April
Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 20th | 10 a.m. | Rossie Brundage Park, 350 Autry Street
The Easter Bunny is hopping his way to downtown Norcross for an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 20th at 10 a.m. As long as there is no peeking, the Easter Bunny will be hiding all of his eggs in Rossie Brundage Park, 350 Autry Street. So bring your Easter baskets and celebrate the renewal of spring in Norcross with a FREE Easter Egg Hunt that is sure to be fun for all! Children will also have the opportunity to visit with the Easter Bunny where parents are encouraged to take photos to capture the excitement. This event doesn’t last but a few minutes, so don’t be late!
Special Needs Easter Egg Hunt - RSVP REQUIRED
Saturday, April 20th | 1 p.m. | RSVP Required
The City of Norcross will also be hosting an eggs-tra special Easter Egg Hunt for children with special needs and their families on Saturday, April 20th at 1 p.m. at Rossie Brundage Park, 350 Autry Street. Come out and enjoy this free event designed for children with special needs in an environment that is safe and inclusive. The event will be wheelchair accessible and sensory friendly with special consideration for the visually and hearing impaired. The event will also include scooping nets for children in wheelchairs and a tent with beanbags for sensory-sensitive children. The City of Norcross would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the International Association Bomb Technicians and Investigators and the Atlanta Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which will be providing beeping eggs for the blind and visually impaired. The city would also like to thank the Canine Assistants for their support of a service dog, Spectrum Autism Support Group, and the Georgia Interpreting Services Network for the hearing impaired.
Please visit this link to register. RSVP is required for the special Easter Egg Hunt.
To ensure that everyone enjoys the hunt, the City of Norcross kindly requests those participating in the egg hunt to be considerate, respectful, and most of all, have fun!
** PAST EVENTS:
May
Memorial Day Celebration
Monday, May 28th 2018- Historic Downtown Norcross / Thrasher Park | 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The City of Norcross will be hosting hosting a patriotic celebration for Memorial Day on May 28th in Thrasher Park beginning at 11:30 a.m. that will include food, music and a special guest speaker, Jim McGarrah.
The May 28th Memorial Day Event is a perfect place to gather with friends and family to celebrate the holiday. A collection of special guests will be hosting and entertaining throughout the day. At noon, Janet Johnson, former Mayor Bucky Johnson’s wife, will be leading us in the National Anthem followed by headlining speaker, Jim McGarrah. A performance by the well-seasoned bagpiper, Robbie Rogers from North Georgia Piper, will continue to elevate the celebration as the day continues.
The celebration takes place from 11:30am-2:00pm on Monday, May 28th at Thrasher Park.
June
Bluesberry & Beer Festival
Saturday, June 16 - Betty Mauldin Park | 3-10 p.m.
Norcross has got the blues…and that’s a good thing! On June 16, the Bluesberry and Beer Festival will be held in Norcross’ Betty Mauldin Park from 3 – 10 p.m. This year’s exciting lineup of blues musicians is set to entertain into the evening and will feature the coolest bands from the local blues scene. In addition, Norcross’ downtown merchants and restaurants will be creating signature “Bluesberry” cocktails, desserts, specials and more! The festival is free to attend with special ticketing and pricing for the beer tasting.
It all started with an idea about blueberries. The city wanted to have a blueberry day with all the restaurants in downtown Norcross doing blueberry dishes and drinks. Mike Holley worked at The Iron Horse Tavern in downtown Norcross and figured why not add blues music to the combination and call it Bluesberry! The City loved the idea—and a tradition was born.
So bring a chair or blanket and a friend, then kick back as this group of great musicians entertains you with their funky vibes! And don’t forget to check out what bluesy specials our merchants have to offer by looking for the special “Bluesberry” decal in store windows.
Featured Performers
Colin Alvarez | Little G Weevil | Cody Matlock | The Blues Hearts | Cazanovas
Merchant Specials
July
Red, White & BOOM!
July 3, 2018 | Downtown Norcross | 5 - 10 p.m.
The City of Norcross is throwing a pre-Fourth of July block party and you’re invited! Make your way to the heart of downtown historic Norcross on July 3 for food, fun and fireworks during the 2018 edition of Red White and BOOM! The good times start with a bang at 5 p.m. with bounce houses (nominal fee), festive face painting and an assortment of food vendors. Stroll the city sidewalks to find Norcross’ eclectic collection of shops and restaurants, dance in the park to tunes by the band Mother’s Finest at 7:30 p.m., or snag a spot on the lawn at Lillian Webb Park for a picnic and mingling with friends before the fireworks light up the night sky (right after dusk, typically around 9:40 p.m.). For those looking to continue the fun and celebration, head over to one of Norcross’ local hotspots for live music and libations.
Please note: Absolutely no shade structures (tents or umbrellas) are allowed and will have to be dismantled. ADA parking will be available at City Hall (65 Lawrenceville Street). City staff will be available to transport seniors or anyone needing assistance that day via golf carts at each of the respective parking locations. A shuttle will also run continuously from the Norcross First United Methodist Church, 2500 Beaver Ruin Road, starting at 4:00 p.m. Downtown streets close at 3:00 p.m.
The Scoop:
Time: 5 - 10 p.m. (fireworks around 9:40 p.m. or a few minutes past dusk)
Location: All of downtown Norcross; Kidzone will be on downtown streets, Musical Artists will be performing in Lillian Webb Park, artists/vendors will be stationed downtown and food trucks can be found at Lillian Webb Park.
Music Lineup:
5 PM - 6:30 PM Justin Monday
7 PM - 7:45 PM Vintage Vixens
8:15 PM - 9:40 PM Mothers Finest
How to Make Norcross’ Red, White and BOOM! a Memorable Fourth of July:
While it won’t be hard to have a good time at Norcross’ Red, White & BOOM!, here are a few ways that you can make sure it is a memorable Fourth of July:
1. Snag a spot at Lillian Webb Park for the best view of the fireworks display.
2. Don’t miss out on the festivities or show while looking for a parking space. Free parking will be available at two nearby designated churches with a shuttle running continuously to downtown Norcross.
3. Be the life of the party by not committing a party foul. Please be mindful of other guests by not blocking the view. To keep the night sky in perfect view of the fireworks, tents and umbrellas are not allowed.
4. Remember, Norcross is an active railroad crossing location. Train tracks are NOT safe for firework viewing.
5. Take your party with you, but only on foot! Open containers are allowed within barricaded areas only!
6. Raise your glasses high and cheers your fellow neighbors with a Red, White & BOOM! signature drink!
7. Celebrate one of the best things about America—FOOD! Enjoy fried foods, snacks on a stick, sinful sweet treats and the best tasting creations on four wheels—food trucks!
September
9/11 Tribute
Tuesday, September 11, 2018 | Betty Mauldin Park
Time: 8:30 a.m.
On Tuesday, September 11th, the City of Norcross will hold a short 9/11 remembrance ceremony. The event will begin at 8:30 a.m., and will include a ringing of the bell at 8:45 a.m. to mark the time the first tower was hit along with some words from Mayor Newton and bagpipe music. Norcross' own Police, Fire, and Masonic Lodge will be in attendance.
Gateway International Food and Music Festival
Saturday, September 15, 2018 | Lillian Webb Park
Time: 3 - 7 p.m.
Take a trip around the world without leaving downtown Norcross! The City of Norcross, along with Presenting Sponsor: Gateway 85 CID, present the Gateway International Food & Music Festival on September 15 from 3 – 7 p.m. at Lillian Webb Park. Held in conjunction with Welcoming America’s “Welcoming Week,” this event will showcase the region’s best multicultural talent and various ethnic foods while highlighting the rich cultural contributions of Gwinnett’s diverse communities.
The festival will feature a variety of outstanding performers and showcase the area’s cultural heritage through food, dance and music. The 4 hour event will also include numerous traditional performances and activities that offer fun for all ages. In addition, international and local food vendors will be selling sweet and savory samplings of their home countries.
So, bring the whole family or a diverse group of friends, and enjoy food, dance, music and crafts from around the world!! All while celebrating the cultural diversity of Gwinnett County without even leaving the park.
October
ArtSplash Festival
Saturday, October 6th, 2018 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday, October 7th, 2018 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Historic Downtown Norcross
Norcrossartsplash.splashfestivals.com
The Norcross Art Splash and Wine Festival has made the 2018 Sunshine Artist list of “200 Best” art shows in the country—how’s that for splashy?
Returning this fall for its 15th year, the whimsical and fun artist market will feature a new outdoor wine tasting venue, highlighting 50 wines from around the world. Our charming downtown will come alive with colorful and cheerful artisan booths and a large tent where shoppers can sample wines and continue to browse the artists’ displays while listening to live music from the Thrasher Park stage.
The Scoop
Date & Time:
Saturday, October 6 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 7 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wine Tasting –
Saturday at Noon and 2:00 p.m.
Sunday at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Advanced Wine Tickets – $35 through October 5
On Site Wine Tickets – $55
Location
- Historic Downtown Norcross
- Thrasher Park – Kidz Zone and Live Entertainment
- S. Peachtree St (The Crossing Parking Lot) – Wine Tasting
- S. Peachtree Street – Artist Market
- Jones Street – Festival Cuisine
Parking
Free parking and shuttle services are available from Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, 182 Hunter St. beginning Saturday at 9:30am until 7:00pm and Sunday from 9:30am until 6:30pm. Shuttles from the east side of Norcross will run from Norcross First United Methodist Church, 2500 Beaver Ruin Road beginning Saturday at 9:30am until 6:15pm and Sunday from noon until 6:30pm.
Additional parking is available at:
- Norcross City Hall, 65 Lawrenceville St.
- Christ Church Episcopal, 400 Holcomb Bridge Road
- On Britt Avenue and College Street by Lillian Webb park and at Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center, 17 College St.
- Handicap parking is located on Wingo St. Look for signs directing you to these locations.
Attending Norcross Art Splash is the ideal way to welcome in the fall season!
Lawless Spirits Tour - Presented by Lionheart Theatre
October 26-30 - 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.
Wander through the streets of Historic Norcross and see the past come to life. Gun fights, bank robberies, family feuds and train wrecks rattle the streets. This guided walking tour is a must for history buffs as well as those who love a good story. Family friendly!
December
It’s the Most “Sparkling” Time of Year to be in Downtown Norcross!
Every year, the City of Norcross hosts a plethora of activities for the holidays through its annual event ‘Sparkle! A Celebration of Kids, Creativity and Magic.’ This year is no different, with carriage rides, marshmallow-roasting, a Christmas tree lighting, concerts and more taking over the month of December in the city.
“We invite all of our citizens and visitors to share in the spirit of the season through our holiday celebration,” said City of Norcross Mayor Craig Newton. “We guarantee you'll experience all the wonder and delight of your every imagination here in Norcross."
So what are you waiting for? Come and get your ‘Sparkle’ on in Norcross!
December 4th through 21st – Carriage Rides & Photos with Santa
We hope you’ve been extra nice this year because Santa himself will be visiting downtown Norcross! Carriage rides will be dashing through the city December 4 through December 21 every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. in front of Taste of Britain. You can catch Santa at 45 South Cafe on South Peachtree Street on the same days from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
December 7th – Christmas Tree Lighting
Join us for the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree in Thrasher Park and enjoy music from Norcross United Methodist Church. The City of Norcross will once again be honored to have Norcross resident Steven Howington officially light the Christmas tree. For over 30 years, Howington, who has Down Syndrome, has lit the City of Norcross’ Christmas tree. Santa will be busy checking his list in his workshop in the park and will be available for photos with all the good little boys and girls. Enjoy free hot cocoa and cookies (while supplies last) courtesy of the Norcross Masonic Lodge and the Norcross Lions Club, and s'mores courtesy of the City of Norcross. Tiff's Treats will be on site to hand out fresh, warm cookies as well! “Polar Express” will be playing on the big screen while you wait in line to meet Santa. A local group of Disney princess performers as well as the one, the only, The Grinch will also be on hand to add to the Christmas magic. They will be available for photos and to visit with families during the event. Join in on the awe and excitement on December 7 at 5:30 p.m. in Thrasher Park.
December 7th – First Friday Concert with Joe Gransden
Friday Concert Series brings you a special holiday jazz performance by trumpeter and vocalist Joe Gransden on December 7. The concert is in the Ballroom of the Norcross Cultural Arts Center from 7 – 9 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. The performance is free, but seating is limited. Make your reservation by calling 678-421-2048. Enjoy food and drinks with the show.
December 16th – Marshmallow Roasting, Cocoa and Santa at Discovery Garden
Join Santa in the Garden for marshmallow roasting and hot cocoa around the fire pit on December 16 from 12 – 2 p.m. In the spirit of giving, we will adorn a Wildlife Tree with raisin icicles and birdseed ornaments for our furry friends. Free family fun.
February
Time to Show the Love!
The City of Norcross is thrilled to usher in the 2nd year of a new tradition: the annual Father-Daughter Dance! On Friday, February 8th, fathers and father figures can treat the little lady in their lives to an evening of dancing, light appetizers and drinks from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Community Center. But don’t let the love stop there! Once again the city is opening up its heart and historic downtown for “A Norcross Night to Remember” on Thursday, February 14, from 5-9 p.m. The celebration will include endless options for a romantic outing, from carriage rides and a traveling barbershop quartet to free vow renewals on South Peachtree Street. We’re also extending our carriage ride service to include February 8th and 9th this year—so no excuses, bring that special someone in your life out for an evening of romance!
Read on for more details on each event:
Father Daughter Valentines Dance
Friday, February 8 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Norcross Cultural Arts & Community Center
Dads and their girls are invited to a Father-Daughter Dance hosted by the City of Norcross! The event will be February 8 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Norcross Cultural Arts & Community Center, and is open to the public though RSVP is required. Fathers and father figures can treat the little lady in their lives to an evening of dancing, light appetizers and drinks. Make memories that will last a lifetime as you dance the night away to music provided by a DJ who will be playing songs everyone will enjoy. The event is intended for young ladies between the ages of 5-12.
Space is limited. Online RSVP Required (Submit RSVP Here).
Carriage Rides
February 8 & 9 | 6:00-8:30 p.m. | Board in front of Taste of Britain
Your chariot awaits! New this year, we have extended our free carriage ride service to include the weekend before Valentine’s so that all of you lovebirds can have more time to share a special moment together. Climb aboard in front of Taste of Britain between 6:30 and 8:30 pm on February 8 and 9!
Norcross A Night to Remember – Valentine Day Celebration
Thursday, February 14 | 5:00-9:00 p.m. | Downtown Norcross
Along with your sweetie, the City of Norcross invites you to fall in love with Norcross’ downtown merchants at this year’s Valentine’s Day Celebration. How do we love our downtown merchants? Help us count the ways this Valentine’s Day! From their dedication to offering unique, one-of-a-kind gifts and treasures to their desire to give back to the community they call home, the reasons why we love our downtown merchants are too many to count. Providing a charming antidote to big mall shopping—they offer much to love with an upscale shopping experience in a relaxed small town setting.
With endless options for a romantic outing, an evening spent in Downtown Norcross promises to be a Night to Remember! The streets of historic Norcross provide the perfect romantic backdrop for a Valentine’s celebration with its charm and bistro-lined streets. On February 14th from 5-9 p.m., the city is pulling out all the stops for those with love in their eyes. Cozy up in free a carriage as you ride through the quaint streets, enjoy being serenaded by a traveling barber shop quartet and take an opportunity to look in your significant others eyes to renew the vows you exchanged on your wedding day. You can also take a romantic photo, all at no charge.
Downtown Norcross restaurants will be offering romance specials for those who would like to wine and dine their significant other. Whether you would like to dine al fresco under the stars or enjoy the warmth of a candlelit dinner inside one of our unique bistros, the restaurants of downtown Norcross have the perfect ambiance for a romantic evening. If you are looking for the perfect gift for the one you love, you won’t have to look far. While you are meandering through the romantic streets of downtown Norcross, you may find yourself doing more that just “window shopping.” Shops of one-of-a-kind antiques, boutique apparel, whimsical home and garden accessories, original artwork and custom fine jewelry will open your heart and wallet to the unique treasures offered by the assortment of merchants in Norcross.
Let the City of Norcross and its downtown merchants cast a romantic spell over you and enjoy all that our captivating city has to offer. We look forward to seeing you on South Peachtree Street and hope you fall even more in love your sweetheart and our downtown merchants. Please note that the carriage ride pick-up location will be at Taste of Britain, 73 S Peachtree Street and the photo booth will be stationed on South Peachtree near 45 South Peachtree Street.
March
Celebrate the Luck of the Irish this Paddy’s Day with Irish Fest Norcross
Saturday, March 16 | From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | S. Peachtree Street, Downtown Norcross
Fiálte (welcome), good people of Norcross! The City of Norcross is excited to announce a collaboration with Taste of Britain and the Drake School of Irish Dance to bring you the 2nd Annual Norcross St. Patrick’s Day celebration on March 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entirety of S. Peachtree Street will be closed to accommodate the festivities.
Downtown Merchants will be offering Irish-themed activities and fare to mark the occasion and outside you will find music, dancing, face painting, whiskey tastings and more! Free and open to the public and 100% family-friendly, this is an event you do not want to miss.
Read on for more details on activities:
Judith McLoughlin- Cooking Demonstration-Author—Booksigning
“The Shamrock and Peach: A Culinary Journey from the North of Ireland to the American South” 1:30-3:30 pm. (S. Peachtree St)
Traditional Irish Breakfast
Start with a hearty, traditional Irish Breakfast--okay, maybe it's more Brunch--at the Norcross Masonic Lodge at 11 a.m. This will be a delectable feast of eggs, rasher, black and white pudding, beans, grilled tomatoes, and toast. The tickets are $15.00 in advance at 770-242-8585 and $20.00 at the door. The proceeds are a fundraiser for the Masonic Lodge.
Live Music and Dancing
Tap your feet and clap your hands to the beat as the World Champion river dancers from the Drake School of Irish Dance take the stage. You can also learn to jig yourself and join in the fun! Later, join us for a Celtic Rock concert with the band Brynmor from 3 to 5 p.m.
Jameson Irish Whiskey Tasting
Visit the whiskey tasting tent for a sample of the purest 'water of life' Ireland can offer! Tickets sold on site.
Face Painting, Leprechauns, and More!
Snap a selfie with Norcross' resident Leprechauns, and if you forget to wear green, don’t worry—stop by the Face Painting booth and ask for a shamrock. Hungry for a snack before lunch? The Taste of Britain is giving away gift boxes and door prizes and will offer an Irish Sampling for you to taste many Irish favorites from meat pies and Kerrygold cheese to Irish ale. Other merchants will also have special offerings for the event, so make sure to stop in and see what’s going on!
Irish-themed Menus
For Lunch, check out one of the many downtown restaurants offering special menus featuring Irish favorites and inspired fare such as corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, Reuben sandwiches, specialty cocktails, and Guinness Beer. [See full menu at end]
There are so many fun and exciting festivities taking place downtown this Paddy’s Day, so put on something green and come on out to Irish Fest 2019! Sláinte Mhaith! (Good Health/Cheers!)
2019 SPECIAL MENUS:
CHASE’S GRILLE and WINGERY: Green Beer, Irish Stew, Corned Beef and Cabbage. Live Music 11:30-1:30 pm. 4:00-10:00 pm.
VSOP TAPROOM: $5.00 Mimosa & Wine by the glass, Guinness and other Irish Beers at bar outside, Irish Crème Eclairs
ANTIQUE TRADITIONS: Morning Irish Coffee and Soda Bread -Pick a Lucky Shamrock???? Sale and Shop in Store & our Outside Antiques Market!- new this year!
ZAPATA: Irish Margaritas topped off with Irish Whiskey, Irish Tacos (corned beef and toppings)
PAIZANOS: Reuben Stromboli, $3.00 Guinness, $5.00 Jameson
DOMINICK’S: $5 Guinness Snakebites (Guinness and cider combo), $6 Irish Coffees (Slane Irish Whiskey, Irish cream and coffee topped with whipped cream)
CAROLEE’S: Luck of the Irish sale
STUDIO 87 YOGA: Offering a St. Patrick’s Four class pass $39. Purchase Saturday 3/16 - Start when you want. Expires 6/1/19. Cash/checks only please.
45 SOUTH CAFÉ: Irish Latte and Irish Breakfast Sandwich
MOJITOS: Green Mojitos
The Crossing: Outside bar serving Irish Beer
