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!

April 16, 2026 2026 Art Walk – Historic Gainesville
Join Downtown Gainesville for their fourth annual Art Walk!
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April 17, 2026 Food Truck Fridays – Lake Lanier Olympic Park
Food Truck Fridays are rockin’ all summer long at Lake Lanier Olympic Park!
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May 1, 2026 First Friday Concerts – Downtown Gainesville
Join us on the history Downtown Gainesville Square for our First Friday Concert Series!
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May 6, 2026 Blue Sky Concerts – Downtown Gainesville
Join us for lunch on the Downtown Square and enjoy our Blue Sky Concert series!
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May 13, 2026 Blue Sky Concerts – Downtown Gainesville
Join us for lunch on the Downtown Square and enjoy our Blue Sky Concert series!
View Event
May 15, 2026 Food Truck Fridays – Lake Lanier Olympic Park
Food Truck Fridays are rockin’ all summer long at Lake Lanier Olympic Park!
View Event

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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Celebrate Earth Day!
🌱 What to expect:
• Hands-on science activities
• Pond clean-up & trash clean-up efforts (pick up trash, earn a King of Pops!)
• Learn about local conservation and water stewardship
• Family-friendly fun for all ages
Details will be released leading up to the event on the FB Event Page!
📅 April 22, 2026
⏰ 3:00–5:00 PM
📍 Midland Greenway
Hosted in collaboration with Downtown Gainesville, Gainesville Parks & Recreation Gainesville Water Resources, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, and Elachee Nature Science Center!
Learn More:
🔗 exploregainesville.org/science
FB EVENT PAGE: www.facebook.com/events/1438994584672222
#GVLGA #downtowngainesvillega #gainesvillegaJoin us for a fun and interactive afternoon at our very first Science on Main Street event, part of our 2026 Science Series!

🌱 What to expect:
• Hands-on science activities
• Pond clean-up & trash clean-up efforts (pick up trash, earn a King of Pops!)
• Learn about local conservation and water stewardship
• Family-friendly fun for all ages

Details will be released leading up to the event on the FB Event Page!

📅 April 22, 2026
⏰ 3:00–5:00 PM
📍 Midland Greenway

Hosted in collaboration with Downtown Gainesville, Gainesville Parks & Recreation Gainesville Water Resources, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, and Elachee Nature Science Center!

Learn More:
🔗 exploregainesville.org/science
FB EVENT PAGE: www.facebook.com/events/1438994584672222

#GVLGA #downtowngainesvillega #gainesvillega
... See MoreSee Less

Celebrate Earth Day! 
🌱 What to expect:
• Hands-on science activities
• Pond clean-up & trash clean-up efforts (pick up trash, earn a King of Pops!)
• Learn about local conservation and water stewardship
• Family-friendly fun for all ages
Details will be released leading up to the event on the FB Event Page! 
📅 April 22, 2026
⏰ 3:00–5:00 PM
📍 Midland Greenway 
Hosted in collaboration with Downtown Gainesville, Gainesville Parks & Recreation Gainesville Water Resources, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, and Elachee Nature Science Center!
Learn More:
🔗 exploregainesville.org/science
FB EVENT PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/events/1438994584672222
#GVLGA #downtowngainesvillega #gainesvillega

Check out behind the scenes at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gainesville. Looking for a great way to end spring break? Take a stroll at one of the many gardens that Gainesville has to offer!
#exploregainesvillega #gvlga
... See MoreSee Less

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