Breezy autumn evenings and the spacious Duluth Town Green are a perfect combination for the final weeks of Fridays-N-Duluth, October 2^nd, 9^th, 16^th and 23^rd, and Flicks on the Bricks, October 2^nd and 16^th.  These two popular Downtown Duluth events combine films, food, live music and a festive outdoor atmosphere.  Come join friends or neighbors in Downtown Duluth before the season ends!

Friday, October 2^nd initiates the final month of transforming The Duluth Town Green into one of the area’s largest movie-watching venues that is family and dog friendly!  An array of food vendors will entice movie-watchers with delicious aromas during Flicks on the Bricks and other downtown activities.  Fun inflatables will again be available for energetic kids to bounce away on the Town Green until the start of the movie.

Live music accompanies all Fridays-N-Duluth October events as The Highbeams make a return visit on October 2^nd as a favorite group of Duluth audiences!   Performing from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. this popular instrumental and vocal trio, comprised of brothers Adam & Ian Pendlington and bassist Stephen Quinn, will entertain the audience with smooth guitar strokes and soulful harmonies. The Highbeams opened the Fridays-N-Duluth May 1^st summer concert season, and also appeared August 7^th.

Other upcoming Fridays-N-Duluth October performances include Riley Biederer, October 9^th, Drive Thru Junkies, October 16th, and a second appearance by The Regulars Band, October 23^rd, prior to this season’s Howl On The Green Friday, October 30^th finale.

Riley Biederer is a 19-year-old Atlanta native, aspiring singer and songwriter, who is making her second Fridays-N-Duluth appearance.  She is presently recording a first album in such varied locales as Los Angeles, Nashville, New York City and Atlanta.

The five-member group of Drive Thru Junkies is Marietta-based and offers a varied repertoire from the Beatles to the Black Keys.   Their music is a marathon of yesterday, today and “rockin’ it their way” tunes, which guarantees every audience a “danceable good time!”

The Regulars Band is known for their equal parts funk and rock and fronted by siblings Lee and Lindsey Smith, and group members Doug Ehler, Clay Davis, and Elliot Phillips.  Their soulful guitar and vocals guarantees a “rock-out” night to bring Fridays-N-Duluth to a spirited pre-Halloween ending!

The next weekend Howl On The Green invades the Duluth Town Green, Friday, October 30^th, for all goblins to celebrate Halloween!  More ghoulish details upcoming!

Pack a picnic, grab a blanket or a few lawn chairs, leash-up your pooch, and come join the fun!  Watch a movie under the stars in a casual, outdoor environment and welcome the cooler temperatures of autumn.  All musical performances occur on the Duluth Town Green from 6 – 9 p.m., prior to the evening’s Flicks on the Bricks movie.

The Flicks on the Bricks October 2^nd movie is The Boxtrolls.   This animated feature follows orphaned “Eggs,” a human boy who is being lovingly raised by a quirky group of underground characters living below the city of Cheesebridge.

The voice-overs for this unique group of cavernous “under-dwellers” and the evil villain who wants to “exterminate” them include Ben Kingsley, Elle Fanning, Simon Pegg and Tracy Morgan.  Rated PG, the film was based on the children’s book, “Here Be Monsters” by Alan Snow, and released as an animated movie in September of 2014.  The Boxtrolls received an Academy Award nomination for “Best Animated Feature.”

Friday, October 16^th includes the Duluth Fine Arts League (DFAL) Annual Art Walk featuring local artists’ visual, edible and interactive art. Flicks on the Bricks movie is The Maze Runner.   Rated PG-13, the film stars Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Will Poulter, and Ki Hong Lee as a group of abandoned teens who attempt to escape from the giant labyrinth in which they are held captive.  This film also was released during September of 2014.

Pack a picnic, grab a blanket or a few lawn chairs, bring a sweatshirt, leash-up a four-legged friend, and join the fun!  Come eat, hear great live music, watch a movie under the stars and “chill” with the cooler temperatures!  Celebrate October by enjoying a Fridays-N-Duluth with family, friends, or make new acquaintances in Downtown Duluth.   Discover why there are so many things to do in Duluth GA and what makes our city such a special place to live, play, or work!

On August 10, the Duluth Downtown Development Authority executed a formal Development, Purchase and Sales Agreement with Dreamland Restaurants of Atlanta, Inc. to construct a 6,500 square foot Dreamland Bar-B-Que restaurant. In addition, Dreamland selected Christian Brothers, Inc. (CBI) as its general contractor. Construction activities are slated to begin this week in September with removal of the existing warehouse structure. Some materials will be reused in the interior to reflect the history of the Parsons distribution facility which stood on the site.

Earlier this week Dreamland Duluth’s General Manager Tim Clark visited the site to go over plans with Duluth City Councilman Kelly Kelkenberg. “We have taken the time to get to know this community in a very real way,” said Mr. Clark.  “Dreamland’s core mission from its inception in 1958 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama has always been to serve great food to its customers as family.”

Councilman Kelkenberg echoed that sentiment: “Dreamland has set up a tent at every one of our Food Truck Friday events to answer questions and introduce our citizens and visitors to their way of doing business.”

Construction of the facility is anticipated to take six months, with Dreamland being the first of an expected 11 total retail sites on the Parsons Alley Block area totaling some 42,000 square feet of new and adaptively-reused space.  The project also includes a central outdoor plaza to anchor the redevelopment at the top of Duluth Town Green.

“We are anxious to begin the visible part of this project” said Betsy McAtee, Dreamland CEO. “The new building is designed and will be constructed to reflect the heritage of Dreamland and the rich history of the Parson’s warehouse district.”

Dreamland will employ 75-100 full-time staff and has six locations in Alabama and one other location in Georgia.

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Autumn colors, the smell of cider and the sounds from a magical variety of entertainment fill the air for the 2015 Duluth Fall Festival, Thursday, September 24 – Sunday, September 27!   Celebrating its’ 33^rd year, this annual event has become a seasonal mainstay for Duluth residents, Atlanta citizens, and other Southeast visitors.

The Fall Festival Concert opens the 2015 Duluth Fall Festival schedule on Saturday, September 12^th when Rupert’s Orchestra will be headlining for the fourth year!  This group of 12-talented individuals guarantees to bring the evening’s audience to their feet with a musical mixture of Motown, Big Band Era, and Classic Rock tunes.  Rupert’s Orchestra will take the stage at 8:00 p.m. after a performance by Sacred City.  This soulful pairing of siblings Alyson and Phil Rogers, is the night’s opening act, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Unfurling the carnival tent for the Duluth Fall Festival on Thursday, September 24, Gold Medal Shows will bring their family-friendly entertainment to Downtown Duluth for all four days!  Offering a dizzying array of carnival rides, delicious fair food, games, and other activities, the Midway will be open both Thursday, September 24^th & Friday, September 25^th from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., and all day Saturday and Sunday until closing.

Featuring the Dizzy Dragon, Orient Express, and Rio Grande Train rides, Gold Medal Shows have provided carnival entertainment to the Atlanta area since 1969.  Gold Medal Shows is also known for their variety of fair food which will fill the Midway with the aroma of funnel cakes, elephant ears, French Fries, pizza, and other fan favorites.  No one will go hungry here!

The Duluth Fall Festival shifts into overdrive Saturday, September 26^th with a variety of arts, entertainment, food, music, a parade, and silent auctions, all in one day!  Starting at 9:00 a.m., 250 artisan booths will welcome visitors offering visitors a vast selection of handmade items including ceramics, children’s clothing, jewelry, metal sculptures, painting, photography, pottery, soaps, woodworking, and other mediums by vendors traveling from Ohio, Texas, and all states in-between.

At 10:00 a.m. the Duluth Fall Festival Parade officially opens the weekend festivities with the excitement of marching bands, street performers, fire engines, and other local groups, to entertain crowds aligning the parade route.  Former Atlanta Falcons star, Chuck Smith, is the 2015 Grand Marshal. Other Duluth Fall Festival Parade honorees include Honorary Grand Marshals Billy Boles, and the Duluth High School Boys Soccer Team, the 2015 State Soccer Champions!

Billy Boles is a Duluth native, resident, and decorated World War II veteran.  Boles fought in the Battle of the Bulge, was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery, and was held captive for five months by the Nazis.  He will turn 92 later this year.  The Duluth High School Soccer Team also will share the Honorary Grand Marshal duties with an impressive 21-2 season record and State Championship title!

The Duluth Fall Festival Parade route starts in Downtown Duluth at Main Street, turns South and East onto Highway 120, goes South at Buford Highway, and ends at Hardy Industrial Boulevard.  All traffic will be redirected from these areas before and during the parade.

The Duluth Fall Festival Parade is just the opener for a jammed Saturday line-up of musical performances and other special events!  Starting at 12:30 p.m. both the Festival Center Stage and the Calaboose Stage will offer a variety of 20 acts both for Saturday & Sunday for Duluth Fall Festival attendees to enjoy!

Television and radio personality, Walter Reeves, will offer his gardening advice and answer audience questions from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, September 26^th.  Deemed “The Georgia Gardener,” Reeves entertains fans with his “down-home” humor and helpful gardening tips.

Saturday activities conclude with the craft booths closing at 7:00 p.m. and the Duluth Fall Festival Carnival ending the Midway fun at 10:00 p.m.

Sunday, September 27^th Duluth Fall Festival events begin early with the Duluth Donut Dash at 8:00 a.m.!  Each racer will receive a free donut and coffee from Dunkin Donuts on Buford Highway for getting up early and joining the other runners.

This is a U.S. Track & Field certified event and serves as a qualifying race for the July 4^th Peachtree Road Race.  Awards will be given to the winners of the 15 age group categories, which range from age 10 and younger, to 75 years and older.  All funds raised from by the Duluth Donut Dash will be donated to the Methodist Children’s Home to assist Georgia children who are in foster care.

Other Sunday, September 27^th Duluth Fall Festival activities include a special outdoor Worship on the Town Green featuring members and staff of Duluth First United Methodist Church.  Everyone is welcome to join the event and you can bring a chair or blanket to enjoy an uplifting message to start the week!

At the conclusion of Worship on the Town Green, the Sunday entertainment line-up will take the Festival Center and Calaboose Stages from 11:30 a.m. until the Duluth Fall Festival ends at 5:00 p.m.  The Sunday, September 27th event calendar also includes a General Store Auction and a Silent Auction.

Ladies, is convincing your husband or boyfriend to attend the Duluth Fall Festival a challenge?  The wildly popular Man’s Corner will return to Downtown Duluth to offer men the comforts of home while visiting the Duluth Fall Festival!  A few of these men-focused perks include televised college and professional football games both Saturday and Sunday from the Man’s Corner tent and such “man-friendly” exhibitors and sponsors as the Atlanta Hawks, Big Green Egg backyard cookers, the Georgia Swarm, John Deere products, and Zero-Turn Mowers.

As with all good things that must end, the 2015 Duluth Fall Festival concludes at 5:00 p.m., Sunday, September 27^th.  If past years’ attendance are an indicator, an estimated 100,000 visitors will come to Downtown Duluth and enjoy the Duluth Fall Festival!  Why not be one of them? 

Come visit Duluth and Capture the Spirit of Good Living!

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A star-lit sky, a balmy autumn breeze, and the perfect outdoor venue all combine for a memorable evening for enjoying live music, food, and fun at the Fall Festival Concert in Duluth, Saturday, September 12, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The Duluth Festival Center will be transformed into the ultimate downtown concert stage for two outstanding groups and the ultimate night of music and dancing!

The Southern blues, rock and soul duo, Sacred City, will open the evening, starting at 6:30 p.m., and The Rupert’s Orchestra will follow at 8:00 p.m.

The Sacred City musical partnership of brother and sister songwriting team, Alyson and Phil Rogers, gives audiences a powerful performance of energized vocals by Alyson, while Phil provides unmatched talent on the guitar.

Based in Atlanta, the siblings have wowed fans with their musical talents combining various genres into their own unique sound. The two write songs that reflect an insightful and melodic commentary on the joys, loves, and losses of human life.

The Rupert’s Orchestra headlines the Duluth Fall Festival Concert, taking the stage at 8:00 p.m. Formed in 1987, the “house-band” for Rupert’s, a once-famous Buckhead bar and music venue, continues two decades later with a loyal Atlanta following, while also entertaining audiences nationwide.

This 12-piece group of talented musicians has a varied crowd-pleasing and danceable repertoire that includes the best of Motown, Classic Rock, current Top-40 hits, and 1940s-era Big Band music. Mark Coughlin, the group’s first and only musical director, is one of six original members who remain from their days as the Rupert’s “house-band.”

Coughlin states that since Rupert’s closed in 1995, The Rupert’s Orchestra has carried on the name and has played 1,000 dates, ranging from their upcoming fourth year as the headliner for the Duluth Fall Festival Concert, to weddings and to corporate events for The Coca-Cola Company and the Olympic Committee, along with other city festivals, most recently in Chamblee, Norcross, and Woodstock.

A special addition to The Rupert’s Orchestra for their Saturday, September 12^th Duluth performance, is the return of famed vocalist, Alfreda Gerald. Compared to the soulful sound of Aretha Franklin, Gerald has toured worldwide with Yanni and other notable performers. Her searing vocals add to the excitement of the evening and The Rupert’s Orchestra members are thrilled to have her back on-stage!

Bring your blankets, chairs, coolers, picnic baskets and small tables to enjoy this great evening of music and dancing in Downtown Duluth. If you don’t have time to prepare your meal at home, a food vendor tent will be available for on-site dining options. Another idea is to come early, park, relax and dine at one of the many acclaimed Downtown Duluth restaurants. These merchants will also offer special “to go” items for easy take-away to the concert venue.

During a break between the two performances, the concert crowd will be offered a first look at the official 2015 Duluth Fall Festival t-shirt!

Occurring on September 26^th & 27th, the Duluth Fall Festival averages 100,000 attendees visiting our historic city to partake in a multitude of events, including a state fair-type carnival with a midway and rides, children’s activities, live music, a parade, a road-race, and much more.

As with all Duluth events, weather is never a factor and both the Fall Festival Concert and the upcoming Duluth Fall Festival will occur rain or shine and four-legged, friendly, leashed canines are welcome.

Come visit Downtown Duluth and discover all the city has to offer, while enjoying a great night of music at the 2015 Fall Festival Concert, Saturday, September 12^th from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

People from all over the world will get a chance to learn something unique about the City of Duluth in an exciting and new way. The City of Duluth will host their very own Geotour entitled “Caching Duluth” which will be significant in nature as it highlights different areas of Duluth that are historic, playful, educational, and fun.

Continue reading “Duluth launches Gwinnett’s First “Geotour””

The school year might have started, but summer has far from ended with three “Spectacular September” events for Fridays-N-Duluth and Flicks on the Bricks!   Dine, drink, and unwind with a variety of things to do in Duluth GA during the upcoming cooler evenings.

Continue reading ““Spectacular September” Events in Downtown Duluth”

What is The Great Exchange on Transportation & why is it important?

The Great Exchange (#thegr8exchange) is a grassroots effort in Gwinnett bringing people together to discuss one of the most pressing issues facing our community today: Transportation. A lot of people have been talking about what Gwinnett needs to do when it comes to transportation. The week of August 24th, Gwinnett  residents and workers will have an opportunity to speak for themselves.

Continue reading “Join the conversation on TRANSPORTATION”

SR 120 at Buford Hwy is currently shut down due to a gas main break. Please use alternate routes.

Enjoy the smooth sounds of the late ’70s and early ’80s with Yacht Rock Schooner! If you’re a big fan of Hall & Oates, Steely Dan, Kenny Loggins, and Michael McDonald, this is the band for you.

Continue reading “Summer Stage Concert Series featuring Yacht Rock Schooner”