The Gordon Gazette updates the Community Calendar three times per week. The Community Calendar is a listing of events in Calhoun-Gordon County that the Gordon Gazette provides as free content.

If you'd like an event added, please email the information to staff@gordongazettega.com and we will add it free of charge!

ONGOING

VETERANS COFFEE TIME EACH FRIDAY AT THE CALHOUN-GORDON COUNTY LIBRARY: Veterans coffee hour is every Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Calhoun-Gordon County Library, located at 100 North Park Avenue in downtown Calhoun. Veterans are invited to enjoy coffee and chat in a relaxed environment.

PARKINSON'S SUPPORT GROUP: Bradley Wellness Center (BWC), 1225 Broadrick Drive in Dalton, is beginning a Parkinson’s Support Group on Oct. 2. Whether you are newly diagnosed, a long-term fighter or a caregiver, this group can help. The sessions will include tips, resources and encouragement to help with daily life. The meetings will be held in the upstairs classroom at BWC from noon to 1 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. Please call 706-278-9355 to register.

SILVER SNEAKERS CLASS EACH TUESDAY AND FRIDAY: Make sure to join in on this fun Silver Sneakers class every Tuesday and Friday mornings at 9am. Silver Sneakers is a fitness and wellness program offered to seniors that helps you get active, stay fit, and connect with others. Some insurance plans cover the class, however anyone is welcome for a price of $4 per class.

For more information visit call 706-629-2599.

HAMILTON HOSPICE GRIEF & BEREAVEMENT GROUP EVERY FOURTH THURSDAY OF THE MONTH: Hamilton Hospice will begin a new grief and bereavement group every fourth Thursday of the month. The group meets from 12 noon - 1 p.m. at the Dalton-Whitfield County Library, 310 Cappes Street, Dalton.

MUSIC LESSONS AT HARRIS ARTS CENTER: The Harris Arts Center is offering a variety of music lessons with Lauren Talley and Stephen Hare. For more information call the Harris Arts Center, 706-629-2599.

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP AT PEEPLES CANCER INSTITUTE: The local Breast Cancer Support Group will meet on the first Thursday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Peeples Cancer Institute (1215 Memorial Drive in Dalton) conference room. If you have questions, please call 706-226-8966.

ATRIUM HEALTH FLOYD HOLDING STROKE SURVIVOR SUPPORT GROUP: Stroke survivors and caregivers can find support, camaraderie and education during a free monthly support group organized by Atrium Health Floyd. The Stroke Survivor Support Group will meet the first Thursday of each month at noon at Suite 101, 304 Shorter Ave., Rome. The first meeting will take place Nov. 6. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet other stroke survivors, share experiences and learn how they can better navigate daily living. Topics include: – general stroke education – nutrition – disease management – physical therapy
– occupational therapy – speech therapy – spiritual support – emotional wellbeing – community – resources – peer support

For more information or to attend, contact Merrell at 706-509-5994. Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center is designated as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. The certification recognizes that the hospital has critical elements to achieve long-term success in improving outcomes for stroke patients.

HARRIS ARTS CENTER TO OFFER MAKE & MINGLE MONDAYS: The Harris Arts Center is thrilled to announce their latest art offering! Every fourth Monday, the Arts Center will host their Make & Mingle class! This is your opportunity to work on whatever project you've got going on -- whether it's drawing, painting, crotchet, stitching, sewing, writing…you name it! Bring your materials and chat with other local artists and makers. You might even bounce ideas off one another. Don't have anything to work on but still want to socialize? That's perfect -- there is always something crafty to be done around the Harris Arts Center! This is completely free, however storage and supplies are not offered. Bring what you need and take what you brought! Don't miss out on this fun (& FREE) new avenue. The first Make & Mingle class will be on March 25th from 10 a.m. until Noon.

PUBLIC CAN NOW RECYCLE CANS AT GCF&R RANGER STATION TO ‘GIVE BURNS THE BOOT’: Gordon County Fire & Rescue’s Station 10 in Ranger invites the public to recycle their aluminum cans in the trailer outside of the station, located at 131 US-411, Ranger, to help the ‘Give Burns The Boot’ campaign through the Georgia Firefighter Burn Association. “Give Burns The Boot” is an annual campaign in which more than 100 fire departments throughout the State join together and collect funds to benefit the organization’s mission and programs. The trailer will be a permanent fixture at the fire station.

SEPTEMBER 2026

33RD ANNUAL BETTYE BUTLER MEMORIAL UNITY RUN 5K TO BE HELD: Step Right Up...it's the Greatest Run on Earth! The United Way of Gordon County's 33rd annual Bettye Butler Memorial Unity Run 5k is set for Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. Presented by Hamilton Health Calhoun. Race registration is now open! Be sure to sign up racers of any age for the Greatest Run on Earth! Registration is open until September 11th. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, there is still time! Check out United Way of Gordon County's website at www.gordoncountyunitedway.org or email cnorman@gordoncountyunitedway.org for more details.

GA DNR HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE TO BE HELD IN SEPTEMBER: Registration is open for Georgia DNR's Hunter Education Course to be held Sept. 23 & 24, from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. each evening. The event is taught in person and wil be held at Sonoraville High School, located at 7340 Fairmount Highway SE in Calhoun. Contact Jamey Stodghill at 912-309-4300 or email jstodghill@gcbe.org for more details.

HALLOWEEN FREE MOVIE SERIES AT THE GEM! The FREE Halloween Movie Series is back at the historic GEM Theatre this fall! From beloved animated adventures and feel-good family favorites to spine-tingling supernatural classics and bone-chilling cult hits, this series runs the full spectrum of Halloween fun. Grab your costumes, round up your bravest friends, and make plans to spend your spookiest season yet at Calhoun's Historic GEM Theatre! 'Weapons' on Thursday, September 24 at 7pm. FREE Admission. Sponsored by: CFL.

FREE SCREENING OF “STEEL MAGNOLIAS” AT THE GEM ON SEPT. 25: The GEM is thrilled to bring the beloved 1989 classic “Steel Magnolias” to the big screen on Friday, September 25 at 7 p.m.! Starring Julia Roberts, Sally Field, and Dolly Parton, this heartfelt Southern comedy-drama follows a tight-knit group of women in Louisiana as they navigate love, loss, and lifelong friendship, all set against the backdrop of a small-town beauty salon. Equal parts funny and moving, it's the perfect night out for anyone who believes laughter and tears go hand in hand. FREE Admission. Sponsored by: AdventHealth Gordon
Watch the movie trailer: https://www.imdb.com/video/vi830865689/?ref_=tt_vids_vi_2

NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH EVENT PLANNED FOR SATURDAY, SEPT. 26: September is National Recovery Month, a nationwide observance held to increase public awareness of mental health and substance use disorders, celebrate individuals in recovery, and honor the service providers who make recovery possible. As a way to educate the community, Recovery Gordon is hosting the community rally, Recovery Unites Better Together next Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The rally will be held at Calhoun City Park (formerly BB&T Park) at the corner of Line Street and North Wall Street. All are welcome to join in for a day of hope, connection and celebration. There will be recovery resources and community partners, recovery speakers and story sharing, live music and entertainment, NARCAN education and distribution, cornhole and other games, and free food. For more information or to help sponsor, call 706-967-3818 or email support@recoverygordon.org

CALHOUN COMMUNITY TO TAKE STEPS TOGETHER IN FIGHT AGAINST ALZHEIMER'S ON SATURDAY, SEPT. 26: The Calhoun community is coming together to take a stand against Alzheimer’s disease, one step at a time, during an Alzheimer’s Mini Walk at Morning Pointe of Calhoun on Saturday, Sept. 26. As a community providing assisted living and memory care, Morning Pointe of Calhoun serves local families every day, including those navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. This community walk gives local families, friends, caregivers, residents and neighbors a chance to come together in support of those affected, while raising funds to help in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Participants will gather for registration at 9 a.m., with the walk beginning at 10 a.m. The morning is an opportunity for the Calhoun community to show its support, raise awareness and take meaningful steps toward a future without Alzheimer’s. Residents, families, friends, caregivers and community members are invited to participate in the Alzheimer’s Mini Walk on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Registration is at 9 a.m. with the Walk beginning at 10 a.m. at Morning Pointe of Calhoun, 660 Jolly Road, NW, Calhoun, GA 30701

ADVENTHEALTH INVITES COMMUNITY TO ‘RALLY AGAINST CANCER’ PICKLEBALL EVENT BENEFITING LOCAL PATIENTS: The AdventHealth oncology team invites the community to participate in Rally Against Cancer, a special pickleball event designed to bring people together in support of cancer patients, survivors and their families. The event will take place on Sunday, September 27, from noon to 6 p.m. at Pickleball 706, located at 122 W.C. Bryant Parkway, Suite 1, Calhoun, Georgia. With the theme "Play. Support. Make an Impact.", Rally Against Cancer will combine recreation, education and community support while raising awareness about cancer and benefiting the AdventHealth Gordon Foundation Cancer Indigent Fund, which provides financial assistance to patients receiving cancer treatment in Northwest Georgia. The event will feature pickleball instruction for beginners, demonstrations, open court play, a professional pickleball exhibition and special recognition of cancer survivors. Players of all skill levels are welcome to attend.
EVENT DETAILS:
Rally Against Cancer
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Pickleball 706, 122 W.C. Bryant Parkway, Suite 1, Calhoun, GA 30701

ADVENTHEALTH GORDON TO HOST FREE MATERNITY FAIR FOR EXPECTING AND NEW PARENTS: AdventHealth Gordon is inviting community members who are planning for pregnancy, expecting a baby or adjusting to life with a newborn to attend its upcoming free Maternity Fair on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. in Conference Rooms A and E at AdventHealth Gordon’s North Entrance. The event is designed to provide education, resources and support for families at every stage of their maternity journey. The Maternity Fair will offer attendees the opportunity to connect with AdventHealth's maternity care team, learn about available services and gain trusted guidance related to pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care. Participants will have access to vendor and exhibit booths, maternity education resources, tours of The Baby Place, a panel featuring maternity experts, giveaways, door prizes and light refreshments. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. For more information or to register, community members can use the event registration QR code available on promotional materials or click https://www.adventhealth.com/.../maternity-fair-2026...

OCTOBER 2026

ADVENTHEALTH GEORGIA CHALLENGES COMMUNITY TO LIGHT PORCHES PINK FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS: Throughout the month of October, the AdventHealth cancer care teams are challenging our community once again to light porches pink across Northwest Georgia to spread awareness of breast cancer. The “Light Your Porch Pink” movement shines a light on breast cancer, which affects one in eight women and is easily treatable when caught early. Community members are invited to participate in this experience by installing a pink light bulb in their front porch light socket, creating a pink evening glow. Mammograms truly save lives, so we’re also encouraging women to schedule their annual mammogram at one of our AdventHealth locations in Rome, Calhoun or Chatsworth. With 3D mammograms in 30 minutes, we’re making it easy to get screened. Thousands of pink light bulbs will be distributed across Northwest Georgia starting September 14, 2026. Light bulbs are available for pick-up at the following locations while supplies last:
AdventHealth Gordon: East Entrance Lobby
1035 Red Bud Road
Calhoun, GA 30701
AdventHealth Gordon: Edna Owens Breast Center
1035 Red Bud Road
Calhoun, GA 30701
AdventHealth Gordon: North Entrance Lobby
1035 Red Bud Road
Calhoun, GA 30701
When lighting your porch pink, be sure to take photos and share them on social media with the #PinkPorchGA hashtag, along with your reasons for shining a light on breast cancer. Whether it's a message of remembrance, a celebration of survivorship, or a reflection on your own journey, your voice matters. For more information on lighting your porch pink or to schedule a mammogram, please visit PinkPorchGA.com.

Scooby Doo and the Ghoul School

Thursday, October 1 at 7pm

FREE Admission

Sponsored by: Community Foundation of Calhoun Gordon County

Rocky Horror Picture Show

Friday, October 2 at 11pm

FREE Admission

Sponsored by: CFL

Ghostbusters

Thursday, October 8 at 7pm

FREE Admission

Sponsored by: CFL

House on Haunted Hill

Tuesday, October 13 at 10:30am & 7pm

FREE Admission

Sponsored by: CFL

The Shining

Friday, October 31 at 10pm

FREE Admission

Sponsored by: CFL

Coco

Sunday, November 1 at 3pm

FREE Admission

Sponsored by: Estella’s Taqueria

TICKETS ON SALE FOR BOO IN THE ZOO AT CHATTANOOGA ZOO: Chattanooga Zoo has released tickets for its annual family-friendly Halloween celebration, Boo in the Zoo. The event will take place on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout October, starting October 9 and ending October 31 on Halloween night. At Boo in the Zoo, guests explore the Zoo while wearing their Halloween costumes, collecting candy, discovering spooky decorations, playing in the bounce house and visiting a special “Creepy Crawly” exhibit featuring spiders, snakes and other wildlife. Visitors will also meet and take photos with a wide variety of characters like Elsa, Spider-Man, HUNTR/X, Ariel, Moana, Jack Skellington, Woody and more courtesy of local business Magic Lamp Entertainment. Every character will not be present each night of the event, and each evening’s character roster can be found on the Zoo’s website: https://www.chattzoo.org/events/boo-in-the-zoo.

11TH HOUR THEATRE BRINGS A GOTHIC, VAMPIRIC MACBETH TO DALTON THIS OCTOBER: Shakespeare’s Macbeth comes to 11th Hour Theatre and Creative Studio this October in a new production that combines the darker elements of Scottish folklore with a gothic, vampiric setting. Performances run October 2 through October 10, 2026, at 11th Hour Theatre and Creative Studio, 307 E. Morris St., Dalton, Georgia. Tickets can be ordered online at: https://www.11hrcreative.com/tickets
The production leans into the supernatural and unsettling elements already present in Shakespeare’s play, using vampirism as a way to explore Macbeth’s growing hunger for power and the corruption that follows.

SPANK THE 80'S ULTIMATE 80'S TRIBUTE BAND TAKES THE GEM STAGE OCT. 3RD: Get ready to dance the night away and relive the neon-colored, hair spray-infused glory of the 80's. SPANKthe80s, the nation's premiere 80's tribute band, brings the era of excess back to life with the best songs of the decade and an over-the-top visual spectacle on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. at The GEM Theatre, located at 114 North Wall Street in downtown Calhoun. Since 1999, SPANKthe80s has been electrifying audiences with their high-energy shows featuring the biggest hits of the 80's. From Michael Jackson and Prince to Bon Jovi and Journey, all your 80's favorites are here. SPANKthe80s recreates the sound, style, and vibe of the 80's so authentically that you'll swear you've traveled back in time. The band captures the musical brilliance and stylistic excesses of the 80's to a tee. SPANKthe80s pours passion and intensity into every song, whipping the crowd into a frenzy of nostalgia and fun.

A SPANKthe80s show is an unforgettable assault on the senses. An amazing light show, eye-popping 80's fashion, and between-song banter from the band transport the audience to the era of big hair and even bigger hooks. There's no better party than a SPANKthe80s show. For tickets, visit calhoungemtheatre.org

CHICKAMAUGA PUMPIN FESTIVAL TO BE HELD SATURDAY, OCT. 3RD: The Magic is Back: Chickamauga Pumpkinfest 2026 to be held Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, from 12 - 8 p.m. at 217 Cove Road in Chickamauga! Get ready to experience the most enchanting night of the year! The City of Chickamauga, in partnership with Magic Wand Candy Co. and Hearthara Culinary, proudly presents the return of Pumpkinfest! On October 3rd, the historic grounds of the Gordon Lee Mansion will transform into a whimsical autumn wonderland. Whether you’re here for the nostalgic crunch of fallen leaves or the smell of spiced treats in the air, this is a magical community celebration you won't want to miss. What’s Waiting for You?

The Great Pumpkin Bake-Off: Think you have the best pumpkin recipe in town? Whether you're entering your masterpiece or just want to admire the talent, this bake-off is the ultimate centerpiece of seasonal flavor! Enter your best baked goods here: https://form.jotform.com/260917939339169
Live Music Stage: Tap your toes and enjoy the festive atmosphere with live performances keeping the energy high throughout the entire evening.
Inflatables & Kids Zone: Let the little ones burn off all that excitement with face painting, interactive games, and massive bouncy fun!
Artisan Vendor Market: Shop local and explore a curated selection of unique crafts, fall décor, and handmade treasures Become a vendor: https://pci.jotform.com/form/260918395853167

Desiree with Magic Wand Candy Co and Sara with Hearthara Culinary are the only contacts for this event. To avoid being scammed, please do not send money via paypal, venmo, cashapp ect. Please message us directly or email us at magicwandcandyco@gmail.com or sara@heartharaculinary.com for assistance

DOWNTOWN CALHOUN'S ROCKTOBERFEST TAKES PLACE SATURDAY, OCT. 10TH: Spooky Season Starts Here. Frankenstein is bringing his guitar, and Downtown Calhoun is bringing the ROCK. Rocktober Fest: A Little Halloween. A Lot of Rock. Saturday,

Oct. 10, 2026 from Noon to 8 pm in Downtown Calhoun. Live music • Halloween fun • Football • Kids Zone • Downtown Shopping • Street vendors • Food Trucks and more. Presented by CFL Flooring. Made possible by The Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia, Coosa Valley Credit Union, Friends of Calhoun's GEM Theatre & ML Solutions- IV Therapy & Essential Care! RIP summer. Long live Rocktober.

'HARDWIRED: A TRIBUTE TO METALLICA' TO TAKE GEM STAGE ON OCT. 17TH: On Saturday, Oct. 17th, beginning at 7:30 p.m., The GEM Theatre welcomes 'Hardwired: A Tribute to Metallica,' beginning at 7:30 p.m. Hardwired is a premier Metallica Tribute based in Tampa, FL. Getting their start in late 2020, the band, in no time has become a household name in the Tribute World. Hardwired began playing shows in the Sunshine State and quickly began branching out. Playing renowned venues in several States like the House of Blues, Hard Rock Cafes, Revolution Live to name a few. Hardwired has now as well had the incredible honor of being invited to perform by none other than Metallica themselves as a part of the November of 2022 iconic Zazula Tribute show and more recently Metallica’s massive M72 tour. Performing songs from all eras of Metallica’s iconic Hall of Fame career, Hardwired does their best to make you feel like you are at a Metallica show. With authentic custom Metallica instruments in tow, Stage props, and a goal to get everyone out of their seats. It’s always a celebration of life and a love for live music and of course, METALLICA. Tickets can be purchased at https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=gemth. The GEM is located at 114 North Wall Street in downtown Calhoun.

A TELL TALE TALE - THE STORIES AND POEMS OF EDGAR ALLEN POE ON SEPT. 27TH AT THE GEM THEATRE: Join in at The GEM Theatre, located at 114 North Wall Street in downtown Calhoun at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026 for A Tell Tale Tale: The Stories and Poems of Edgar Allen Poe. No one tells a story quite like the Great Edgar Allan Poe! In A Tell-Tale Tale these spooky and clever stories and poems come to life before your very eyes. With a mastery of language that few can match, Edgar Allan Poe’s stories and poems are as impactful today as they were in the 19th century when they were written. This show blends rich language with expert storytelling to produce a rich language arts experience for middle grades. Stories include “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Raven,” “The Bells” and more!

CHILDREN’S INSTITUTE HOLDING ABILITIES WITHOUT LIMITS CONFERENCE, EXPO: Anna Shaw Children’s Institute (ASCI) will host its Abilities Without Limits Conference & Expo (formerly known as the North Georgia Autism Conference) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30 at the Dalton Convention Center, 2211 Tony Ingle Parkway in Dalton. The event has been held annually for 11 years. The Abilities Without Limits Conference & Expo is a collaborative event designed to empower, educate and connect individuals who support people with differing abilities across the lifespan. This conference brings together parents and caregivers, educators, healthcare professionals, therapists, young adults, self-advocates and community members for a day of learning, networking and resource sharing. The event will feature Tanner Smith, autism advocate and Netflix’s “Love on the Spectrum” cast member, and his mother, Nicci. Together, their goal is to use their family’s autism story to connect with and inspire others. Attendees will gain practical knowledge, evidence-based strategies and valuable resources to better support individuals with a wide variety of differing abilities in home, school, healthcare, workplace and community settings. Through engaging presentations, interactive discussions, and an extensive exhibitor expo, participants will explore topics related to education, healthcare, independent living, employment, advocacy, community inclusion and family support. Early-bird rates are available through Oct. 10. For more information or to register, please visit VitruvianHealth.com/abilities or contact Coker at NGAC@hhcs.org or 706-226-8928.

WATERCOLOR CLASS AT THE HARRIS ARTS CENTER TO BE HELD SATURDAY, OCT. 31, 2026: You’ve seen Ruthie Eilers’ work in the Harris Arts Center Art Market—now it’s your turn to create! Join the Harris Arts Center for their Watercolor Class with Ruthie Eilers on Saturday, October 31, from 10 AM–12 Noon. Ruthie will guide you through creating your own beautiful fall-inspired watercolor print, with all supplies included! October 31 | 10 AM–12 Noon; $40 per person | $35 HAC members. Limited spots available! Registration is required. Call 706-629-2599 to sign up.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR GORDON COUNTY E-9-1-1’S 3RD ANNUAL FIRST RESPONDER MEET & TREAT! Gordon County E-9-1-1’s Meet & Treat has been set! Saturday, October 31st from 6 - 8 PM at the 911 Center located at 100 Nine One One Blvd., Calhoun, GA.

NOVEMBER 2026

RESURRECTION - A JOURNEY TRIBUTE COMING TO THE GEM ON NOV. 7TH: You won't want to miss Resurrection: A Journey Tribute, which will take The GEM stage on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 beginning at 7 p.m. Since 2014, Resurrection has built a reputation for being the gold standard by which other Journey tributes are measured. In its near decade long existence, the band has developed a Facebook following of over 52,000, nearly twice that of the next most followed Journey tribute act. During that time, the band has played in nearly 40 of the 50 states in the United States, including playing for 40,000 Chicago White Sox fans at US Cellular Field as part of their 10th anniversary celebration of having won the 2005 World Series. The GEM is located at 114 North Wall Street in downtown Calhoun. For tickets, visit https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=gemth

DECEMBER 2026

RHONDA VINCENT AT THE GEM THEATRE ON SATURDAY, DEC. 12: Rhonda Vincent takes The GEM stage on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026 beginning at 7 p.m. With a voice that can stop a room and a mastery of the mandolin that is second to none, Rhonda Vincent is widely regarded as one of the greatest performers in bluegrass music today. A multiple GRAMMY nominee and IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year award winner too many times to count, Rhonda brings the magic of the season to life with blazing instrumentals, soaring harmonies, and the kind of genuine joy that only a Bluegrass Christmas can deliver. Backed by her world-class band, The Sally Mountain Show, A Bluegrass Christmas Celebration is a holiday experience that belongs on every music lover's bucket list! For tickets, visit https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=gemth