AN OPEN INVITATION

For a long time now, the City of Grayson has worked hard to give its residents something to look forward to at all times. With 12 free, city-hosted events and two fundraisers staggered throughout the year, Grayson residents need never wander outside city limits for a good time. The biggest hope of the City staff is that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, background or social circles, feels welcome in Grayson.

The creative, energetic and, most importantly, free events that Grayson has come to be known for are the City’s most considerable efforts toward achieving that goal.

The City has been making improvements and renovations to enhance the event experience. The newest addition is the Ampavilion, a performing space that has enabled Grayson to join the ranks of other Gwinnett County cities hosting free summer concerts. Along with a summer concert series, the Ampavilion holds benefit concerts like Peace, Love, Grayson every June and Moonshiners’ Music Fest every October, both of which raise proceeds to benefit the Southeast Gwinnett Co-Op.

But beyond concerts, Grayson strives to dream up unconventional, out-of-the-box events that capture the attention of residents and those outside of Grayson. In addition to hosting free shows and movies throughout the summer, the City invites everyone to join in on the fun at other intriguing events like Shakespeare in the Park, Grayson Day, Block Party, Christmas in July and more. Enjoy “backyard” theater productions delivered in Elizabethan English, celebrate the art of small-town living, kick off the school year in style and visit Santa while sipping cocoa in 90-degree weather, throughout the year in Grayson! spring

Though Grayson continues to move farther and farther away from its mold as a bedroom community (especially with recent developments like the Railyard), the City holds its status as a small-town community close to its heart. For that reason, the few small businesses that do call downtown Grayson home hold much of the City’s identity, which is why the City has begun roping them in to create events reflective of Grayson’s character.

Since there aren’t many food truck options nearby, local restaurants cater to concerts and City events. Instead of hiring a workout instructor to host weekly fitness classes, a local wellness center and Bodyplex team up to do it. Rather than leaving Bingo Night up to retirement and nursing homes, Piedmont Eastside invites them downtown for Bingo, line dancing and more.

“We love participating in the City of Grayson’s outdoor events. While it brings us great exposure in a growing community, we look at it as an opportunity to give back to a community that has supported us throughout the years,” explains Sonny Guy, owner of Moonshiners Bar and Grill, a go-to caterer for many Grayson events.

Grayson has found a way to include all locals and highlight any local businesses wishing to participate in the festivities. With so many residents and outsiders in attendance, these events allow companies to showcase their products and services to much larger audiences than usual. Plus, Grayson visitors tend to seek out goodies at the rest of the town’s shops, making these events a perk for all Grayson businesses.

While most cities host their own seasonal events, there’s something about the intentionality Grayson places behind theirs that sets them apart. They don’t prioritize high attendance and dollars spent but focus on cultivating a welcoming atmosphere. One that resembles Grayson itself, a place free of busyness and crowds and filled to the brim with family, friends and those who will soon become friends.

Grayson Days Festival

Movie in the Park Concerts in the Park

Team Up & Clean Up summer

Peace Love Grayson

Concert Featuring The Breakfast Club

Shakespeare in the Park Christmas in July

Movie in the Park Concerts in the Park fall

Grayson Block Party

Moonshiners Music Festival

Trunk or Treat

Team Up & Clean Up winter

Christmas in Grayson