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!

One Tank Trip Summer Getaway: Athens, GA

With the arrival of summer comes the desire to trade in high-paced city life in exchange for a relaxing getaway.  Luckily, located just 70 miles northeast of Atlanta, Athens, Georgia awaits.  Whether you want to get your fill of nature, heritage, music, food, beer, or just fuel your creative juices, Athens' summer schedule provides an amazing value for your entertainment dollar and makes the short drive well worth your time!

Get outside and take advantage of sunny Georgia summers at the State Botanical Garden! Within its 313 acres, there are five miles of walking trails, various themed gardens, a conservatory full of tropical and subtropical plants, and a café and gift shop, making the garden an ideal destination for any summer day.  The grounds are the perfect place to pack a picnic and spend an afternoon laying in the shade or to get some exercise among gorgeous scenery.  Full Moon Hikes and cooking in the garden workshops are favorite special events for all ages this summer.  

Also, don't miss the Sunflower Music Series at the State Botanical Garden!  The luscious garden environment may be the most enjoyable setting imaginable for a concert.  The schedule is as follows:

• June 4- Shonna Tucker and Eye Candy (musicians from the Drive by Truckers; Alternative Country)
• July 9- Caroline Aiken (Folk/Blues/Rock)
• August 20- Grogus (Latin Jazz)
• September 17- Arvin Scott Quartet (World Beat/Jazz)

For just $15 per adult/$5 for kids, light snacks, beer and wine (for those of age) are included-  that's a steal!   Tickets for all of the shows are currently available for purchase online.  Grab your friends and family, pack a picnic blanket, and come ready to enjoy good music!

For some educational fun, Classic City Tours offers a variety of themed tours that celebrate Athens' heritage and are sure to teach you a few things.  We recommend including the Athens Heritage Tour on the top of your to-do list; it's offered daily at 2 p.m.  Featured on the tour are the world's only remaining Double Barreled Cannon, Athens' oldest house, and the only National Historic Landmark in the area, the Taylor-Grady house.  Other tours to consider are the African-American Heritage Tour and the Museum Mile Tour of Athens' four historic house museums.  If you're feeling more independent, self-guided and audio tours are available as well!  Reservations may be booked via phone at 706-208-8687.

As Hunter S. Thompson said, "Good people drink good beer."  We're sure that his Athens getaway would include touring Terrapin Brewery free of charge.  A $10 souvenir glass comes with eight tickets that may be redeemed for half-pours of their award-winning beer. Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening from 5:30-7:30 p.m., come taste and learn about award-winning beer while enjoying live outdoor music.  Tell your pets that they're invited to join the fun as well, so long as they agree to stay on their leash!  For more information on the performers, events, and Terrapin beer, see the Terrapin website.

Perhaps good beer's biggest rival is good food, and Athens keeps the competition alive with its growing culinary status and multiple Top Chef and James Beard winners.  With all of the delicious dining options in Athens, choosing just a few restaurants to experience during your visit can be challenging.  Fortunately, Athens Food Tours not only eliminates the decision, but the tours make an event of sampling locally sourced foods and beverages from five to seven local eateries and shops.  You'll join a guide on an easy-paced walk through a designated area of town.  In addition to the scrumptious locally-grown, sustainable food and drinks included in the ticket price, ranging from $28-$44, hearing from local chefs and business owners along the way offers a unique and entertaining touch. 

Athens' annual summer festival, AthFest, is scheduled for June 19th-23rd, and we cannot wait!  Taking over gorgeous downtown Athens,  AthFest is a music, art, kids, and film-focused event.  More than 150 bands and artists will perform during the five-day celebration- and it's free!  Among other AthFest activities are an artists' market, a club crawl, film screenings, and KidsFest, which is an area especially for children and features kid-focused performances and interactive activities.  AthFest wristbands are only $20, and they provide unlimited access to participating club crawl venues and discounts for other affiliated events. Show schedules can be viewed and wristbands may be purchased on the AthFest website.  AthFest packages at Hotel Indigo Athens, Holiday Inn Express, and Foundry Park Inn & Spa start at a reasonable $105 per couple and make planning your one tank summer getaway a cinch!  The packages include everything you need for the weekend: your hotel room, wristbands, AthFest CDs, and t-shirts.  Find out more and purchase your AthFest package here. 

For a constant update of live music events, be sure to keep up with the calendars of favorite Athens venues, including 40 Watt Club, Caledonia Lounge, The Melting Point, and The Green Room.  Seeing a show at the iconic Georgia Theatre is an absolute must for lovers of music and Athens.  Their rooftop bar is a great place to kick back and relax and is now serving food from their neighbor, The Branded Butcher, from 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Mondays-Saturdays.  The Flagpole music calendar is another great tool to keep up with Athens' music scene.

Decompress with some artistic therapy at Good Dirt Studio, Artini's, and Pints and Paints- all located in the heart of downtown Athens.  Good Dirt Studio offers an assortment of clay classes, including "Try Clay" clay sessions on the wheel from 7-9 p.m. every Friday (ages 8+) and "Try Clay" hand-building classes for all ages every Sunday from 2-4 p.m.  If you're more of the painting type, fuel your inner Monet and check out Artini's and Pints and Paints for a fun guided art lesson.  The $20-$35 fee covers the supplies and guidance, and you'll surely to be impressed with your masterpiece!

For more ideas to satisfy your Georgia road trip cravings, visit the Athens Visitors & Convention Bureau website or call 706-357-4430.  The possibilities in Athens, Georgia are endless this summer, so mark your calendars and plan your summer getaway as soon as possible!   

Athens This Memorial Day Weekend: May 24 - 27

Memorial Day Weekend is finally in sight, and that means a 3-day break for many. This weekend, the events in the Classic City make Athens a wonderful place to kick off summer vacation season in Georgia.   

This week, UGA has been honored to host the NCAA Women's Collegiate Golfers Championships on their golf course.  Friday is the fourth and final day of competition, and the golfing will last all day.  Everyone is invited to come out and cheer on their favorite team and enjoy the unique experience of watching an advanced-level golf tournament.  Daily admission is $25 for adults and $8 for seniors and students.  Go Dawgs!

The Melting Point is starting summer vacation the right way with two shows this weekend!  The Holman Autry Band will take the stage at 9 p.m. on Friday with their Lynyrd Skynyrd "Southern Rock" and "Country" sounds.  The band is from Madison County, GA, located just outside of Athens.  Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 on the day of the show.  Saturday night at The Melting Point features The Normaltown Flyers 33-and-a-third year reunion at 8 p.m.  They will play three sets of music to represent the most distinct eras of their history.  The first set will feature the original three members of the band performing acoustic music just as they used to.  The second set will be performed by the band members that were signed to Mercury Nashville and will include songs from their two Mercury CDs with a few choice covers.  Set three is sure to evoke a dance party with the current lineup of Brian Burke, Tom Ryan, Davis Causey, and Deane Quinter. In the spirit of the reunion, the band will have some vintage Normaltown Flyers vinyl for sale at the show! Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 on the day of the show. Come enjoy dinner when the doors open at 6 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday. You don't want to miss these bands!

Memorial Day, the last Monday of May, is this weekend! The place to be for the holiday this year is the Memorial Day in Memorial Park party. This family-friendly event will feature face painting, music, swimming, inflatables, games, and more! The celebration lasts from noon - 3 p.m., and the pool is open 1 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. for a $1 charge per swimmer. Feel free to pack a lunch or purchase concessions at the park. It will be a fun afternoon for all ages!

Ever admired the painted bulldogs around Athens? Here's the chance to win one of your own! All runners in the 10th Annual Running With The Dawgs 5K will be entered to win a tabletop dog.  Runners will take their marks at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 27 at the Classic Center. Race registration starts at 7 a.m. and costs $20 per runner.  Families of up to four people may pre-register for $45!

More events this weekend:

• Terrapin Co. Free Tastings and Tours, Wed. through Sat. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• ATHICARDS: A Deck of Athens Art Show Opening, Athica, Fri. through Sun. 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.    
• Sandy Creek Park Monthly Fishing Contest, Sat. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
• Athens Farmers Market, Bishop Park, Sat. 8 a.m. - 12 noon      1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

While you're having fun this weekend, remember the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our country.  Thank you for your service, veterans!  We live in a wonderful country and have so much to be thankful for.  For more Memorial Weekend ideas, check out the Visit Athens, Georgia calendar, and be sure to join the mailing list to stay informed about all Athens has to offer!

Athens This Weekend: May 17 - 19

The weekend is almost here, and we're ready for some fun in the Classic City! Head on over to Athens, Georgia this weekend to stock up on fresh fruits and veggies at the Athens Farmer's Market or to try your hand at classic clay making! And if that isn't enough, enjoy an exciting game of baseball as UGA takes on SEC rival, the Florida Gators. 

Clay Class at Good Dirt

Try Clay, every Friday at Good Dirt, is a wonderful opportunity it is to sit down with family and friends and explore the classic art of clay making! Students at the Good Dirt Clay Class will work directly with terra cotta clay to create one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Join in on the fun Friday, May 17, or any Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is $20 and registration is required. 

UGA Baseball vs. Florida

If this isn't the perfect weekend for a baseball game in Athens, Georgia, we don't know what is! So grab your friends, pack a snack and come support the UGA baseball team as  they take on the Florida Gators right here in Foley Field. The games will be held Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. Admission ranges from $5 to $8. 

Athens Farmer's Market

What better way to spend time with family and friends than a beautiful morning at the Athens Farmer's Market! Featuring naturally grown food, crafts and works of art, there's something for everyone at the Athens Farmer's Market! The Market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon and admission is free.

Head's up . . . AthFest is just a month away, and over 150 amazing performers have been lined up, along with great overnight packages that start at just $105 per couple, which pair your hotel room with  festival wristbands, AthFest CDs, and t-shirts.  What a deal!  Check out more AthFest information here!

More weekend events...

• Terrapin Co. Free Tastings and Tours, Wed. through Sat. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Sandy Creek Park Monthly Fishing Contest, Sat. 9 a.m. - 9  p.m.
• Bear Hollow Zoo Open Exhibit, Sat. 1 - 4 p.m.

Want a complete list of all upcoming activities going on in Athens? Explore our event calendar at Visit Athens, Georgia. Join the mailing list to stay in the loop about exciting events going on in the Classic City!

Mother's Day and Graduation Weekend in Athens

Families from all over will be celebrating UGA Graduation and Mother's Day this weekend, and we have some suggestions to help families spend quality time together with great attractions, dining, and of course live music, right here in Athens GA.

Keep Mom Out of the Kitchen:

What better way to celebrate Mother's Day than to surprise her with a delicious meal? Forget slaving over a breakfast in bed for one and allow the talented cooks of Athens to treat the whole family. 

The Mother's Day meal at Foundry Park Inn & Spa is offering a buffet of cold and hot dishes, salads, herb crusted prime rib at the carving station, and desserts.  Foundry Park is charging $26.50 per adult, half off children ages 4-12, and children under 4 eat for free! Check out the menu and call 706-549-7020 to book your reservation between 11am and 3pm.  If you're feeling up to some additional pampering, the Foundry Park Inn Spa offers body, massage, skin, waxing, and nail services.

The Savannah Room Restaurant at the Georgia Center has also compiled a mouth-watering menu for Sunday.  From 11am-2:30pm, adults eat for $24.95 and children under 12 eat for $9.95.  With menu items like Mediterranean Tortellini Salad, Creamy Scalloped Potatoes, and Triple Chocolate Cake, this meal might keep you full all day!


Spend Time Together in Creative Ways

Enjoy getting creative and making a memorable piece of art at Good Dirt Studio or Artini's.

Good Dirt's Glass for Mom class from 2-4pm will demonstrate the basics of colored glass cutting and fusing in the kiln. $50 includes all materials and firing.  Book your spot now!

Artini's is offering two Mother's Day Sessions on Sunday from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2-4 p.m.  Kate Cook will guide you to paint a scene of beautiful yellow daffodils.  Materials are provided and each session costs $25 per person.

Exhibits at the Georgia Museum of Art  What a great opportunity to stroll through the expansive galleries at the Georgia Museum of Art! Exhibits include ancient and contemporary sculptures as well as a variety of other mediums from both the permanent and visiting exhibitions. The gallery is open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.



Boogie Down

Bring everyone out and Boogie Down together to songs you all know the words to!  Join The Highballs on Friday for an evening of LIVE retro hits from the '80s at The Melting Point. Great food and totally awesome music for the perfect post-graduation celebration!

Long-time Athens favorite Randall Bramblett is performing Friday, May 10 at the Georgia Theatre, just in time for Graduation and Mothers Day weekend. A jewel of Southern music, Randall Bramblett shines on his latest release, The Bright Spots, due out May 14 on New West Records. Fresh off the inclusion of one of his songs on Bonnie Raitt's Grammy-winning album Slipstream, he has put together a masterful recording soaked with the soulful feel that has defined his music and that of his Southern contemporaries like Gregg Allman and Warren Haynes.

Or, take the family to hear  David Prince at Buffalo's Cafe Athens. Featuring a full menu and bar service as well as delicious Mother's Day specials, this is the perfect way to show your mom just how much you care. The show will be held Friday, May 10 at 7 p.m.

 

As always, be sure to check Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau's calendar of events for more ways to celebrate Mother's Day, Graduation, or any time of year.  We hope you enjoy this special weekend with your loved ones!

Cinco de Mayo in Athens

Happy May, everyone!  As school is winding down and summer is nearing, Cinco De Mayo is the perfect opportunity to celebrate in Athens.  From entertainment, to authentic Mexican dishes, to festivals, there's no need to head any farther south for this holiday.

Start your morning with some local flare at Heirloom Cafe and Fresh Market's Spring Artists Market!  Rescheduled from April 28th, the market runs from 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM and will feature the wonderful work of local artisans in forms such as jewelry, photography, and pottery.

The May Day Music Festival, hosted by UGA's own Music Business Program students, will begin at 1:00 PM at The Melting Point at Foundry Park Inn & Spa.  There will be eighteen performing acts between The Melting Point's two stages.  With flavors of Rock, Electronica, Folk, Funk, Jazz, and Indie, this is truly a music festival with something for everyone!  
Doors at 12:30 PM.  Tickets are $5.00.

The Athens Rights Humans Festival will continue to celebrate politics and culture on Cinco de Mayo.  This will be the second and final day of free, family-friendly activities such as street theater performances, music, and oratories- all amidst beautiful downtown Athens.  Update:  the festival was a rainout on Saturday; check the Facebook page for Sunday plans.

If you're craving some nighttime comedy, Sean Patton will be the evening entertainer at The World Famous on North Hull Street at 8:00 PM.  Sean, a previous guest on "Conan" and "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," performing within The World Famous' intimate setting are sure to make for a fun night.  Tickets are $8.00 in advance and $10.00 at the door.

And, of course, no Cinco de Mayo is complete without some queso and margaritas.  This year, my favorite Mexican spot is a little-known restaurant on North Chase Street named Tlaloc El Mexicano.  Since discovering Tlaloc last month, I have hardly been able to forget their delicious (and cheap!) fish tacos and fajitas.  Tlaloc is from Teotihuacan, a city in the heart of Mexico, and their authentic menu is sure to satisfy.  What is your favorite spot to eat Mexican in Athens?

For more Cinco de Mayo ideas, be sure to visit our event calendar!

¡Esperamos que tenga un día bueno!

Athens This Weekend: May 3 - 5

Another weekend is upon us, and boy is this one packed with exciting events! Whether you're watching professional golf at the Stadion Classic, browsing through one-of-a-kind crafts at the Indie South Fair or mingling at the annual Human Rights Festival, we're confident you'll have a great weekend in Athens, Georgia!

Stadion Classic at UGA

The Masters may be over, but luckily pro golf and the Stadion Classic at UGA have arrived in Athens. This exciting golf tournament  is the only PGA TOUR sanctioned event that is owned and operated by an institution of higher education, the University of Georgia. The tournament continues through Sunday, May 5, and admission is $25, which includes a weekly ground pass. 

Indie South Fair

Twice a year, the Indie South Fair provides an opportunity for local artists to directly connect to the Athens community. Featuring a unique marketplace of crafts, instructional workshops, musical performances and local food carts, there's something for everyone at the Indie South Fair! The Fair will be held on Saturday, May 4 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Annual Human Rights Festival

The Annual Athens Human Rights Festival is a springtime political and cultural tradition in Athens. The Festival features a dynamic, educational and family-friendly weekend of oratory, music, children's activities and street performances in an outdoor setting. The Festival will be held Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5. Be sure to visit the CVB website for more details!

More events...

• Yuengling 19th Hole Music Series, at The Melting Point,
  Thurs. through Sat., times vary
• Athens Symphony Pops Concert, Classic Center Grand Hall,
  Fri. and Sat. 8 p.m.
• UGA Softball vs. LSU, UGA Women's Sports Complex, Milledge  Ave,
  Fri. 6 p.m., Sat. 1 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m.

Want a complete list of all upcoming activities going on in Athens? Explore our event calendar at Visit Athens, Georgia.

Join the mailing list to stay in the loop about exciting events going on in the Classic City!