Athens This Weekend: June 10-12

It's going to be another busy, fun weekend in Athens, GA! With options that appeal to every age and interest, the Classic City is the place to be this warm, summer weekend!

1) Spend your Saturday exploring the beauty of both nature and art in the State Botanical Garden with an Artist Walk of Forged from Nature: An Exhibition of Garden Gates. Beginning at 11:00 a.m., Andrew T. Crawford, the Atlanta-based artist responsible for the six finely-crafted, iron gates, will guide the walk. Attendees of the Artist Walk will follow Mr. Crawford through the gardens to each gate as he describes his nature-inspired designs and metalworking process. The six gates are appropriately named and themed after some basic natural elements: Bird Gate, Vine Gate, Sunflower Gate, Threaded Bar Gate, Corn Gate, and Tool Gate. So take a walk on the artist's side this Saturday to learn more about the exhibit and the art of metal working during the Artist Walk commencing from the conservatory at 11:00 a.m. in the State Botanical Garden. For more information about this event, visit our calendar listing.

• And if one free, guided art exhibit tour just isn't enough, head to the Georgia Museum of Art at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday to enjoy a spotlight tour of "The Art of Disegno: Italian Prints and Drawings" exhibit being featured. For more details about the exhibit, visit our event listing.

2) The family days of summer continue this Saturday as the Athens-Clarke County Library hosts Explore Harry Potter's World Family Day from 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. The Family Day event is set in celebration of the traveling National Library of Medicine exhibit, "Harry Potter's World: Renaissance Science, Magic, and Medicine." With storytelling, trivia, crafts, madrigal singers, and more, Harry Potter's World Family Day is sure to be nothing short of magical. Costume dress is encouraged so dawn your Hogwarts robes or your Medieval suit of armour and head to the ACC Library this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. for a family fun day of Harry Potter magic and Renaissance science. For more information about this event, visit our calendar listing.

3) There are few ways to better start off a full weekend in Athens, Ga than by visiting Terrapin Brewery on a Friday afternoon for lots of delicious beer, live music, and fun with friends. This Friday evening, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., head to Terrapin to hear the musical styling of Macon-native, Louise Warren. Playing original and cover songs, the 20-year old singer-songwriter will serenade you with some passionate acoustic melodies as you sip your favorite summer ale. Bring a Frisbee or a blanket and take advantage of the beautiful weather in the outdoor area of the brewery. With tours running at 6:00, 6:30, and 7:00, enjoy a little educational insight into the brewing process. So start your weekend the best way we know how in Athens, GA, with a few good beers, friends, and some live music. For more information about this event, visit our calendar listing.    


And there is plenty more where these came from, check out more events happening in Athens, GA this weekend on our event calendar.

Ready, Set, AthFest! June 22 - 26, 2011

The schedule has been released and the good news is being spread- AthFest 2011 is set to stimulate, inspire and entertain us on all fronts of artistic festivity planned for the eagerly anticipated event. For almost a year, we have been patiently awaiting June 22 - 26, 2011 -- the return of Athens, Georgia's favorite music and arts festival, dreaming of the week when our most talented regional musicians and artists will come together again and illuminate the streets with the sights, sounds, and performances of their respective crafts. 

For those who will be experiencing it for the first time, AthFest is a festival to celebrate Athens, Georgia music and arts.  Local and regional musicians, artists, performers, and other creative minds will showcase their work throughout the downtown area of Athens, GA. As music is the force that drives the Classic City, it is also the focus of the festival featuring 3 outdoor stages hosting 3 days of shows from an impressive line-up of headlining acts at no charge to the public. Some very exciting performers headlining this year include: Futurebirds, the pensive alt-country band will stop back home in Athens from their tour promoting the blossoming success of their current album; Guadalcanal Diary, will celebrate the 30-year anniversary of their formation as pioneers of 80's Southern indie-pop; Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, the soulful blues rock group with honest, poignant lyrics will play the sounds of the South.

The second and main stage outdoor performances are just the icing on the AthFest cake, though. The "club crawl" event taking place Friday and Saturday night will feature a diverse line-up of local bands and artists performing at around 12 of the best music venues in town. Think 40 Watt, The Melting Point, Little Kings, Caledonia and more. The venue schedule features some exciting Athens favorites, both the weathered and up-and-coming alike, filling virtually every stage in the downtown area. Some exciting performances to look out for: Hope For A Goldensummer, the recently re-emerging folky sister sirens will bring their haunting Southern voices to Little Kings Shuffle Club; Modern Skirts, the still buzzing alt-rock band return their harmonic success to the The Melting Point; Reptar, the young, fresh electro-pop band of boys will beam their high energy to a sure-to-be-dancing crowd at the 40 Watt; Twin Tigers; the dynamic and melodic sounds of their strong Athens influences will be heard at Go Bar. These among a total of around 200 other amazing bands and artists performing in venues and outdoor stages throughout the 3 days of music make the options endless and the choices impossible.

AthFest remains one of the best values on the scene.  All outdoor stages are absolutely FREE!  For admission to the club crawl and other affiliated events, an AthFest wristband is a must. At a price of $15 when purchased in advance or $20 when purchased at the festival, the wristbands will get you more than complete musical access with other perks including discounted tickets to lots of great events- so go ahead and grab your wristband now! 

For a complete weekend package including Athens hotel accommodations,
book an AthFest hotel package here.   

The Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau is also running a text-to-win promotion  for a chance to win an overnight AthFest package. Just  text DAWG to 95495. For more contest information, see VisitAthensGA.com.  For complete AthFest details, visit our event page.

In addition to an incredible musical agenda, the festival also showcases some very exciting comedy acts, dance performances, and film screenings. Notable events include: Laughfest comedy show, June 22 at the 40 Watt, the 2nd annual comedy showcase featuring nationally touring acts such as Dan Telfer and TJ Young with many other hilarious Athenians; WIRED 2011: Athens Dance Music Festival, June 25 at New Earth Music Hall, a showcase of the most talented regional electronic artists playing fresh variations of dubstep, experimental hip-hop, electro-house, and more; AthFest FilmFest 2011, June 22-26 at Cine, daily screenings of Athens-based rock docs, short films, teen screen, and more; Flagpole Music Awards, June 23 at the Morton Theater, the magazine's annual ceremony recognizes local bands across every genre and category who have displayed impressive musical creativity.

Another large component of the AthFest ensemble of events is the Artists Market which is made up of over 40 booths featuring the original artwork of around 50 local artists. With exhibited work in forms across almost every medium, regional artists and craftspeople compete for cash prizes accompanying the best in show, second place, and 5 merit awards that will be granted to the top works exhibited. The works of art displayed in the Artists Market will be available for viewing and, some, for sale.

At the corner of Washington and Lumpkin, tents will cover the KidsFest area with a multitude of crafts, games, workshops and family-friendly musical performances. A KidsFest parade, art contest, open mic opportunity, and songwriting workshop top a longer list of awesome events and creative opportunities for kids of all ages. Focusing strongly on the bulging schedule of family-friendly activities, AthFest caters to the kids who are, after all, a large part of the motivation behind the entire event. All proceeds from the festival go to AthFest Educates!, a program aiming to integrate educational music and arts programs into local schools. With arts and music education at the center of it's efforts, AthFest, as a component of the non-profit AthFest organization, shares the beauty and necessity of local creativity with the community and beyond.

A regional communion of cultural explosion could take place nowhere other than our prolific, Athens, Ga. AthFest 2011 is going to be, without a doubt, the biggest and best event of the summer, maybe even the year! So don't wait around to start making your AthFest plans! Check out VisitAthensGA.com/AthFest for more info on headliners and tickets, then compare awesome hotel package offers. And don't forget to text DAWG to 95495 to enter for a chance to win a complete AthFest package- see details here. Look forward to seeing YOU at AthFest 2011!  

Memorial Day Weekend in Athens - Great Deals & Events!

This Memorial Day weekend is shaping up to be a busy one for all Athens, GA, folks and friends! With a great lineup of options for fun and lots of savings, there is no excuse not to get out and enjoy this holiday weekend.

Maintaining the true spirit of Memorial Day, many Athens Businesses will offer special deals to our amazing men & women in uniform.

• Active Climbing is happy to offer a free climbing session to any and all holders of military I.D from 4-8 p.m. this Monday.
• Hotel Indigo will be running a Memorial Special, Friday through Monday, with rates of only $59 a night for members of the military. Be sure to mention the special when calling ahead to make a reservation.
• Hampton Inn is offering a rate of $80/night with military ID.
• At Sweet Peppers Deli this Memorial Day, all men and women in uniform will receive a free entrée of their choosing upon arrival. If your uniform is a bit more snug than it used to be, just bring along a jacket or article of insignia instead and enjoy your free lunch!

• Other Memorial Weekend hotel specials available to all visitors include:
• Candlewood Suites, $59/night, Thursday to Sunday
• Georgia Gameday Center, stay one night get one night 1/2 off
• Holiday Inn, $75/night, book here;
• Holiday Inn Express, rates starting at $69/night, book here; and

Come one, come all to the annual Memorial Day in Memorial Park celebration this Monday from noon to 3 p.m. If you are looking to stay true to Memorial Day tradition, then the Memorial Park celebration is sure to satisfy. Bring a blanket and the whole family out for a day of wholesome American fun. Have your face painted with the kids before sending them to bounce to their hearts content in the many inflatables provided for the celebration. Then indulge in your favorite concession food items as you relax in the grass and enjoy live music all afternoon. The weather will be warm and the company will be warmer. Keep in mind the park pool will not be open, but the Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail certainly will be so don’t forget to say ‘Hello’ to these little cuties:

For more information on this event, visit our calender listing.

If you’re looking to get a little less traditional before your all-American Memorial Day or if you’re just looking to get a little culture, then don’t miss your chance to see ATHICA’s spring exhibit, The Way Things Work, in it’s closing weekend. The exhibit ends in celebration starting this Friday in a reprise of The Way Things Go 2, a video art experience, with outdoor screenings of short video artworks on the ATHICA porch from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. On Sunday, the closing ceremony will consist of an artist and curator discussion panel followed by a picnic on the porch provided by White Tiger and Trumps from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. With 12 artists from around the country and abroad, this highly stimulating exhibit includes artwork in forms ranging from large-scale installations to pencil drawings. The works featured focus around a theme of systems and norms within culture and society. With pieces like the one pictured below, Trivialities of Deportment by Will Pergl, this exhibit is sure to get you thinking! So try your hand at non-conformity and do something a little different this Memorial Day weekend!

For more information about this exhibit, visit out event listing.

Get fresh at the Athens Farmers Market this Saturday at Bishop Park from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Local foods, crafts, and works of arts from area farmers and volunteers will fill the park along with music from 2 very different groups of performers. Starting the day off right will be the all-female folk trio, Maiden Radio, performing at 8:00 a.m. Then prepare yourselves for a trip to the deep South when Maculele Capoeira take the stage in a traditional Brazilian performance of dance, martial arts, singing, and instrument playing. The Athens Farmers Market is always a great option for your weekend plans, as you’ll get to mingle with the community, enjoy the beautiful morning, and support local commerce.

Learn more about the Athens Farmers Market by visiting our event listing.

The city of Winterville will host Veteran Appreciation Day this Saturday. A complimentary BBQ lunch in Pittard Park will be provided for veterans and spouses following a ceremony at the Winterville United Methodist Church.

And in case you didn’t already have enough to choose from, here are a few other Memorial Day weekend options:

• ACC Library will be kicking off its new “Harry Potter’s World: Renaissance Science, Magic and Medicine” exhibit this weekend with an opening reception on Sunday and a movie screening on Saturday. The travelling National Library of Medicine exhibit will explore the relationship between Harry Potter’s wizarding world and foundational Renaissance science and medicine.
• Get crafty at The Native America Gallery on Friday night with a beginner earrings class from 6-8 p.m.
• Enjoy the sounds of the city this Memorial Day weekend with fantastic musical acts happening around town. Big name artist, Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses, will be headlining at the 40 Watt Club this Friday night. Or catch the soon-to-be-big-name Athens’ band, Reptar, at Little Kings Shuffle Club this Saturday night before they embark on a summer tour at hot spots and festivals around the country.

Bring your family, bring your friends, it’s going to be a very exciting Memorial Day weekend in Athens, GA. Visit our calendar for even more information on Athens’ events this weekend and beyond! Have a great one, friends!

Athens This Weekend: May 6 - 8

Happy Mother's Day, everyone! Lots to do in Athens GA this weekend, and the weather looks like it is going to be just beautiful!

Professional golf returns to Athens, Georgia with the Stadion Classic at UGA, the the only event on the Nationwide Tour that is owned and operated by an institution of higher education. Keep an eye out for UGA Alum Bubba Watson, who is co-chairing this year's Nationwide Golf tournament with fellow alum Chip Beck, and congratulate him on last week's PGA win! What does this have to do with Mother's Day festivities, you ask? Personally, this mother would LOVE to spend a lovely spring day strolling an amazing golf course with top competition. I'd also be tickled pink to be sent off for a spa day while hubby and the kids took in some golf. It's a win-win either way!

Feeling stumped at what in the world you could get for a special Mother's Day present this year? Head to the Athens Indie Craftstravaganzaa for an eclectic selection of goods from emerging artists and crafters from the South and beyond. At Craftstravaganzaa you won't find any commercially produced or imported goods, only quality items handcrafted by the artists themselves. Expect fine arts and functional pieces, eco-chic fashions and innovative goods made with an eye towards sustainability. Grab something eye-catching for Mom, or better yet, give her the gift of your time and invite her for a day of shopping and fun food, drink, & music right here in Athens, Georgia. This is one of my favorite open-air markets of the year, and a much-anticipated annual event.

Looking for something to do with the kids? Rose of Athens Theatre has produced another top-notch show, Alice in Wonderland. All your favorite characters will be there, including the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts. Here's a special deal for Visit Athens GA followers: Get 50% off a child's ticket with each adult ticket purchased! Just print this voucher and bring with you to the box office!

Athens GA is becoming known as a dining hot spot, and there are plenty of great options for a festive Mother's Day Brunch. You won't go wrong with any of these local Athens restaurants:

• Foundry Park Inn & Spa Mother's Day Brunch, special menu





• Last Resort Grill: an Athens favorite for nouveau southern cuisine





• Mama's Boy: soutern fun dining





• The National: fresh local fare with a Mediterranean flair





• Five & Ten: Top Chef Master and James Beard Finalist Hugh Acheson-- yum!

Where else in Athens should good sons, daughters, or husbands consider for Mother's Day this year?

Fall Festivals in Athens!

If you're searching for some fun this fall, look no further! Athens is serving up some of the coolest festivals and expos around to help you celebrate the fabulous weather and changing colors. Check out local films, crafts, music, and food. We've got an overview of 8 of them happening in the next two months so that you can mark your calendars. Events are listed below by date order.

1. 3rd Annual EcoFocus Film Festival- September 24 - October 3
EcoFocus celebrates environmental stewardship in Athens with high-quality films and shorts. The festival, presented by The University of Georgia's Odum School of Ecology, hopes to inspire viewers to take up the cause in their own lives by reducing, reusing, and recycling.

2. Dixie Film Festival- October 1 - 3
The Dixie Film Festival allows independent, international film makers to show off their craft in the heart of the South. High-quality full length films, shorts, and documentaries will compete for awards like Best Comedy and Best Animation. There is sure to be something for everyone here.

3. Clips of Faith Beer and Film Tour- October 1
New Belgium Brewing, hailing all the way from Colorado, is touring the country with 20 handpicked amateur short films. Local food will be served with samples of some of the latest New Belgium creations. Bring a lawn chair to Hot Corner and expect some incredibly funny films.

4. 26th Annual North Georgia Folk Festival- October 2
The beloved North Georgia Folk Festival is back in Athens for it's 26th year! The festival will kick off with bluegrass music, craft demonstrations, and some of the tastiest soul food you will ever have. Kids are welcome too! Sandy Creek Nature Park employees will have crafts and activities just for the youngest folk lovers as well as animal demonstrations.

5. 3rd Annual Next To Last Festival- October 28 - 31
The Next To Last Festival will offer music lovers the unique experience to check out over 70 musicians, bands, and artists. The acts will be taking over nearly every major musical venue in Athens. Concerts will be followed by the Wild Rumpus parade, warehouse parties, and haunted houses.

6. 2nd Annual Cask Ale Festival- November 7
Taste 20 cask-conditioned ales at Aroma's Wine Bar on South Milledge Avenue in the heart of Athens, Georgia.

7. Athens Christmas Art & Craft Show- November 19 - 21
Shop for all your Christmas and holiday gifts at one of the largest theme craft shows in the area. More than 150 artists and craftsmen from around the country will be showing off their wares and giving demonstrations . You're sure to find something for everyone on your list; from jewelry lovers to pottery collectors.
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Check out www.visitathensga.com for more upcoming events in The Classic City.

Weekend Fun in Athens, GA

Looking for something fun to do in Athens, GA this weekend? I've got you covered for Friday & Saturday

Friday

• Looking to relax from the work week? Normaltown Flyers Duo will perform at the Melting Point. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. but the Melting Point's doors open at 6 for dinner & drinks. Ticket are $5 in advance or $7 at the door
  
• Love Tractor is performing at Cine at 10 p.m. Tickets are $5.
• Want your own shot at stardom? The Incredible Sandwich is performing as well as shooting a live video at Tasty World. The show & shoot start at 10 p.m. & tickets are $5.
• Think you have more talent than these artists? Show off your skills at karaoke at the Office Lounge. $5 cover.

Saturday

• 31st Annual Snake Day: Yes, that's right- snake day. Slither on down for presentations about the misunderstood world of snakes. Explore venemous snakes and snake identification, the opportunity to touch a snake and snake-related crafts and games for the whole family. 12-4 p.m. at Sandy Creek Nature Center (205 Old Commerce Road). $2 for ACC residents, $3 for out-of-county residents.
• After you finish getting creeped out by snakes, visit historic Five Points for an art sale on the lawns of local merchants. Featuring paintings, prints, jewelry, ceramics, drawings and photography. The 2nd Annual Five Points Art Fest is from 2-7 p.m.
  

For more information on all these events and more, check out our website here.

A Call to Action: Human Rights Festival this Weekend!

I am beginning to understand just why Athens is so popular in the spring. The idea of festival season seems to mean spring fun outdoors, but in Athens festival "season" is just that.

This weekend Athens is hosting two festivals. The Hot Corner festival, celebrating African American history in Athens which I mentioned a few posts back, and the Human Rights Festival.

The Athens Human Rights Festival brings together political activists, musicians and artists in a celebration of advances in the area of human rights and call for further action.

The festivities will go from 10 a.m. - Midnight Saturday and 2 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Sunday in the College Ave. block of downtown Athens. The celebration is free and is also a fun and unique way to experience how Athens residents are making a difference. There is even a separate program just for kids!

Live music, food, crafts and awareness organizations will all be present from all over the UGA and Athens communities.

For a complete schedule, click here.