Outdoor Calendar July 2023

♫ denotes musical event.

o Tallulah Lake Paddle, Tallulah Falls. Rangerled paddle limited to 4 boats, 4-8 people, 9-11 a.m. July 5, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. Register in advance. $15, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.

o Mommy & Me Nature Program, Gainesville. Children ages 18 months to 4 years participate in nature program with parent, 10:30-11:30 a.m. July 5, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. $10 per adult, free to children. Limited to 20 children.www.elachee.org., 770-5351976.

o Group Run Riverside, Gainesville. Run with Lanier Running Club, 8:30 a.m. July 8 & 22, Riverside Preparatory Academy, 2001 Riverside Dr. See website/Facebook page for updates. www.lanierrunningclub.org.

o Adult Learn to Kayak/SUP, Gainesville. Certified American Canoe Association instruction for adults, includes water safety, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. July 8, July 22, and July 29, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. $100. Limited to 4 per class. www.exploregainesville.org.

o Greenhouse Tour, Gainesville. Behind the scenes tour of 3-acre greenhouse and nursery facilities, 10 a.m.-noon July 8, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $34, $29 members. www.atlantagbg.org, 404888-4760.

o Summer Youth Paddlecamp, Gainesville. Children ages 8-14 learn about kayaks, canoes and dragon boats in Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club camp, 9 a.m.-noon in week-long sessions through July 18, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. $175. www.exploregainesville.org.

o Sunset Hike, Tallulah Falls. Ranger led hike to Inspiration Point, highest summit in the park, 8-9 p.m. July 8, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $5, $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.

o Junior Ranger Camp: Take Flight, Sautee Nacoochee. Children ages 8-11 explore Smithgall Woods State Park, Hardman Farm Historic Site, and Anna Ruby Falls for birds, bats and pollinators, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 10-14, Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Hwy. 17. $150 plus registration fees.

juniorrangercamp2023.eventbrite.com, 706-8781077.

o Party at the Pool, Dawsonville. Free swim, music, food and snow cones, 6-9 p.m. July 12, Veterans Memorial Park, 445 Martin Rd. www.dawsoncountyga.gov, 706-344-3646.

o Junior Ranger Camp, Blairsville. Children ages 6-12 learn natural and historic aspects of Georgia’s second oldest state park, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. July 13, Vogel State Park, 405 Vogel State Park Rd. $90, $5 parking. 706-745-2628, www.gastateparks.org.

o Tomato Sandwich Party, Flowery Branch. Enjoy free tomato sandwiches and music, buy local produce, 3:30-6:30 p.m. July 13, Flowery Branch Farmers Market, 5210 Railroad Ave. www.flowerybranchga.org.

o Fairy Tale Friday, Gainesville. Children visit garden dressed as favorite fairy tale characters, enjoy magical activities, family fun, 10 a.m.noon July 14, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. Garden admission. www.atlantagb.org, 404-888-4760.

o Mercury 5K/3K Runs, Clarkesville. 7:30/8:30 a.m. July 15, Pitts Park, Hwy. 197. $30-$55. www.active.com.

o Group Run Wild Wings Lot, Gainesville. Run with Lanier Running Club, 8:30 a.m. July 15 & 29, Wild Wing Café, 311 Jesse Jewell Pkwy. See website/Facebook page for updates. www.lanierrunningclub.org.

o Warrior Red & Run 5K, Cleveland. 8:30 a.m. July 15, Yonah Preserve Ball Complex, 327 Asbestos Rd. $35. www.active.com.

o Chopped Oak Triathlon, Clarkesville. Kids/adults/relays pool swim/bike/run, various distances, various start times July 15, Ruby C. Fulbright Aquatic Center, 120 Paul Franklin Rd. $45-$65. www.fivestarntp.com.

o Edible and Medicinal Plants, Helen. Introduction to foraging, 10 a.m.-noon July 15, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $5, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-8783087.

o Movie Under the Stars, Braselton. Concession stands open at 7 p.m., movie at dark July 15, Town Green, 9924 Davis St. www.braselton.net.

o Beginner Archery, Tallulah Falls. Learn to shoot an arrow or improve your skills, 1-2:30 p.m. July 17, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. Must be strong enough to pull 30pound bow. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.

o Learn to Row, Gainesville. Beginner and refresher classes for ages 14 and older, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tues. & Thurs., 8:30-10:30 a.m. Saturdays July 18-Aug. 5, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. $240/session. www.exploregainesville.org.

o Syfan Supports Rally Fun Run/5K, Gainesville. 6:15/6:30 p.m. July 21, Midland Greenway 682 Grove St. $35. www.runnersfit.com.

o Short Line Trail Hike, Tallulah Falls. Ranger-led 3-mile paved hike, 8-10 a.m. July 22, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 38 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. Register in advance. $5, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.

o Mushroom Hike, Tallulah Falls. Guided hike to identify mushrooms, 10 a.m.-noon July 22, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 38 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. Register in advance. $5, plus $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981.

o Introduction to Garden Plants, Gainesville. Class about aquatic plants in garden, 10 a.m.noon July 22, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. $34, $29 members. www.atlantabg.org, 404-888-4760.

o Harvest Festival, Sautee Nacoochee. Harvest pesticide-free corn, enjoy music, old-time games, pet farm animals and more, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 22, Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Hwy 17. $7, free to children younger than 5. www.gastateparks.org, 706-878-1077. o Sunset Paddles, Gainesville. Paddle on peaceful section of Lake Lanier with Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club guide, rent or bring your own paddle craft, 7:30-9:30 p.m. July 22, Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. $40 boat. www.exploregainesville.org. o Georgia Peach Women’s Triathlon, Gainesville. 400-yard swim/15-mile bike/5K run, 7:30 a.m. July 23, Lake Lanier Olympic Park 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. $115-$170. www.gamultisports.com. o Braselton Police Foundation 5K. 7:30 a.m. July 29, Braselton Brothers Department Store, 9924 Davis St. $30. www.runnersfit.com. o Back in Black, Buford. ACDC cover band, 7 p.m. July 29, concert lawn, Buford Community Center, 2200 Buford Hwy. Free. www.bufordcommunitycenter.com. o Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike, Tallulah Falls. Mile and a half night hike down 310 stairs to suspension bridge over falls, 8:30-10 p.m. July 31, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr. $10, plus $5 parking. Register in advance. www.gastateparks.org, 706-754-7981. o Mommy & Me Nature Program, Gainesville. Children ages 18 months to 4 years participate in nature program with parent, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Aug. 2, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. $10 per adult, free to children. Limited to 20 children.www.elachee.org., 770535-1976.

On-Going

♫ First Friday Concerts, Gainesville. Live music on Historic Downtown Square 7-10 p.m. first Fridays through September. Performer lineup: Backyard Loveseat, July 7; Mixed Tape, Aug. 4; Six Foot Ramblers, Sept. 1. Set up chairs and blankets 6 p.m. Food trucks, downtown dining open. www.exploregainesville.org.

♫ First Friday Concerts, Dahlonega. Live music in Hancock Park, corner of North Park and Warwick St. Performer lineup: Radford Windham & Step Back Cadillac, July 7; Across the Wide, Aug. 4; Ugly Cousin, Sept. 1; Kurt Thomas, Oct. 6. www.dahlonega.org.

♫ Cumming City Center Outdoor Concerts

7 p.m. July 7, 12, 19, Lou Sobh Amphitheater, Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Rd. Line up:

Jimmy Buffett Tribute A1A, July 7; The Bourbon Brothers Band, July 12; Andrew Stanley, July 29. No outside food or drinks. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Free. www.cummingcitycenter.com.

♫ Saturday Night Music in the Park, Blairsville. Local artists share music, 7-9 p.m. July 8, 22, and 29, Vogel State Park, 405 Vogel State Park Rd. Line-up: Mary K. Strother, July 8; John Cochran and the Cowhands, July 22; George Ausman and CW, July 29 $5 parking. 706-745-2628, www.gastateparks.org.

♫ Summer Music Series, Gainesville. Outdoor concerts at Smithgall Arts Center, various Saturdays through September, 331 Spring Street o Yoga on the Lawn, Flowery Branch. 6:307:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Flowery Branch City Hall, 5305 Railroad Ave. $5 donation. www.discoverlakelanier.com. o Art in the Park, Dahlonega. Unique arts and crafts 10 a.m.-5 p.m. first Saturdays through November, Hancock Park, corner of North Park and Warwick St. www.exploredahlonega.org. o Vintage Auto & Truck Swap Meet/Cruise In, Clermont. 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. first Saturdays through November, 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. o Bays Bridge Hay Ride, Helen. Guided hayride to historic Bays Bridge, continuously 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 3rd Saturdays through October, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $5, $5 parking.706-878-3087, www.gastateparks.org. o La Calavera Catrina Exhibition, Gainesville. Explore nine colorful larger than life skeleton sculptures of La Catrina, Day of the Dead figure, by Los Angeles artist Ricardo Soltero, through Aug. 27, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. www.atlantagb.com, 404-888-4760. o Story Times/Sensory Bin Time, Gainesville. Children ages 1-4 listen to stories about bees, flowers and garden friends, 10-10:15 a.m.; families explore themed bins, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. WedSee Outdoor Calendar, page 36

SW. Performer lineup: Marcel Portilla Band, 8 p.m. July 15; Back in Time Band, 8 p.m. July 29; Mary Kate Farmer, 8 p.m. Aug. 12; Dancing Dream Abba Tribute; 8 p.m. Sept. 22. Bring chairs, blankets or reserve a table. Gates open an hour before concert. Various prices. www.theartscouncil.net.

♫ Appalachian Jam, Dahlonega. Mountain music makers pick guitars, fiddles and other instruments on the Downtown Square outside the Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site, 2-4 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 14. www.dahlonega.org.

♫ Music in the Branch, Flowery Branch. Live music 7-8:30 p.m. first Sundays through October, Flowery Branch Amphitheater, 5603 Mitchell St. www.discoverlakelanier.com.

♫ Cocktails in the Garden, Gainesville. Enjoy cocktails on garden paths serenaded by musicians, 5-8 p.m. first Saturdays through September, Gainesville Garden of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1911 Sweet Bay Dr. Garden admission, members free. www.atlantabg.org, 404-888-4760.