By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
A trip back to the moon and 5 other things to do in July in Gainesville, Hall County
Moon Landing
This photograph of the Lunar Module at Tranquility Base was taken by Neil Armstrong during the Apollo 11 mission, from the rim of Little West Crater on the lunar surface. Armstrong's shadow and the shadow of the camera are visible in the foreground. This is the furthest distance from the lunar module traveled by either astronaut while on the moon. Photo courtesy NASA.

July is full of Independence Day events, but there’s a lot going on in North Georgia beyond celebrating the land of the free. Here are just a few of the events in the works for the month of July worth checking out.

Northwinds Symphonic Band: Patriotic Pops Concert
When: 8-10 p.m. Wednesday, July 3

Where: The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring St. SW, Gainesville

Cost: $19 for general public,  $15 for veterans, immediate family, seniors and students

More info: theartscouncil.net

The Northwinds Symphonic Band is giving a patriotic performance at the Smithgall Arts Center in the first week of the month to celebrate the history of the United States. The group is primarily composed of local musicians, and they’ll be playing a set of songs dedicated to American patriotism in front of a backdrop of images of key figures in the country’s history, such as troops, Martin Luther King Jr. and George Washington.

Food will be available at the Arts Center, but attendees are also encouraged to bring their own food, lawn chairs and picnic supplies.

Pokémon Summer Camp
When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Thursday, July 8-11

Where: Meeple Madness | Tabletop Games and Hobbies, 7400 Spout Springs Road, Flowery Branch
Cost: $125 for all four days

More info: www.meeplemadness.com

If you’re looking for a bit of fun for the kids in July, Meeple Madness in Flowery Branch is holding a Pokémon Summer Camp to teach kids from Kindergarten to Eighth Grade the tips and tricks of the trading card game.
Throughout the four-day program, kids will be given a complimentary deck of cards and other Pokémon accessories, learn more about how to play the game, culminating in a sanctioned tournament on the final day.

Everyone who completes the summer camp will be eligible to play in Meeple Madness’ future Pokémon League Challenges, which take place every Monday at the shop.

07052018 BEACH 01.jpg
A crowd gathers Friday, July 7, 2017, at the "beach'" in downtown Gainesville made from 100 tons of sand during the third annual Beach Bash in downtown Gainesville. The beach bash is being moved to the Lake Lanier Olympic Park in 2019. - photo by David Barnes
Beach Bash
When: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, July 13

Where: Lake Lanier Olympic Park, 3105 Clarks Bridge Road Gainesville

Cost: Free

More info: www.gainesville.org

The city of Gainesville is hosting its fifth-annual Beach Bash this year at a new location: Lake Lanier Olympic Park will be the place for a flood of water-related activities for kids and adults, complete with food truck and beer/wine vendors.

Even if you’re not keen on getting wet, there will also be a free performance by ‘80s tribute band Electric Avenue at 7 p.m.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive night out with tons of food and entertainment both in and out of the water, carve out some time for Beach Bash on Saturday, July 13.

Murder Mystery Cruise
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, July 27
Where: Windsong Sailing Academy, 6900 Holiday Road, Buford, Dock 6
Cost: $75 per person or $95 per couple

More info: www.windsongsail.com/2/waterFun.aspx

Windsong Saily Academy is hosting a monthly cruise as part of its Great Escape Cruise series, and for the month of July the theme is a murder mystery. The entire scenario is a role-playing adventure as the group attempts to solve a fictional murder crafted for the cruise.

The cruise will provide bottled waters, but anyone who comes to help solve the mystery will need to bring their own brown bag meals.

Moon Landing’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
When: 2-3 p.m. Saturday, July 20
Where: Hall County Library System, Spout Springs Branch, 6488 Spout Springs Road, Flowery Branch

Cost: Free

More info: srp.hallcountylibrary.org/Events/Detail/9

It’s been almost 50 years since the Moon Landing in 1969, and the Hall County Library is hosting an event to commemorate the momentous point in American and world history.

The free celebration will feature speakers, reading materials and footage of humanity’s first steps on the Moon, as well as food with a bit of a space theme available to those attending.

While you’re there, you can enter to win tickets to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and other prizes.

The celebration will be held in South Hall and is open to all ages.

Tap It Brew Fest ‘19

When: 3-9 p.m. Saturday, July 27

Where: Tap It Growlers, 1850 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville

Cost: $15

More info: www.facebook.com/events/659152227859265/

Tap It’s Brew Fest is becoming a hoppy, malty, yeasty tradition up on Thompson Bridge. The growler shop is hosting its fourth festival, and this year it includes samplings from more than 10 breweries and live music on the lawn beside the shop.

Organizers are asking attendees to carpool, given the limitations of the lot.

This story has been updated from its original version.