Downtown Cumming has two centres, and most good days use both. The historic square is where the town began; City Center is the City’s own new district about a mile and a half west. The day planner will put any of the places below in order for you, one centre at a time.
On the historic square
The square is small and walkable. Everything here is within a few blocks of the 2015 courthouse.
- The Cumming Bandstand at Main and Dahlonega streets on the courthouse square was built in 1915 by John Robbs for concerts by the Cumming Brass Band. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 20, 2002. National Park Service NPGallery: Cumming Bandstand (NRIS 02000658); Historical Society of Forsyth County notice (GAGenWeb)
- The current Forsyth County Courthouse, at 101 E. Courthouse Square where Main Street meets Veterans Memorial Boulevard, opened for business on March 16, 2015. That was 37 years to the day after the previous courthouse across the street opened, on March 16, 1978. Appen Media, Mar. 16, 2015; Forsyth County News, Mar. 12, 2015
- Cumming City Hall, at 100 Main St., was completed in 2002. Its design borrows from the earlier courthouse that burned in the 1970s, with parapets, archways, red brick, white cast stone and a clock tower. A bronze statue of Hiram Parks Bell stands on the front lawn. City of Cumming: City Hall
- Tam's School Street Playhouse (formerly the Cumming Playhouse) is at 101 School St. inside the 1923 schoolhouse. The City says it opened in 2004. The building also houses the Historical Society of Forsyth County, and Tam's Backstage provides the dining. School Street Playhouse; City of Cumming: Our Community
- The City bought and restored the downtown Sinclair Station, the county's first gas station with electric pumps, in 2011. Cumming Cigar Co. now leases it at 203 E. Main St. City of Cumming: Our Community; Cumming Cigar Co.
More, with addresses and the theatre’s details: historic downtown Cumming.
At Cumming City Center
- The Cumming City Center is a City-built district of about 75 acres between Canton Highway and Sawnee Drive, behind Forsyth Central High School. It has shops, restaurants, the Lou Sobh Amphitheater, green space and trails. City of Cumming: Cumming City Center
- The open-air Lou Sobh Amphitheater has five tiers of grassy terrace seating, top-tier bar seating and a 2,227-square-foot covered stage in front of a reflecting pond with a walkable bridge. Cumming City Center: Lou Sobh Amphitheater & Reflection Pond
- The free Fire Museum at the City Center shows the City's vintage 1980s fire truck, along with old Cumming Fire Department equipment, newspaper clippings and memorials. It is entered through Myth & Legend coffee and is open only during that shop's hours. Cumming City Center: Fire Museum
- In 2023 the City moved the Cumming Veterans War Memorial from 301 Veterans Memorial Blvd. to the City Center, where it now stands around the reflecting pool behind the Lou Sobh Amphitheater. Memorial Day ceremonies start at 11 a.m. on the Friday before Memorial Day weekend. City of Cumming: Veterans War Memorial
Opening hours for the common areas, the concert rules and every shop and restaurant are on the City Center page.
Outdoors: the mountain, the greenway and the lake
- Forsyth County's Sawnee Mountain Preserve, at 4075 Spot Road just north of Cumming, opened in 2005. It has more than 11 miles of hiking trails, including routes to the Indian Seats rock overlook. A visitor center was added in 2008. Forsyth County Parks & Recreation: Sawnee Mountain Preserve
- The Big Creek Greenway is a 12-foot-wide concrete and boardwalk path that first opened in 2009. It runs nearly 16 miles from south Forsyth County to Sawnee Mountain Preserve, with a trailhead at 4075 Spot Road. The section from Bethelview Trailhead (mile 8.5) to south of Kelly Mill Road (mile 10.3) is closed for renovation. Forsyth County Parks & Recreation: Big Creek Greenway
- Mary Alice Park, at 1820 Mary Alice Park Road, is a 110-acre Lake Lanier park with a sandy swimming beach, a boat ramp with courtesy dock, picnic areas, grills and a pavilion. Forsyth County Parks & Recreation has run it since 2023 under a lease worked out with the City of Cumming and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Forsyth County Parks & Recreation: Mary Alice Park; park map PDF
- The City's Cumming Aquatic Center, at 201 Aquatic Circle, opened in 2011. It has two indoor pools and an outdoor water park. Daily admission is $8 for ages 2–13, $9 for ages 14–59 and $8 for 60 and up, and children under 2 get in free. Cumming Aquatic Center; City of Cumming: Our Community
What is on in the next few weeks
Cumming Country Fair & Festival 2026
Organiser date for 2026Forsyth County's biggest annual event runs for 11 days with rides, fair food, concerts and ground acts, under the 2026 theme "Fairs, Family & Freedom." Gate admission is $10 for ages 11 and up and free for ages 10 and under. Remaining specials: Sat. Oct. 17 has free admission and free rides 10–11 AM. Sun. Oct. 18 is Hero's Day, with free admission for military veterans, law enforcement, firefighters and first responders who show valid ID.
Oct. 8–18, 2026, from the Fairgrounds page and the City events calendar. Running today (Oct. 17); it ends Oct. 18. Hours come from the Fairgrounds Hours & Pricing page. The Fairgrounds calendar lists Mon–Thu as 4–11 PM while the City calendar and the Hours page say 4–10 PM, and we use the Hours page.
Add to calendar: Google Apple / Outlook (.ics)
Source: Cumming Fairgrounds: Hours & Pricing, Daily specials (new-page-1), Fair page; City of Cumming events calendar, checked 2026-10-17
Carpool (Tribute to The Cars) at the Lou Sobh Amphitheater
Organiser date for 2026This free Fall Concert Series show features an Atlanta-area tribute band playing the music of The Cars. Admission and parking are free. Bring lawn chairs or blankets; tents, coolers and outside food or alcohol aren't allowed.
Oct. 17, 2026 per the Cumming City Center events calendar.
Add to calendar: Google Apple / Outlook (.ics)
Source: Cumming City Center events calendar, checked 2026-10-17
Cumming Farmers Market (Saturdays)
Organiser date for 2026Farm produce, locally raised meat, eggs and honey, baked goods, jams, plants, and handmade arts and crafts. Park in the market lot or in the parallel spaces along Vision Parkway.
Dates through Dec. 19, 2026 come from the City Center's market series page. No 2027 dates are posted. The listing's note about construction closures may be old text.
Add to calendar: Google Apple / Outlook (.ics)
Source: Cumming City Center events calendar (Cumming Farmers Market series), checked 2026-10-17
Haunted Cruise-In Car Show (Halloween edition)
Organiser date for 2026At this pre-Halloween classic car show, the car owners hand out candy, and costumes are encouraged for people and cars alike. Admission and parking are free, with space in the parking deck and overflow lots.
Thu. Oct. 22, 2026 per the City Center calendar.
Add to calendar: Google Apple / Outlook (.ics)
Source: Cumming City Center events calendar, checked 2026-10-17
See every dated event, or use the event finder to filter by date, place and what you are in the mood for.
Every place on this page
Forsyth County Courthouse and historic square
courthouse square
101 E. Courthouse Square, Cumming, GA
The current courthouse opened March 16, 2015. Earlier courthouses on the square burned in 1900 and 1973.
Source: Appen Media, Mar. 16, 2015; New Georgia Encyclopedia: Cumming, checked 2026-10-17
Cumming Bandstand (1915)
historic bandstand (National Register, 2002)
Main and Dahlonega streets, courthouse square, Cumming, GA
Built in 1915 by John Robbs for the Cumming Brass Band. The NRHP listing (2002) puts it at the junction of Main and Dahlonega streets. No 2026 source was found confirming it is still on that spot.
Source: NPS NPGallery (NRIS 02000658); Historical Society of Forsyth County notice, checked 2026-10-17
Cumming City Hall
city hall (2002)
100 Main St., Cumming, GA 30040
The design echoes the courthouse that burned in the 1970s. A rotunda montage shows a century of city business owners, and a Hiram Parks Bell statue stands on the lawn. Open Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM.
Source: City of Cumming: City Hall, checked 2026-10-17
Rob Edwards historical marker
historical marker (Community Remembrance Project / Equal Justice Initiative, 2021)
East Courthouse Square at West Maple Street, Cumming, GA
Remembers Rob Edwards, a Black man lynched in downtown Cumming on Sept. 10, 1912, and the expulsion of the county's Black residents that followed.
Source: Equal Justice Initiative, checked 2026-10-17
Tam's School Street Playhouse
theater in the 1923 Cumming Public School (National Register, 2000)
101 School St., Cumming, GA 30040
Musicals, plays and tribute concerts; box office 770-781-9178. The Historical Society of Forsyth County is in the same building. No shows after Oct. 4, 2026 were posted on Oct. 17.
Source: School Street Playhouse; City of Cumming: Facilities, Our Community, checked 2026-10-17
Cumming Arts Center
community art center and gallery
111 Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Open Wed–Sat 11 AM–3 PM per its site. It is run by the Sawnee Association of the Arts (sawneeart.org redirects here). The City leases the historic Brannon-Heard House to that group, but no source confirmed that 111 Pilgrim Mill Rd. is that house.
Source: Cumming Arts Center (website), checked 2026-10-17
Cumming Fairgrounds
City-owned fairgrounds and event venue
235 Castleberry Rd., Cumming, GA 30040
Home of the October Cumming Country Fair & Festival, the July 4 celebration and rodeos. The office is open Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM, phone 770-781-3491. Zone: about 0.8 km southwest of the square.
Source: Cumming Fairgrounds: Contact Us, checked 2026-10-17
Cumming City Center
City-built shopping, dining and park district
423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Common areas are open daily: Mar–May and Sept–Nov 6 AM–9 PM; June–Aug Sun–Thu 6 AM–9 PM and Fri–Sat 6 AM–10 PM; Dec–Feb Sun–Thu 6 AM–8 PM and Fri–Sat 6 AM–9 PM. The whole property is smoke-free.
Source: Cumming City Center: Visit Us, checked 2026-10-17
Lou Sobh Amphitheater and reflection pond
open-air amphitheater
Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Five grassy terrace tiers and a 2,227-sq-ft covered stage. Free concerts, movie nights and game-day screenings. Public restrooms are next to it.
Source: Cumming City Center: Lou Sobh Amphitheater & Reflection Pond; Visit Us (restrooms), checked 2026-10-17
Cumming Veterans War Memorial
veterans memorial
Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Moved here from Veterans Memorial Blvd. in 2023. It stands around the reflecting pool behind the amphitheater and is open year-round.
Source: City of Cumming: Veterans War Memorial, checked 2026-10-17
Fire Museum
free small museum
Cumming City Center, between Myth & Legend and Avenue of the Oaks (431 Vision Dr.)
Has the City's vintage 1980s fire truck and old Cumming Fire Department memorabilia. Enter through Myth & Legend during its hours.
Source: Cumming City Center: Fire Museum, checked 2026-10-17
Steam Engine Park and City Center pocket parks
pocket parks, playground, public art
Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Steam Engine Park shows a restored steam engine honoring the July 4 parade. The Kiwanis Club Joint Venture Park has a music-themed playground, and Water Tower Park is by the Canton Hwy. entrance. There are also four interactive murals.
Source: Cumming City Center: Pocket Parks; Public Art, checked 2026-10-17
Sawnee Mountain Preserve (Indian Seats)
county nature preserve and hiking
4075 Spot Road, Cumming, GA 30040 (visitor center)
More than 11 miles of trails, including routes to the Indian Seats overlook. Visitor center open Mon–Sat 8:30 AM–5 PM; trails Mar–Oct 6 AM–9:30 PM and Nov–Feb 6 AM–7 PM. There are other trail access points at 2500 and 2505 Bettis Tribble Gap Rd. Dogs are not allowed on trails. The Barker Overlook is under construction, with completion expected in early 2027.
Source: Forsyth County Parks & Recreation: Sawnee Mountain Preserve, checked 2026-10-17
Big Creek Greenway (Sawnee Mountain Preserve trailhead)
paved/boardwalk greenway
4075 Spot Road, Cumming, GA 30040
A 12-ft-wide path, nearly 16 miles long, open Mar–Oct 6 AM–9:30 PM and Nov–Feb 6 AM–7 PM. Miles 8.5–10.3 (Bethelview Trailhead to south of Kelly Mill Rd.) are closed for renovation.
Source: Forsyth County Parks & Recreation: Big Creek Greenway, checked 2026-10-17
Mary Alice Park (Lake Lanier)
lake park with swimming beach and boat ramps
1820 Mary Alice Park Road, Cumming, GA 30041
Sand beach with a swimming area, boat ramp and courtesy dock, pavilion and picnic areas. Parking and the ramp are $10 a day each. The park closes the evening of Nov. 9 and all of Nov. 10–12, 2026 for a USACE deer hunt.
Source: Forsyth County Parks & Recreation: Mary Alice Park; Lake Lanier Day Use Parks, checked 2026-10-17
Bald Ridge Marina
full-service Lake Lanier marina
1850 Bald Ridge Marina Rd., Cumming, GA 30041
Since 1958 it has offered 600+ wet slips, a fuel dock, launch ramps and service. From Sept. 8, 2026 it is closed Tue–Wed and open Thu–Mon 9 AM–5 PM. Check the marina's news page for which days the ramp is open to the public.
Source: Bald Ridge Marina (website), checked 2026-10-17
Cumming Aquatic Center
City indoor pools and outdoor water park
201 Aquatic Circle, Cumming, GA 30040
Daily admission: under 2 free, 2–13 $8, 14–59 $9, 60+ $8. The competition pool is reserved all day Oct. 17–18, 2026 for a swim meet.
Source: Cumming Aquatic Center, checked 2026-10-17
Cumming Recreation & Parks playground
City park playground
437 Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming, GA 30040
The playground is open to the public, but pavilion rentals are not being accepted right now. The office is open Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, phone 770-781-2030.
Source: City of Cumming Recreation and Parks, checked 2026-10-17
City Center trails and boardwalks
walking trails
Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Boardwalks run above the Kelly Mill Branch wetlands, and the City Center plans to link them to the Big Creek Greenway later. Pedestrians have the right of way. The speed limit is 15 mph, and Class I and II e-bikes are allowed.
Source: Cumming City Center: Green Space & Trails; Visit Us, checked 2026-10-17
Questions
Where is Cumming, Georgia?
Cumming is the county seat of Forsyth County, about 40 miles north of Atlanta, on the western side of Lake Lanier. The historic downtown grew up around the courthouse square, and the City's newer Cumming City Center sits about 1.5 miles west on Canton Highway. Sawnee Mountain Preserve rises just north of town, and Lake Lanier parks such as Mary Alice Park are a short drive east.
Source: New Georgia Encyclopedia: Cumming; Cumming City Center: Visit Us
How far is Cumming from Atlanta?
About 40 miles. New Georgia Encyclopedia puts Cumming 40 miles north of Atlanta, and the City-run Cumming Fairgrounds says it is "just 40 miles north of Atlanta." Most visitors drive up Georgia 400. The City's "Cumming Home" water tower marks Exit 14, the exit City Center businesses tell visitors to use. Drive times depend heavily on GA 400 traffic, so we don't quote one.
Source: Cumming Fairgrounds; New Georgia Encyclopedia; City of Cumming news (Dec. 18, 2025)
Can I hike to the Indian Seats on Sawnee Mountain?
Yes. Forsyth County's Sawnee Mountain Preserve, at 4075 Spot Road, has more than 11 miles of trails, including routes to the Indian Seats rock overlook. Trails are open 6 AM–9:30 PM from March to October and 6 AM–7 PM from November to February. The visitor center is open Monday to Saturday, 8:30 AM–5 PM. Dogs are not allowed on any trail.
Source: Forsyth County Parks & Recreation: Sawnee Mountain Preserve
Can I walk or bike the Big Creek Greenway from Cumming?
Yes. The Big Creek Greenway is a 12-foot-wide concrete and boardwalk path that runs nearly 16 miles from south Forsyth County to a trailhead at Sawnee Mountain Preserve, 4075 Spot Road. It is open 6 AM–9:30 PM from March to October and 6 AM–7 PM from November to February. The stretch from Bethelview Trailhead (mile 8.5) to south of Kelly Mill Road (mile 10.3) is closed for renovation.
Source: Forsyth County Parks & Recreation: Big Creek Greenway
What is there for kids in Cumming?
The City Center has free pocket parks, including the Kiwanis Club Joint Venture Park with its music-themed playground, plus Juke N Jive Creamery and free movie nights. The City's Cumming Aquatic Center at 201 Aquatic Circle has two indoor pools and an outdoor water park. Day passes are $8 for ages 2–13, and children under 2 get in free. Sawnee Mountain Preserve has a playground and a Fairy Trail.
Source: Cumming Aquatic Center; Cumming City Center: Pocket Parks; Forsyth County: Sawnee Mountain Preserve
Are dogs allowed at the Cumming City Center?
Yes, on a leash and under control. Leashed pets are welcome in most outdoor areas, including pocket parks, trails, boardwalks, open green space and public patios, and friendly leashed dogs can come to concerts. Each business decides whether pets may come inside. Pets may not relieve themselves on the turf, and owners must clean up at the pet waste stations. Note that dogs are banned on Sawnee Mountain Preserve trails.
Source: Cumming City Center: Visit Us (Pet Policy); Forsyth County: Sawnee Mountain Preserve
Dates, rules and hours can change. The organisers have the final word: City of Cumming