Lake Lanier and the surrounding communities support an active and creative lifestyle. From boating, fishing, swimming, and sailing on the lake to running, biking, and golfing events, art, museums, and theater attractions, the Lanier area has something for everyone.
To place an event on Lakeside’s calendar, email event information to Lakeside News
Event details are displayed below the calendar.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, event details may change. Please verify event details with the event organizer, prior to attending.
september, 2023
september, 2023
september, 2023
september, 2023
Extended Events
The Arts Council – 331 Spring Street, SW, Gainesville – 770.534.2787
Sept. 8 – Oct. 6 – 2023 Artist Educator Exhibition displayed – 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Opening reception held 6 p.m., Sept. 8. Free.
Sept. 22 – Summer Music Series – Dancing Dream Abba Tribute – 8 pm at the Outdoor Pavilion Stage – Bring chairs, blankets or reserve a table. Gates open an hour before concert.
Sept. 30 – 2nd Annual Oktoberfest – The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center
Bowen Center for the Arts – 334 Hwy 9N, Dawsonville – 706-216-2787
Brenau University Events – 500 Washington St. SE, Gainesville – 770-538-4764
Through Oct. 12 – Leggett Collection – plus other Highlights from Brenau University Permanent Collection will be on view in Sellars Gallery at Simmons Visual Arts Center. Collection consists of oils, watercolors and pastel paintings rendered in a realistic style. Times: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Info: 770-534-6263; galleries@brenau.edu
Through Oct. 25 – Maggie Evans Solo Exhibition – featuring her works at the Leo Castelli Gallery located in the John S. Burd Performing Arts Center at 429 Academy St., Gainesville. Opening reception held Aug. 31 (5:30-7:30 p.m.); Artist talk at 6 p.m. in Hosch Theatre. Info: 770-534-6299
Sept. 14-Nov. 28 – Chris Boyko: Assembling the Masses, in the Presidents Gallery. Opening reception held Sept. 14.
Buford’s 37 Main Events – 37 E. Main St. NE, Buford, 678-288-2030
Sept. 2 – RTW – Funk, Rock, Dance and R&B from the ’70s to the 2000s presented at 9:30 p.m. $7; $69 for table of 4.
Sept. 7, 14, 21 28 – The Andrews Brothers Dueling Pianos Show – Doors open at 5 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m. $25, table for four. No cover.
Sept. 8 – Double Take – Admission: $7; $79, table for 4.
Sept. 9 – Rockforce – Tickets: $10; $129, table for 4. Must be 21-plus.
Sept. 15, 16 – Queen Nation – 8 p.m. with Take 3 (Sept. 15) and Hitlist (Sept. 16). Sept. 15, $17, $225, table for 4; Sept. 16, $17; $250, table for 4.
Sept. 22 – Jonathan Ingram – $10; $49, table for 4.
Sept. 23 – Head Games – $10; $139, table for 4.
Sept. 29 – Whiskey County – $6.30; $49.77, table for 4.
Sept. 30 – Agent X – $3.15; $30.87, table for four.
All shows performed at 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Buford Community Center Events
Sept. 16 – The Randall Bramblett Band – 8 p.m. in the Sylvia Beard Theatre. Georgia native Bramblett has recorded, performed, and composed alongside such stars as The Allman Brothers, Bonnie Raitt, and Steve Winwood to name a few. Tickets: $30-$45.
Sept. 30 – Nightrain with Special Guest Pandora’s Box – on the concert lawn. Nightrain’s tribute show to Guns n Roses has opened around the U.S. for years. Gates open at 5 p.m., concert at 6 p.m. Free.
COE Campgrounds, Lake Lanier
Mar 24 thru Sept or Oct (depending on the campground) – There are seven Corps campgrounds on Lake Lanier, but this season only the following campgrounds will be open: Bald Ridge Creek, Bolding Mill, Old Federal and Toto Creek. Make reservations online.
Clarkesville’s Historic Habersham Community Theater – 706-839-1315
Clermont
Sep 2, Oct 7, Nov 4 (First Saturdays through November ) -Vintage Auto & Truck Swap Meet/Cruise In – 7 am – 1:30 pm – 151 Oxford Rd. (next to Clermont ball field), 4 -8 p.m. cruise in with music, food vendors, Clermont Chattahoochee Park, 639 Main St. www.clermontga.com.
Cumming City Center
Sept. 16 – Andrew Jannakos – 7 – 9 p.m. at Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd., Cumming.
Sept. 16, 17 – Cumming Art Fest – partnering with Splash Festivals is offering some 100 different artisan exhibitors and creative Kidz Zone. Times: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.
Sept. 22 – G Clef & The Playlist – 7 – 9 p.m. This four-piece band performs Motown to Maaroon5, from Hootie to Hip Hop.
Dahlonega’s Historic Holly Theater – 706-530-5162
Sept. 2 – Heart of Atlanta – the Definitive Heart tribute band, reproduces the timeless and influential music of Rock & Roll Hall of Famers – Heart. Time: 8 pm Tickets: $33-$41. Times: 8 pm, Thurs./Fri./Sat.; 2 p.m., Sun. Tickets: $35 adults; $15 students/children.
Sept. 22-24, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Oct. 6-8 – The Music Man – a family-friendly story that is wickedly funny, warm, romantic and touching. Times: 7:30 p.m., Fri./Sat.; 2 p.m., Sun. Tickets: $35, adults; $15, students/children.
Saturdays – Saturday Explorations – Explore live animal showcase and other exhibits 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $10 ages 2 and older, free to Elachee members
Flowery Branch
Sep 3, Oct 1 – (First Sundays thru October) – Music in the Branch – Live music 6:30-8:30 pm, Flowery Branch Amphitheater, 5603 Mitchell St. www.discoverlakelanier.com
Sep 5, 12, 19, 26 (Tuesdays) – Yoga on the Lawn – 6:30-7:30 pm, Flowery Branch City Hall, 5305 Railroad Ave. $5 donation. www.discoverlakelanier.com.
Sep 7, 14, 21, 28 (Thursdays through September) – Flowery Branch Summer Farmers Market – 3:30 pm – 5301 Railroad Ave.
FoCAL Center – 1150 Dahlonega Highway Cumming. 470-695-7826
Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden – 404-888-4760
Sept. 2, Oct. 7 – Cocktails in the Garden – Enjoy a signature cocktail or other beverage, while listening to live music, playing lawn games or just strolling the garden. Time: 5-8 p.m. Admission: Free with garden admission.
Gainesville Theatre Alliance – 678-717-3624
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds – 706-896-4191
Sept. 23 – Rodney Carrington – comedian, actor, singer and writer performs at 7 p.m. at Anderson Music Hall, 1311 Music Hall Rd. Tickets: $39.50, $59.50, $69.50.
Sept. 30 – Mainstreet – A Bob Seger Tribute – featureing Steve Kelly and the Mainstreet Band. Time: 7 p.m. at Anderson Music Hall. Tickets: $35.
Hall County Library
Gainesville Branch – 770-532-3311, ext. 4011
Sept. 2, Oct. 7 – Greeting Card Workshop – Patricia Anderson provides inspiration, expertise, tools and materials. Register at gkoecher@hallcountylibrary.org (18 and up only). Free.
Sept. 29, Oct. 27 – Tea with Jane Austen, 3-4 p.m., Group will be spending a year reading novels and some Juvenilia by Jane Austen, every fourth Friday of the month. Last session will be in November ending with a Jane tea party. Discussions: Aug. 25, The Watsons and Sanditon; Sept. 29, Juvenilia, Volume the First; Oct. 27, Juvenilia, Vol. the Second and Third.
Murrayville Branch – 770-532-3311, ext. 171
Sept. 7, Sept. 21 – Music and Stories – 4796 Thompson Bridge Rd., Gainesville – featuring David and Diane Peoples in a musical concert related to the book “The Journal of Jesse Smoke: A Cherokee Boy-The Trail of Tears, 1838.” Times: noon-1 p.m.
North Hall Tech Center – 770-532-3311, ext. 181
Sept. 6 – The Art of Paper Quilling for Beginners – 3:30-5:30 p.m., 4175 Nopone Rd. Ste. B, Gainesville. Program for students aged 12-18.
Historic Downtown Braselton – Town Green, 9924 Davis St. – 706-921-4016
Sep 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – (Fridays through September) Farmers Market – 4 – 7 pm – Town Green, across from Braselton Parking Deck.
Historic Downtown Dahlonega – 706-864-3711
Sept 1, Oct 6 – First Friday Concerts – Live music in Hancock Park, corner of North Park and Warwick St. Performer lineup: Ugly Cousin, Sept. 1; Kurt Thomas, Oct. 6.
Sep 2, Oct 7, Nov 4 (First Saturdays through November ) – Art in the Park – Unique arts and crafts 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Hancock Park, corner of North Park and Warwick St. www.exploredahlonega.org
Historic Downtown Gainesville
Sept. 1 – First Friday Concert Series – 6-10 pm on the square, 301 Main St. Performer lineup: Mixed Tape, Aug. 4; Six Foot Ramblers, Sept. 1. Set up chairs and blankets 6 p.m. Food trucks, downtown dining open. Info: lshubert@gainesvillega.gov.
Interactive Neighborhood Kids – 770-536-1900
Thru Sept. 3 – Dog Craft Week
Sept. 4-10 – Labor Day Craft Week
Sept. 11-17 – Uncle Sam Craft Week
Sept. 18-24 – Lobster Craft Week
Sept. 24 – Emergency Preparedness Event. Time: 1-4 p.m. Free.
Sept. 25 – Oct. 1 – Johnny Appleseed Craft
Time/Play Blocks: Mon.-Sat.; 10 a.m.-noon; 12:30-2:30 p.m.; 3-5 p.m.; Sun.: 12:30-2:30 p.m.; 3-5 p.m.
Info: $1 with paid admission to museum; members, free.
Lake Lanier Islands Resort / Margaritaville – 770-945-8787
Sept. 2, 3 – Labor Day Fireworks – 9-9:15 p.m. on Paradise Beach. Admission: Beach Fee, $9.99 per person.
Thru Sept. 9 – Live Music performed on Landshark Landing Stage every Saturday – 6-9 p.m. Beach Pass is required.
Thru Sept. 24 – Water Park – opens 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Lake Lanier Olympic Park – 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd., Gainesville – 855-536-1996
Canoe/Kayak/SUP Rentals – Canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard rentals, reserve via email 48 hours in advance for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. $20-$30 per hour, plus $10 for additional hours, maximum 4 hours. info@lckc.org
Thru Oct – LCKC Social Paddle – noon to 2 pm – Fridays, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28, Aug 4, 11, 18, 25, Sept 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27
Thru Oct – LCKC Sunset Paddle – Saturday, July 22, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Saturday, Aug 26 – 7-9 pm, Saturday, Oct 28, 5-7 pm. Open to the public. No experience is necessary.
Sept 9 – Hong Kong Atlanta Dragon Boat Festival – Annual multi-cultural celebration featuring dragon boat racing, ceremonial Asian music and dancing, food trucks and more. Off-site parking/shuttles begin 6:30 am, Blessing of the Boats 7 am, Racing begins 8:30 am, Opening ceremonies at noon, awards ceremony 3:40 pm www.dragonboatatlanta.com.
Sept 23 – Swim Across America – 8 am
Oct 21 – Gainesville Chicken Festival 2023 – Saturday, 11 am – 4 pm
Linwood Ecology Center/Nature Preserve – 118 Springview Dr., MasterGardener@hallcounty.org
First Wednesdays Sept.-Nov – Turning Leaf Book Club – Monthly discussions of nature-themed books, 11 a.m.
Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta – 770-967-6143
Northeast Georgia History Center – 770-297-5900
Sept. 10 – Grandparent’s Day – in celebration of the bond between grandparents and grandchildren, the NGHC offers a tour of the galleries with a Kids Scavenger Hunt and Conversation Stations, sharing crafts and a storytime at 2 p.m. Time: 1-5 p.m. Admission: $8, adults; $7, seniors (65 and over); $6 students; free, children 5 and under; free for members.
Piedmont University – 800-277-7020
Players Guild/Eagle Theatre – 770-945-6716
Quinlan Arts Center – 770-536-2575
Second Tues. each month – Ekphrasis for the Masses – noon to 1 pm. – Writing POETRY in Response to art at the Q, Free event
Thru Oct. 7 – Fall Exhibition – featuring several artists including Patricia Fabian, Josh Mitchell, Shanon Schneider, Michael Parks and Mary Pratt displaying works from mixed media, oil and acrylics.
School Street Playhouse (formerly Cumming Playhouse) – 770-781-9178
Sept. 22 – Oct. 21 – Moon Over Buffalo – enters the lives of George and Charlotte Hay, fading Broadway stars of the ’50s. And everything that can go wrong does go wrong. Times: 7:30 p.m., Fri./Sat.; 2:30 p.m., Sun.
Smithgall Woods State Park – 61 Tsalaki Trl., Helen – 706-878-3087
Sep 2, Oct 7, Nov 4 (First Saturdays) First Visit Tour – Guided van tour of Smithgall Woods State Park to see covered bridge, Duke’s Creek, park cottages, and more. 10-11 am, $5 parking. Donations welcome. Reservations required
Sep 16, Oct 21 (3rd Saturdays through October) – Bays Bridge Hay Ride – Guided hayride to historic Bays Bridge, continuously 10 am – 3 pm – $5, $5 parking.
Tallulah Gorge State Park – 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. – 706-754-7981
Aug 19 – Beginner Archery – Learn to shoot an arrow or improve your skills, 1 – 2:30 pm – Must be strong enough to pull a 30-pound bow. $5 parking.
Aug 30 – Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike – Mile and a half night hike down 310 stairs to suspension bridge over falls, 8:30-10 pm, $10, plus $5 parking. Register in advance.
Sep 4 – Tal-luau, Tallulah Falls Beach bash – to close the season, food, music, prizes and games, 5:30 – 7:30 pm – $5 parking.
Tannery Row Artist Colony – 470-326-6656
Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Dec. 9 – 2nd Saturday events – Public is welcome to meet TRAC artists as they open their doors to their studios, answer questions and share their workspace and artistic process. Noon-4 p.m.
Sept. 15, 16 – Historic Buford Plein Air event features the work by 40 plus artists painting the scenic city of Buford. 5-8 p.m. (opening reception held Sept. 16, 5-8 p.m.)
University of North Georgia – 678-717-3930
Sept. 15, 16 – Georgia Film Festival, a two-day film hosted by UNG on its Gainesville campus, Oakwood. The festival is built to celebrate filmmakers and works made in Georgia and the Southeast. Event schedule is on georgiafilmfestival.org.
Sept. 18 – The Belle of Amherst presented in the Ed Cabell Theatre, Gainesville campus. Times: 2-5 p.m. Info: 678-717-3954.
The Well – 420 Vision Dr., Cumming – 404-271-3178, gigs@thewellga.com
Sept. 1, Oct. 20 – 84 a Tribute to Van Halen - 9:30 p.m.-midnight, Sept. 1; 9 p.m.-midnight, Oct. 20.
Sept.16, Dec. 16 – Slippery When Wet – 9:30 p.m.-midnight, Sept. 16; 9 p.m.-midnight, Dec. 16.
Sept. 23, Nov. 11 – Landslide, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac – 9:30-midnight, Sept. 23; 9 p.m.-midnight, Nov. 11.
Sept. 29 – Purple Madness a tribute to Prince – 9 p.m.-midnight.
Admission to all shows: Free; $100 VIP table.