507, United States
Attire Theme: Cinematic Couture
Music: Atlanta Groove Factory
The Quinlan Visual Arts Center is hosting its 5th annual QBALL, October 24, 2026, at the Ramsey Conference Center’s Ballroom at 7:00 PM. Guest will enter on a red carpet, be greeted with specialty drinks, and enjoy curated fashion and décor of this year’s theme, The theme is Cinematic Couture. Indulge in the eras of the silver screen that inspire delicacy stations and dance the night away to a 14-member band, 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.
WHAT DOES YOUR SUPPORT MEAN FOR THE QUINLAN?
The proceeds from this fundraiser will be directed towards the educational component of the Quinlan’s mission; to include the Quinlan School of Art, an after-school K-12 program that provides formalized education in visual arts. With our accredited instructors, we are expanding our class and camp offerings to include digital art, photography, clay camp, and art as therapy. Funds will also provide need-based students scholarships as well as subsidized field trips. We are also upgrading our pottery and art studios. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

The Great Search : An Afternoon Talk by John Philip Newell - Brenau University's Hosch Theater
2026-10-25 16:00 - 18:00 | Brenau University’s Hosch Theatre, 429 Academy Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Newell outlines the main themes of his ground-breaking book The Great Search: Turning to Earth & Soul in the Quest for Healing & Home. Cami Twilling, director of Earth & Soul, an initiative of study, spiritual practice, and compassionate action based in Colorado, will lead the audience in the spiritual practice of listening within and reflection following the talk.
The event will take place in the Hosch Theatre at the Burd Center for Performing Arts, 429 Academy St NE, Gainesville, Georgia. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required via Eventbrite.
https://www.brenau.edu/news/teacher-and-author-john-philip-newell-to-speak-at-brenau-this-fall/

Homeschool Art Foundations, Ages 11–14, Session 1, Single Class Sign Up - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-10-27 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-11-10 09:30 - 12:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Quinlan School of Art
Homeschool Days | Session One | Individual Class
Foundations Cohort (Ages 11-14) | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Members Price: $40 per class | Non-members Price: $45 per class
Every Other Tuesday
August 4-November 10, 2026 (Eight Classes: August 4, 18, September 1, 15, 29, October 13, 27, November 10)
Collaboration between The Art Room Collective and Quinlan Visual Arts Center.

Homeschool Art Foundations - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-10-27 13:00 - 15:30, 2026-11-10 13:00 - 15:30 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Quinlan School of Art
Homeschool Days | Session One | Package Registration
Foundations Cohort (Ages 6-10) | 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Members Price $288 | Non-members Price $324
Every Other Tuesday
August 4-November 10, 2026 (Eight Classes: August 4, 18, September 1, 15, 29, October 13, 27, November 10)
Collaboration between The Art Room Collective and Quinlan Visual Arts Center.

Homeschool Art Foundations - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-10-27 13:00 - 15:30, 2026-11-10 13:00 - 15:30, 2026-11-24 13:00 - 15:30 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Quinlan School of Art
Homeschool Days | Session One | Individual Class
Foundations Cohort (Ages 6-10) | 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Members Price: $40 per class | Non-members Price: $45 per class
Every Other Tuesday
August 4-November 10, 2026 (Eight Classes: August 4, 18, September 1, 15, 29, October 13, 27, November 10)
Collaboration between The Art Room Collective and Quinlan Visual Arts Center.

Annual Mother Son Halloween Dance - Gainesville Parks and Rec
2026-10-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Gainesville Civic Center, 830 Green St NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29
DINNER, DANCING, CATERED DINNER & COSTUME CONTEST
SPONSORED BY WILSON ORTHODONTICS
Pre-registration is required. by October 25.
6pm to 8pm. Gainesville Civic Center
Pre-k and older
City Residents: $50 per couple
Non-Residents $60 per couple
Sibling Discounts available

Trick or Treat on the Square - Downtown Gainesville
2026-10-30 15:00 - 18:00 | Downtown Square, 112 Main Street, SW, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Join us Friday, October 30th, on the Historic Downtown Gainesville Square for our annual Trick Or Treat on the Square!
Bring your kids dressed up in their best costumes to Trick or Treat at downtown businesses from 3-6 pm!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW EVENT DETAILS

Collage Collective - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-10-30 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-11-06 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-11-13 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-11-20 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-11-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Collage Collective
Every Friday in June | 6 PM – 8 PM
BYOB | 18+ | $10 per session
Drop-ins welcome | Basic supplies included | June 5, 12, 19, 26

Boo-tanical Seed Exchange - Atlanta Botanical Garden Gainesville
2026-10-31 14:00 - 16:00 | Atlanta Botanical Garden – Gainesville, 1911 Sweetbay Drive, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Celebrate Halloween with us at our Boo-tanical Seed Exchange! Bring seeds you’ve saved from your garden or a packet purchased from the store to participate in the swap. Guests will receive seeds collected from heirloom crops grown in our edible garden, along with seeds from local vendors, and create their own bubbling cauldron planter featuring a string-of-pearls succulent. Free with Garden admission.
Schedule: Saturday, Oct 31, 2 – 4 p.m.
Age: All Ages
Deadline: October 17

Day of the Dead Celebration - Gainesville Parks and Rec
2026-11-01 16:00 - 19:00 | Midland Greenway, 682 Grove Street, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1 | 4PM TO 7PM
Free.
Live music, performances, food vendors and activities for all.

Beginner Wheel Throwing and Surface Design - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-11-06 10:00 - 12:30, 2026-11-13 10:00 - 12:30, 2026-11-20 10:00 - 12:30, 2026-11-27 10:00 - 12:30 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Join the Quinlan for a beginner-friendly pottery class with Gracie Jeffords!
Students must be 10 or older unless approved by the instructor.
Unless specified, classes include 25 lbs. of clay, glazing, and firing.​
$210 per session.
Visit the link for more information or to register for a session!

Ekphrasis for the Masses - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-11-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Writing POETRY in Response to Art at the Q
Second Tuesday of each month at the Quinlan
12:00 pm- 1:00 pm I Open to the Public
What is Ekphrasis?
The word ekphrasis comes from the Greek language and is used for a vivid, often dramatic, verbal description of a visual work of art.
Ekphrastic poetry may include literal descriptions of a work of art, the poet’s mood in response to a work of art, metaphorical associations inspired by a work of art, or personal memories about a work of art.
Five ways to write an Ekphrastic poem or story.
– Describe what you see
-Describe what’s happening beyond the frame
– Write from the perspective of the artist
-Give voice to a major or minor character in the image
-Explain your response to the art
The “Q” continues to be a fountain of inspiration for artists, writers, readers and poets! Their 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 QVAC 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.

Fall Pottery Camp and Art Market - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-11-20 12:00 - 2026-11-22 18:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Fall Pottery camp; Art Market
Shop Handmade This Holiday Season and Support Local Artisans
Friday, November 20 | 12 PM – 8 PM
Saturday, November 21 | 10 AM – 6 PM
Sunday, November 22 | 12 PM – 6 PM

Jingle Mingle 2026 - Downtown Gainesville
2026-11-21 16:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Square, 112 Main Street, SW, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Join us on November 21st, 2026 at Jingle Mingle and the Lighting of the Chicken in Roosevelt 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

The Gilded Age - NEGA History Center
2026-12-01 08:00 - 17:00 | NEGA History Center, 322 Academy St NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
The Northeast Georgia History Center is highlighting the Gilded Age this December. Stay tuned for more info!

****Date and time will be updated soon!

Homeschool Art Explorations, Ages 11-14, Session 2, Package Registration - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-12-01 09:30 - 12:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Quinlan School of Art
Homeschool Days | Session Two | Package Registration
Exploration Cohort (Ages 11-14) | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Members Price $288 | Non-members Price $324
Every Other Tuesday
December 1-March 23, 2027 (Eight Classes: December 1, 15, January 12, 26, February 9, 23, March 9, 23)
Collaboration between The Art Room Collective and Quinlan Visual Arts Center.

Homeschool Art Foundations, Ages 11–14, Session 2, Single Class Sign Up - Quinlan Visual Arts Center
2026-12-01 09:30 - 12:00 | Quinlan Visual Arts Center, 514 Green Street NE, Gainesville, GA, 30501, United States
Quinlan School of Art
Homeschool Days | Session Two | Individual Class
Explorations Cohort (Ages 11-14) | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Members Price: $40 per class | Non-members Price: $45 per class
Every Other Tuesday
December 1-March 23, 2027 (Eight Classes: December 1, 15, January 12, 26, February 9, 23, March 9, 23)
Collaboration between The Art Room Collective and Quinlan Visual Arts Center.
