Athens This Weekend: May 31 - June 2

This weekend, as we bid farewell to the month of May and welcome sunny June, Athens, Georgia is thriving with entertaining opportunities for you and the whole family!  Whether gardening, health, nature, art, or music is your forte, the Classic City is offering events you will undoubtedly enjoy this weekend! 

June 1st is the first Saturday of the month, and that means it's time to visit the West Broad Farmers Market again!  This monthly summertime market provides unique activities including cooking demonstrations, children's activities, health assessments, and performances in addition to an array of locally produced fruits, veggies, meat, dairy, baked goods, and crafts.  Head to the corner of West Broad Street and Minor Street here in Athens, Georgia for an authentic taste of local goods!  The market will be open from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.   

2013 is "The Year of the Snake," and Snake Day at Sandy Creek Nature Center is another reason why we love the first Saturday of June!  This will be the 33rd year that Sandy Creek dedicates a day entirely to these scaly creatures. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the opportunity to learn about snakes through live snake exhibits, games, crafts, reptile hikes, guest speakers, and a snake-themed photo booth!  Pack your camera and slither on over to Sandy Creek Nature Center this Saturday from noon - 4 p.m. for the fun!

The Georgia Museum of Art is excited to open their newest exhibit, "Fashion Independent: The Original Style of Ann Bonfoey Taylor," on Saturday!  This is not your average museum exhibit, as it features more than 60 intricate full clothing ensembles and accessories.  The pieces are mostly designed by Ann Bonfoey Taylor (1909-2007), who was a recognized American tastemaker and accomplished sportswoman regularly featured in publications such as Vogue, Town and Country and Harper’s Bazaar.  The clothes demonstrate a refined personal style reflective of her outdoor savvy and gracious indoor elegance.  The pieces will be on display until mid-September.  Be the first to experience this awesome collection on opening day, June 1st!   The GMOA is open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. on Sundays.

The State Botanical Garden is gifting Athenians and visitors with great outdoor music all summer, and you won't want to miss Sunday's performance, the Classic V Brass Quintet Concert!  This free concert will last from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. and will feature five talented musicians playing two trumpets, a French horn, a tuba, and a trombone combined to create a lively, instrumental brass concert. The musicians are also in the Athens Brass Choir and Classic City Band, so don't miss seeing them free of charge! 

The Melting Point is also keeping the music coming this weekend with two shows, Jessta James with special guests Ty Manning & Friends on Friday evening ($8 in advance/$10 day of the show; $5 with UGA Student ID) and Ralph Roddenbery Band with Ted Norton & The Squirrelheads on Saturday evening.  Tickets are $10.  If you think their names are intriguing, just wait 'til you hear them perform!  Jessta James, with his unique blend of country, rock wild west, and classic rock, will be joined by special guests Ty Manning (Bearfoot Hookers) and Friends (featuring Doyle Williams from REHAB & more).   Saturday's show, Ralph Roddenbery Band with guitarist Ted Norton, will entertain the crowd with eclectic southern rock-blues with supporting act, The Squirrelheads, who bring some New Orleans-esque funk to the stage.  On both Friday and Saturday, doors open at 6 p.m. and the music starts at 8 p.m.!

The 7th Annual Front Porch Foot Race by The Georgia Club Foundation is this Sunday at The Georgia Club!  The three races are the Tot Trot (a short course for kids 5 and under) at 2:45 p.m., a one-mile fun run/walk at 3 p.m., and a 5K race beginning at 3:30 p.m.  People of all ages are invited to participate in the one-mile and 5K events!  Best of all, this event benefits Extra Special People, Inc. (ESP), "where children with developmental disabilities don't just survive...they THRIVE!"  Register to participate in these family-friendly races in beautiful Athens, Georgia starting at $15 ($25 registration fee includes an event t-shirt.)  Donations in lieu of registration for the Tot Trot race are kindly accepted.


Music, locally-grown goods, beautiful nature, and charitable opportunities are just a handful of what Athens has to offer not only this weekend, but year-round.  The special events this weekend are "must-dos," though, so don't miss out!  For more ideas and information about Athens, Georgia events,  explore our website calendar!  Have a great weekend!