Youth Explosion 2010, Alto. Speakers including Chris Enloe, Jonathan Pitts, Ben Hildebrant, Brandon Hester and Jonathan and Sharon Arrowood; music by The Pitts Family, Laci Wike, Church of Life Youth and Refuge. Free refreshments. 6:30 p.m. April 15-17, Jaemor Barn, Jaemor Farms, 5340 Ga. 365, Alto. Free. 770-869-1400 or 770-539-4403.
Bear on the Square Festival, Dahlonega. Music, dancing, auction, food and arts and crafts. Appalachian-themed events and acoustic country/bluegrass workshops. April 16-18, downtown Dahlonega in Hancock park and on the square. Many events free.
The Georgia Renaissance Festival, Fairburn. Medieval events and vendors including jousting, artist market, live music and pubs. 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day, April 17-June 6, Georgia Renaissance Festival, 6905 Virlyn B. Smith Road, Fairburn. $19.95 adults, $17.95 seniors age 60 and older, $8.95 children age 6-12 and free for kids age 5 and younger. 770-964-8575.
Flowery Branch Spring Festival, Flowery Branch. Arts and crafts, food and games. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 17, downtown Flowery Branch behind the depot. 678-316-0465.
Ongoing
"Tools for Living," Sautee. Exhibit of tools used to sustain early valley inhabitants. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Sautee Nacoochee Community Association History Museum, 283 Ga. 255 N, Sautee. 706-878-3300.
Story times, Hall County. Children can listen to stories, sometimes read by special guests. Various days and times at libraries in the Hall County Library System. Free.
"Waters of Time: The Chicopee Woods Story," Gainesville. Learn about previous eras and inhabitants of Chicopee Woods. 10 a.m. to p.m. Monday-Saturdays. Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville. $3 adults, $2 children ages 2-12, age 1 and younger and members free. 770-535-1976.