Good morning, Gainesville.

The Hall County Jewish community welcomed news on Monday that Hamas released the last hostages held in the Gaza Strip for more than two years (community members prayed for the survivors and mourned those lost).

The annual Chicken Festival will be held at Lake Lanier Olympic Park where backyard and professional BBQ teams will compete for the Chicken Champion title—helping local barbeque experts shine and celebrating Gainesville's famous poultry legacy.

The Georgia Department of Education released the 2025 lists of Distinguished and Reward Schools Monday and named Myers Elementary the only Gainesville school to earn a designation.

Myers Elementary earned the Reward Schools honor for showing the most significant improvements.

High school softball playoff matchups for state qualifiers were announced in Hall County—teams from North Hall, Cherokee Bluff and Flowery Branch are preparing for the first round.

High school volleyball playoff matchups have been announced for four state qualifiers in Hall County—North Hall and Cherokee Bluff will host first-round games at home.

Charles Esten Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of loose, rough-cut country music from global entertainer Charles Esten.

Iam Tongi Live Concert

7-9 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices vary — Experience Iam Tongi's soulful voice in an unforgettable live performance.

2025 Gainesville Chicken Festival

11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Lake Lanier Olympic Park — Admission details not specified — Experience Georgia's Official Chicken Cook-Off with BBQ teams, live music, and fun for kids.

EAA Chapter 611 Fall Fly-In

9 AM – 3 PM — Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport — $5 entry, kids 10 and under free — Experience up-close airplane encounters, a pancake breakfast, and more at this family-friendly event.

Flat Creek Baptist Church Trunk or Treat

6-8 p.m. — Flat Creek Community Center — Free entry — Enjoy popcorn, candy, and a pumpkin carving contest at this festive event for all ages.

Drake Milligan Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Check local listings — Experience the authentic country sound of rising star Drake Milligan.

SkynFolks - Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — $15+ — Experience the authentic sounds of Lynyrd Skynyrd performed live by tribute band SkynFolks.

Bob Ross Paint Party

2-4 p.m. — Hall County Library Blackshear Place — Free participation — Create your own Bob Ross landscape painting in a relaxed, guided setting.

Dueling Pianos Friendsgiving Celebration

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — $20 — Enjoy a night of high-energy music and festive fun with the Andrews Brothers' dueling pianos show.

Rodney Atkins Live Performance

7-9:30 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening filled with heartfelt country music and stories from Rodney Atkins.