The first weekend of May is a busy one on the calendar. Cinco de Mayo falls on Sunday, while Star Wars fans will be celebrating on Saturday, May the Fourth. That day will also see the annual running of the Kentucky Derby horse race.
That means there will be plenty of themed events this weekend to take part in around Northeast Georgia. Here is the list of What's Happening This Weekend:
Weekend Events Friday, May 3–Sunday, May 5, 2024
MUSIC EVENTS:
Event Name: First Friday Music
Event Date & Time: Friday, May 3, 4–10 p.m.
Event Location: The Square, Historic Downtown Gainesville
Event Details: This free summer concert series will have you dancing and singing along. You can shop or have dinner on the square and then join in the fun. Bring your blankets or chairs. A band will begin from 4–6 p.m., and then the main concert will start at 7 p.m. All concerts and all parking are free. For more information, go to www.mainstreetgainesville.org.
Event Name: First Friday Concert Series
Event Date & Time: Friday, May 3, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Event Location: Hancock Park, Dahlonega
Event Details: The First Friday Concert Series returns for the summer season! Live music, local food and trucks, games and more for the entire family. Come dance and sing and enjoy the atmosphere of historic downtown Dahlonega. This month’s band will be The Inconceivable, which plays a mix of rock/metal and rap music, all on an acoustic set.
Event Name: Music in the Branch
Event Date & Time: Sunday, May 5, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Event Location: 5603 Mitchell St., Flowery Branch
Event Details: Music lovers, enjoy this free concert in downtown Flowery Branch! Listen to live music and grab dinner from one of the food trucks. Hosted by the City of Flowery Branch.
Event Name: Boys in the Band, Alabama Tribute Concert
Event Date & Time: Friday, May 3, 5 p.m.
Event Location: Boot Barn Hall, Gainesville
Event Details: Enjoy all your favorite Alabama songs! This group hails from the same place as the original Alabama members – Fort Payne, Alabama. This is a high-energy show that keeps the music and fun of the original group. Doors open at 5 p.m. Ages 14+. For details, visit www.bootbarnhallga.com.
Event Name: Elle King Concert
Event Date & Time: Sunday, May 5, 5:30 p.m.
Event Location: Boot Barn Hall, Gainesville
Event Details: Elle King will be performing with special guest, Andrew Jannakos. Go to www.bootbarnhall.com.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS:
Event Name: Railroad Days
Event Date & Time: Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4
Event Location: The Depot, Lula
Event Details: This two-day event begins with a movie starting after dark on Friday night. The parade on Saturday begins at 10 a.m. and will travel along Chattahoochee Street. Vendors and entertainment will be happening all day. Crafts, games, vendors, food, music and more!
Event Name: Cuatro De Mayo
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 4, 12–6 p.m.
Event Location: Cumming City Center, Cumming
Event Details: It’s time for a fiesta! Music, a mechanical bull, amazing vendors and Mexican food! That evening, there will be a live concert. Invite your amigos for some fun!
Event Name: A Circus Blessing
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Event Location: Cumming Fairgrounds, Cumming
Event Details: Come see amazing and unique acts, like stiltwalkers, plate spinners, unicyclists, juggling and more. There will also be bounce houses, face painting, sand art, carnival games, vendors, food trucks and more. This event is to support the “Blessings in a Backpack” program, which is run by Lambert High School Students. Each week they pack meals for over 460 school age students to help with hunger they may face at home over the weekends. Each of those recipients will get a free entry ticket. There is a $10 cost for everyone else and free for those ages 5 and under. For $25 you can get all day fun, plus ringside seats, plus free parking. Go to www.acircusblessing.com for more details.
Event Name: Free Comic Book Day
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Event Location: Downtown Lawrenceville
Event Details: Free comic books for your favorite comic book lover! This event includes workshops, classes, interactive activities, vendors and a cosplay contest. Go to www.downtownlawrencevillega.com for more.
Event Name: Spring Festival
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Event Location: Downtown Hoschton
Event Details: In the heart of Downtown Hoschton, grab some good eats, shop for some unique treasures, enjoy some family fun. Bring the whole family and enjoy the day.
Event Name: Amateur BBQ Cook-Off
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Event Location: Cherokee Bluffs Park, Flowery Branch
Event Details: Hosted by the Hall County Parks and Leisure, come enjoy BBQ, food trucks, live music by Fly Betty Band, cornhole and more. Watch amateur chefs battle for the title of For information on the cook-off or the cornhole tournament, email [email protected].
Event Name: Drive-In Theater
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 4, 2024, 5 p.m.
Event Location: 3210 Dr. Bramblett Rd., Cumming
Event Details: Hosted by the C10 Club of Georgia, this will be a fun event showing the movie, “Gone in 60 Seconds.” This movie is rated PG-13. A food vendor on site will serve hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, candy and more. A cruise-in starts at 5 p.m. and the movie begins at sunset. For questions, call 706-878-0828.
THEATER PRODUCTIONS:
Event Name: Bonnie & Clyde
Event Date & Time: Friday, May 3-Sunday, May 5, 7:30 p.m. (through May 12, weekends only)
Event Location: Holly Theater, Dahlonega
Event Details: Enjoy the adventures of Bonnie and Clyde live on stage at the Holly Theater. Get your tickets online at www.hollytheater.com.
Event Name: Footloose, The Musical
Event Date & Time: Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4, various times
Event Location: NoFo Stage, Cumming
Event Details: NoFo Stage is the North Forsyth High School Booster Club from Forsyth County Schools. This performance is from the Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score with dynamic new songs. “Footloose” celebrates a generation and a movement, as well as a well-known movie and musical production.
KENTUCKY DERBY:
Event Name: Kentucky Derby Watch Party
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 4, 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Event Location: StillFire Brewing, Suwanee
Event Details: Bring your best Kentucky Derby hat and watch the race. There’s a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band playing at 7 p.m. Celebrate the 150th Run for the Roses.
Event Name: 1st Annual Derby Day Social
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 4, 4:30–8:30 p.m.
Event Location: Courtyard Marriott, Gainesville
Event Details: Dress to impress in your finest Derby attire. Watch the races in style with live music from Jason Gardner and the Backwoods Revival. Enjoy themed food and drinks. 10% of all ticket sales will be donated to Rape Response, Inc., a nonprofit that provides support to survivors of sexual assault.
Event Name: Kentucky Derby Watch Party
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 4, 3-8 p.m.
Event Location: Chateau Elan Winery & Resort, Braselton
Event Details: Saddle up for an unforgettable party. You can place bets, watch the race and enjoy the refined elegance of Chateau Elan.
Event Name: Duluth Derby Day
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 4, 2:30–7:30 p.m.
Event Location: Duluth Town Green, Duluth
Event Details: The City of Duluth will hold it’s annual Derby Day viewing party around the Town Green. There will be plenty to eat and drink and keep you entertained. Food vendors will be there while the race shows on the jumbo screen. Wear your fanciest derby clothes for the Best Dressed Contest at 5 p.m. For details, go to www.duluthga.net/events.
MAY THE FOURTH – STAR WARS THEMED:
Event Name: Star Wars Night at Coolray Field
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 4, 6:05 p.m.
Event Location: Coolray Field, Lawrenceville
Event Details: Glowsabers will be handed out to the first 500 kids ages 12 and under. Gwinnett Stripers will be playing against the Durham Bulls. Go to www.milb.com/gwinnett.
Event Name: May the Fourth
Event Date & Time: Saturday, May 4, 12–4:30 p.m.
Event Location: Game Changer, Lake Lanier Islands, Buford
Event Details: Galaxy golf, themed drinks and food, Star Wars troopers, trivia and a photo op. Come in your Star Wars outfit and receive 10% off food and beverage. This is a free event!
