Outdoor Activities & Entertainment

Entertainment: Discovering Entertainment in Our Community

Cultural Experiences in a Historic Setting

As you explore Calhoun's entertainment options, you'll discover a small city with surprising cultural richness, centered around the beautifully restored GEM Theatre in downtown. Originally built in 1927 and expanded in 1939, this art deco venue has been meticulously renovated and now offers live music, comedy, theater, and classic films in an intimate 461-seat space with outstanding acoustics.

The GEM blends small-town accessibility with cultural sophistication. With nearby dining and easy parking, evenings out become simple and enjoyable. As a nonprofit, its programming remains both affordable and diverse.

  • Historic venue hosting live performances, concerts, and films
  • 461-seat theater with excellent acoustics and sightlines
  • Walkable downtown location near restaurants
  • Volunteer opportunities to engage with the arts community

Arts and Museum Experiences

The Harris Arts Center, located in the renovated Rooker Hotel, acts as Calhoun’s creative hub with rotating art exhibits, the Roland Hayes Museum, and arts education programs. Engage in visual and performing arts or enroll your family in classes for all ages.

For history lovers, local museums and landmarks like New Echota and Resaca Battlefield connect you to pivotal Native American and Civil War stories, enriching both personal growth and family outings.

  • Galleries and exhibits at Harris Arts Center
  • Roland Hayes Museum honoring a local music legend
  • New Echota and Resaca Battlefield for historical immersion
  • Arts events and educational programs year-round

Shopping and Retail Therapy

From outlet bargains to boutique finds, Calhoun satisfies all shopping preferences. The Calhoun Outlet Marketplace features around 50 brand-name stores with substantial discounts and a relaxed, outdoor layout.

Downtown shops offer antiques, local goods, and personal service. With easy parking and walkability, Calhoun delivers convenience and charm far beyond big-box anonymity.

  • 50-store outlet center with savings on national brands
  • Downtown boutiques offering local and unique items
  • Easy access to Rome and Chattanooga for broader retail options
  • Stress-free shopping with minimal traffic

Daily Amenities and Essentials

Calhoun supports everyday life with practical convenience. The Walmart Supercenter and Kroger provide extensive grocery and pharmacy options, while multiple chain and independent pharmacies offer personalized care.

Essential retailers are efficiently clustered, minimizing errand time and reducing the stress of traffic-heavy trips. Here, everyday errands are easy, not exhausting.

  • Walmart Supercenter open daily 6am–11pm
  • Kroger with pharmacy and specialty groceries
  • Multiple pharmacies across the community
  • Minimal traffic even during peak shopping times

Dining Experiences for Every Taste

Calhoun's dining scene balances familiar national chains with locally owned gems. From Southern favorites to international cuisines, options range from weeknight dinners to special occasions.

Enjoy outdoor dining in mild weather or savor a local café atmosphere for casual meetings and quiet reflection. It’s a small city with big flavor variety.

  • Variety of restaurants from quick-service to fine dining
  • Farm-to-table and regional dishes at local favorites
  • Cafés and coffee shops ideal for informal meetups
  • International cuisines reflecting community diversity

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Calhoun thrives on community celebrations. From spring’s BBQ Boogie & Blues Festival to fall’s sunflower and pumpkin events, these moments unite neighbors with food, music, and fun.

Downtown shines during the holidays with festive lights and events, and warm-weather months feature outdoor concerts and movies. These events create a rhythmic, connected lifestyle missing in larger cities.

  • BBQ Boogie & Blues Festival with food and music
  • Harvest celebrations at Copper Creek and more
  • Downtown holiday lights and markets
  • First Fridays, movies, and seasonal traditions

Calhoun offers entertainment that’s personal and participatory—not just for consumption. From the GEM Theatre to local festivals, you’re not just watching; you’re part of the experience.

Outdoor Activities: Embrace the Outdoors: Activities in Our Area

Premier Recreational Facilities for Active Lifestyles

As you explore Calhoun's recreational options, you'll be impressed by the exceptional quality and variety of facilities available. The Calhoun Recreation Center offers amenities that rival larger cities: 15 tennis courts, multiple sports fields, a gymnasium, and swimming pool—all in a well-maintained, uncrowded environment ideal for beginners and seasoned athletes alike.

This 125-acre complex includes Northwest Georgia's largest playground and green spaces perfect for both organized and casual outdoor enjoyment. Public access to such high-quality amenities adds significant value for families used to exclusive clubs in metro areas.

  • 15 tennis courts, 9 softball/baseball fields, 4 soccer fields, a football field, and basketball gym
  • Swimming pool and Blue Barracudas swim team host site
  • Less crowded and more accessible than metropolitan facilities
  • Family-friendly spaces with expansive green areas and playgrounds

Tennis and Racquet Sports Community

Calhoun’s active tennis community thrives at the recreation center, which hosts USTA tournaments and supports school teams. The Sequoyah Tennis Association and Calhoun High School use the 15 lighted courts for both recreational and competitive play.

With the recent addition of pickleball courts, players of all levels can enjoy this popular sport in an inclusive, community-driven atmosphere. Professional instruction ensures development opportunities for newcomers and experienced players alike.

  • 15 lighted tennis courts supporting high school, community, and USTA events
  • Sequoyah Tennis Association home base
  • Pickleball courts with regular group play
  • Instruction available for all skill levels

Family-Oriented Sports Programs

Youth sports programs reflect Calhoun’s family values, with leagues in baseball, soccer, basketball, football, and cheerleading. Emphasis is placed on sportsmanship and character development in a safe environment.

Inclusive initiatives like the Stars Program for children with special needs and summer camps for ages 8–12 offer enriching options that serve families across all backgrounds and abilities.

  • Organized youth leagues for various sports
  • Inclusive “Stars Program” for children with special needs
  • Summer camps providing structured engagement
  • Focus on development through sports and community involvement

Aquatics and Swimming Facilities

The Calhoun Recreation Center pool (open May–August) offers both recreational swimming and competitive youth training through the Blue Barracudas team. Swimming lessons for various age groups are also available.

Year-round swimming is available at the Calhoun Aquatic Center, an 8-lane, 25-yard indoor pool that accommodates lap swimmers, school programs, and community users.

  • Seasonal outdoor pool hosting swim team and lessons
  • Indoor 8-lane pool for year-round aquatic use
  • Water safety programs for all ages
  • Lap and recreational swim options tailored to different goals

Fitness Centers and Wellness Options

Calhoun features private 24/7 gyms that suit physician schedules and a range of specialized studios for yoga, martial arts, and personal training. Compared to metro pricing, membership costs are affordable and flexible.

The variety ensures you can pursue your preferred wellness routine without constraints on time or equipment access.

  • 24/7 gyms for round-the-clock fitness
  • Yoga and martial arts studios offering diverse options
  • Custom training programs with personal coaching
  • Affordable memberships for all fitness levels

Golf and Leisure Recreation

Fields Ferry Golf Club provides scenic 18-hole play just outside Calhoun. It’s complemented by Barnsley Gardens Resort and Calhoun Elks Golf Club, offering a variety of golfing experiences with reasonable fees and instruction.

Other leisure options include bowling, billiards, and recreational cycling along Calhoun’s expanding trail network, making recreation accessible for casual and committed participants alike.

  • Fields Ferry Golf Club with scenic championship course
  • Nearby golf courses in Adairsville and surrounding areas
  • Bowling, billiards, and casual leisure venues
  • Paved trails ideal for walking and biking

With easy access, low congestion, and affordable memberships, Calhoun’s recreational options offer a welcome contrast to urban environments. Here, your active lifestyle flourishes naturally.

Recharge and Play: Recreation Options

Premier Recreational Facilities for Active Lifestyles

As you explore Calhoun's recreational options, you'll be impressed by the exceptional quality and variety of facilities available in this small city. The Calhoun Recreation Center serves as the community's recreational hub, offering amenities that rival those in much larger metropolitan areas. The center features 15 tennis courts, 9 softball and baseball fields, 4 full-size soccer fields, a football field, gymnasium with basketball courts, and a swimming pool. These facilities stand out for their quality, accessibility, and the absence of crowding common in larger cities.

With Northwest Georgia's largest playground and 125 acres of green space, the center supports both structured sports and casual enjoyment. Public accessibility to such high-caliber amenities significantly boosts quality of life, especially for those used to expensive memberships in urban areas.

  • Extensive complex with 15 tennis courts, multiple fields, and gymnasium
  • Swimming pool for recreation and home to the Calhoun Blue Barracudas
  • High-quality, uncrowded facilities
  • Family-friendly space with a large playground and green space

Tennis and Racquet Sports Community

Tennis enthusiasts will appreciate Calhoun's top-tier public tennis venue with 15 lighted outdoor courts. It hosts the Sequoyah Tennis Association and Calhoun High School teams, plus regular USTA tournaments.

The addition of pickleball courts has energized the community, with organized sessions welcoming new and seasoned players alike.

  • 15 lighted tennis courts for casual play, lessons, and competitions
  • Home to Sequoyah Tennis Association and high school teams
  • Growing pickleball community with dedicated courts
  • Professional instruction available for all levels

Family-Oriented Sports Programs

The recreation department offers youth leagues in baseball, softball, soccer, football, cheerleading, and basketball. These leagues emphasize skill and positive sportsmanship.

Programs like the inclusive "Stars Program" and summer camps for ages 8–12 ensure accessible, structured activities for all children.

  • Comprehensive youth sports programs
  • Inclusive "Stars Program" for special needs children
  • Summer camps with engaging school-break activities
  • Focus on development and community bonding

Aquatics and Swimming Facilities

From May to August, the outdoor pool offers family-friendly fun and hosts the Blue Barracudas youth swim team. Swimming lessons cater to all skill levels.

The Calhoun Aquatic Center offers year-round access with an 8-lane indoor pool for training and recreational use.

  • Seasonal outdoor pool for families and competitions
  • Indoor 25-yard pool at Calhoun Aquatic Center
  • Swimming lessons and safety programs
  • Year-round aquatic recreation opportunities

Fitness Centers and Wellness Options

Fitness facilities in Calhoun include 24/7 private gyms and specialized studios for yoga, martial arts, and personal training—ideal for busy schedules.

Affordable memberships and flexible training styles make consistent health routines easy to maintain.

  • Multiple private gyms, some open 24/7
  • Yoga, martial arts, and other focused studios
  • Personal training services tailored to goals
  • Lower-cost memberships than urban markets

Golf and Leisure Recreation

Fields Ferry Golf Club features a scenic 18-hole course near Calhoun with fair green fees. Additional options include Barnsley Gardens Resort and Calhoun Elks Golf Club.

Other leisure options include bowling, billiards, and paved recreational trails—making for a well-rounded recreation offering.

  • Fields Ferry Golf Club with championship-level play
  • Nearby courses in Adairsville and Gordon County
  • Bowling and billiards available locally
  • Expanding paved trail network for walking and cycling

Whether maintaining existing interests or trying something new, Calhoun's accessible and affordable facilities support an active lifestyle without the urban hassle.

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