This Week
Clear, local reporting from Griffin and communities across Spalding County.
This Week
Clear, local reporting from Griffin and communities across Spalding County.

Spalding County Local News
Griffin Downtown Council to Combine, GSCS Welcomes New Employees Ahead of School Year, and 7 Brew Sets Griffin Ribbon Cutting.
Good morning, Spalding County!
Well, the World Cup has come to a close, with Spain lifting the trophy after a month of packed stadiums. This year had the added fun of watching visitors from around the world experience America for the first time. They came for fútbol and left knowing about Bass Pro Shops, Buc-ee’s, free drink refills, and the life-changing power of air conditioning.
Now that the world’s version of football is finished, we can begin preparing for ours.
College teams will soon be back on the practice field, high school stadium lights will be glowing on Friday nights, and Saturdays will once again revolve around kickoff times.
Soccer had a great run. Now bring on football!
- Chad
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The Griffin Downtown Council will dissolve at the end of 2026 and transition its remaining work into the City of Griffin’s Main Street Program. The council approved the move in June, and the Griffin Board of Commissioners later authorized an agreement to transfer responsibility for the group’s remaining events. Formed more than 40 years ago, the Downtown Council helped create and support many of Griffin’s best-known downtown events, including June Jam, Feast on East, concerts, and seasonal activities. The organization also played a role in promoting downtown businesses and encouraging more activity in the city center. Under the new arrangement, the council will continue in an advisory role connected to Main Street. Feast on East in October is expected to be the Downtown Council’s final event.
Griffin-Spalding County Schools welcomed about 130 newly hired employees during an orientation and Business Resource Fair held July 16 at Griffin High School. The event introduced incoming teachers, staff members, and support personnel to the district while also helping them become familiar with the wider Griffin-Spalding community. Local businesses and organizations participated by sharing information about services, resources, and programs available in the area. The gathering gave new employees a chance to learn more about the school system, meet district leaders, and connect with community partners before the start of the academic year. The orientation was part of GSCS preparations for the 2026-27 school year as schools across the district get ready to welcome students back.
A new 7 Brew Coffee location is preparing to open at 1608 North Expressway in Griffin, with a ribbon cutting scheduled for July 21. The drive-through shop will offer coffee, teas, energy drinks, lemonades, smoothies, and other customizable beverages. The Griffin location adds another national brand to the North Expressway commercial corridor, where restaurants, retailers, and service businesses continue to expand. The opening will also bring new jobs and another quick-service beverage option to the area. The ribbon cutting is being coordinated through the Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce and will formally mark the business’s entry into the local market.
Monday begins at 8:15 AM with a specially posted meeting of the Griffin Downtown Development Authority. The board’s published meeting venue is the City of Griffin Municipal Courtroom at One Griffin Center, 100 South Hill Street. The DDA works on downtown redevelopment, business recruitment and projects intended to strengthen Griffin’s central business district.
Monday evening, the Griffin Planning and Zoning Board meets at 6:00 PM in the City Courtroom at 100 South Hill Street. This board reviews proposed rezonings, annexations, special-use permits and changes to Griffin’s zoning rules before making recommendations to the City Commission.
On Tuesday, the Spalding County Board of Commissioners opens with a work session at 3:00 PM, followed by an Extraordinary Session at 6:00 PM. The county’s standard published meeting location is Room 108 of the Spalding County Courthouse Annex, 119 East Solomon Street. Work sessions generally allow commissioners to examine county issues in greater detail, while the evening session is the formal meeting to watch for county policies, services and other official business.
Also Tuesday at 6:00 PM, the Griffin-Spalding Board of Education holds its regular monthly meeting in the GSCS Board Room, 216 South Sixth Street. This is the main public meeting for school-system business affecting local students, employees and families.
Wednesday has one confirmed meeting. The Griffin Main Street Program Board convenes from 8:15 AM to 9:15 AM in the City of Griffin Municipal Courtroom at 100 South Hill Street. The board’s work is most relevant for residents and businesses following downtown promotions, events, preservation efforts, public-space improvements and other Main Street initiatives.
Monday & Thursday: Carver (610 Carver Rd) and Woodroof (4245 Old Atlanta Rd) 11am-7pm
Tuesday & Friday: Blalock (5756 Newnan Rd) and Cabin (3865 Jackson Rd)
11am-7pm
Saturday: All centers open 7am-1pm (plus Akin for bulky items only)
Sunday & Wednesday: Closed
Got big stuff? The Akin Collection Center (841 S McDonough Rd) is for bulky items only—no regular household garbage. Open Saturdays 7am-1pm.
All centers closed on county holidays.
Griffin Grapevine is where local stories, familiar faces, and hometown pride come together and now you can wear that spirit. This soft Comfort Colors tee features a richly illustrated tribute to Griffin, Georgia on the back, with irises, railroad tracks, peach, sweet tea, and classic Doc Holliday hat. Wear it around town, to community events, or anywhere you want to represent the people and stories that keep Griffin connected.
Shop the Griffin Grapevine tee and wear your hometown pride.
Chess Club for Kids and Adults
When: Monday, July 20, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
What: Chess players of different ages and experience levels can gather at the library for a casual evening of games. It is a good opportunity for beginners to practice, experienced players to find new opponents, and families to enjoy an activity that does not require a screen.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223
Earth, Blooms, and Buzz: Flower Power
When: Tuesday, July 21, 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
What: UGA Griffin is offering a hands-on session exploring plants through horticulture and ecology. Participants will learn about propagation, pollination, ornamental plant breeding, and the connections between plants and the environment. The program also includes a presentation on pollinators and the upcoming pollinator census. Registration is required, and the event is geared toward budding scientists and nature enthusiasts.
Where: Redding Building, UGA Griffin Campus, 325 Woodroof Drive, Griffin, GA 30223
Ribbon Cutting for 7 Brew Griffin
When: Tuesday, July 21, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
What: The Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce is welcoming 7 Brew Coffee to the local business community with a public ribbon cutting. Visitors can meet the Griffin team, see the new drive-thru coffee location, and join the celebration while enjoying a morning treat.
Where: 7 Brew Griffin, 1608 North Expressway, Griffin, GA 30223
Knit/Crochet Club
When: Tuesday, July 21, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
What: Local knitters and crocheters can bring a current project to the library for an informal afternoon of crafting and conversation. The club offers a relaxed place to work alongside other people who enjoy yarn crafts, exchange ideas, and make progress on unfinished projects. Registration is not required.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223
Music Bingo at Nic McKay’s Irish Pub
When: Tuesday, July 21, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
What: Nic McKay’s Irish Pub is hosting Tuesday night Music Bingo with six rounds covering everything from the 60s and 70s to country, 90s hits, and sing-alongs. It is free to play, with pub gift cards awarded each round, making it an easy midweek night out for friends who want music, drinks, and a little friendly competition downtown.
Where: Nic McKay’s Irish Pub, 133 S Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30223
Brunch and Learn with Lauren Pike
When: Wednesday, July 22, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
What: UGA Griffin’s Connect and Collaborate series is hosting an in-person brunch-and-learn with Lauren Pike. The gathering is designed for local professionals and organizations interested in learning, making connections, and becoming more familiar with work taking place through the Griffin campus. Advance registration is available, and participants may also request a Zoom link.
Where: UGA Griffin Campus, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA 30223
Family Storytime at the Library
When: Wednesday, July 22, 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
What: Families can stop by the Griffin-Spalding County Library for an afternoon storytime designed to help young children enjoy books and become more comfortable at the library. It offers parents and caregivers a simple indoor activity during the summer, and registration is not required.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223
Family Storytime at the Library
When: Thursday, July 23, 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
What: The library is offering a second family storytime Thursday morning for children, parents, and caregivers. The program provides a laid-back way to introduce younger children to stories, reading, and the library while giving families an easy weekday outing. Registration is not required.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223
Back-to-School Bash
When: Thursday, July 23, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
What: Griffin’s annual Back-to-School Bash will help local families prepare for the new school year with backpacks and school supplies for the first 750 elementary through high school students. The free evening also includes a family cookout, community resource fair, inflatables, music, touch-a-truck activities, and giveaways. An outdoor showing of “Zootopia 2” begins at 7:30 PM.
Where: City Park at Beck Field, 601 Camp Northern Road, Griffin, GA 30224
D&D Club
When: Thursday, July 23, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
What: The library’s monthly Dungeons & Dragons club brings local tabletop gamers together for an evening of collaborative storytelling, problem-solving, and role-playing. It is a useful option for players looking for a local gaming group or a social activity built around imagination rather than a screen. Registration is not required.
Where: Griffin-Spalding County Library, 800 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223
TRIBUTE: A Celebration of The Allman Brothers Band
When: Saturday, July 25, 8:00 PM
What: TRIBUTE brings the music of The Allman Brothers Band to the Griffin Opera House for a night of Southern rock, blues and extended jams. The Atlanta-based eight-piece group has built a following by recreating the sound and energy of the original band using vintage equipment and decades of combined performance experience. Expect favorites from across the Allman Brothers catalog performed by musicians with a deep appreciation for the band’s distinctive sound. Tickets are required.
Where: Griffin Opera House, 102 North Hill Street, Suite 200, Griffin, GA 30223
The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience
When: Friday, August 14, 8:00 PM
What: Bobby Miller brings a full Michael Jackson tribute show to the Griffin Opera House with a performance built around the music, dancing and stage presence of the King of Pop. The production recreates the feel of Michael Jackson’s live concerts and features familiar hits from throughout his career. It is designed for longtime fans as well as anyone who never had the chance to see Michael Jackson perform in person. Tickets are required.
Where: Griffin Opera House, 102 North Hill Street, Suite 200, Griffin, GA 30223
92° 🌡️ 73° | ☀️ | 0% | S 5 mph
91° 🌡️ 74° | ⛈️ | 20% | S 5–10 mph
90° 🌡️ 74° | ⛈️ | 30% | Light & Variable
90° 🌡️ 72° | ⛈️ | 40% | Light & Variable
Thanks for spending part of your day with the Griffin Grapevine.
One of the best parts of putting this publication together is seeing how much is happening across Spalding County on any given week. My goal is to make sure more of those stories reach the people who live here. If today’s issue helped you discover something new, find somewhere to go, or feel a little more connected to home, send it to a friend or neighbor who might enjoy it too. That is still the best way the Grapevine grows.
Have an event, news tip, or local story I should know about? Reply to this email. I personally read every message. Local businesses interested in reaching Spalding County readers can reply here as well or email griffin@welldiem.com.
Have a great week and take care of each other!
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