About Us

What is Explore Gainesville?

Explore Gainesville is the official tourism branch of the City of Gainesville, Georgia, dedicated to promoting our community as a destination for leisure travel, group and sporting events, and film productions. Funded by local lodging revenue, we create and support events, showcase attractions, and highlight all the ways visitors and residents can enjoy Gainesville’s thriving downtown, scenic outdoor spaces, and unique cultural offerings!

Explore Gainesville Staff

The City of Gainesville Tourism Office (Explore Gainesville) plays a vital role in promoting Gainesville, Georgia as a premier destination for visitors, conferences and sporting events. This department is a well-oiled machine, with multiple divisions working together to attract and engage visitors. From Downtown Gainesville events to Lake Lanier Olympic Park, each division has a key role in ensuring Gainesville thrives as a destination. Fully funded by hotel/motel tax, the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s efforts not only boost tourism but also positively impact the local economy without burdening residents!

 

MEET OUR TEAM

Explore Gainesville Annual Events

Save the date, or rather save the DATES, because Gainesville’s calendar is filled with exciting events. Join us for annual events such as the Chicken Festival, Jingle Mingle, First Fridays, Food Truck Fridays and so much more!

October 30, 2026 Trick or Treat on the Square – Downtown Gainesville
Join us in 2026 on the Historic Downtown Gainesville Square for our annual Trick Or…
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November 10, 2026 Ekphrasis for the Masses – Quinlan Visual Arts Center
Please join Quinlan Visual Arts Center for this welcoming and fun poetry session to learn…
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November 21, 2026 Jingle Mingle 2026 – Downtown Gainesville
Join us on November 21st, 2026 at Jingle Mingle and the Lighting of the Chicken in…
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December 6, 2026 Christmas on Green Street 2026 – Downtown Gainesville
Join the City of Gainesville on the first Sunday in December for our annual Christmas…
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December 8, 2026 Ekphrasis for the Masses – Quinlan Visual Arts Center
Please join Quinlan Visual Arts Center for this welcoming and fun poetry session to learn…
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January 12, 2027 Ekphrasis for the Masses – Quinlan Visual Arts Center
Please join Quinlan Visual Arts Center for this welcoming and fun poetry session to learn…
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Our Venues

Historic Gainesville City Hall

Step into the historic charm of Gainesville, Georgia’s newly renovated City Hall—an iconic landmark that marries timeless elegance with modern sophistication. Originally constructed in 1937, the building stands as a testament to the city’s rich heritage, showcasing beautiful architecture and meticulous detailing!

Lake Lanier Olympic Park

Lake Lanier Olympic Park is Gainesville’s premier waterfront venue, originally built for the 1996 Olympic Games. Today, it hosts world-class rowing and paddling events, community festivals, concerts, and more—all with breathtaking views of Lake Lanier!

Boathouse at Lake Lanier

The Boathouse at Lake Lanier

The Boathouse at Lake Lanier Olympic Park offers a unique and welcoming waterfront experience with breathtaking views overlooking beautiful Lake Lanier. Built upon a foundation steeped in rich history and legacy, The Boathouse towers over Olympic waters that have been igniting dreams for nearly 30 years!

Recent News and Updates!

  • NEWS: Winter Chautauqua 2025

    NEWS: Winter Chautauqua 2025

    The Gainesville Convention and Visitors Bureau (Explore Gainesville) proudly hosted the 2025 Winter Chautauqua conference on March 9–10 at The Boathouse at Lake Lanier!

  • NEWS: 2025 Paul Nelson Award 

    NEWS: 2025 Paul Nelson Award 

    In partnership with Lake Lanier Olympic Park and the Lake Lanier Olympic Park (LLOP) Foundation, the Gainesville Convention & Visitors Bureau (Explore Gainesville) was recently awarded the 2025 Paul Nelson Award for Outdoor Recreation and Preservation!

  • NEWS: Farm Fresh Ontario Visits!

    NEWS: Farm Fresh Ontario Visits!

    In an effort to cultivate an already flourishing partnership with the United States while enhancing their own organization, Farm Fresh Ontario (FFO) sent several dozen Canadians to the City of Gainesville, Georgia to learn about North Georgia’s fruitful agritourism efforts!

Gainesville CVB Advisory Board

Jay Singh

Guest Lodge

Ross Stevens

Ramsey Conference Center

Amy Bradford

Elachee Nature Science Center

 

 

Rand cARSWELL

Carswell Restaurant Group

Nimisha Patel

Econo Lodge

Kate Mattison

Gainesville Parks and Recreation

Stay Connected

Keep up with the latest by following us on our social media!

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🧳✨ It’s Suitcase Saturday, and we’re bringing our appetites to Downtown Gainesville! 🍽️

From local favorites to delicious hidden gems, there’s always something tasty waiting for you around the square! 😋

💬 We want to know: Where’s YOUR favorite place to eat in Downtown Gainesville? Drop your go-to spot in the comments! 👇

#SuitcaseSaturday #ExploreGainesville #DowntownGainesville #GainesvilleGA #DowntownDining #EatLocal #FoodieFinds
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🧳✨ It’s Suitc

A special night celebrating film in Gainesville! 🎬

Our Explore Gainesville team had the opportunity to attend the premiere of Clean hands, a film brought to life right here in Gainesville, GA!

Through our Film Ready program, we're proud to help bring film productions to Gainesville and showcase our community as a destination for filmmakers and storytellers.

We're grateful to have been part of this production's journey and excited to celebrate the talented individuals who helped bring this story to the screen! 🎥

🎬 Interested in bringing your next production to Gainesville? Learn more about our Film Ready program here: www.exploregainesville.org/film-ready-gainesville/

#ExploreGainesville #FilmReady #CleanHands #GainesvilleGA #GeorgiaFilm #FilmedInGainesville
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🎄 We’re jingling before the mingle! 🔔✨

Join us Friday, November 6, from 4–7 PM for our FINAL Welcome Center Day of the year — Jingle Before the Mingle!

🥧 Mini Southern Baked Pies
🎟️ Jingle Mingle pre-sales
👕 FREE exclusive holiday shirt — only available at this event while supplies last!
🎁 Freebies
🐔 Plus a special visit from Jesse the Chicken!

Come get festive with us and kick off the holiday season in Gainesville! 🎄❤️

Learn more here: www.facebook.com/events/948924481163329/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22extra_data%22%3A%22%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22unknown%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22user_timeline%22%7D%2C%7B%22extra_data%22%3A%22%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22events_section_for_community_additional_profile%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22community_additional_profile%22%7D%2C%7B%22extra_data%22%3A%22%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22surface%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22create_dialog%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D&onload_action=open_invite_flow&show_created_event_toast=true

#ExploreGainesvilleGA #JingleBeforeTheMingle #JingleMingle #GainesvilleGA #DowntownGainesville #ChristmasInGainesville #HolidayFun #VisitGainesvilleGA
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🎄 We’re jinglin

Download our Visitor Guide