Together with Trickum Middle School
Hey Neighbor!
Okay, real talk — if you've been waiting for a sign to actually do something this week, this is it. 🙌
These days in April are stacked. We're talking a car show raising money for cancer research, a spring fair with carnival rides and petting zoos running all week, live music Friday at The Forum, AND…
I'll personally be out there (Trickum Car Show) with a camera capturing it all for an upcoming episode of the This Is Gwinnett Show.
This community never stops showing up — and this week is proof. Let's get into it. 👇
THIS WEEKEND — MARK YOUR CALENDAR! WILL I SEE YOU THERE?
Trickum Middle School Car Show — 5th Annual
📅 Saturday, April 18, 2026
📍 Trickum Middle School, Gwinnett County
💰 FREE to Attend
This is THIS WEEKEND — don't let it sneak up on you! Now in its 5th year, the Trickum Middle School Car Show is one of Gwinnett's most heartfelt community events. Every dollar raised goes directly to Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society — and yes, this one hits different.
Here's what you'll find when you show up:
🚗 Show cars — beautiful, classic, and custom builds on full display
🛍️ Vendors — shop local while you're there
🍔 Food — because no car show is complete without it
🎵 Live music — great soundtrack to a great afternoon
🏆 Trophies — for the best of the best
And here's the part that gets me every time: a lot of raffle winners end up donating their prizes right back to Relay for Life. That's Gwinnett right there. This community doesn't just show up — it gives back.
🎥 Personal note from Me: I'll personally be there this Saturday recording footage for an upcoming episode of the This Is Gwinnett Show on YouTube! If you come out, please stop me and say hi — I would genuinely love to meet you. This community is everything, and putting faces to names is the best part of what I do. See you there!
THIS WEEK IN GWINNETT
FAMILY OUTINGS
🎡 Lawrenceville Spring Fair
April 16–26 | Daily | Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Lawrenceville
The fair is BACK — and it's running the whole week! Enjoy thrilling midway rides, carnival games, classic fair food, a Goat Island Petting Zoo, Banana Derby Monkeys, and live entertainment. General admission is just $5, parking is FREE, and active/retired military and first responders get in free. Unlimited ride wristbands are available ($22–$37 depending on the day). A classic family outing you won't want to miss!
🏷️ Great for: Family Outings | Kids | Seniors
🔭 Big Thinkers' Science Exploration
Saturday, April 18 | Lawrenceville Arts Center, 125 N Clayton St, Lawrenceville
Kids can explore planets, gravity, constellations, and galaxies through hands-on experiments and interactive fun at this engaging science event. A fantastic Saturday morning activity for curious young minds!
🏷️ Great for: Family Outings | Kids
A quick pick me up?
COFFEE SHOPS
Giulia Italian Bakery
Boulder Creek Coffee
233 E Crogan St, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 | (678) 765-7985
Tucked inside a historic home built in 1893 right in the heart of downtown Lawrenceville, Boulder Creek Coffee is one of Gwinnett's most charming coffee experiences. They serve Counter Culture Coffee, Rishi Tea, and Cabbagetown Chai alongside fresh house sandwiches and salads — and on Fridays they stay open until 11 PM, making them perfect before or after an evening downtown.
Hours: Mon–Thu 6 AM – 9 PM | Fri 6 AM – 11 PM | Sat 9 AM – 11 PM | Closed Sunday | Drive-thru available
Giulia Italian Bakery — Hidden in Plain Sight at The Forum
If you've walked through The Forum shopping center and somehow missed Giulia, it's time to go back. This Italian bakery and coffee shop serves real espresso in glass cups (not paper!), handcrafted croissants, fresh sandwiches, salads, and gelato in flavors you won't find anywhere else. The pistachio croissant alone is worth the trip. Gorgeous, cozy, and surprisingly affordable.
📍 5165 Peachtree Pkwy Suite 235, Peachtree Corners
🕐 Daily 8AM–5PM
DATE NIGHT PICKS
🌟 Glow in the Park & International Night Market
Friday, April 17 (5–10 PM) & Saturday, April 18 (2–10 PM) | Town Center Park, Buford Hwy & Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd, Suwanee
This is THE date night of the week, Gwinnett. The City of Suwanee has partnered with the Atlanta International Night Market to bring two nights of international food, culture, and entertainment — capped off by a breathtaking lantern parade through the streets at 8:15 PM Saturday night, followed by a headliner concert in the park. Want to make it extra special? Sign up for a lantern-making workshop ahead of time ($30 — includes your lantern, bamboo stick, LED light, and all supplies) so you can march together in the parade!
It's family and pet friendly too, making it perfect for all.
🏷️ Great for: Date Night | Family Outings | Seniors
Friday Night Live at The Forum — Rhythm Major Band
Friday, April 18 | Dusk | The Forum Peachtree Corners, 5155 Peachtree Pkwy, Peachtree Corners | FREE
Every Friday night, The Forum turns its plaza into an outdoor concert stage — and this week, Rhythm Major Band takes the mic! Grab dinner at one of the Forum's restaurants, find a spot on the lawn, and enjoy a free live music evening under the stars. Easy, fun, and romantic.
🏷️ Great for: Date Night | Seniors | Family Outings
21+ ONLY
🎸 Live Music at Eddie Owen Presents — Red Clay Music Foundry
Thursday–Sunday | Eddie Owen Presents at Red Clay, 3116 Main St, Duluth | Ticketed
If you haven't been to Red Clay Music Foundry in downtown Duluth, this is the week to change that. It's an intimate, award-winning listening room that showcases singer-songwriters and live acts in an incredibly personal setting. Shows run Thursday–Sunday nights — check their website for the specific acts this weekend. Drinks in hand, great music, great vibes. 21+ atmosphere.
🏷️ Great for: 21+ Night Out | Date Night
DATE NIGHT IN GWINNETT
Ready to make a real night of it? Here are two restaurants worth the reservation this week.
📍 DULUTH
🍸 Overstory Rooftop Bar — The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett
6450 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Floor 9, Duluth, GA 30097 | (470) 222-2880
For a date night that starts with cocktails and ends with a view, Overstory is your answer. Three bar areas, craft cocktails, locally sourced drafts, fire features, ambient lighting, and live music — all nine floors above Gwinnett. Come for Sunday brunch (R&B Smooth Jazz, 11 AM–2 PM) or make it a late Friday night with the bar open until midnight.
🏷️ $$$ | Great for: Date Night | 21+ Night Out | Seniors
WITH LOVE FROM ME TO YOU
Thank you for being part of this community. I created Gwinnett Best because I care about discovering and supporting what's right in my own backyard — and I hope you do too.
If this edition made you smile, made you hungry, or made you want to hop in the car and explore Peachtree Corners this weekend — please share it with a neighbor, a friend, or someone new to the area. Just forward this email their way. It costs nothing and means the world to me. 💛
Do you have a favorite spot I missed? Hit reply and tell me about it. I love discovering hidden gems from the people who actually live here.
THAT’S A WRAP
Alright, Gwinnett — your week is officially loaded. Whether you're bringing the kids, planning a date night, or just finally getting off the couch and exploring what's in your own backyard, there's no excuse not to show up this week. 😄
And hey — if you see me out there on Saturday at the Trickum Car Show with a camera in hand, come say hi! I mean it. You reading this is the whole reason I do this.
See you out there,
Gus Ruballo–Local Enthusiast and Creator of GwinnettBest
