The DiG - July/August 2026

A SUMMER

WELL SPENT

JULY/AUGUST 2026

EATS:

DIY SNACKLE BOX

ARTS:

INDOOR VS. OUTDOOR FUN

EXPLORE:

GEOCACHING GEMS DigGwinnett.com | #DigGwinnett

Bringing 66 Years of Love TO GWINNETT COUNTY

Summer Lovin

HAVING A BLAST!

Make this summer a blast when you send a special arrangement from Lovin Florist! Shop home decor and chocolate at the Braselton location and beautiful unique gifts including candles, clothing, and more at the Lawrenceville location.

LAWRENCEVILLE: 770-963-2182 • OPEN UNTIL 8PM Thur-Fri-Sat BRASELTON BUFORD WEDDINGS AND EVENTS STUDIO: 678-975-7584 COMING SOON – NEW MONROE LOCATION! Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for Grand Opening Celebration updates including Flower Bar and special Meet and Greet!

www.LovinFlorist.com

BUFORD WEDDINGS AND EVENTS STUDIO 5153 Belle Wood Court Buford, GA 30518 470-266-1187

UPROOTED

FRESH NEWS, JUST DUG UP.

EATS

Photo courtesy: @coffeewithzo

A WHOLE LATTE VIBES

Your next coffee obsession has officially entered the chat. Hayat Coffee Co., which opened in Duluth, is serving up Middle Eastern-inspired flavors, aesthetic vibes and drinks worth posting about. Sip on a Sultan latte, try a Spanish rose matcha and grab a slice of date cake. Trust us, this spot is brewing up plenty of buzz.

Location: 2870 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.

Suite G, Duluth

FRESH NEWS, SERVING SWEETNESS JUST DUG UP.

ARTS

EVENTS

Photo courtesy: ScentTok Craft Cafe

WHERE CRAFTS MEET CAFFEINE

Just outside Gwinnett in Johns Creek, ScentTok Craft Cafe is where creativity and caffeine collide.

Opened in early May, this artsy hideaway serves up colorful drinks, Asian-fusion comfort food and hands-on crafting experiences, from crystal bracelets to fragrance charms. Equal parts cafe, studio and hangout spot, it's the kind of place where a quick coffee run turns into a full-blown adventure.

Location: 6000 Medlock Bridge Pkwy. Unit B600, Johns Creek

THE COOLEST VIEW IN THE GAME

Atlanta’s Glacier Ice Bar & Kitchen celebrated its grand opening on June 8, bringing a high-energy, cinematic dining and nightlife experience to the city. This immersive hotspot surrounds guests with 360° LED visuals, ice-inspired design and electric vibes. From game days to fight nights and big events, every seat feels front-row. Eat, sip and escape the ordinary.

Location: 4015 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Unit 100 Peachtree Corners

Photo courtesy: Lumier's Chimney Cake

Sweet tooths, consider this your sign. Lumier’s Chimney Cake opened in Peachtree Corners and is bringing a taste of Europe to the suburbs.

These freshly baked chimney cakes are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and loaded with everything from Nutella to ice cream. Bonus points for the cozy vibe and seriously photoworthy treats.

Location: 6135 Peachtree Pkwy. NW Suite 605, Peachtree Corners

Photo courtesy: Suwanee Frame & Art

WALLS WORTH STARING AT

Fresh on the Suwanee scene since early June, Suwanee Frame & Art is more than just a framing shop. It's a creative playground for art lovers of all ages. Browse contemporary works from local and Asian artists, frame your favorite treasures or tap into your artistic side through hands-on classes and workshops. A place where every piece finds its perfect frame, every wall tells a story and every visit feels like stepping into your own personal gallery moment.

Location: 340 Town Center Ave. A6, Suwanee

Photo courtesy: The Local Bean

SANTA RUNS ON COFFEE TOO

Since opening in early June, The Local Bean in Loganville has been serving more than coffee and connection. Built on Brazilian coffee culture and local roots, the shop pairs artisan brews with fresh bakery treats and relaxed porch seating. And because every season deserves magic, Christmas in July takes place July 13 through July 18 with festive drinks, holiday tunes and Santa maybe swapping milk and cookies for coffee.

Location: 303 Main St., Loganville

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The DiG is a free distributed publication that is available at many locations around Gwinnett. Contact us to find out how you can be a part of The DiG. Find us online at DiGGwinnett.com.

THE DIGGERS PUBLISHER: Pam Ledbetter MANAGING EDITOR: Mina Kinjo EDITOR: Ashley Topham ART DIRECTOR: Lily Rhyne CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Lee Bowden Joni Buford Rylee Govoreau Rachel Jeffers Mina Kinjo Anabel Kissel Jay Ledbetter Janet McCray Chloe Rhoden Nicholas Rosati Ashley Topham WEBSITE MANAGEMENT: Nick Ledbetter ADVERTISE WITH US: Janet McCray Janet@accentcreativegroup.com (678) 407-8820 COVER PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: East2West Creative

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Photo courtesy: City of Lawrenceville

WHAT'S THE

SCOOP?

Hey DiG Fam! Summer has officially slipped into its “main character era,” and honestly, it's delivering. The sun is sticking around longer, group chats are buzzing again and every weekend feels like it’s quietly asking, so… what are we doing? The truth is, you don’t need a packed itinerary or a big vacation budget to make this season feel full. Sometimes the best summer memories come from a local park, a spontaneous snack run or a DIY idea that gets a little more competitive than expected.

First up, we’re snacking our way across Gwinnett with Snackle Box Adventures (pg. 6), and yes, it’s exactly as fun as it sounds. Think less “grab and go” and more “curate your own snack journey.”

From pantry staples to local treats, fresh market finds and unexpected specialty stops, it’s part food hunt, part road trip and all flavor-filled fun. Because snacks just hit different when they come with a little adventure.

Next, we’re heading straight into the heart of summer energy with our Lawrenceville Spotlight (pg. 18), and trust us, you’re going to want to linger. This is where patio strolls, global eats, artsy corners and nonstop events turn an ordinary day into a “how is it already evening?” kind of experience. From square-side bites and live happenings to cultural gems tucked around every corner, Lawrenceville doesn’t just host summer, it celebrates it.

Then we’re diving into one of summer’s favorite debates in Would You Rather: Indoor Summer vs. Outdoor Summer (pg. 21).

Are you chasing every bit of sunshine, parks, splash pads, skate parks, wildlife encounters and all? Or are you posted up indoors, leaning into bowling nights, roller skating, karaoke sessions and

Photo courtesy: Anabel Kissel

iced coffee stops that somehow turn into the highlight of the week? Either way, Gwinnett’s got options that keep summer fun whether you’re sweating it out or cooling it down.

And when the calendar starts looking a little too open, we’re bringing the fun home with DIY Summer Activities (pg.

28). Think Pinterest ideas meet $20 store run creativity, pool noodles turned bubble blowers, mystery sour candy battles and toy archery painting sessions that somehow become actual masterpieces. It’s hands-on, a little chaotic and proof that you don’t need much to make a whole lot of summer magic.

For the romantics (or the “global getaway, no boarding pass required” crowd), we’re heading international in An International Date Night Adventure (pg. 30). No flights, no stress, just a market stroll turned into a cultural experience.

Explore Eastern European specialties, nostalgic imported treats and aisle by aisle discoveries that turn an ordinary evening into a flavorful trip around the world. It’s all about connection, curiosity and a really good bite.

So what’s your summer vibe this year? Outdoor explorer, indoor escape artist, snack curator or DIY chaos creator?

Whatever your answer, this issue is packed with ways to make the most of every sunny and sometimes sweaty moment.

Share your summer fun with #DigGwinnett and #WeDigIt, and follow along on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @diggwinnett. Here’s to long days, loud laughs and a season worth remembering.

FREE, FUN, & FULL OF JOY Red, White, Woof & You

Gwinnett Art Expo!

July 4 | 11:00am – 4:00pm Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center Lawrenceville

August 22 | 11:00am – 4:00pm George Pierce Park | Suwanee

Resale Market

Popsicles in the Park

August 22 | Noon – 2:30pm Lilburn Activity Building | Lilburn

July 10 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm Bogan Park | Buford

Rise & Shine on the River

Health Hero Day! July 11 | 9:00am – noon Community Resource Center at Georgia Belle Court | Norcross

August 29 | 9:00am – noon Jones Bridge Park Peachtree Corners

Food Truck Frenzy

Lenora School Jam

August 29 | 11:30am – 3:30pm Rhodes Jordan Park Lawrenceville

July 11 | 10:00am – 2:00pm Lenora Park | Snellville

Food Truck Fridays Through July 31 | 4:30pm – 8:00pm Shorty Howell Park | Duluth

All events are free.

Scan the QR code to find more events in Gwinnett!

EATS

EATS

GRAB & GO:

SNACKLE BOX ADVENTURES By: Anabel Kissel

Before a road trip, I feel a sense of dread thinking about how much money I’ll spend on fast food and gas station chips. When I caught wind of a lunchbox trend combining fishing puns and meal prep, I had to give it a try. The Snackle Box repurposes a tackle box, substituting hooks and lures for cheese and crackers. This compartmentalized charcuterie carrier is perfect for road trips, which gave me an idea. Instead of making a Snackle Box to take on a road trip, I would take a road trip to make a Snackle Box, fishing for the best snacks from both my kitchen and local businesses.

The first destination: my pantry! I filled the middle row of my Snackle Box with nuts, pretzels, craisins and berries I already had at home. Then I set the GPS for my next stop, Nancy’s Candy

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& Spice in Downtown Lawrenceville. With their array of chocolate-covered confections, it was hard to choose, but I landed on the dried pineapple drizzled with homemade dark chocolate. I continued on foot to The Sweet Kernel Popcorn Shop across the street. This popular spot serves up popcorn of all flavors, from which I selected two of their most popular, Spicy Cheddar and Chicago Mix. With over half of my Snackle Box full, it was time to head into Loganville!

My next stop was Three Peas in a Pod, a fresh produce stand that’s open all week. I resisted the mouth-watering smell of boiled peanuts and surveyed the abundance of fruits and vegetables, one of which I couldn’t identify. The friendly cashier introduced me to cherry plums, and I added this juicy discovery to my Snackle Box. My

final stop had me passing pigs, snorting friendly hellos, on the dirt road leading to Jensen’s Reserve. This high-quality butcher shop doesn’t just sell delicious pork, they supply a wide variety of meat cuts, cheese, produce and charcuterie!

Here I found great conversation, Havarti cheese and their award-winning cured pork tenderloin, Little Lonzia (my favorite catch of the day).

With my Snackle Box complete, I returned home to enjoy it in my backyard. You could argue that making the Snackle Box on the road, then eating it at home, is counterintuitive. You’re probably right, but I had a day full of engaging conversations, discovering delicious snacks and cruising the backroads of Gwinnett. This time it really was about the journey, not the destination!

Photo courtesy: Anabel Kissel

JULY

15: WORLD CUP WATCH PARTY 17: SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: GUARDIANS OF THE JUKEBOX 25: JAZZ IN THE ALLEY 31: SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: THE RAY HOWARD BAND

AUGUST

14: SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: THE C.O.T. BAND 22: JAZZ IN THE ALLEY 28: SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: MACON MUSIC REVUE

CHECK OUT THE COMPLETE LINEUP HERE:

SNELLVILLE EVENTS ON THE TOWNE GREEN www.ExperienceSnellville.com

SHOP

STAY

DINE

PLAY

VISIT OUR HOTELS IN SNELLVILLE | HAMPTON INN, LAQUINTA INN & IN TOWN SUITES

JUL 04

STAR SPANGLED SNELLVILLE • 4 -10 PM CELEBRATING 250 YEARS • FIREWORKS

Rhythm Nation | 6:30 -9:30 PM

AUG 22

JUL 18 6-9 PM

Forever Rod: The Ultimate Rod Stewart Tribute

AUG 04

JULY

July 04 | 4-10 PM Star Spangled Snellville July 18 | 6-9 PM Live on the Lawn Concert

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER August 07 | 4-8 PM Food Truck Friday August 22 | 6-9 PM Live on the Lawn Concert September 04 | 4-8 PM Food Truck Friday September 12 | 4-8 PM International Taste of Snellville & Wine Fest September 19 | 6-9 PM Live on the Lawn Concert September 26 | 6-9 PM Latin Fest

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

Landslide – A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

October 02 | 4-8 PM Food Truck Friday October 24 | 12-6 PM Fall Festival November 11 | 3-4 PM Veterans Celebration November 28 | 5-8 PM Christmas Tree Lighting November 28 | 5:30-6:30 PM Lighted Christmas Parade

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY 6-pack Subs Vietnamese Lobster Dogs • Big House BBQ Atlanta Seafood • Yaardie Eats Hole in the Wall • Kona Ice Mrs. Jay’s Funnel Cakes

Cool Tunes from “DJ Lee”

4-8 PM

Every Saturday on the Towne Green 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

EATS

IN SEASON: DAIQUIRIS By: Lee Bowden

It’s summertime and living is easy (when you have an ice-cold daiquiri in hand)! As a bartender and craft cocktail connoisseur, I believe that summer is the best season to enjoy a citrusy classic cocktail. Be it by the pool, up on a rooftop bar or simply out on your own back patio, a refreshing little beverage always hits the spot!

I have had the classic daiquiri on repeat this summer. Tart and fresh, with a little hint of sweetness, the classic daiquiri is made with great simplicity: 1. You need a good white rum. It doesn’t really matter what the brand is, but I like to search for rums made ethically and with little to no additives!

2. Freshly squeezed lime juice is key for a delicious daiquiri, so leave that sour mix at the store.

3. Don’t fret about buying simple syrup; you can always make your own! All you need to do is heat sugar and water on the stove. I prefer a 2:1 (sugar:water) ratio for a thicker syrup, but a 1:1 works just as well!

Shake all these ingredients up, then strain into a chilled glass and feel free to add a cutesy little garnish – you’re the one drinking it, so you might as well have fun. Pro-tip: add a pinch of salt to your cocktail before shaking to really make those flavors POP! If you’re looking for refreshers fit for the whole family, you can always leave out the rum and add in fresh fruit to spruce things up. Just muddle it fresh or blend it frozen to achieve that perfectly fruity flavor! My favorite combo has to be a frozen strawberry daiquiri blended with a bit of coconut milk to give it that fresh tropical vibe.

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EATS Photo courtesy: Anabel

Kissel

TASTE TEST:

MR. CRUNCHY By: Anabel Kissel

If you’re looking for good food, where you can go hog wild without breaking the piggy bank, check out Mr. Crunchy! Since opening in March, this restaurant has been serving up pig-themed decor and Caribbean cuisine. Its unique blend of traditional Dominican flavors and modern innovation makes it a perfect pick for this issue’s taste test.

pork, sweet plantains and crispy bacon. Even my bacon-hating friend surrendered to a delicious defeat and named the Peppa Pig her favorite dish of the night!

I dropped in with a few friends for lunch and we were immediately won over by the energetic interior. The walls are covered in murals and bright lights reading “Mr. Crunchy” shine down from above. We settled in and ordered drinks. For me, a bottle of raspberry soda, and for my friend, a house piña colada, which to our delight was served with an umbrella, cherries and a tiny floating pig.

Along with their pleasing presentation, Mr. Crunchy’s dishes are known for their generous portions. The Grilled Chicken Lunch Special, a flavorful seasoned grilled chicken breast, is served with more warm, golden tostones than I could possibly take down. But this is nothing compared to the (aptly named) Giant Mofongo, a mountain of mashed fried plantains and toasted cheese, surrounded by Dominican sausage, pork cracklings, crispy fried chicken and pork chunks. It is nothing short of a Dominican feast, ideal for sharing with friends and family.

This was only the beginning of Mr. Crunchy’s impressive plating. The Guacamole Crunch, a delicious balance of creamy guacamole and crunchy pork, is served in a cup crowned with a lime and two crispy pork cracklings. The Peppa Pig Roll, one of their innovative Dominican sushis, is served in an adorable miniature sushi boat. I was hesitant to try pork-based sushi, but it was phenomenal, pairing avocado and crab with tender roasted

It’s a mystery how I found room for dessert, but I’m glad I did because the Tres Leches nearly made me cry. Served with caramel drizzle and Oreo crumbles, this decadent cake was the flawless finale to an incredible meal. If you are looking for Instagram-worthy plates, traditional Dominican cuisine, or a meal that will feed your whole family, then go pig out at Mr. Crunchy.

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Your Library for Life Your library grows with you.

From storytimes and homework help to job skills, hobbies, and new adventures, Gwinnett County Public Library is here for every stage of life.

Kindergarten Here We Come

About half of Gwinnett County children start kindergarten unprepared. Reading with your child every day is one of the best ways to build school readiness. By reading just two books a day, reaching 1,000 books before kindergarten is easier than you think.

Libby

With a library card you have access to millions of ebooks and audiobooks from around the world. Get the Libby app by OverDrive on the Apple App store or the Google Play store.

CosMania

CosMania is a two-month cosplay celebration for ages 13 and up featuring workshops on 3D printing, sewing, wig styling, and more.

Participants can build new skills throughout summer and showcase their creations in August.

Local Author Day

Local Author Day is a free event that brings together writers and readers for a day of discovery, connection, and community. Attendees can meet local authors, purchase signed books, and explore a wide variety of new literary voices.

gwinnettlibrary.com

EATS

TIPSY:

GOLDEN BAR CRAWL AROUND LAWRENCEVILLE By: Janet McCray

Yes, I had a milestone birthday this year (I’ll keep the exact number with my hundreds of Facebook followers). After celebrating, it was hinted that I MIGHT be too old for a bar crawl! It was quite eye-opening so I decided to plan an official “senior” adult beverage three-day event. I’m grateful for friends with a sense of humor but who may wish to remain anonymous, let’s just call them Leslie and Janna. With so many amazing local beverage institutions in Lawrenceville, we had to limit it to just a few. So, here are our very scientific GBC (Golden Bar Crawl) taste findings.

Photo courtesy: Janet McCray

152 E Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 • 770.299.1070 OPEN Wednesday – Saturday: 4 – 9pm

FOLLOW US!

JOIN OUR VITNER’S WINE CLUB! Recieve 2-3 bottles of wine each month, a free flight tasting per month, and special invitations!

WINE TASTING Here you can learn about wines from around the world at your own pace via a Tasting Flight.

EVENTS

Join us for unforgettable night of fun featuring crowd favorites like Wine BINGO, Trivia, and Wine Wars!

Planning a celebration? We’re also available for private parties of up to 50 guests, complete with curated wines and delicious food. Check our FB AND IG for all of our upcoming events!

VintagesWine.net

RETAIL ROOM Vintages has over 50 different wines, at all price points, for you to purchase.

EATS #1 Vintages: A Tasting Room - Day 1 Near and dear to our hearts is this cozy wine bar.

You don’t have to be there long before you meet new friends and become part of the family. Try a glass or bottle of your new favorite pour or enjoy a flight of three that you choose from the board of WINE WARS winners. That’s right, every couple of months, owners Lorraine Green and MB Strickland bring in three distributors and let their customers vote on their favorite new wines to add to their wall of fame!

RREAL TACOS

VINTAGES

#2 Tequila Crawl - Day 2 We started the evening early at Rreal Tacos. We chose the margarita flight which includes Rreal Margarita, Passionfruit, Strawberry and Mango. While each was deliciously sweet, three out of four chose the Passionfruit as their favorite. The next stop for the evening found us at D’Floridan. We tried their signature drink, the D’Floridian Margarita and a couple of skinny margaritas. Everything exceeded our expectations! The final stop for the evening landed us at Añejo. Our final mission of the night was to taste their house specialty. Proudly placed in front of us was La Reina. Beautifully prepared with lavender, cream of coconut, lime and agave with just a hint of blueberry, this drink was possibly the prettiest one of the night.

AÑEJO

D'FLORIDIAN

#3 Beer Crawl - Day 3 I’m not even going to pretend to be a beer aficionado, so this was a job for a professional. Now, the question was where could we find someone with the knowledge and tasting power to guide us four Golden Bar Crawlers … of course!

Right next door. When I say next door, I mean the door that I walk by every day going up the stairs. So, I asked my office husband, who wants to be identified as G, to join the fun. We started at a spot with the most beers on tap – Exhibit A(le). Owned and run by local attorney Jesse Hachat, we excitedly asked for tasting flight suggestions.

We picked the Schilling Alexandr (1), Sequential ART (14), Tripping Animals No Bad Trip (5) and Prairie Grand Hazelnut Reserve (17). Of these, the ladies enjoyed #1 the most, while G voted for #14. We HAD to go to another spot that produced its own beer so we headed to Slow Pour Brewing Company. With grumbling bellies, we pulled in, anxious to find some fresh-brewed beer and snacks. They had some very tasty pretzels, so we grabbed a couple of different flavors, plus a SP Light, Hawaiian Haze, Moonscraper and a Limoncello Beer Slushy. It was no surprise that the ladies voted for the SP Light and G gave the nod to the Moonscraper.

SLOW POUR

EXHIBIT A(LE)

Lawrenceville is a great city to dine, drink and celebrate! There are so many great places we can’t mention them all here. While the nights out from the past happened more often and we stayed out much later, the new GBC gang appears to have a three-day and five-hour per day limit. But that is a FULL five hours of fun and laughter, making new friends, getting a little sloppy and enjoying every minute of it!

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EATS

WE DiG:

FOODIE SPOTS AUGUST SWINE BBQ By: Joni Buford

Late night bites and big back burritos… yeah, we’re talking about one of Downtown Sugar Hill’s newest BBQ spots, August Swine.

This space is checking all the boxes: Parking is easy, the walkability is a breeze and the vibe makes for a great chill spot for a low-fuss meal. It’s a well done little walk-up window situation with exclusively outdoor seating with nice wooden tables, shaded umbrellas and plenty of lighting that makes it ideal for people-watching or grabbing a bite as the sun goes down. Plus, they’re open until 10 p.m.!

We met a couple of the owners, who were incredibly kind and genuinely hyped to talk about their menu. They serve heritage-breed, pasture-raised pork straight from their farm, and you can truly taste the difference that freshness makes. But if pork isn’t your thing, don’t fret, they have plenty of other options, too.

Honestly, when the food hit the table, we immediately started chowing down on the sides.

And yes, we’re starting with sides, because they were so good they nearly stole the show.

We just about fought over our one side of Beans-N-Bones. Next time, we are not sharing.

The Collard Greens were so yummy and salted to perfection, made with smoked turkey, natural seasonings and boasting an A+ bite and texture. As for the Mac-N-Cheese, my husband literally left no crumbs.

Photo courtesy: Joni Buford

For the main event, we tackled the Sugar Hill Sampler and the Big Back Burrito. The sampler is the ultimate way to taste the highlights, loaded with ribs, rib tips, a chopped pork slider, Texas toast bites and smoked chicken. I’m a self-proclaimed BBQ chicken girl, and getting a leg quarter and whole wing with crispy skin and juicy meat was a total chef’s kiss moment.

Don't even get me started on the scratch-made sauces. You can choose between OG and Sweet—both were delicious, but the OG definitely won my heart (and tastebuds).

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Then came the Big Back Burrito with chopped pork. This thing is wild in the best way possible, stuffed with Mac-N-Cheese, sweet pickles, pickled peppers, banana peppers, pickled jalapeños, creamy coleslaw and house dressing. We knew a concoction like that had to be stellar, and we were right. This is a star on their menu; you absolutely have to try it.

The people are nice, the food is delicious and the prices are incredibly reasonable, especially for the quality and quantity you get. Do yourself a huge favor and head over to Downtown Sugar Hill to try August Swine for yourself. Trust me, you won’t rib-gret it!

ROCK THE PARK

GLOW WITH THE FLOW

Sept 12 • 6:30-9:30pm Lilburn City Park

Aug 1 • 7-10pm Splash Pad

Purple Madness

America’s #1 Prince Tribute Show

LILBURN BLUE AND YOU

Opening Act: Moonlark

Aug 14 • 6-8pm Lilburn City Park

FOOD TRUCK TUESDAYS

2nd Tuesday of the Month 6-9pm • Lilburn City Park

GWINNETT COMMUNITY FIELD DAY

CORNHOLE SUMMER LEAGUE At Lilburn City Park Thursdays • 6:30-9:00pm

City of Lilburn

Old Town Lilburn

cityoflilburn

cityoflilburn

Sept 26 • 11am-2pm Lilburn City Park

ARTS

ARTS

DiGGIN' FOR GOOD: HAND ME DOWN ZOO By: Mina Kinjo

Tucked away in Winder, just about 20 minutes outside of Gwinnett County, with a whole lot of heart and a little bit of wild magic, Hand Me Down Zoo is the kind of place where “rescue” is not just a word. It is a full-time mission filled with claws, feathers, hooves and the occasional very curious kangaroo.

This nonprofit sanctuary is home to exotics and non-releasable state wildlife that needed somewhere safe to land when returning to the wild was not an option. Instead of turning animals away, Hand Me Down Zoo steps in with open arms and sturdy enclosures, offering a second chance at life filled with care, dignity and enrichment.

But they do not stop at sanctuary life. This crew brings the wild to you.

From educational presentations that turn living rooms into mini safaris, to petting zoos that show up at festivals, birthdays and community events, they create unforgettable experiences that connect people and animals in a fun, meaningful way. Think lemurs, tortoises, kangaroos and more bringing joy while sparking curiosity about the natural world.

Education is a big part of their heartbeat too. Through programs like Kids Going Wild, they introduce young learners to wildlife, ecosystems and what it truly means to coexist with nature, all in an engaging, hands-on way that sticks with them long after the visit ends.

At its core, Hand Me Down Zoo is powered by people just as much as animals. Behind every enclosure, outreach visit and educational program is a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who pour time, energy and heart into making sure every animal is safe, seen and cared for. Their passion shows up in the early mornings, the long days and the quiet moments of care that most visitors never see but always benefit from.

More than a sanctuary, it is a community built on compassion in action. It is a place where curiosity is encouraged, kindness is practiced daily and every encounter leaves you a little more connected to the natural world.

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Ways to Support The Wild Work • Book a tour or animal encounter, by appointment only • Host a traveling petting zoo or educational presentation • Sponsor an animal or donate toward care and enclosure rebuilding • Book them for film, photography or special events • Join fundraising efforts or share their mission on social media • Call 706-429-4591 or email Handmedownzoo@gmail.com to get involved Because sometimes digging for good means getting a little closer to the wild and a lot closer to the community!

JOIN THE

GREEN YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL

APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN FOR THE 2026-2027 YEAR. OPEN TO FRESHMAN, SOPHOMORE, AND JUNIOR STUDENTS.

APPLY BY

AUGUST 31

ARTS Photo courtesy: City of Lawrenceville

CITY SPOTLIGHT: LAWRENCEVILLE By: Lee Bowden

Ah, summer! The most jubilant season of the year! The sound of laughter seems to ring through the air on an endless loop, the potential for patio cocktail hour(s) is high and there are enough summer fetes to fill one’s party punch card for the whole year. In the city of Lawrenceville, this blend of summer bliss rings especially true; with plenty of festivals, summer concerts and plays, a booming global food scene and a cocktail bar on each corner, Lawrenceville has a lot to offer. Come on by and party down with us this summer in the DTL, where there’s plenty to do, chew and review!

Photo courtesy: Ashley Topham

EATS

As you make your way down Lawrenceville’s Downtown Square, be sure to stop off at one of its longest-standing local restaurants, Local Republic. Grab yourself one of their signature smash burgers and pair it with a refreshing craft cocktail or local draft out on their patio as you enjoy your day out on the town (pro tip: Lawrenceville Square is open-container friendly, so you can stroll and sip all you like)! For the perfect grab-andgo meal, visit Tea Lam’s Corner for freshly made banh mis, absolutely addicting Vietnamese salted coffees, boba tea, macarons and more! And, if you’re as big on brunch as I am, try out my absolute favorite restaurant in the DTL: The Peachtree Cafe. The eggs are fantastic and the service is splendid!

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Photo courtesy: City of Lawrenceville

ARTS

The city of Lawrenceville places great significance on art.

From the colorful murals lining the town to the sleek and unique sculptures installed by local artists (my favorite being the new Make a Wish stainless steel clover forest

by David Landis in Bicentennial Park), there is never a shortage of eye-catching sights. However, it is the Aurora Theatre that has truly broadened Lawrenceville’s cultural portfolio. World-class performances and professional productions are given by the many talented performers and coordinators each season, with the Aurora Theatre drawing a huge crowd into the city, boosting the economy as well as enriching the community.

Photo courtesy: East2West Creative

EVENTS

The goal of the season: to be outside as much as possible, and our City Spotlight this month has you covered! There are plenty of festivals, parades and popup vendor markets happening every week. From Beats on the Streets, a weekly summer event where live music meets food, dancing, art stalls and more outside of the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, to Lawrenceville’s annual Prelude to the 4th fireworks show, the city is making the most of this wonderful summer weather!

ARTS

LAWRENCEVILLE

RACE TO THE DTL

Lawrenceville is your one-stop shop for all things summer fun! Finish the maze then race down to the DTL to get your warm-weather adventures started. Don't forget to show off your skills by posting and tagging us at @diggwinnett!

Start Here!

Here's a hint: If you get stuck, you can find the answer key on page 49!

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FINDING YOUR

dream home JUST GOT EASIER! No one sells a

HOME

like a MOM! Accredited Relocation Specialist Luxury Certified

55+ Realty Advisor Specialist

Short Sale and Foreclosure Specialist If you or a loved one is thinking about downsizing, right-sizing, relocating or exploring senior focused housing,

CONTACT ME TODAY! c: 678.656.6627 pam.santoro@BHHSgeorgia.com www.pamsantoro.BHHSgeorgia.com ©2025 BHH Affiliates, LIC. Real Estate Brokerage Services are offered through the network member franchisees of BHI Affiliates, LLC. Most franchisees are independently owned and operated. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity

ARTS

WOULD YOU RATHER...?

Photo courtesy: Ashley Topham

INDOOR SUMMER VS. OUTDOOR SUMMER By: Chloe Rhoden

Still need summer plans? I can help with that! As a life-long Gwinnettian, I have (some) authority to speak on the myriad of ways to enjoy this season of fun. Whether you prefer to take advantage of the sunny weather by staying outdoors or you prefer to chill out indoors, get ready to make this summer epic!

Indoor Summer If you’d rather stay out of the hot sun, there are a ton of indoor activities to enjoy in Gwinnett. Grab your crew for a night of bowling at Bowlero in Lilburn, karaoke at Echo in Suwanee or roller skating at Sparkles in Lawrenceville! While you’re exploring all Gwinnett has to offer, stop for a sweet treat to combat the heat. For me, it’s a life-changing iced horchata latte from Reyna's Espresso & Sweets in Downtown Lawrenceville. Or for a perfect photo-op boba date, might I suggest Cuckoo’s Cafe in Snellville with its adorable pastelclad interior. And perhaps my favorite sweet treat of all, a turtle sundae from Beren’s Frozen Custard in Grayson.

VS.

Outdoor Summer Get started on your outdoor adventure by heading to your local public park! Settles Bridge in Suwanee, Bay Creek in Grayson or Ronald Reagan in Lawrenceville all feature outdoor skateparks, basketball courts, paved walking trails and more! However, if your ideal summer day involves a nice, cold body of water, head over to Collins Hill Aquatic Center for a dip in the pool or a plunge down the water slide. Perhaps your perfect summer outing would be an afternoon at the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary in Lilburn. Here, you can meet adorable residents like Bluebeary, a Black Bear cub, or Koshka, a Eurasian Lynx! You might even run into the fabulous Royal Palm Turkey, Hank, who roams the trail freely and will undoubtedly display his feathers for your attention.

Photo courtesy: Ashley Top

ham

Photo courtesy: Bowlero

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ARTS

LIBRARY SPOTLIGHT

GWINNETT COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY By: Lee Bowden

Libraries are the lifeblood of a community, and they have been for over 5,000 years!

Libraries provide people with a “third space” to operate in that isn’t school or work or home, giving them access to technology, literature, films and other media that might otherwise come at a cost. This summer, we are all about the savings, and what better place to save money than a place that is entirely free to the public!

your local branch and treat those two-year-olds to an interactive playdate that includes storytime, music, reading, rhymes and dancing with the GCPL’s Early Learning series!

There are plenty of activities dedicated to shaping our precious youths into well-rounded individuals at all of the libraries in Gwinnett, so make sure to check out their calendar so that your sweet little bean can become the great beanstalk they were destined to be!

The Gwinnett County Public Library system has a lot planned for you this summer.

I’m talking about loads of fun activities to keep the kiddos entertained, workshops of all shapes and sizes, homeschool hangouts, murder mystery book clubs, culture courses, tabletop games, hands-on arts and crafts, language classes, DIY days – I could go on and on. How much time do you have?

Libraries aren’t just for the kiddos; they’re for all age groups! From teenagers looking to build the best Dungeons & Dragons group (visit the Hamilton Mill branch to play in a campaign designed by experienced Dungeon Masters!), to book worms looking to talk amongst literary equals (check out the Five Forks branch’s Book Club), curious linguaphiles who take great joy in learning new languages (now's your chance to learn Korean at the Norcross branch), there are library events happening year-round! You could even attend different Learning Labs dedicated to introducing library goers to anything from 3D printing to LEGO building workshops, so stop by your local branch today!

I decree that it is time to get this generation out of their dopamine depriving holes (many call them phones) and get them back into libraries, STAT! Which means: Parents! Don’t fall for the ease of iPad living and 24-hour Bluey marathons! Instead, swing on over to

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Home of the 76th Georgia Mountain Fair August 14th - August 22nd Live Music!

Fair Food!

Carnival Rides!

Family Fun!

Arts and Crafts!

More

Exciting

Live Music at The Fair:

Herman’s Hermits August 14 August 16 Vince Gill August 20 Joe Nichols August 21 Randy Travis August 22 Crowder

Country Music Capital of Georgia

Events

Memories of Metal Laser Light Show September 11th & 12th July 25th Bubbles and Boots Mimosa Festival Mustang/Ford Show September 25th & 26th September 5th Memory Lane Car Show Hiawassee Pro Rodeo October 1st - 3rd September 5th & 6th

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Hi awassee, GA - 706-896-4191

in

2026!

The Dailey & Vincent Music Fest September 17th-19th Georgia Mountain Fall Festival October 9th-11th & 15th-17th Appalachian Brew and Music Festival October 24th

GeorgiaMountainFairgrounds.com

Camping Concerts Events Gardens

n u F r e Summ

S C E R K O BO Tom Lake

By Ann Patchett

During the spring of 2020, a mother recounts a past romance with a famous actor, prompting her daughters to reevaluate family, love, and identity.

How to Survive as a Firefly

By Kristen Foote

A humorous survival guide from a firefly’s perspective teaches young readers about glowing abdomens, hunting for food, and avoiding the many dangers of insect life.

Find these titles and more at your local Gwinnett County Public Library Branch!

Symon’s Dinners Cooking Out

By Michael Symon

Celebrity chef Michael Symon shares 100 creative outdoor recipes, from grilled mains and sides to desserts, perfect for beginners and seasoned backyard cooks alike.

The Summer of Lost Letters

By Hannah Reynolds

A teen spends the summer in Nantucket uncovering her grandmother’s hidden WWII romance while navigating family secrets, grief, and an unexpecting new relationship.

gwinnettlibrary.com

ARTS

LISTEN:

Summer Nights by Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta • Pure summer chaos in the best way. Think late-night laughs, flirty glances and zero responsibilities. It’s nostalgic, fun and basically your personality when the sun stays out way too late.

HEATWAVE HITS

Feels Like Summer by Childish Gambino • Smooth, sun-drenched and effortlessly cool. Golden-hour vibes, slow dancing in the heat and pretending life is a movie. Pure laid-back summer energy with just the right amount of glow.

By: Mina Kinjo

Sunglasses on, windows down and vibes turned all the way up. This playlist is basically bottled sunshine.

Whether you’re cruising, poolside or pretending your errands are a beach day, these tracks bring the heat. The only thing hotter than the weather is your soundtrack. Let’s make this a whole summer mood.

Sunshine by One Republic • Bright, feel-good energy that hits like instant vitamin D. It’s giving windows down, smile up and main character glow. Basically your whole mood when life finally gets sunny again.

Summer by Calvin Harris • Not just a song, it’s a whole heatwave with a beat. Feeling stuck inside? This one basically drags you outside, throws on sunglasses and says “go be iconic in the sun.”

Scan the QR code to tune into our steamy mix! This sunny playlist brings the bright summer vibes to any function.

Summer of ‘69 by Bryan Adams • Pure nostalgia fuel with a guitar-driven glow-up. Carefree chaos, big memories and “we didn’t know it then, but that was the good old days” summer energy hitting just right.

Peachtree Corners Concert Series 2026

Jun 27 REMakes & Macon Music Rev. Jul 11 Nashville Nation Jul 25 Material Girl & B4Y2K Aug 8 The Stranger Aug 29 Passing the Torch Sep 12 Guardians of the Jukebox Sep 26 The Bourbon Brothers Band Oct 24 The Little Mermen

Concerts at 7 PM @ Peachtree Corners Town Green 5140 Town Center Blvd.

ARTS

DiG-WORTHY DISCOVERIES: DIY WORKSHOPS By: Anabel Kissel As a creative, I suffer no shortage of inspiration, especially with social media feeding me one masterpiece after the other. With so many ideas, it can be hard to pick a project and even harder to find time for one. If you’re like me, in need of a time and place dedicated to one project, then allow me to present my list of art workshops here in Gwinnett.

painting, where you can choose from their constantly evolving inventory of ceramic pieces. If you’re interested in working with clay, sign up for one of their pottery wheel or hand-building workshops! At abcPottery, you can paint and build masterpieces that you will actually use like a plate, clock or mug.

Let’s start by going back to the basics: painting! For many of us, big bottles of tempera paint and copy paper were our first introduction to art as children. Whether you’re still finger-painting or you’re a modern-day Picasso, you need to check out Painting with a Twist in Downtown Lawrenceville. Pop in to try your hand at painting projects on serving trays, wine glasses, tote bags and more.

If you’re looking to turn up the heat and try something new, then allow me to suggest glassblowing. Calvary Glassblowing Studio offers a unique workshop experience, where beginners can turn a shapeless blob of molten glass into a colorful work of delicate art. Under the guidance of professional glassblower, Kelly Robertson, you can face the heat of the torch and furnace and walk away with a wine glass, vase or bowl made by your own hand.

Now that we’ve reviewed the basics, we can explore my favorite medium, pottery! At abcPottery, you can explore both dimensions of design! They offer walk-in pottery

With so many workshops right here in Gwinnett, there is no excuse for us artists to go all summer without creating. Here’s to a summer of making art and making memories.

Photo courtesy: abcPot tery

h a Twist

Photo courtesy: Painting Wit

ssblowing Studio

Photo courtesy: Cavalry Gla

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ARTS

SUMMER OF CHANGE

Sponsored Content

AT GAS SOUTH DISTRICT If you've driven through Gwinnett lately, you've probably noticed it: construction cranes, new developments, road improvements and communities continuing to evolve. Gwinnett is growing and so is the Gas South District.

What started more than 20 years ago as an arena has become a destination. Today, the campus includes an arena, theater, convention center and the Westin Atlanta Gwinnett, attracting more than a million visitors each year for concerts, sporting events, conventions, meetings and community gatherings.

This summer marks another chapter in that story as work begins on the next phase of Gas South District's evolution. A major renovation of Gas South Arena is set to modernize the venue with upgraded technology, enhanced guest amenities, new premium experiences and improvements designed to keep the campus competitive for decades to come.

The exciting part? The shows, events and memories don't stop while the transformation begins. In fact, if you're looking to catch an incredible performance this summer, head over to the Gas South Arena! Our event calendar is already packed with exceptional shows from Melanie Martinez on July 28 and Dude Perfect on July 31 to Barry Manilow on August 11 and many more. So, grab your crew and get ready to make this summer unforgettable!

From concerts and family entertainment to conventions, community events and championship-caliber sports, Gas South District remains one of the places where Gwinnett comes together. While the buildings may be changing, the mission remains the same: creating experiences that give people a reason to gather, celebrate and make memories right here in Gwinnett.

This summer, the signs of change are everywhere. At Gas South District, we're proud to be part of what comes next.

Photo courtesy: Gas South

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District

ARTS

DIY ACTIVITIES:

SUMMER FUN FOR THE KIDS By: Rachel Jeffers

Running low on pre-planned activities, vacations or funds this summer? My family and I decided to challenge ourselves by getting creative at home with a few DIY activities that cost a little but provide a ton of fun. We went to Pinterest, the original social media source for ideas and headed off to see what we could find at our local Dollar Tree store for under $20.

Idea #1: Pool Noodle Bubble Blowers Materials: $6 = Pool noodles, scissors, plastic straws, duct tape, liquid bubbles and a bowl To keep our toddler entertained, we made six bubble blowers out of pool noodles and straws which are MUCH easier for little kids to operate. We cut the noodles into six equal parts, cut the straws into four lengths and taped 12 pieces next to each other on a piece of tape. To finish the craft, we rolled up the straws and placed them into the holes of the noodles.

Idea #2 Mystery Sour Challenge Materials: $10 = 8 types of sour candy, string, scissors, box and horizontal pole or yard stick Our tween took a stroll down the candy aisle and found a myriad of potent sour candies that piqued our interest. We bought eight of them to try with a group of friends to see who handled the jaw-clenching taste of citric acid best! To level up the competition, we tied each sour candy to a string and threaded it through a hole in a box that was suspended by a pole. Each participant had to cut a string to drop the mystery sour candy of choice to try.

Idea #3 Archery Painting Materials: $20 = Plastic bow and arrow with suction cups, 3-5 waterproof paints, muffin tin, canvases and plastic tablecloth The toy bow and arrow was the most expensive thing we bought but definitely worth the entertainment and artistic end product. We bought four paints and poured each color into a muffin tin. Then, we placed a plastic tablecloth on an A-frame easel to protect the wood from paint splatters and poked two holes through the cloth for suction cup hooks to hang two canvases on as our targets. We then dipped our plastic suction cup arrows in paint and let them fly at the easel and canvas. The result: a perfection of paint splatters when we missed. As we honed our shooting skills, the arrows started to land on the canvas, creating a beautiful masterpiece of random art.

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Photo courtesy: Rachel Jeffers

ARTS

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: BERENS FROZEN CUSTARD By: Anabel Kissel

156 E Crogan St, Lawrenceville, GA 30045 & 420 Grayson Pkwy, Grayson, GA 30017 Strolling the streets of Downtown Lawrenceville, you’re surrounded by history. Local businesses occupy hundred-year-old buildings. After enjoying all this history in the hot Georgia sun, there’s no better spot to cool off with a sweet treat than Berens Frozen Custard.

Although their Lawrenceville location just opened last July, Berens Frozen Custard has a history as rich as their custard. In 1976, Don Berens, an engineer from New York, completed construction on the world’s tallest hotel, the Atlanta Peachtree Plaza.

It was time for a career change, so he decided to open Atlanta’s first custard shop: Berens Frozen Custard. Atlanta fell in love, and Don ran a successful chain of shops for many years before retiring and focusing on catering. After Don passed away in 2005, his son, Mark Berens, took over the family catering business. Five years later, Mark opened his first custard shop in Snellville, Georgia, keeping his father’s shop’s name, recipes and commitment to quality.

Today, Berens Frozen Custard has two locations in Grayson and Lawrenceville. Their custard is made in-house every day, using fresh ingredients and less air than traditional ice cream, making it the creamiest, most delicious cold treat in town. You can choose between three flavors: chocolate, vanilla or the flavor of the day, which might be a traditional flavor like mint chocolate chip, or something more adventurous like ube, Nutella swirl or my favorite black raspberry chip! Once you’ve decided on a flavor, it's time to choose your toppings!

Chocolate syrup, Oreo cookies, fresh fruit or whatever floats your boat. Speaking of, try their floats of vanilla custard paired with your favorite soda. There are so many menu items to explore and with a unique flavor offered every day, no two visits are the same!

As you enjoy your sweet treat, you’ll quickly understand why Beren’s Frozen Custard has won Best of Gwinnett for nine years running! Savor each delicious bite and relish in the decadent frozen custard that’s brought to you by an engineer, his family and fifty years of hard work.

Photo courtesy: Ashley Topham

Photo courtesy: Berens Frozen Custard

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EXPLORE

EXPLORE

DATE NIGHT:

AN INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURE By: Ashley Topham

Taking an international trip with your partner isn’t in the cards for everyone this summer. That’s why I recommend ditching the long flights and hefty costs by traveling the globe from your kitchen with an international date night. Gwinnett is home to a variety of international shops, including Euro Gourmet Cafe & Grill in Lawrenceville, where you can embark on a thrilling foodie adventure.

Euro Gourmet Cafe & Grill is located just outside downtown Lawrenceville and specializes in Eastern European food. One side of the building functions as a sit-down restaurant where you can indulge in delicious dishes and desserts. The other side features a charming market where you can shop for international frozen meals, fresh meat, dairy products, canned goods, teas, drinks and snacks. My husband and I took a trip to Croatia a few years ago, so for our date night, we decided to find a couple of the treats we enjoyed there, plus something new.

Every couple plays by their own rules, and for us, we decided to stick to drinks and dessert for our global feast. First up, we headed to the frozen section and found traditional apple burek, a Bosnian delicacy featuring hand-rolled Balkan pastry filled with apples. You can also find Ćevapi in this section, which are savory sausages typically served with flatbread, onions, kajmak and ajvar. They should have all the ingredients at the store for you to DIY this tasty Balkan dish and trust me, it’s worth it. Then, we hit the dry goods aisle to find Napolitanke, thin wafers stacked with different fillings. We picked our favorite hazelnut flavor, as this was one of our favorite treats to enjoy in Croatia. Last but not least, we grabbed some nostalgic beverages called Cedevita Naranča, which are Croatian fizzy vitamin drinks. They’re refreshing and nutritious! I’ll admit, our selection of goods is a bit all over the place, but they remind us of our fond memories and that’s all that matters.

The next time you’ve got the itch to travel but don’t have the funds, head over to Euro Gourmet Cafe & Grill for a fun Eastern European experience.

Take your taste buds on a flavor journey by either dining at their restaurant or exploring their market!

Photo courtesy: Ashley Top

ham

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Cool

SUMMER ADVENTURES

When the summer sun really starts to sizzle, there’s no need to break a sweat looking for fun. We’ve rounded up seven things to do around Braselton where you can chill out, get creative, and enjoy some truly cool experiences.

E X P L O R E B R A S E LT O N . C O M

Braselton Park splashpad

East2West Creative

DINO SAUR SUMMER EXHIBITS. EVENTS. CINEMA.

ALL. SUMMER. LONG.

A WORLD OF WOW Plan your adventure at FernbankMuseum.org/DinosaurSummer Atlanta’s Science and Nature Experience

er Photo courtesy: Kevin Spic

EXPLORE

ROAD TRIP:

LITTLE DEBBIE PARK IN CHATTANOOGA By: Rylee Govoreau

Some snacks are more than just treats; they’re memories. A Swiss Roll after school, an Oatmeal Creme Pie packed in a lunchbox or a Christmas Tree Cake that signaled the holiday season had arrived. These Little Debbie favorites have been a part of sweet moments for generations and chances are you have a favorite of your own.

You can revisit those memories in a whole new way at Little Debbie Park in Collegedale, Tennessee. Located about 20 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, this 10-acre community park is the perfect detour for families, snack lovers or anyone looking for a fun place to stretch their legs during a road trip. Opened in 2023 by McKee Foods, the hometown company behind Little Debbie snacks, the park celebrates the beloved treats that have been part of lunchboxes and pantries for generations.

The first thing you’ll notice is that this isn’t your average playground. Instead of traditional play structures, visitors are surrounded by oversized versions of iconic Little Debbie snacks. Kids can climb a Cosmic Brownie-inspired wall, balance across a giant Nutty Buddy structure, relax on an Oatmeal Creme Pie bench or snap a photo with a larger-than-life Christmas Tree Cake sculpture. The park’s centerpiece is a bronze statue of Little Debbie herself, inspired by the real story behind the brand’s mascot.

For families traveling through the Chattanooga area, it’s an easy stop that checks all the boxes: room for kids to run, clean facilities, shaded areas for parents and plenty of opportunities for memorable photos. It’s also a great place to let your four-legged travel companions stretch their legs, as the park welcomes leashed dogs.

Before heading out, add one more stop to your sweet adventure: the nearby McKee Foods Bakery Store, where visitors can pick up Little Debbie treats and souvenirs to bring home. Because no trip to Little Debbie Park is complete without a snack for the road.

Photo courtesy: Ron Sims

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EXPLORE JCAT-11 CAN COOL CACHERS CATCH CACHES? GC9FATY | N 34° 06.340’ W 083° 35.533’

This gadget cache is hidden at an active catfish farm in Jefferson, Georgia, and you’ll need to do some “fishing” to unlock the cache box. Unfortunately, this cache is not available for non-premium users, but if you plug the listed coordinates into your map or a third-party app like Cachly, you can locate it on the geocaching website map to log the cache for free.

Photo courtesy: Geocaching.com Photo courtesy: Anabel Kissel

WHAT’S EATING GILBERT GCBF9V6 | N 33° 59.277’ W 83° 43.265’

The cache was placed by CalhounCreations1088, whose 3D printed caches could be anything from a large hamburger to a tiny spider, but he usually leaves a clue in the name of the geocache. If you’re just starting out with geocaching, this is the perfect easy find in Winder.

Photo courtesy: Anabel Kissel

GEOCACHING GEMS By: Anabel Kissel

Who doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt? I certainly do and geocaching is the ultimate worldwide treasure hunt. With help from an expert geocacher, my Grandma, I put together five must-find geocaches within 50 miles of Gwinnett.

BEAVER CACHE GC1D | N 33° 52.305’ W 83° 58.308’

Beaver Cache, in Grayson, is one of the oldest geocaches in Gwinnett County.

It was placed in 2000, the same year geocaching was founded! This cache has a swag bag filled with stickers, small toys and trinkets. If you bring something, you can exchange it for swag from the cache, which is great for kid-cachers!

Photo courtesy: amicalolafallslodge.com

SPRING TRAIL AT AMICALOLA FALLS

GEOGWINNETT: PARK AND SEEK CHALLENGE

GCB9XMJ | N 34° 33.856’ W 084° 14.952’

For a more scenic experience, I recommend this cache at Amicalola Falls State Park. There is a $10 entrance fee per car but it is worth the price just to see the breathtaking 729-foot-tall waterfall, the tallest in all of Georgia. This is a premium cache, so follow the previously mentioned instructions on how to log it for free!

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Gwinnett County

To celebrate 40 years of parks, Gwinnett is hosting GeoGwinnett: Park and Seek Challenge, a county-wide scavenger hunt designed to highlight each park’s natural beauty. Here’s how you play! First, register for free at Bit.ly/GeoGwinnett and then you will receive the coordinates and clue for each cache. There will be prizes, scenic trails and an abundance of Gwinnett charm!

Photo courtesy: Gwinnett Parks & Recreation

GAS SOUTH ARENA SEPT 24 – 27 DisneyOnIce.com

EXPLORE

DAY TRIP:

THE GROOVY ZOO By: Rylee Govoreau

If trending topics on social media have taught us anything lately, it's that we're all craving a little more whimsy. Whether it's collecting quirky treasures, taking the scenic route or saying yes to stopping at an unexpected roadside attraction, there's something special about embracing a little wonder. And that's exactly what you'll find tucked away in the North Georgia mountains at The Groovy Zoo in Mineral Bluff.

Don't let the name fool you. There are no live animals here. Instead, this quirky roadside attraction is home to hundreds of larger-than-life creatures crafted from metal, aluminum and wood. Proudly known as the only zoo where you can buy the animals, The Groovy Zoo is equal parts outdoor art gallery, photo opportunity and treasure hunt for anyone looking to add a little personality to their home or garden.

The unofficial star of the show is Harold, a towering giraffe who stands approximately 20 feet tall and greets visitors from above the treetops. You can “adopt an animal” from the Groovy Zoo and each animal comes with a birth certificate with their name and date of birth and fun facts about the species you have chosen. The Groovy Zoo has a 200-page catalogue you can browse on their website with photos of every item and pricing. They also have a 3D print farm, and you can browse their selection of dragons, dogs, unicorns and more on their website.

The attraction has become a favorite stop for travelers exploring the Blue Ridge area, earning praise for its colorful displays, family-friendly atmosphere and one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. Even better? Admission is completely free. So the next time you're exploring the North Georgia mountains, make a detour to Mineral Bluff. Wander among giant giraffes, admire dragons that breathe smoke and let yourself enjoy something wonderfully weird.

HAROLD 36

Photo courtesy: thegroovyzoo.com

EXPLORE

ENHANCE YOUR WELLNESS WITH 3 NATURE APPS By: Ashley Topham

This summer, we’re trading TikTok doomscrolling for educational nature apps!

I’ve compiled a list of my top three recommendations for apps that will help you reconnect with nature by discovering more about the critters, plants and fungi that live in our environment. They also act as a form of active mindfulness, which can reduce your stress and anxiety, perfect for focusing on your wellness.

PICTURE MUSHROOM - MUSHROOM ID For any fellow fungi lovers out there, if you don’t already have Picture Mushroom- Mushroom ID downloaded, this is your sign. How it works is you can either upload a photo or take one in real time of any mushroom you find. The app then identifies the mushroom and provides useful information, including the species name, characteristics and a toxicity alert. It’s a spore-tacular app for beginners who want to learn more about mushrooms!

PICTURETHIS - PLANT IDENTIFIER APP If you’re more of a plant enthusiast than a fungi forager, check out PictureThis - Plant Identifier App! This app works similarly to the previous one: you take a picture of a plant you find, and it’ll identify it for you. You’ll get a wide range of information, including toxicity to humans & pets, distribution, lifespan, care conditions, common problems and more. This is a great app for identifying plants in the wild or potential houseplants you want to learn more about.

MERLIN BIRD SOUND ID Last up on the nature app list is the Merlin Bird Sound ID. Developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this app works by listening to pre-recorded bird songs and calls that you provide and compares them to a collection of around 2,066 bird species. If you’ve ever wondered what species of bird wakes you up in the early parts of the morning every day or you're just curious about the native birds in your area, give this app a try!

Make this summer one of the best yet by prioritizing your wellness through nature. These apps are just a few examples of what's available out there, but implementing them into your daily routine can make a huge difference. Plus, you’ll get the perk of becoming an expert on the mushrooms, plants and birds that reside in Gwinnett County!

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EXPLORE Photo courtesy: Jay Ledbetter

ion

Parks & Recreat Photo courtesy: Gwinnett

PARK SPOTLIGHT:

A FULL-DAY ITINERARY AT RHODES JORDAN PARK By: Jay Ledbetter

It's easy to spend an entire day in Lawrenceville.

However, the DTL isn’t the only destination in the city for full days of fun. Just down the road, Rhodes Jordan Park offers enough amenities to fill your day with nature experiences and relaxation. Follow this itinerary to experience many of Rhodes Jordan Park’s offerings in a single visit!

Start your morning off by fishing in the park’s 22acre lake. Lawrenceville City Lake is stocked with fish species like largemouth bass, catfish and bluegill. The calming sounds of the lake and its wildlife serve as the perfect backdrop to a relaxing morning. Next, visit the Lawrenceville Community Garden for one of their many community events! Here, you can learn the basics

of gardening, exercise and do yoga or even catch a cooking class. These events are run by Live Healthy Gwinnett and you can find their events calendar on the organization’s website.

Then, take a walk around the park’s 1.9-mile paved trail, which circles around Lawrenceville City Lake. There are many spots to sit and take in the scenery along the trail, including bridges on either side of the playground that cross over the lake. The lake is home to many ducks and geese who may join you on your walk.

To close off your day in Rhodes Jordan Park, head over to the pavilion for dinner, grilling out by the lake. When it's time to eat, either sit in the spacious pavilion area

Photo courtesy: Jay Ledbetter

or take advantage of the sprawling green space right between the lake and the grill, ending the day with a picnic dinner by the water.

Through this day’s schedule, you will have explored all over Rhodes Jordan Park, taking in the variety of amenities the park offers without even touching on some of the most popular places in the park. Come back to check out the community center, playgrounds, sports fields, basketball court, tennis center, outdoor pool and more! No matter what kind of day out you’re in the mood for, you’ll find your space in Rhodes Jordan Park.

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EXPLORE

THRILLING ADVENTURES: FORT PAIN By: Nicholas Rosati

If you’re looking for a workout that feels less like a routine and more like an adventure, Fort Pain is the place for you. Tucked within the Town Green of Peachtree Corners, this outdoor ninja-style obstacle course delivers an experience that’s anything but ordinary.

The moment you step onto the course, you’re immersed in an environment that blends athletic challenges with the calming backdrop of nature. Trees sway nearby, sun rays gleaming past branches and the gentle nod of a warm breeze gives energy to every climb, jump and swing. It’s more than a place to work out; it’s a place to reconnect with the rhythm of nature.

What makes Fort Pain truly stand out is its blend of obstacle courses inspired by the fierce Spartan Races, the creativity of American Ninja Warrior and the intensity of U.S. Army training. One moment you’re balancing across logs, the next you’re conquering a rope climb; and before you know it, you’re running up a mega ramp designed to test your strength and endurance.

There’s also a strong sense of community woven into Fort Pain. You’ll often find friends tackling obstacle courses, encouraging each other through tough workouts. Even though the course is designed for adults who want to push their limits, it also welcomes anyone ready to try

Photo courtesy: Nicholas Rosati

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something different. You don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy it, you just need a sense of adventure.

For anyone looking to stay fit while breaking out of a monotonous routine, Fort Pain offers the perfect mix of excitement and purpose. I genuinely enjoyed Fort Pain as it was my first time visiting the obstacle course. The mega ramp is my favorite course and I can definitely see myself coming back again with friends. Every obstacle you conquer brings a sense of accomplishment that keeps you coming back in a way traditional gyms simply can’t match.

A N E R A H T U O S GAS 3 1 – 2 1 T SEP Competitors shown are subject to change. © 2026 Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

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LOCAL ATTRACTIONS:

INEXPENSIVE FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES By: Rachel Jeffers

When the days seem to be dragging on and there is little left in the think tank or the bank, entertaining the family can be hard to do. We’ve curated a list of ways to beat the heat without beating too much out of your wallet.

NO POOL, NO WORRIES Gwinnett has plenty of family-friendly splash pads that are free to enjoy!

Big Splash Interactive Foundation | Town Center Park, 330 Town Center Ave., Suwanee, GA Fountain at E.E. Robinson Park | 650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Sugar Hill, GA 30518 Fountain at the Mall of Georgia | 3333 Buford Dr., Buford, GA Rabbit Hill Park River Channel | 400 Rabbit Hill Park, Rabbit Hill Rd., Dacula, GA *This park offers a shallow river channel for splashing and floating small boats.

AC INCLUDED ACTIVITIES Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center in Buford offers free exhibits for families to explore, specifically the STEAM Lab and the Discover H2O zone. The Sterner Stream is fun to explore as a natural habitat for turtles, frogs and aquatic life in the wetlands.

They have five miles of walking trails that lead you to the historic Chesser Williams House to accompany your STEM experience.

Check out the big screen at a low price at various movie theaters in Gwinnett. Regal Cinemas offers $1 movies Monday through Thursday at 11 a.m. all summer long.

Similarly, AMC at Sugarloaf Mills offers $3 movies as part of their Summer Movie Camp series with showings on Mondays & Wednesdays.

Looking for a fun, screen-free activity? A local Grayson family has created a Free Kids Puzzle Exchange! Think of it like a Free Little Library, but for puzzles! Bring a puzzle (300 pieces or fewer, to keep it kid-friendly) to 2621 Falcon Ridge Dr., Grayson, GA 30017 and swap it for a new one.

FOODIE FREEBIES Chick-fil-A’s Cow Appreciation Day is on July 14. How do you appreciate a cow?

Simple: dress like a cow, get a free entree. Visit your local participating Chick-fil-A location on Tuesday, July 14, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. dressed in spots, hoofs or a tail and receive a free breakfast, lunch or dinner entree. Photos are encouraged!!

Bruster's Banana Thursday - BYOB! BYOB at Bruster’s Ice Cream is still a thing!! Your local Bruster's will SPLIT the cost with you on Thursdays in the summer. Be sure to bring a banana and they will provide the ice cream and toppings for a banana split that’s 50% off the regular price. And they won’t forget the smallest (under 40”) and hairiest members of your family. Babies and doggies receive free cool treats, too. *Participating stores only, offer may vary.

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Photo courtesy: Gwinnett

County

FRESH. LOCAL.

Community.

Shop fresh local produce, baked goods, and handmade items every Tuesday through September at the Sugar Hill Farmers Market, located at The Landing in Downtown Sugar Hill.

CITYOFSUGARHILL.COM

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MAIN

EVENT

&

THE

DiG

INVITE

THURSDAY

YOU

TO

OUR

MAIN EVENT

JULY 16

471 NORTHOLT PKWY SUWANEE, GA

4 PM - 7 PM

FREE play for all ages!

Enjoy bowling, laser tag, arcade games, gravity ropes and more Complimentary snacks and fountain drinks included

SCAN TO

RSVP

Win giveaways and prizes throughout the event RSVP for extra chances to win exciting prize packages

EXPLORE

NOT THE NoRm

THE NORMIES: GWINNETT’S VERY REAL WORLD RECORDS By: Jay Ledbetter Gwinnett County is a community of accolades. We’re the most ethnically diverse county in the state, home of the largest Hindu Mandir in the Southeast (the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, of course) and of course, home of Waffle House’s headquarters. To carry on this tradition of trophy-winning, I have decided to launch The Normies: awards for Gwinnett’s record-holding pillars of the county. Together, we will be honoring the very serious superlatives that Gwinnettians have earned, and giving them the coveted title of “Normies”.

Without further ado, let’s get into our inaugural group of champions:

thhe the

Normies No Nor mies ess

Most Consecutive Days Sitting on a Wall Without Having a Great Fall: Mr. Eggward's Sculpture of Suwanee takes this record easily. Despite constant comparison to the clumsier Humpty Dumpty, Eggwards has sat safely on a wall for nearly a decade in Town Center Park. All the king’s horses and all the king’s men sleep soundly at night, knowing they won’t have to put this egg back together anytime soon.

Best Way to Have a Great Fall: The Duluth Fall Festival is an award-winning annual celebration of the harvest season, flooding the streets of Duluth with vendors, food and events including a concert at the Duluth Festival Center.

Biggest Blast From the Past: In Gwinnett, history is all around us. From Fort Daniel, built during the War of 1812, to the Southeastern Railway Museum with nearly 100 different pieces of railway history, to the hyper-realistic reenactments of knightly battles at Medieval Times, this award was among the most fiercely contested. However, the winner took me back further than any other: the Dinosaurs in Gwinnett’s parks! These prehistoric statues roam around the county’s parks as a reminder of creatures that wandered the earth before humans (but not before worms).

Most Verbose Non-Human: After extensive research and polling with the community, our final Normie has to go to the critter who works harder than any other: me. We tried sending out a request for local wildlife to write in and nominate themselves, but…well, none of them can write.

With that, our first batch of Normies has been declared! Congratulations to all of the winners; this county would not be the same without you (and me). I look forward to seeing this group growing over time as more and more noteworthy fixtures of Gwinnett are given their Normies!

You’re Y Yo ou’re the Best!

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JULY & AUGUST EVENTS

EVENTS

JULY 1

1pm • Patriotic Pops at the Park • Lilburn City Park • Sparkle in the Park is the City of Lilburn’s annual Independence Day Fireworks celebration.

Admission: FREE • Phone: (470) 674-6947 • https://www.cityoflilburn.com/ calendar.aspx?EID=2157 5pm • Prelude to the Fourth • Lawrenceville Lawn • Fireworks display Admission: FREE • Phone: (770) 963-2414 • https://www.lawrencevillega. org/Calendar.aspx?EID=1391&month=7&year=2026&day=1&calType=0

JULY 7

11am • Kick it in the Nnett Watch Party Round of 16 Match • Peachtree Corners Town Center • Catch all the action of the Round of 16 at Peachtree Corners Town Center, hosted in partnership with the City of Peachtree Corners. • Admission: Free • https://www.exploregwinnett.org/fifa-worldcup-2026-in-gwinnett/explore-gwinnett-watch-parties/

JULY 7-8

7pm • Jazz Legacy Project: A Tribute to Sarah Vaughn • Eddie Owen Presents @ Red Clay Music Foundry • Jazz music at eddie owen • Admission: $25 Phone: (678) 892-6373 • https://www.freshtix.com/events/jlpvaughn

6:35pm • Gwinnett Stripers vs. Memphis Redbirds • Gwinnett Stripers Baseball • Cheer on the Gwinnett Stripers and experience the excitement of America’s favorite pastime right here in Gwinnett. • Admission: Tickets Available Online • Phone: (678) 277-0340 • https://www.milb.com/ gwinnett/schedule/2026-03/list

JULY 1-6

JULY 8

Attractions 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM, drone and light show + fireworks - 9:30pm Fantastic Fourth Celebration at Stone Mountain • Stone Mountain Park July 4th celebration • Admission: Tickets Available Online • Phone: (478) 478-6686 • https://stonemountainpark.com/activity/events/fantastic-fourthcelebration/

JULY 2

6pm • Red, White, and Ragtime in the Park • Lilburn City Park • Sparkle in the Park is the City of Lilburn’s annual Independence Day Fireworks celebration. • Admission: FREE • Phone: (470) 674-6947 • https://www. cityoflilburn.com/calendar.aspx?EID=2158

JULY 3

3pm • Sidewalk Salute Chalk Art Party • Lilburn City Park • Sparkle in the Park is the City of Lilburn’s annual Independence Day Fireworks celebration.

Admission: FREE • Phone: (470) 674-6947 • https://www.cityoflilburn.com/ calendar.aspx?EID=2159 5pm • Red, White & Boom! • Lillian Webb Park • Amazing fireworks display with live music, delicious food, face painting and other fun activities for the whole family. • Admission: FREE • Phone: (770) 448-2122 • https://www. norcrossga.net/2080/Red-White-Boom 6pm • Star-Spangled Laser Show • Duluth Town Green • Laser show at duluth town green • Admission: FREE • Phone: (770) 476-3434 • https:// www.duluthga.net/business_detail_T5_R814.php 6:30pm • Sparks in the Park • E.E. Robinson Park • Fireworks show like no other! • Admission: FREE • Phone: (770) 945-6716 • https://cityofsugarhill. com/events/event/sparks-in-the-park/

JULY 3-4

Cultivation Brew - 4th of July Weekend Celebration • Cultivation Brewery July 4th celebration • Admission: FREE • https://www.cultivationbrew.com/ pages/upcoming-events-1

JULY 4

5pm • Celebrate 4th of July in Braselton • Braselton Town Green • July 4th celebration • Admission: FREE • Phone: (706) 654-3915 • https://www. explorebraselton.com/event-details/celebrate-4th-of-july-in-braselton-1 6pm • Sparkle in the Park • Lilburn City Park • Sparkle in the Park is the City of Lilburn’s annual Independence Day Fireworks celebration. • Admission: FREE • Phone: (470) 674-6947 • https://www.cityoflilburn.com/466/ Sparkle-in-the-Park

11:30am • Pinocchio! • The Lawrenceville Arts Center – home of the Aurora Theatre. • Featuring world class puppeteers, magicians, storytellers, and musicians, these 45 minute performances are perfect for the young attention spans & engaging for the whole family. • Admission: $7 • Phone: (678) 226-6222 • https://www.lvilleartscenter.com/eventer/pinocchio/

JULY 9-10

6pm • Funnyman Gaitlin • Atlanta Comedy Theater • Comedy show at the atlanta comedy theater • Admission: General admission: $25 VIP: $35 Phone: (770) 724-6400 • https://events.leapevents.com/event/funnymangaitlin

JULY 15

10am • Summer Break Magic Show • The Lawrenceville Arts Center – home of the Aurora Theatre. • live theater experience at the aurora theatre Admission: $7 • Phone: (678) 226-6222 • https://www.lvilleartscenter.com/ eventer/summer-magic/ 11:30am • Aurora Children's Playhouse presents: Orchestra 101 • Aurora Theatre • Enjoy a beautiful concert, and learn all about each instrument in the group along the way. A lifetime love of music starts here at Aurora Children’s Playhouse! • Admission: $7 • Phone: (678) 226-6222 https://auroratheatre.com/productions-and-programs/view/orchestra-101/ 2pm • Kick it in the Nnett Watch Party Semifinal Match • Lillian Webb Park Experience the energy of FIFA World Cup Semifinals at Lillian Webb Park in Norcross, hosted in partnership with the City of Norcross. • Admission: Free • https://www.exploregwinnett.org/fifa-world-cup-2026-in-gwinnett/ explore-gwinnett-watch-parties/

7:05pm • Gwinnett Stripers vs. Memphis Redbirds • Gwinnett Stripers Baseball • Cheer on the Gwinnett Stripers and experience the excitement of America’s favorite pastime right here in Gwinnett. • Admission: Tickets Available Online • Phone: (678) 277-0340 • https://www.milb.com/ gwinnett/schedule/2026-03/list

JULY 16-19

JULY 10-11

JULY 17

7pm • Dale Elliott Jr "Funny How Life Works" Tour • Atlanta Comedy Theater • Comedy show at the atlanta comedy theater • Admission: General admission: $35 VIP: $45 • Phone: (770) 724-6400 • https://events. leapevents.com/event/dale-elliott-jr-funny-how-life-works-tour-26

Rubber Revolver - A Tribute to the Beatles • Eddie Owen Presents • Enjoy an authentic recreation of the Rubber Soul and Revolver albums • Admission: $25 • Phone: (678) 892-6373 • https://eventvesta.com/events/133620/t/ tickets

JULY 11

7:30pm • Groovin' on the Green: After School Special • Loganville Town Green • Groovin’ on the Green concert series • Admission: Free https://www.eventeny.com/events/groovin-on-the-green-26790/

3pm • Suwanee Celebrates America 250 • Suwanee Town Center Park Suwanee Celebrates America 250 with a festive evening. • Admission: Free • https://www.suwanee.com/Home/Components/Calendar/ Event/3707/432?toggle=allupcoming&npage=3 6pm • Viva Las Duluth • Duluth Town Green • Vegas-style fun on town green Admission: Free • Phone: (770) 476-3434 • https://www.duluthga.net/ business_detail_T5_R703.php 6:05pm • Gwinnett Stripers vs. Memphis Redbirds • Gwinnett Stripers Baseball • Cheer on the Gwinnett Stripers and experience the excitement of America’s favorite pastime right here in Gwinnett. • Admission: Tickets Available Online • Phone: (678) 277-0340 • https://www.milb.com/ gwinnett/schedule/2026-03/list

You Can’t Take It With You • The Lawrenceville Arts Center • A classic American comedy at the Fezziwig Foundation. • Admission: Check website for tickets • https://www.fezziwigfoundation.org/productions

JULY 18

2pm • Midsummer Kids Festival • Peachtree Corners Town Center Midsummer festival of fun for kids of all ages! • Admission: FREE Phone: (678) 691-1200 • https://www.peachtreecornersga.gov/1459/ Midsummer-Kids-Festival

JULY 18-19

SCCA Summer Sizzle • Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta • SCCA Summer Sizzle • Admission: $20.00 - $25.00 • Phone: (770) 967-6143 https://michelinracewayroadatlanta.com/scca-summer

JULY 19

8pm • The Casey Kasem Experience • The Lawrenceville Arts Center – home of the Aurora Theatre. • The Casey Kasem Experience, The Top 40 Countdown Admission: $55.00 - $75.00 • Phone: (678) 226-6222 • https://www. lvilleartscenter.com/eventer/casey-kasem/

12pm • Lanier Islands Resort Bridal & Wedding Expo 2026 • Legacy Lodge & Conference Center • wedding expo in buford • Admission: VIP Early Admission - $5.00, General Admission "FREE" • Phone: (678) 926-8368 https://lanierislandsresortbridalandweddingexpo2026.eventbrite.com

JULY 12

JULY 21-22

1:05pm • Gwinnett Stripers vs. Memphis Redbirds • Gwinnett Stripers Baseball • Cheer on the Gwinnett Stripers and experience the excitement of America’s favorite pastime right here in Gwinnett. • Admission: Tickets Available Online • Phone: (678) 277-0340 • https://www.milb.com/ gwinnett/schedule/2026-03/list

6:35pm • Gwinnett Stripers vs. Iowa Cubs • Gwinnett Stripers Baseball Cheer on the Gwinnett Stripers and experience the excitement of America’s favorite pastime right here in Gwinnett. • Admission: Tickets Available Online • Phone: (678) 277-0340 • https://www.milb.com/gwinnett/ schedule/2026-03/list

JULY 23-24

7:05pm • Gwinnett Stripers vs. Iowa Cubs • Gwinnett Stripers Baseball Cheer on the Gwinnett Stripers and experience the excitement of America’s favorite pastime right here in Gwinnett. • Admission: Tickets Available Online • Phone: (678) 277-0340 • https://www.milb.com/gwinnett/ schedule/2026-03/list

JULY 23 - AUG 2

Working: The Musical • ART Station • A musical comedy • Admission: $16 - $38 • Phone: (770) 469-1105 • https://artstation.org/happening/workingthe-musical-d3l5p-xxcmt

JULY 24-25

6:30pm • Broadway in the Park • Suwanee Town Center Park • Theater performance in the park • Admission: $12-$275 (patron table) • Phone: (770) 945-8996 • https://www.suwanee.com/Home/Components/Calendar/ Event/3066/432?toggle=allupcoming&npage=3

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Photo courtesy: City of Lawrenceville

JULY 24-26

8am • World Racing League powered by Hagerty • Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta • World Racing League’s goal is to provide a highly competitive, professional-level racing experience on an amateur racing budget - without compromise. • Admission: $10.00 - $20.00 • Phone: (770) 967-6143 https://www.roadatlanta.com/wrl

JULY 25

4pm • Evening of the Arts • Lawrenceville Lawn • live theatrical and music performances to interactive workshops, art displays, and vendors Admission: Free • Phone: (678) 407-6653 • https://www.lawrencevillega. org/calendar.aspx?CID=37,22#changeDateMonthDropDown 6:05pm • Gwinnett Stripers vs. Iowa Cubs • Gwinnett Stripers Baseball Cheer on the Gwinnett Stripers and experience the excitement of America’s favorite pastime right here in Gwinnett. • Admission: Tickets Available Online • Phone: (678) 277-0340 • https://www.milb.com/gwinnett/ schedule/2026-03/list

AUG 15

8pm • Los Tucanes de Tijuana • Gas South Arena • music concert at gas south arena • Admission: $90.00 -$347.00 • Phone: (470) 639-8243 • https://www.gassouthdistrict.com/events/detail/lostucanes-de-tijuana

AUG 16

7pm • Beres Hammond & Kes The Band • Gas South Arena • music concert at gas south arena • Admission: Tickets Available Online Phone: (470) 639-8243 • https://www.gassouthdistrict.com/ events/detail/beres-hammond-and-kes-the-band

AUG 18-19

AUG 29

AUG 6-7

7pm • Hotel California – The Original EAGLES Tribute • Buford Community Center - Concert Lawn • Hotel California – The Original EAGLES Tribute at the buford community center concert lawn Admission: Free • Phone: (770) 904-2740 • https://www. bufordcommunitycenter.com/event/skynfolks-the-authenticlynyrd-skynyrd-experience/

AUG 7

7pm • BETTER THAN EZRA WITH TONIC AND VERTICAL HORIZON The Bowl @ Sugar Hill • Concert at the bowl in sugar hill Admission: Starts from $59.71 • https://thebowlatsugarhill.com/ events/bte-tonic-vertical/

6pm • Annual August Concert • Suwanee Town Center Park Suwanee’s Free August Concert • Admission: Free • Phone: (770) 945-8996 • https://www.suwanee.com/Home/Components/ Calendar/Event/3072/432?toggle=allupcoming&npage=3

12pm • Peachtree Corners International and Cultural Festival Peachtree Corners Town Center • The Peachtree Corners International and Cultural Festival is a dynamic celebration of the diverse cultures that make up our community and the world beyond. • Admission: Free • Phone: (678) 691-1200 https://www.peachtreecornersga.gov/1463/International-Festival

6:05pm • Gwinnett Stripers vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Gwinnett Stripers Baseball • Cheer on the Gwinnett Stripers and experience the excitement of America’s favorite pastime right here in Gwinnett. • Admission: Tickets Available Online • Phone: (678) 277-0340 • https://www.milb.com/gwinnett/schedule/2026-03/list

6pm • Suwanee-oke: Live Band Karaoke • Suwanee Town Center Park • Suwanee-oke: Live Band Karaoke is coming to Town Center Admission: FREE • Phone: (770) 945-8996 • https:// www.suwanee.com/Home/Components/Calendar/ Event/3441/420?npage=2

7pm • Summer Stage Concert • Duluth Town Green • Free concert on Town Green! • Admission: Free • Phone: (770) 476-3434 https://www.duluthga.net/business_detail_T5_R697.php

6:05pm • Gwinnett Stripers vs. Durham Bulls • Gwinnett Stripers Baseball • Cheer on the Gwinnett Stripers and experience the excitement of America’s favorite pastime right here in Gwinnett.

Admission: Tickets Available Online • Phone: (678) 277-0340 https://www.milb.com/gwinnett/schedule/2026-03/list

JULY 26

1:05pm • Gwinnett Stripers vs. Iowa Cubs • Gwinnett Stripers Baseball • Cheer on the Gwinnett Stripers and experience the excitement of America’s favorite pastime right here in Gwinnett.

Admission: Tickets Available Online • Phone: (678) 277-0340 https://www.milb.com/gwinnett/schedule/2026-03/list 7pm • Omar Terrell • Atlanta Comedy Theater • Comedy show at the atlanta comedy theater • Admission: General admission: $20 VIP: $30 • Phone: (770) 724-6400 • https://events.leapevents. com/event/omar-terrell

AUG 9

JULY 28

4:05pm • Gwinnett Stripers vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Gwinnett Stripers Baseball • Cheer on the Gwinnett Stripers and experience the excitement of America’s favorite pastime right here in Gwinnett. • Admission: Tickets Available Online • Phone: (678) 277-0340 • https://www.milb.com/gwinnett/schedule/2026-03/list

JULY 31

8pm • Andy Grammer: The Big Stupid Heart Tour • The Bowl @ Sugar Hill • Andy Grammer: The Big Stupid Heart Tour • Admission: $65 • Phone:(770) 945-6716 • https:// thebowlatsugarhill.com/events/andy-grammer-the-big-stupidheart-tour/

7pm • Melanie Martinez - HADES: THE SACRIFICE • Gas South Arena • music concert at gas south arena • Admission: Starting at $75.87 • Phone: (470) 639-8243 • https://www.gassouthdistrict. com/events/detail/melanie-martinez-hades-the-sacrifice 7pm • Dude Perfect - Squad Games Tour 2026 • Gas South Arena Squad games tour at gas south arena • Admission: $44.00+ Phone: (470) 639-8243 • https://www.gassouthdistrict.com/ events/detail/dude-perfect-squad-games-tour-2026 7:30pm • The Aurora Theatre presents Sweet Baby James: The #1 James Taylor Tribute • The Lawrenceville Arts Center - Clyde & Sandra Strickland Grandstage • America’s #1 James Taylor tribute, as Nashville singer-songwriter Bill Griese brings his acclaimed Sweet Baby James show • Admission: Starts at $30 • Phone: (678) 226-6222 • https://www.lvilleartscenter.com/eventer/sweet-babyjames-james-taylor-tribute-2/

AUG 1-2

FARA • Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta • FARA USA was built from the ground up to support motorsports and racing enthusiasts in the Florida area. We host major racing events at world-famous tracks and we entertain thousands of fans every year. Full Road Course racing action is right at your fingertips, no matter your skill level. • Phone: (770) 967-6143 https://michelinracewayroadatlanta.com/fara

AUG 4-5

6:35pm • Gwinnett Stripers vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Gwinnett Stripers Baseball • Cheer on the Gwinnett Stripers and experience the excitement of America’s favorite pastime right here in Gwinnett. • Admission: Tickets Available Online • Phone: (678) 277-0340 • https://www.milb.com/gwinnett/schedule/2026-03/list

AUG 11

8am • Mustang Club of America 50th Anniversary • Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta • The Mustang Club of America's 50th Anniversary celebration. • Phone:(770) 967-6143 • https:// mustang.org/event/mustang-club-of-america-50th-anniversary/ Korean Foundation K-Pop Competition • Duluth Town Green Korean Foundation K-Pop Competition. • Admission: Free Phone: (770) 476-3434 • https://www.duluthga.net/business_ detail_T5_R816.php

AUG 30

7pm • Omar Courtz: Por Si Mañana No Estoy USA Tour • Gas South Arena • Music tour at gas south arena • Admission: Starting at $48.75 • Phone: (470) 639-8243 • https://www.gassouthdistrict. com/events/detail/omar-courtz

8pm • BRET MICHAELS – LIVE AND AMPLIFIED • The Bowl @ Sugar Hill • Concert at the bowl in sugar hill • Admission: Starts from $59.71 • https://thebowlatsugarhill.com/events/bret-live/

6:30pm • Meghan Trainor: The Get In Girl Tour • Gas South Arena In this new era, Meghan expertly dances between vulnerability and empowerment, encouraging fans to embrace themselves despite any challenges they may be facing! • Admission: $59.00+ Phone: (470) 639-8243 • https://www.gassouthdistrict.com/ events/detail/meghan-trainor

AUG 8

7pm • Nitro Circus 2.0 • Gwinnett Field • the world’s best FMX, BMX, scooter, and stunt athletes throwing down jaw‑dropping tricks, world‑first moments. • Admission: $40-$120 https://www.nitrocircus.com/

AUG 20-21

7:30pm • Groovin' on the Green: DEPARTURE: The Journey Tribute Band • Loganville Town Green • Groovin’ on the Green concert series • Admission: Free • https://www.eventeny.com/events/ groovin-on-the-green-26791/

6pm • Lawrenceville Movie Club: National Night Out - Turner & Hooch • Lawrenceville Lawn • movie night at lawrenceville lawn Admission: Free • Phone: (678) 407-6670 • https:// downtownlawrencevillega.com/202/Lawrenceville-Movie-Club

AUG 28

AUG 28-30

AUG 21

7:05pm • Gwinnett Stripers vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Gwinnett Stripers Baseball • Cheer on the Gwinnett Stripers and experience the excitement of America’s favorite pastime right here in Gwinnett. • Admission: Tickets Available Online • Phone: (678) 277-0340 • https://www.milb.com/gwinnett/schedule/2026-03/list

1:05pm • Multicultural Week • Duluth Town Green - Main Street Get ready for a high-energy evening filled with live music, dance, cultural stations, and international cuisine. • Admission: Free Phone: (770) 476-3434 • https://www.duluthga.net/business_ detail_T5_R788.php

6:35pm • Gwinnett Stripers vs. Durham Bulls • Gwinnett Stripers Baseball • Cheer on the Gwinnett Stripers and experience the excitement of America’s favorite pastime right here in Gwinnett.

Admission: Tickets Available Online • Phone: (678) 277-0340 https://www.milb.com/gwinnett/schedule/2026-03/list 7:05pm • Gwinnett Stripers vs. Durham Bulls • Gwinnett Stripers Baseball • Cheer on the Gwinnett Stripers and experience the excitement of America’s favorite pastime right here in Gwinnett.

Admission: Tickets Available Online • Phone: (678) 277-0340 https://www.milb.com/gwinnett/schedule/2026-03/list

Photo courtesy: Nicholas Rosati

AUG 26-30

8:30pm • Jill Andrews • Eddie Owen Presents at Red Clay • music concert at eddie owen • Admission: $30 • Phone: (678) 892-6373 https://eventvesta.com/events/148605/t/tickets

AUG 22

8am • Annandale Village Extra Mile 5K • Suwanee Town Center Park • The Extra Mile 5K & 1 Mile Run/Walk • Admission: Register on their website • Phone: (770) 945-8996 • https://www.suwanee. com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/3074/432

8:30pm • Dawn Loves Nash feat. Emily Kate Boyd • Eddie Owen Presents @ Red Clay Music Foundry • Music concert at eddie owen Admission: $25 • Phone: (678) 892-6373 • https://www.freshtix. com/events/dawnlovesnash2026

AUG 23

1:05pm • Gwinnett Stripers vs. Durham Bulls • Gwinnett Stripers Baseball • Cheer on the Gwinnett Stripers and experience the excitement of America’s favorite pastime right here in Gwinnett.

Admission: Tickets Available Online • Phone: (678) 277-0340 https://www.milb.com/gwinnett/schedule/2026-03/list

SCAN HERE FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF UPCOMING EVENTS!

7pm • Barry Manilow - The LAST Duluth Concert • Gas South Arena The Barry Manilow concert at gas south arena • Admission: $37.00+ • Phone: (470) 639-8243 • https://www.gassouthdistrict. com/events/detail/barry-manilow-the-last-duluth-concert

AUG 12

DiG SUBMISSION AND DISCLAIMER

8pm • Ricardo Montaner: El Último Regreso Tour • Gas South Arena • Music tour at gas south arena • Admission: $72.00+ Phone: (770) 813-7500 • https://www.gassouthdistrict.com/ events/detail/ricardo-montaner

AUG 14

5:30pm • LIVE in the DTL Concert Series: Pandora's Box, A Tribute to Aerosmith • Lawrenceville Lawn • concert at lawrenceville lawn • Admission: Free • Phone: (678) 407-6670 • https:// downtownlawrencevillega.com/178/LIVE-in-the-DTL-Concert-Series

AUG 14-16

7pm • TK Kirkland "Mr Who Raised You" Special Engagement Atlanta Comedy Theater • Comedy show at the atlanta comedy theater • Admission: General admission: $30 VIP: $40 • Phone: (770) 724-6400 • https://events.leapevents.com/event/tk-kirklandmr-who-raised-you-special-engagement

A special thank you to Explore Gwinnett, the official tourism organization of Gwinnett County, for sharing their events with us. To learn more about all the happenings in Gwinnett, visit exploregwinnett.org.

Do you have an event you would like on our calendar? Please submit via our website at diggwinnett.com Please note that every attempt is made to ensure that all content is accurate, complete and updated.

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EVENTS

THE DON’T-MISS CONCERT PREVIEW Hey you… yeah you. This is your official invite to a summer stacked with free shows, big energy and zero excuses to stay home. Classic rock?

Check. K-pop energy? Yep. Live band karaoke and interactive competitions? Obviously. It’s all vibes, no ticket needed. Grab your lawn chair, picnic blanket and favorite people… and make sure your cooler is packed. Come loud, come ready, come a little unhinged.

Photo courtesy: nashvillenationband.com

Photo courtesy: exploregwinnett.org

Photo courtesy: thehumandj.live

Photo courtesy: pandorasboxtributeband.rocks

Photo courtesy: koreanfestivalfoundation.com

JULY 11

JULY 17

JULY 25

AUG 14

AUG 29

Nashville Nation

After School Special

The Human DJ & Lizzy Kay

Pandora’s Box

Korean Foundation K-Pop Competition

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Peachtree Corners Town Center

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: Loganville Town Green

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: Thrasher Park

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Location: Lawrenceville Lawn

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Duluth Town Green

As part of the Summer Concert Series, Nashville Nation turns every night into a full-blown country takeover. Expect bootstompin’, beer-raising chaos, killer riffs and hits you can’t help but scream-sing. Basically, they show up and the party gets loud fast.

Groovin on the Green is about to get a nostalgic glow-up with After School Special. Expect 90s and 2000s jams, dual vocals and a crowd that suddenly remembers every lyric they forgot they knew.

Jazz in the Alley is turning up with The Human DJ and Lizzy Kay. He’s a one-man groove machine with trumpet, beats and pure chaos, while she brings powerhouse vocals and soul-stirring magic.

Together, it’s music, energy and vibes you’ll feel in your bones.

Live in the DTL gets a high-voltage blast of Aerosmith classics with Pandora’s Box. Expect soaring vocals, swagger for days and hit-after-hit like “Dream On” and “Walk This Way” that turn the night into a full-on rock ‘n’ roll singalong.

Duluth turns into a K-pop showdown where the energy is sky-high, the choreography is sharp and the fans go wild.

Expect fierce covers of BTS and BLACKPINK, big vocals, lightsticks waving and debut-level stage moments everywhere.

48

EVENTS

WE DiG:

THE ARTSY SIDE OF SUMMER By: Mina Kinjo

Photo courtesy: City of Law

renceville

Calling all art lovers, music fans, creative souls and anyone looking for a Saturday that’s anything but ordinary. Hosted by the City of Lawrenceville, Evening of Arts is taking over the Lawrenceville Arts Center on Saturday, July 25, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and trust us, this masterpiece of an event deserves a spot on your calendar.

Think of it as a giant creative playground where inspiration is around every corner. One minute you're watching a high-energy dance performance that leaves your jaw on the floor. The next moment, you're browsing handcrafted treasures from local artisans while debating whether your living room absolutely needs that one-of-a-kind piece. Spoiler alert: it does.

Feeling artsy? Roll up your sleeves and dive into hands-on experiences like painting, terrarium building and henna art. No experience? No problem. This is all about having fun, getting creative and maybe discovering your hidden artistic alter ego.

The entertainment lineup is serving serious talent, too. Expect everything from smooth jazz and live music to multicultural performances, theater and gravity-defying acrobatics that will have you wondering, "Wait... how did they do that?" And because creativity works up an appetite, delicious food vendors will be on site serving up tasty bites throughout the evening.

Whether you're bringing the family, planning a date night, gathering the friend group or simply looking for a colorful way to spend your Saturday, Evening of Arts is ready to deliver. So grab your crew, bring your curiosity and prepare to color outside the lines. After all, the best nights aren't just remembered. They're created!

Lawrenceville Maze Answer Key

Photo courtesy: City of Lawrenceville

49

DiG DEEPER

DiG DEEPER

Welcome to your summer fun era, Gwinnett County. Who says unforgettable memories have to come with a hefty price tag? This season is all about making the most of sunny days, local adventures and hidden gems right in your backyard. From splash pad afternoons and park picnics to free festivals and live music under the stars, we're serving up plenty of ways to soak up summer without overspending.

Dive into polls, giveaways and social fun all season long because the best summer moments are often the simplest ones.

INSTAGRAM: @diggwinnett

FACEBOOK: Dig Gwinnett

TIKTOK: @diggwinnett

POLLS What's your summer vibe? Are you chasing free concerts, planning the ultimate picnic spread or mapping out every splash pad in town? Maybe you're all about finding fun ways to make memories close to home. Cast your vote below and discover your summer personality.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER!

GIVEAWAYS A little extra summer fun? Yes, please. This season, we're sharing giveaways packed with local experiences, family-friendly outings, event tickets and more.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to our weekly newsletter and keep an eye on diggwinnett.com for your chance to score some summer perks.

PICK ONE:

WOULD YOU RATHER:

Lemonade OR Sweet Tea

Mini Golf OR Bowling

THIS OR THAT?

Touching Grass OR

Touching Water

WE’LL SEE YOU

SEPTEMBER 17-27, 2026 Check in on our website & social for updates, schedules, ticket packages & more!

2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Lawrenceville • GwinnettCountyFair.com

17 and under must be accompanied by a parent and clear bags only.

The annual free concert at Town Center Park

featuring

with Cody Madlock

AUGUST 8TH . 6-10 PM SUWANEE.COM FOR DETAILS AND PARKING INFORMATION

Presented by:

DULUTH EVENTS BEATS ON THE GREEN AUGUST - MAY

Every Friday

DULUTH FARMERS & ARTISAN MARKET

JULY

OCTOBER

3

3

DOGTOBERFEST

9

FLICKS ON THE BRICKS

STAR-SPANGLED LASER SHOW

10 ROCK THE BLOCK: FLICKS ON THE BRICKS

MARCH - MAY & SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 1st & 3rd Sundays of the Month

DULUTH LIVE SERIES

23 HOWL ON THE GREEN

APRIL - OCTOBER

24 ROCK THE BLOCK

NOVEMBER

PARSONS THURSDAY NIGHTS OUT

31 ROCK THE BLOCK

7

11

17 ROCK THE BLOCK

AUGUST 8

Music in Parsons Alley Every Friday & Saturday

VIVA LAS DULUTH

SUMMER STAGE CONCERT

14 FLICKS ON THE BRICKS

JUNE 4 - JULY 30

GWB PRESENTS: MIGHTY FINE WEST COAST IPA FEST

CREATIVITY WORKSHOPS See Events Website for Upcoming Workshops Registration Required

DECEMBER 5

PEACH STATE CORNHOLE See Events Website for Details Registration Required

DECK THE HALL

26-30 MULTICULTURAL WEEK

FROSTY FUN

29 KOREAN FOUNDATION K-POP COMPETITION

Seasonal Downtown Activities over Thanksgiving & Winter Breaks

SEPTEMBER 11

FLICKS ON THE BRICKS

12 THE BIG 150: OFF THE RAILS 26-27 DULUTH FALL FESTIVAL

GET THE LATEST EVENT INFORMATION AT DULUTHGA.NET/EVENTS City of Duluth, Georgia

@city_of_duluth

@cityofduluthga