Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation
GwinnettParks.com

Creative Development / Creative Development Bilingual
English: Fridays, April 12, 26 and May 10, 24.
Bilingual: Saturdays, April 13, 27 and May 11, 25.
10:30-11:15 a.m.
One Stop Norcross
5030 Georgia Belle Ct., Norcross
678-225-5400
Admission: free

Help your toddler develop motor and sensory skills in a fun and supporting learning environment. Parent participation is required.

Mommy and Me Rock’n Spring
Saturday, April 13. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Lucky Shoals Park
4651 Britt Rd., Norcross
678-277-0860
Admission: $4

It’s an Earth Day celebration! Ages 2 to 5 will make a pet rock and enjoy activities and refreshments.

Kids Night: Cool Escape
Fridays, April 19 and May 17. 5:30-9 p.m.
One Stop Norcross
5030 Georgia Belle Ct., Norcross
678-225-5400
Admission: $12 per Gwinnett resident; $24 per non-resident

Kids, ages 7-12, enjoy a dinner and fun activities with friends. There’ll be games, crafts and more.

Clay Creations
Friday, May 10. 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Pinckneyville Park
4758 South Old Peachtree Rd., Norcross
678-277-0920
Admission: $12 per Gwinnett resident; $32 per non-resident

Relax and create at Pinckneyville Park’s Pottery studio. Participants will learn the basics of hand building with clay and make their own works of art. Light refreshments will be served.

Special Hearts Arts & Craft Day
Wednesday, May 15. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Lucky Shoals Park
4651 Britt Rd., Norcross
678-277-0860
Admission: $6; caregivers are free

This day of fun with music, arts and crafts is designed for individuals with disabilities, their families and their caregivers.

Connect & Tell Your Story
Monday, May 20. 1-3 p.m.
Norcross Senior Center
5030 Georgia Belle Ct., Norcross
678-225-5430
Admission: free

Ages 50 and up will put pen to paper to tell their stories, from biography to fantasy or anything in between. Participants can use storytelling prompts or create their own. At the end, everyone is welcome to share their stories. Light refreshments are provided.

Want more event happening in and around Peachtree Corners?

Check out our recent article: 8 Theatrical Performances Coming to the Peachtree Corners Area.

Mean Girls: High School Version
Thursday-Friday, April 11-12
Thursday and Friday, 6 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m.
Paul Duke STEM High School
5850 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross
Tickets: Adults, $12; students, $10 and children (ages 5 and under), $5

Adapted from Tina Fey’s hit 2004 film, the Mean Girls musical has been nominated for a staggering 12 Tony Awards. Now, Paul Duke STEM brings the high school version of the show to life.

Tickets are on sale and can be purchased here.

The Curse of the Hopeless Diamond
Thursday, April 18. 6:30 p.m.
Anna Balkan Jewelry and Gifts
51 S. Peachtree St., Norcross
Ticket: $25, includes snacks and one glass of wine

The audience-participation murder mystery is a fundraiser for Lionheart Theatre’s summer theatre camp for kids and teens; it’s being hosted by Anna Balkan and 45 South Coffee House.

About the show: Reginald and Daphne Potter are touring extensively, along with their world-famous Potter Diamond, in the company of four detectives. It’s well-known that the Potter Diamond is beautiful…and cursed!

Purchase tickets here.

Anastasia
Thursday-Sunday, April 25-28
Thursday and Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m.
Valor Christian Academy
4755 Kimball Bridge Rd., Alpharetta
Tickets: $20 per person

About the show: Presented by CYT Atlanta, the show spans from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family.

Click here to learn more.

Little Shop of Horrors
Thursday-Sunday, April 25-28
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.
Norcross High School
5300 Spalding Dr., Norcross
norcrosshigh.org, nhs-drama.com, 770-448-3674
Tickets: $10

About the show: A horror comedy rock musical, Little Shop of Horrors centers around a florist shop worker who raises a carnivorous plant that eats humans.

Secure your spot.

Seussical
Thursday-Saturday, May 2-4
Wesleyan School Powell Theatre
5405 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners
wesleyanschool.org, 770-448-7640

About the show: The fantastical, magical musical is based on the children’s stories of Dr. Seuss.

Discover more here.

Breaking Legs
May 3-19
Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 18 and Sunday matinees, 2 p.m.
Lionheart Theatre Company
10 College St., Norcross
lionhearttheatre.org, 678-938-8518
Tickets: Adults, $18; students and seniors, $16

About the show: In this madcap comedy, an Italian restaurant is owned by a successful mobster and managed by his beautiful unmarried daughter. When the daughter’s former college professor asks for financial backing for a play he’s written about a murder, the three main Mafiosi are intrigued with the idea of producing a play. The daughter becomes enamored of the playwright who discovers, through the ‘accidental’ death of a lesser thug, that his backers are gangsters.

Find tickets here.

Finding Nemo JR
Friday-Sunday, May 10-12
Greater Atlanta Christian School King’s Gate Theatre
1575 Indian Trail Rd., Norcross
greateratlantachristian.org, 770-243-2000

About the show: The hour-long musical adaptation of the Pixar film features Marlin, a nervous clownfish who lives with his adventurous child, Nemo, in the Great Barrier Reef. When Nemo is carried off to Sydney, Marlin must overcome his fears and travel across the ocean to find him.

Learn more here.

Much Ado About Nothing
Saturday-Sunday, May 11-12
Saturday, 2 and 5 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m.
Simpsonwood Park
411 Jones Bridge Circle, Peachtree Corners
crewofpatches.org

About the show: Contemporary Classics Theatre presents Shakespeare’s romantic comedy May 11-26 at Simpsonwood Park in Peachtree Corners, Christ Church Episcopal in Norcross and Autrey Mill Nature Preserve in John’s Creek. Director Susanna Wilson’s version of the play is set in Italy during a 21st century film festival. Love at first sight, jealousy and confusion, an illegitimate sibling, mixed-up lovers, three weddings and a funeral fill this amusing look at love, betrayal and acceptance. Performances will be outside for a “Shakespeare in the Park” experience. Audience members should bring blankets and lawn chairs as no seating is provided. Shows run approximately 100 minutes with no intermission. 

Click here for more information.

Want more event happening in and around Peachtree Corners?

Check out our recent article: 25+ Free Events Happening at Peachtree Corners Library in April and May

FREE! Pinckneyville Park Open House! Meet the instructors, check out the programming, explore the pottery studio and enjoy a free lunch*!

Also, spend some time visually creating your 2024 goals onto a vision board using different arts media. All you need to bring is your board of choice and we will provide the rest! All ages welcome. 

Saturday, Jan. 27, from 10 a.m. to 1p.m. Pottery Studio informative session is from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. *Preregistration required for a free lunch.

OFFERINGS

Adventure Days Out: Pinckneyville Park has your school’s out childcare covered. Children will have an amazing experience trying new games, exploring new skills, making new friends and most of all, having fun! 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ages 5 to 12. $30 per day.

• Monday, Jan. 15

NEW! Hip Hop/Jazz: Tone your body and get your heart pumping to the beats of your favorite music! Students will learn fun, innovative and unique dance routines that will strengthen their dance skills. Each class consists of stretching, exercise, cool downs and dance choreography. Wednesdays, Jan. 10 through Feb. 14. From 6:10 p.m. to 7 p.m. Ages 8 to12. $61.

NEW! SWEAT: This class incorporates all aspects of fitness: cardio, resistance, flexibility and core training structured in segments that focus on upper, middle and lower body exercises. This class will improve endurance, strength, muscle, tone and definition for all fitness levels. Every Wednesday, Jan. 10 through Feb. 14, from 7:10 p.m. to 7:50 p.m. Ages 18 and up. $61.

NEW! 3D Printing Workshops: Unlock your child’s creativity and introduce them to the exciting world of 3D modeling and printing! The class at Pinckneyville Park teaches the basics of 3D design using industry-standard software, Blender and bringing designs to life through 3D printing.

Participants will gain valuable skills such as problem solving, spatial reasoning, creativity and attention to detail while having fun creating their own unique 3D printed creation. A laptop and mouse are needed for this class. Required: A $10 material fee is due at the start of the class paid directly to the instructor Optional: $10 per session for laptop rental fee. Please reserve ahead. Highly recommended to bring your own laptop and mouse. 

• 3D Printing Experience: Saturdays, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Ages 6 to 18. $36.
• Design Thinking in 3D Printing: Saturdays, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Ages 6 to 18. $100.

NEW! Beginning Chess: This six-week course will cover basic chess tactics. Students will learn the terminology, how to set the board, and basic planning and strategy in chess play. Every Saturday, Jan. 6 to Feb. 10. $66.

Get Into Watercolor: Learn the basics of watercolor from a seasoned instructor! This class is designed for beginners as well as the more experienced. Master the methods of watercolor to paint basic and complex shapes; development of depth through values, perspective and color; and the composition of overall painting. Students will furnish their own materials (supply list will be provided). Every Saturday, Jan. 6 through Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Ages 16 and up. $141.

Ballet–Preschool: Creative dances and imagination will help instill a love for dancing, as your toddler learns basics of ballet in a positive and fun environment! Preschool ballet will need pink leather ballet shoes, pink footed tights, pink leotards and pink skirt. Every Saturday, Jan. 6 to 27, from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Ages 4 to 5. $37.

Ballet–Beg: Expand your child’s ballet abilities in this beginner class. Students will focus on developing ballet techniques and posturing. Beginner ballet will need pink leather ballet shoes, pink footed tights, pink leotards and pink skirt. Every Saturday, Jan. 6 through 27, from 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m. Ages 6 to 9. $37.

Ballet–Int: Expand your child’s ballet abilities in this beginner class. Students will focus on developing ballet techniques and posturing. Beginner ballet will need pink leather ballet shoes & pink footed tights, pink leotards and pink skirt. Every Saturday, Jan. 6 through 27, from 9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m. Ages 7 to 10. $37.

Ballet–Int: Students will reinforce their ballet techniques, physical strength, flexibility and musicality in this intermediate level class. Dancers need pink leather ballet shoes, pink footed tights, black leotard and black skirt. Every Saturday, Jan. 6 though 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Ages 11 to 16. $37.

Ballet–Adv/Pointe: This class is designed for dancers ages 15 or older, aimed at strengthening ballet technique, flexibility and performance levels. More demanding and complex movements will help your student master the art of ballet. Dancers need pink leather ballet shoes, pink footed tights, black leotard and black skirt. Every Saturday, Jan. 6 through 27. 10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Ages 15 and up. $37.

FREE! NEW! Vibrant Visions! Spend some time visually creating your 2024 goals onto a vision board using different arts media. All you need to bring is your board of choice and we will provide the rest! Light refreshments provided. Ages 50 and up. Wednesday, Jan. 31, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

POTTERY STUDIO

New Independent Study session begins Jan. 29. Registration opens Jan. 17.

Classes are changing. Please call 678-277-0920, or email PcCenter@GwinnettCounty.com for information on future classes.

Independent Study: Open studio session for individual pottery artists. Must complete Pottery Studio orientation prior to first visit if you are a new patron. Open Monday through Saturday, Jan. 29 to March 9. Ages 16 and up. $100.

Pottery Club: Come socialize and create in the pottery studio. Must be currently registered for a class or independent study to join. No drop-ins allowed. Must be registered for the club as space is limited. Every Wednesday, Jan. 31 through March 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

*Out of county resident fees applied at time of registration.*

FREE ACTIVITIES

Atlanta Gourd Patch: Free! Apply your creative talents to natural gourds. Contact KMR01@aol.com for more information and supply list. Ages 18 and up. Meets second Saturday of each month. Call 678-277-0920 for more information. 

Atlanta Hobby Robotics Club: Come to Pinckneyville Park and share your robotics ideas. All ages are welcome. Meets the third Saturday of each month, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. To register, contact Walter Burleson at 404-932-8108 or wlenbl@gmail.com.

Senior Bridge Club: A trick-taking card game using a standard 52-card deck. In its basic format, it is played by four players in two competing partnerships. This group is for experienced Bridge players ages 50 and up. On Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To register, contact Mary Fender at 678-357-6709 or maryrfender@yahoo.com.

Bridge- Act II: The fourth Monday of each month from 10 a.m. to2:30 p.m. For more information, contact JoAnne Leisen at 571-330-4730.

Guitars for Vets: Helping Veterans cope with PTSD through music. Participants get ten weeks of one–on–one lessons. When finished with lessons, participants will receive a free guitar! Mondays, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. To register, contact Cliff Meinhardt at 404-234-8040. Visit guitars4vets.org to learn more.

Gwinnett Chess Club: Chess for all ages. All experiences are welcomed. Every other Saturday (Jan. 6 and 20), from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. To register, contact Tom Emch at 770-605-0429 or ibemch@charter.net.

Last Tuesday Book Club: Join in on all the reading fun! Meets the last Tuesday of each month at Pinckneyville Park.

Pinckneyville Park Community Center
4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd
Berkeley Lake, GA 30071
678-277-0920
GwinnettParks.com