Community Events

PARENTS, ENJOY A WELL-DESERVED NIGHT OFF!

Send your kids to the Zoo for a wildly fun and educational evening with our trained Educators. 

Activities are purposefully designed for children ages 5-11 and include a guided after-hours tour of the Zoo, games and activities, crafts, story time, and a pizza dinner. 

Upcoming 2025 Dates:
February 14
April 4

Time:
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Member Cost:
$35 per child

Non-Member Cost:
$42 per child

Themes:   

February 14: Curious Cats
April 4: Mystifying Mammals

Age Range: 5-11 years old

Petting Zoo Painters

Join the Animal Care Team and one of our talented animal artists, meeting either the Zoo’s “VanGoat” or “Baaahlo,” and take home a unique work of art in this unforgettable experience.

Learn about the positive reinforcement training process of becoming an animal artist. See firsthand the ways this enrichment activity fits into high standards of care for animals at the Zoo when you meet a goat or sheep and see their art creation in action. Please note that we cannot guarantee a specific animal for your program.

• Meet at the Petting Zoo area of Outback Station 15 minutes before the Wild Encounter start time. 
• Availability is limited for all Wild Encounters. Advance registration is recommended.
• Encounter spots may be available on the day of the program. Please meet the Wild Encounter Guide at the check-in location 15 minutes before the program begins to inquire about availability and to purchase tickets.
• Includes one (1) take-home canvas per registered group.

Days Available: Saturdays at 3:15 p.m.

Member Cost: $67.50  |  Includes one painting per group of four people.

Non-Member Cost: $75 per group of up to four people, + individual Zoo Admission  |   Includes one painting per group of four people.

Age Range: All ages

Step right into a hilarious, and interactive murder mystery where you might just be the killer! It’s the thrilling event everyone’s dying to attend. Don’t let this unforgettable night pass you by!

Get ready for a night of twists, turns, and tantalizing mystery! The Murder Mystery Co. by Scott Cramton welcomes you to a thrilling mystery experience where every clue brings you closer to the truth (or deeper into suspicion). Mingle with intriguing suspects, uncover shocking secrets and savor a mouthwatering three-course meal. But watch out! You could end up as the cold-blooded killer! Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of suspense and laughter. Grab your tickets now!

Participate in a new mystery every month! From the glitz of 1930s Hollywood in “Best Laid Plans” to the roaring 1920s with “Death of a Gangster,” each event offers unforgettable thrills. Boogie at a 1950s sock hop, solve a 90s crime in “Good Riddance,” or celebrate the season with “The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year.” Whether it's a billionaire’s masquerade, a 1980s bash, or a chilling wedding-themed whodunit, there’s a unique mystery waiting for you. Mark your calendar and join the fun. Each month brings a fresh adventure!

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum—an acclaimed museum dedicated to celebrating and preserving America’s maritime legacy—is delighted to present “Beyond the Plate: Sea and Sky,” an exciting new solo exhibition featuring nautical-inspired, mixed-media art by Rob Strati, from September 25, 2025, through April 12, 2026. 

“Beyond the Plate” will showcase new work by one of America’s hottest contemporary artists. Strati has recently enjoyed sold-out exhibits at Duane Reed Gallery in St. Louis and FREMIN Gallery in New York and has sold work to top international art collectors in New York, London, Hong Kong, Dubai and beyond.

Strati’s art incorporates broken porcelain plates that have been embellished and adorned with creative details. The exhibition features the artist’s latest bold, kinetic mixed-media works and limited-edition prints as well as an ambitious site-specific installation that will be suspended from the ceiling of the Ships of the Sea atrium.

All of the art in “Beyond the Plate” will be available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.

Step right into a hilarious and interactive murder mystery where you might just be the killer! It’s the thrilling event everyone’s dying to attend. Don’t let this unforgettable night pass you by!

Get ready for a night of twists, turns, and tantalizing mystery! The Murder Mystery Co. by Scott Cramton welcomes you to a thrilling mystery experience where every clue brings you closer to the truth (or deeper into suspicion). Mingle with intriguing suspects, uncover shocking secrets and savor a mouthwatering three-course meal. But watch out! You could end up as the cold-blooded killer! Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of suspense and laughter. Grab your tickets now!

Participate in a new mystery every month! From the glitz of 1930s Hollywood in “Best Laid Plans” to the roaring 1920s with “Death of a Gangster,” each event offers unforgettable thrills. Boogie at a 1950s sock hop, solve a 90s crime in “Good Riddance,” or celebrate the season with “The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year.” Whether it's a billionaire’s masquerade, a 1980s bash, or a chilling wedding-themed whodunit, there’s a unique mystery waiting for you. Mark your calendar and join the fun. Each month brings a fresh adventure!

Zoo Atlanta is home to a diversity of species of reptiles and amphibians from around the globe. From some of the smallest frogs to the most endangered lizards, join the Herpetology Care Team and immerse yourself in the science behind caring for reptiles and amphibians behind-the-scenes at Scaly Slimy Spectacular!

From some of the smallest frogs to the most endangered lizards, join the Herpetology Care Team and immerse yourself in the science behind caring for reptiles and amphibians behind-the-scenes at Scaly Slimy Spectacular!

Learn firsthand the level of care that is required to care for these unique and important species. Participants can expect to meet members of the Animal Care Team, meet an animal, learn about our positive reinforcement training and enrichment programs, and walk away with knowledge of how to save species. All participation in Keeper for a Day programs is voluntary for the animals. If you love these scaly and slimy creatures, this program is just for you! 

Before registering, please understand that during this program: 

• Participants will perform similar tasks as members of the Herpetology Care Team, which may include raking, sweeping, hosing, scrubbing, and shoveling, and should expect to do some hard work and be comfortable getting dirty. 
• Participants will be expected to participate in all weather conditions, lift up to 30 pounds, and be on their feet for up to four hours. 
• Participants must have the physical ability to bend, lift, stoop, kneel, and stand for extended periods of time. 
• Participants may be exposed to potential allergens such as insects, hay, animal waste, and other potential allergens. Please reach out in advance if you have any questions or concerns. 

Upcoming 2026 Dates:
Wednesday, January 14
Saturday, January 24
Saturday, February 14
Wednesday, February 25
Saturday, March 7
Wednesday, March 18
Wednesday, April 22
Saturday, May 9
Wednesday, May 20

Times: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Age range: 16 and up

Atlanta-based Jazz vocalist Karla Harris and big band leader Joe Gransden serve up their wildly popular, fun-for-the-whole-family Valentine’s Day performance.

Soulful and swingin’ from start to finish, this isn’t your average holiday concert. Expect timeless romantic classics, heartwarming ballads and a perfect night of music, laughter and love.

Karla is renowned for her ability to wash over an audience with beautiful vocals on timeless standards and then light up the room with a blues number that sticks to your ribs. Joe is known for his hard bop approach with his trumpet, and his singing voice has been compared to that of Chet Baker and Frank Sinatra.

How many chickens do you weigh?

How tall are you in apples or inches or pennies? Can you use your foot as a ruler?

Explore these and other questions in this new interactive exhibit in the Discovery Garden!

It may be common to measure using standard tools such as measuring tapes and cups, but Measurement Rules explores non-standard tools such as balancing scales, odometers, calipers, 3-D imaging and counting “Mississippis.” Explore this exhibit and become confident in the language of measurement through length, weight, volume and time.

The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

We’ve all imagined what it’s like to live and work in space, but only a select few have done it. Opening on Oct. 10, those who have lived in space will share their experiences with visitors in our newest traveling exhibition, Journey to Space.

Using hands-on and large-scale interactive exhibits and multimedia components, Journey to Space gives visitors a glimpse at the extraordinary conditions of human space travel, as well as the unique challenges and rewards of life on board the International Space Station.

Gainesville Theatre Alliance presents "The Play That Goes Wrong," by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, Feb. 13-21 at Brenau University's Hosch Theatre, inside the John S. Burd Center for the Performing Arts.

An opening night reception, catered by Nothing Bundt Cakes, follows the Feb. 13 performance.

It’s opening night at the Cornley Drama Society, and everything that could possibly go wrong—does! The set’s collapsing, the actors are forgetting lines (or repeating them), and the corpse won’t stay still. This madcap comedy is a love letter to the chaos of live theatre, where disaster becomes delight and failure is fabulously funny. Expect pratfalls, missed cues and non-stop laughs in this Olivier Award-winning global sensation. Fun for the whole family!

Gainesville Theatre Alliance is an inter-collegiate theatre collaboration between Brenau University and the University of North Georgia.

For tickets or more information, visit GainesvilleTheatreAlliance.org or call the GTA Box Office at (678) 717-3624.

Seating is first come, first served. Gates open at 7 p.m. Concert starts at 8 p.m.

Before Ashleigh Smith won the 2014 Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition, she studied classical music at Georgia’s Columbus State University on a full-ride scholarship. After attending a jazz camp at the prestigious University of North Texas, she transferred to UNT and graduated with a bachelors degree in vocal jazz performance. 

Shortly thereafter, she was awarded a Concord Records recording contract that set the stage for her critically acclaimed 2016 debut album "Sunkissed," which blends her signature mix of R&B, funk and jazz with both original compositions and inventive cover interpretations.

For these Valentine’s weekend performances, Ashleigh and her band will grace the stage with an evening of delicious ballads designed to make their audiences feel the love!

Time: 12-5 p.m.

Come be part of the Fire & Ice Chili Cook Off and Craft Beer Festival in Downtown Blue Ridge. It's a wonderful family-friendly affair!

Warm up with the cozy goodness of chili made by local chefs, then set out on a frosty adventure, hunting for enchanting ice sculptures as you explore our charming shops.

Savor the perfect blend of fiery chili, frosty ice sculptures, craft brews and mesmerizing entertainment.

Atlanta-based Jazz vocalist Karla Harris and big band leader Joe Gransden serve up their wildly popular, fun-for-the-whole-family Valentine’s Day performance.

Soulful and swingin’ from start to finish, this isn’t your average holiday concert. Expect timeless romantic classics, heartwarming ballads and a perfect night of music, laughter and love.

Special Guest:  Multi-instrumentalist Marla Feeney

Come celebrate German Mardis Gras with music, dancing and fun!

Decorate a table with your friends in your favorite theme, or just wear your favorite costume. Anything goes!  (Costumes are encouraged but not required-just come for the fun!)

We will be serving bratwurst with kraut, hot dogs, barbecue and more. We will also have pretzels!

Food and drink (non-alcoholic drinks, beer and wine) are available for purchase.

Prizes awarded for Best Costumes and Best Table Decor.

Live music and dancing!

We are encouraging groups to come and decorate a table. You can pick a theme and dress in costume and decorate the table according to your theme.

Tables may be purchased for groups of 6 for (Price TBA)  which includes 6 passes. If you have more than 6 people, the cost would be the regular admission price of (TBA) per person.

Tables would need to be reserved and paid for in advance.

If you would like to reserve a table for your group, please give us a call at (706) 878-1908 or email us at helenchamber@helenchamber.com.

Please note: we do welcome everyone, even if you are not part of a group! The entrance fee for individuals is (TBA) per person which includes music, dancing and fun!

We hope to see you at Fasching!

At each location (Helen Arts & Heritage Center, Sautee Nacoochee Center, Unicoi State Park, Hardman Farm), local and regional artists will display, sell and demonstrate their skills and bring to life new and exciting pieces. Visitors may purchase raffle tickets to win artwork contributed by participating artists.

Food service or vendors are present at some sites.

There is no charge for WinterFest at each venue.

Discover the rich stories woven into every quilt, tales of heritage, community, journey and roots.

Visit Stitching Our Story: A Celebration of Black History Quilt Show, a vibrant celebration of these powerful narratives brought to life through the artistry of quilting. Celebrate creativity and culture in this inspiring, free event open to everyone, proudly presented by See Clayton County.

1945–1979 Quilts explores changing trends in American quilting from the end of World War II through the resurgence of the craft in the late 1970s. The exhibit highlights the evolution of styles, colors, and fabrics over three transformative decades.

Early quilts reflect patriotic themes and palettes inspired by the postwar period, while quilts from the 1950s introduce new patterns and fresh color combinations. By the 1960s and 1970s, quilters pushed creative boundaries, experimenting with bold colors, unconventional fabrics and expressive designs.

Sacred Threads is a biennial exhibition that features quilts reflecting personal and spiritual journeys.

The exhibit aims to provide a safe space for quilters to express their experiences and emotions through their artwork. The themes explored include joy, inspiration, spirituality, healing, grief and peace/brotherhood.

The Ringgold Depot Opry has been entertaining the Ringgold community for 32 years, and this year is a show-stopping season like no other.

The first show of the year features ’80s rock band, Aunt Betty, live on the Depot stage! Come on out for A Night of Love and Songs at The Ringgold Depot Rock Opry. Door fees collected from the concert will be donated RDO's nonprofit partner, Friends of Crossroads Inc. Celebrate Valentines Day the right way at RDO.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m.

More Info | nothinlikeringgold.com

Tickets | https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/friends-of-crossroads-inc/aunt-betty-ringgold-depot-rock-opry

The Ringgold Playhouse presents "Boeing Boeing," a comedy by Marc Camoletti, directed by Adam Cook. The show starts Feb 14, with additional performances Feb. 20-22 and Feb. 27-28.

Senior/Student tickets are $12 and General Admission tickets are $15. Tickets are available at the door or online at the link below. All Playhouse performances this year will be held at their brand new location at 7847 Nashville Street in downtown Ringgold.

Friday and Saturday Shows: 7:30-10 p.m.

Sunday Shows: 2-4:30 p.m.

Synopsis:

This 1960s French farce adapted for the English-speaking stage features self-styled Parisian lothario Bernard, who has Italian, German and American fiancées, each a beautiful airline hostess with frequent “layovers.” He keeps “one up, one down and one pending” – until unexpected schedule changes bring all three to Paris, and Bernard’s apartment, at the same time.

More Info | nothinlikeringold.com

Tickets | https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/city-of-ringgold-dda/696113034580853bbc81e89e