GRIFFIN, GEORGIA—MARCH 2023—Located just 40 miles south of Atlanta,
Griffin, Georgia, is full of charm, diverse history and heritage, interesting architecture, leisure sports and recreation. The delight and surprise for visitors is its thriving arts and culture scene. Founded in 1840, the once railroad boomtown has evolved into a destination for small town aficionados seeking big entertainment. In this popular TV and film location, the arts, from rock and roll concerts to opera and theater, attract visitors and locals alike. This charming area welcomes visitors while it is recovering from the Jan. 12, 2023 tornado.
Local professional productions and national acts are big tickets here at reasonable ticket prices, and without the big-city crowds. The venues–from the carefully restored Griffin Opera House to the sleek Griffin Auditorium–are intimate and welcoming, with free parking. Enjoy experimental black box theatre in a renovated Woolworth’s building, a choral society, family-oriented musicals and classic ballet along with dance styles for every taste.
Historic downtown Griffin features beautifully-executed murals depicting the town’s railroad, aviation and diverse history. The Griffin-Spalding Art Association promotes creative visual arts in the community, supports local visual artists, and provides art education for children and adults.
Its Art Gallery is located on the first floor at the Welcome Center, where ideas for entertainment, dining, shopping and accommodations can be found.
Griffin-Spalding County Arts Events Calendar
April 13
7:30-9:30 p.m.
Sail On! The Beach Boys Tribute
Griffin Area Concert Association
Griffin Auditorium
234 East Taylor Street
Griffin, Georgia
770-228-3229
www.exploregeorgia.org/griffin/events/entertainment/sail-on-the-beach-boys-tribute Authentic sound reminiscent of the original Beach Boys during the prime of their career. The group’s harmonies capture the sound of the iconic band and transport the audience to the beach for an evening of memories and Fun, Fun, Fun. Energetic and youthful tribute to “America’s band.”
April 12-23, 2023
Musical Comedy Murders of 1940
Main Street Players
115 North Hill Street
Griffin, Georgia 30223
770-229-9916
www.mainstreetplayers.org
Main Street Players opened its first season on September 20, 2001, with the production of “Yours Anne” the story of Anne Frank told through music. Main Street Players is located in the heart of Griffin’s historic downtown at 115 North Hill Street. The old Woolworth’s building was renovated to create the 100-seat black box theatre.
April 20, 2023
5:30-8 p.m.
Southern Crescent Annual Food and Wine Pairings
Southern Crescent Technical College
Frank and Constance Allen Johnson Event Center
501 Varsity Road
Griffin, Georgia 30223
770-467-6038
sctech.kindful.com/e/pairings
Annual fundraiser for culinary arts scholarships. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception and delicious samplings of hors d’oeuvre, main courses and desserts. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact 770-467-6038, foundation@sctech.edu or visitsctech.kindful.com/e/pairings
May 4, 2023
7:30-9 p.m.
A Long Time Ago Far, Far Away
Griffin Choral Arts
Griffin First Baptist Church
106 West Taylor Street
Griffin, Georgia 30223
www.exploregeorgia.org/griffin/events/entertainment/griffin-choral-arts-presents-a-long-time-ago-far-far-away
888-746-4188
On “May the Fourth,” our final concert of Season 16 leans into themes inspired by the “Star Wars” series of films. While the music is not directly from the films or their soundtracks, the broader themes speak to us in ways that open up our musical imaginations to ideas and places far, far, away.
May 6, 2023
Cinderella
Griffin Ballet Theatre
111 North Hill Street
Griffin, Georgia 30224
770-228-1306
www.exploregeorgia.org/griffin/arts-culture/performing-arts/griffin-ballet-theatre For 20 years The Griffin Ballet Theatre has provided an opportunity for talented young dancers to work and perform in a professional atmosphere, and perform as a company to present high quality performances to the entire region.
MAY 6, 2023
7 p.m.
SLIPPERY WHEN WET: The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute Band
Griffin Opera House
102 North Hill Street
Griffin, Georgia, 30223
770-688-7188
thegriffinoperahouse.com
Built in the 1800s, the Griffin Opera House has been beautifully decorated to reflect its original décor and hosts a variety of performances.
May 13, 2023
10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Second Saturday Downtown Griffin–May’d in Griffin
Downtown Griffin, Georgia
770-228-5356
www.facebook.com/downtowngriffin
The City of Griffin partners with the Griffin Downtown Council and Griffin Main Street Program to host themed Second Saturday events to support small businesses. The monthly events encourage locals, and those from surrounding communities, to shop, dine, and explore all Downtown Griffin has to offer while enjoying themed activities, live music, and more. This month’s theme is May’d in Griffin, celebrating the makers, artisans and artists who call the area home.
June 10, 2023
10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Second Saturday Downtown Griffin–June Jam Beach Party
Downtown Griffin, Georgia
770-228-5356
www.facebook.com/downtowngriffin
The City of Griffin partners with the Griffin Downtown Council and Griffin Main Street Program to host themed Second Saturday events to support small businesses. The monthly events encourage locals, and those from surrounding communities, to shop, dine and explore all Downtown Griffin has to offer while enjoying themed activities, live music and more. This month’s theme is June Jam Beach Party.
June 14-25
Tintypes
Main Street Players
115 North Hill Street
Griffin, Georgia 30223
770-229-9916
www.mainstreetplayers.org
Main Street Players opened its first season on September 20, 2001, with the production of “Yours, Anne” the story of Anne Frank told through music. Main Street is located in the heart of Griffin’s historic downtown at 115 North Hill Street. The old Woolworth’s building was renovated to create the 100-seat black box theatre.
September 9, 2023
Doc Holliday Festival and BBQ Championship
Griffin City Park
www.dochollidayfest.com
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 reenactments, local vendors, family entertainment and more. The Doc Holliday BBQ Championship, September 8-9, is a Georgia BBQ Association event. Contestants prepare their best pork loin, pulled pork or pork rib for a chance to compete for a portion of the $13,000 total payout. Ancillary contests for brisket, steak, wings and desserts will also be held. Sign up early for registration discounts.
For more ideas on what to do in Griffin and Spalding County, visit
www.exploregeorgia.org/things-to-do/list/things-to-do-in-griffin-georgia-doc-hollidays-hometown
If You Go
Griffin-Spalding has a wide variety of lodging options throughout the region. From charming historic bed and breakfasts to chain hotel brands, there are plenty of options to fit your travel needs. The area also features many VRBO and Air B&B options including some private estates with properties for rent. Whether it’s a historic loft, a bed and breakfast or a traditional hotel experience, there are plenty of options to make your trip memorable. The official website of the Griffin Spalding Business & Tourism Association is InGriffin.com.