Vacations are often as much about a state of mind as they are about the distance to the destination. Just 30 minutes northeast of downtown Atlanta on I-85, Gwinnett County offers the attractions, amenities and culture of a metropolis within accessible and beautiful small towns built around culture, food, arts and music. Special events give visitors reasons to return every season of the year. In addition to headliners such as Shania Twain, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill at Infinite Energy Center this August, here are upcoming events worth a short drive.
Suwanee SculpTour
Year-round
Town Center Park, 330 Town Center Avenue, Suwanee
A walkable outdoor exhibit of original sculptures is centered around Suwanee’s Town Green, a great place for lunch, a drink or just spending the day at the park. The fifth installment of Suwanee’s popular SculpTour temporary sculpture exhibition encompasses 20 pieces on a rotating basis, as well as eight additional permanent exhibits. Private donations enable the program to grow Suwanee’s permanent public art collection as typically at least one sculpture from each SculpTour is purchased. Events.exploregwinnett.org/event/sculptour#.Wuc9-Jch3IU
Flicks on the Bricks
1st Friday of the month from June-September
Duluth Town Green, Duluth
From Jumanji on June 1 to Black Panther on September 7, Flicks on the Bricks presents free, highly-rated PG-13 movies under the stars on the Duluth Town Green. Food trucks, free inflatables from 6-9 p.m. Movies start at dusk. www.Duluthga.net/community/2what_s_happening/upcoming_events/flicks_on_the_bricks.php
Norcross Summer Concert Series
First Friday, May thru September, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Thrasher Park, 93 Park Drive, Norcross
Enjoy the sweet sounds of summer in downtown Norcross at free concerts with noted bands such as Rupert’s Orchestra and A1A. Local restaurants can create the perfect picnic. Bring a chair, a cooler and canned food or non-perishable items for the CAN Do food drive, a county-wide effort to fill the shelves of local food pantries. Donations of can be dropped off in bins during each concert. APlaceToImagine.com/events/concerts
Jazz in the Alley
Saturdays, June 30, July 28, August 18, September 1, 2018; 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Betty Mauldin Park, 65 Lawrenceville Street, Norcross
Free
Jazz at its best will be sizzling late summer through early fall. Local eateries are jazzing things up with tasty to-go chef specials for a perfect date night or girl’s night out. During the band breaks, take an easy stroll and check out the deals in downtown shops. Bring chairs and a cooler (no glass, please). APlaceToImagine.com/events/concerts
Summer Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon, May 12-October 6, 2018, excluding Sept. 15
Town Center Park, 330 Town Center Avenue, Suwanee
Locally grown produce and a variety of other items, such as salsa, honey, eggs and meat, and baked goods. Events.exploregwinnett.org/event/suwanee_farmers_market_933#.WuaUB8gvzIU
Gwinnett Beer Fest
May 5
1-5 p.m., exclusive VIP tasting starting at noon
Coolray Field, 2500 Buford Drive, Lawrenceville
Unlimited sampling of more than 150 craft beers at the Gwinnett Stripers minor league park, Coolray Field. General Admission Tickets ($45, $50 day of) include unlimited samples of 150+ American craft beers, Gwinnett Beer Fest exclusive tasting cup, new, local and limited release beers on the field at Coolray Field, live music, games and more. Benefiting Kingdom Kids charity. VIP tickets ($150) include private dining and pairings, private bathrooms. Make it an overnight mini-vacay with partner hotels. GwinnettBeerFest.com/gbf
Star 94’s Woofstock
May 5-6
Suwanee Town Center Park, Suwanee
Free
Atlanta’s largest pet party, Frisbee dogs, dock-diving “Air Dogs,” live music, food trucks, a beer garden, and kids’ inflatables. Animal lovers converge for Atlanta’s largest pet party, Star 94’s Woofstock. Enjoy flying Frisbee dogs, the amazing dock-diving “Air Dogs,” live music, food trucks, a beer garden and inflatables for kids. Or, simply kick back with your furry pal. (Pets of all kinds– dogs, cats, birds, ferrets–are welcome as long as they’re leashed.) More than 50 nonprofit and rescue groups will be on hand to spread the slobbery love. WoofStockATL.com
Norcross Bluesberry and Beer Festival
June 16
Betty Mauldin Park, 65 Lawrenceville Street, Norcross
Free
Georgia blues bands, from traditional Chicago-style to American Roots to emerging artists. Craft beers, blueberry desserts, specials and drinks at restaurants and more. BluesberryBeerFestival.com
Rock’n Ribville
September 22, noon-8 p.m.
Lawrenceville Lawn, 147 Luckie St., Lawrenceville
Any event that pairs live bands and barbecue is a winner in our book, but Lawrenceville’s Rock’n Ribville boasts an added level of finger-lickin’ legitimacy: It’s sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, the largest competitive ‘cue organization in the world. Alas, only judges can taste the official rib entrants, but there’s plenty more succulent smoked meat vying for the People’s Choice Award–plus beer, arts and crafts and a Kids’ Riblet Zone with face painting and inflatables. www.RockNRibville.com
Suwanee Fest
Saturday, September 15, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sunday, September 16, 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
330 Town Center Avenue, Suwanee
Free
A two-day celebration of food, fun and community with nearly 200 vendors and exhibitors, 15 entertainment acts and one amazing parade are just some of the highlights. SuwaneeFest.com
JapanFest
September 15-16
Infinite Energy Center, Duluth
Tickets $10-$18; Children 6 or under, free
One of the largest Japanese festivals in the country, Duluth’s annual JapanFest immerses patrons in the culture and traditions of the Land of the Rising Sun. Learn martial arts, calligraphy and bonsai tree care and explore the nation’s rich heritage of music, dance and cooking. Performances range from traditional to taiko drumming, J-Rock and J-Pop. www.InfiniteEnergyCenter.com/events/detail/japanfest-atlanta-2018
Norcross Art Splash
October 6, 10 a.m.-6 p.m,
October 7, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thrasher Park, 93 Park Drive, Norcross
A festive local art experience. The annual Norcross Art Splash brings a vibrant collection of folk art, ceramics, paintings, photography, jewelry and more to the charming streets of downtown Norcross. Food vendors, continuous live music and a Kidz Zone fill neighboring Thrasher Park. Chairs for Charity features chairs and furniture repainted and designed by local schools to raise money for their arts programs. SplashFestivals.com
Gwinnett County is close enough for a quick drive, yet far enough away to justify a well-deserved overnight (or more!) mini-vacation. For ideas on where to stay, dine and more, visit www.ExploreGwinnett.com