Take a road trip just 40 miles south of Atlanta to Griffin and Spalding County, Georgia for unforgettable charm, leisure sports and recreation, a thriving art scene and more. Founded in 1840, this former railroad and cotton town has preserved its fascinating architecture and evolved into an ideal getaway destination with plenty to do and see.
There are more than enough reasons to visit now through the end of summer. Here are just a few.
This city gives off a small-town vibe with big rewards – boutiques, antique shops, 20+ restaurants, 2nd Saturday events, a free Summer Concert Series, and more music and entertainment every weekend. The downtown area offers 900+ free public parking spaces and the theatre and concert admission prices are reasonable. Stroll the streets with a Griffin GoCup–from 4 p.m. to midnight daily, select restaurants in the Arts and Entertainment District provide them to ages 21 and up. Food and fun events make it a must-do for a friends getaway or family weekend.
August 5 and 12, 2023
Downtown Griffin Summer Concert Series
Park at Sixth, 204 East Solomon Street
Griffin, Georgia
770-228-5356
https://www.facebook.com/downtowngriffin
Celebrate the summer with live music at the park in Downtown Griffin on select Saturdays for the Summer Concert Series, hosted by the Griffin Downtown Council. Music is from 7-9 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Free public parking is available in the parking deck on Solomon Street.
August 5, August 18, August 19, August 26, September 1, September 15, September 16 and 22
Legendary Favorites – Legendary Tribute Bands
Griffin Opera House
102 N Hill St
Griffin, Georgia
770-688-7188
https://thegriffinoperahouse.com/events
The Griffin Opera House has quite a popular lineup of top-drawing, audience-approved tribute bands, a perfect way to get a live, high-energy fix of your favorite tunes without the high prices. On the schedule, in order of appearance date: Songs of the South – The Alabama Tribute Band; “All My Rowdy Friends” The Nation’s #1 Hank Williams Jr. Tribute Show; Jimmy Buffett; ZZ Top; 80s and 90s iconic rock; Elvis; Duran Duran; Tom Petty and Fleetwood Mac tribute bands, respectively. For more on each band, showtimes and tickets, visit https://thegriffinoperahouse.com/events.
August 5, 2023
Beach Boys Tribute “Sail On”
Barnstormer’s Grill & Event Center
349 Jonathan’s Roost Rd
Williamson, Georgia 30292
770-227-9989
https://www.facebook.com/barnstormers.grill
This aviation-themed restaurant and event center always has something going on. Have dinner and be entertained by a great Beach Boys tribute band.
August 12, 2023
Barnstormer’s Monthly Props n Pistons Cruise-In
Barnstormer’s Grill & Event Center
Peach State Aerodrome, 349 Jonathan’s Roost Rd
Williamson, Georgia 30292
770-227-9989
https://www.barnstormersgrill.com
This aviation-themed restaurant and event center always has something going on. Bring your sweet ride from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. for a cruise-in. Restaurant will be open.
August 12, 2023
Downtown Griffin Second Saturdays
Downtown Griffin, Georgia
770-228-5356
https://www.facebook.com/downtowngriffin
Stroll the streets and enjoy art, entertainment, live music, unique merchant promotions and see why Griffin is such a fun and welcoming town. This month’s theme: Ice Cream Stroll.
Recurring: August 12, September 9, October 14, 2023
Georgia Grown Downtown Market 2023
Historic City Hall, 201 East Solomon Street
Griffin, Georgia
An open-air marketplace that features Georgia Grown farmers, crafters, artisans, and more from
2– 5 p.m. Free parking at Historic City Hall or the Solomon Street public parking deck. Come shop local fruits, vegetables, eggs, coffee beans, organic meats, homemade treats, and enjoy live music on the patio.
August 12, 2023
The Griffin Opera house welcomes back Josh Courson
Griffin Opera House
102 N Hill St
Griffin, Georgia
770-688-7188
https://thegriffinoperahouse.com/events
Known for his country rock anthem “Here for the Beer,” multi-award winning singer-songwriter Josh Courson has been wowing audiences and critics in Georgia and nationally.
August 25, 2023
Griffin Opera House presents James Gregory “The Funniest Man in America”
Griffin Opera House
102 N Hill St
Griffin, Georgia
770-688-7188
https://thegriffinoperahouse.com/events
For decades, the unforgettable caricature of veteran comedian James Gregory has stood grinning: his shirt untucked, his arms outstretched, a carefree welcome to a down-home, hilarious comedy experience. It’s storytelling at its best. The trademark caricature is the essence of humorist James Gregory’s comedy: rib-tickling reflections on life from the front porch.
September 9, 2023
Doc Holliday Festival and BBQ Championship
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Griffin City Park
821 Pimento Avenue
Griffin, Georgia
(770) 228-8200
https://www.dochollidayfest.com/
Free admission; family friendly. Stay overnight: The country band, BullStreet, will start playing at 7 p.m. on Friday Sept. 8, Downtown at the Park at 6th, bring a lawn chair or blanket. Next morning, the festival is held at Griffin City Park. Griffin-Spalding is home to the Western figure John Henry “Doc” Holliday, the area’s native son. The legendary gunslinger grew up in Griffin and later returned after dental school before heading west to Texas. Explore the birthplace and dental office of John Henry “Doc” Holliday, and attend the annual event, which includes Shootout at the O.K. Corral reenactments, local vendors, family entertainment and more. The Doc Holliday BBQ Championship is a Georgia BBQ Association event; chefs compete for a portion of the $13,000 total payout. Contestants prepare their best pork loin, pulled pork, or pork rib. Ancillary contests for brisket, steak, wings, and desserts will also be held. No ticket needed and no cost to attend the festival. No cost public parking is available in the parking deck on Solomon Street.
Self-guided tour of the places Doc Holliday knew as a young man, when Griffin was a prosperous cotton town. https://ingriffin.com/explorations/doc-holliday/
September 9, 2023
Downtown Griffin Second Saturdays
Griffin, Georgia
770-228-5356
https://www.facebook.com/downtowngriffin
Stroll the streets and enjoy art, entertainment, live music, unique merchant promotions and see why Griffin is such a fun and welcoming town. This month’s theme: Woofstock.
September 22–30, 2023
Spalding County Fair
Kiwanis Fairgrounds
1025 South Hill Street
Griffin Georgia
770-228-8200
https://www.facebook.com/kiwanisofgriffincenter/
An old-fashioned county fair with exciting attractions, delicious fair food, a petting zoo, live entertainment, and much more.
September 28, 2023
Rhonda Hart and Band
Griffin Auditorium
234 East Taylor Street
Griffin, Georgia
770-227-1204 or 770-228-3229 (GACA office)
www.griffinconcerts.org
Rhonda Hart has written award winning songs, has played throughout the U.S. and Europe and toured with many of country music’s best-known stars. Deana Carter and Rhonda wrote “Did I Shave My Legs For This?” which landed on Billboard Hot Country and was nominated for two Grammy awards. Rhonda’s song “Waiting For The Phone To Ring” rocketed to number one in Europe. The Rhonda Hart Band has been the headliner at Flora-Bama for the past ten years, playing classic and original country and rock hits. Presented by The Griffin Area Concert Association.
November 2, 2023
Sounds of Silence Tribute
Griffin Auditorium
234 East Taylor Street
Griffin, Georgia
770-227-1204 (Venue) or 770-228-3229 (GACA office)
www.griffinconcerts.org
Journey back in time to the 1970s Greenwich Village scene, to a timeless era of music when lyrics and melody meant something more. The Sounds of Silence Tribute is the duo Steven Deleopoulos and Johnny Phillips, award winning musicians known for their unique sound, energetic live shows and introspective lyrics underscored by remarkable musicianship. Concert features the music of Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, John Denver, Cat Stevens, Don McLean and more. Presented by The Griffin Area Concert Association.
Stay Overnight
From charming historic bed and breakfasts to chain hotel brands, Griffin-Spalding has a wide variety of lodging options, including a historic loft, a bed and breakfast and traditional hotel brands. The area also features many VRBO and Airbnb options including some private estates with properties for rent.
The official website of the Griffin Spalding Business & Tourism Association is https://ingriffin.com.
More Arts and Entertainment info and options can be found at https://ingriffin.com/arts-entertainment
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