Good morning, Gainesville.

Gainesville residents have a weekend full of Memorial Day events as Midland Music Fest kicks off today at 5 p.m. at Midland Greenway—followed by a sand castle competition at Don Carter State Park on Monday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Local groups are also coordinating nearby activities to honor veterans during the long weekend.

Officials reported a possible explosion risk at a Georgia Volkswagen dealership in Gainesville and investigators secured the site while gathering more details+ local residents are advised to steer clear of the area.

An Oakwood man, Marcelo Alexander Mariduena, accused of shooting his brother on Ridgewood Valley Drive and posting TikTok videos that appeared to confess to the crime, represented himself in court Friday, May 23 (no further details were released).

Gainesville authorities arrested Anthony Kip Pazol, 57, on Tuesday, May 20 on the 3700 block of Old Flowery Branch Road during a drug trafficking investigation that led to the seizure of about 49 grams of meth, 115 sildenafil tablets, 100 tadalafil tablets, 47 grams of marijuana + a small amount of clonazepam valued at $9,200 and he remains in jail without bond.

Local libraries in Gainesville have started a summer reading program with the theme 'Color Our World' to help both children and adults enjoy reading and earn prizes.

The program runs from late May to late July and offers books, learning tablets, CDs, DVDs, seeds, and Experience Passes (which include visits to state parks) as well as a special program for readers with visual challenges (starting June 1).

NGMC Lumpkin now offers robotic surgery using the da Vinci system; the first operation was done this week and the patient went home the same day—giving locals a new option without traveling to other centers.

Forge Your Own Path: Tiger TTRPG Camp

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Brenau Trustee Library — $250 with early bird rate — Unleash creativity in a camp that blends storytelling and tabletop role-playing games.

USPA The Iron Beast Powerlifting Meet

All day — The Beast Sports Center, LLC — Registration required — Compete in various lifting categories and aim for the best lifter award in this prestigious powerlifting event.

Diamond Art Painting Workshop

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Hall County Library Blackshear Place — $5 supply fee — Create beautiful diamond artwork in a relaxed environment.

Movies Under the Stars

7-10 p.m. — Braselton Town Green — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly movie under the stars while dining from local restaurants.

Quiet Riot Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Check event page for cost — Enjoy legendary rock tunes from the band credited as the first heavy metal group to top the Billboard charts.

The Arts Council: Riverstreet Concert

8 PM – 12 AM — Smithgall Arts Center — Ticket information not provided — Get ready to dance to classic rock with the local band RIVERSTREET!

Virtual Tour of Assisted Living Community

9 AM – 7 PM — The Oaks - Scenic View (Assisted Living) — Free entry — Explore exceptional senior living with a focus on community, dining, and activities.