Athens 2013 Fall Festivals and Events

Fall in Athens, Georgia is arguably the greatest time of year. The weather finally takes a dip below scorching which makes the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy the MANY fall events and festivals going on around the Classic City. Coinciding with UGA football, there is also music, arts, other fantastic athletic events and so much more! So step outside, feel the slight chill creeping into the air, and enjoy all fun things to do in Athens GA. 

Kicking off this year's fall festivals is the 29th Annual North Georgia Folk Festival which will be returning to Sandy Creek Park on Saturday, October 5. This year folk legend John McCutcheon will be headlining this exciting event featuring live folk and Americana music, plus unique arts and crafts workshops and activities for festival-goers of all ages. Kids will get to experience demonstrations of wood working, quilt making, folk paintings just to name a few! This year's schedule also includes performances by The Darnell Boys, String Theory, Emerald Road and so many others! All additional North Georgia Folk Festival information is on the Athens Folk Music and Dance website at http://athensfolk.org/.

Celebrate your inner child and skate your way across Georgia with the oldest and most famous road skate in America, the Athens-to-Atlanta Road Skate, which will be held on Sunday, October 6. This year marks the 32nd anniversary of this Georgia road skate, which covers a fun, but challenging, 87-mile course through beautiful country roads and bustling city streets, ending in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward Skate Park. For those skaters who aren't prepared to take on 87 miles, alternative 38-mile and 52-mile course options are also available. The Athens-to-Atlanta Road Skate allows participants to push themselves physically while bonding with fellow skaters. The Athens-to-Atlanta Road Skate's website has specific race information, including prices, times and the skate route, at http://www.a2a.net/.

After gorging yourself on all the yummy fall foods, you and your friends can run it off at the Athens Half! This year marks the fourth year of the AthFest Half Marathon, taking place October 20. Runners will enjoy the 13.1-mile course stretching all through the beautiful and historic Classic City. Kick off race weekend with the AthHalf Fitness Expo on Saturday, October 19, at The Classic Center in downtown Athens, Georgia. Lasting from 12-6 p.m., the Expo will provide individuals with discounted running and exercise merchandise, free samples of fitness products and several fitness- and wellness-related demonstrations and exhibits. The race itself takes place Sunday morning, October 20, beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Clayton Street in Athens and winding through the historic streets of the Classic City, past major area landmarks, through the University of Georgia's campus and ending with a victory lap of Sanford Stadium. Additional race weekend information can be found at http://athhalf.com/.

Once October comes, the countdown to Halloween begins and that can only mean one thing... Wild Rumpus! The streets of Athens come alive during Halloween's Wild Rumpus parade and spectacle on Saturday, October 26, when the downtown area transforms into a land of the undead, complete with a parade of unique costumes and fantastic live music. This year's theme is RAWR ~ Tribute to the Sun. Everyone is encouraged to get extremely creative with their Halloween costumes and you can dress independently or come as part of an already-existing, or newly created, costume brigade. You and your friends can follow the parade through the streets of the Classic City, which will end with a live concert at one of Athens' famous music venues, the 40 Watt Club. Concert doors open at 8 p.m., with the show starting at 9 p.m. Wild Rumpus's website has complete information about the night's events here!

Closing out this year's fall events this November, the UGA Arts council will host the Spotlight on the Arts Festival. This nine day festival will bring over 50 performing arts events to the Athens area. From Thursday, November 7 to Friday, November 15, you will be able to experience events and activities that include concerts, theater and dance performances, art exhibitions, poetry readings, author panels and book signings, lectures and discussions on the arts and creativity, and more. This festival has something for everybody who is interested in the arts! Visitors can catch the improvisational comedy show the Two Man Group featuring Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, UGA Opera Theatre's performance of Carmen, Hal Holbrook in Mark Twain Tonight!, or the University Theatre production of Pride and Prejudice...and that is just the tip of the iceberg! A schedule of specific events and ticket information is available at arts.uga.edu.

There is no reason to be sitting inside this fall, get out and explore all that this city can offer you! Athens, Georgia has anything you could ever want to do to celebrate the season. The weather is right and the festivals are hopping so make sure to plan your fall events in the Classic City! For a list of all events going on in Athens, Ga check out visitathensga.com/events.

 

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: April 19 - 21

Spring is in full bloom this weekend in Athens, Georgia, and there's no better place to be than the great outdoors! Enjoy the warm weather in all of its glory with a breathtaking journey through the Georgia Antebellum Trail, a calm stroll through the Piedmont Gardeners' Tour or even at the UGA baseball game against Vanderbilt. No matter what you choose, you're bound to have fun in the Classic City sun!

5th Annual Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage

The award-winning Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage features a 100-mile trail filled with breathtaking views and historic landmarks. Journey through some of Georgia's most interesting cities, such as Eatonton, Madison and Milledgeville, where a love of the past and southern hospitality await you. This exciting Pilgrimage will take place April 18 - 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.each day. Tickets are $25 and include unlimited access to all events. 

20th Annual Piedmont Gardeners' Garden Tour

The 20th Annual Piedmont Gardeners' Garden Tour features five inspiring gardens in the Athens, Georgia area. Grab your walking shoes, bring a friend and immerse yourself in this self-guided tour filled with garden creativity and ideas. The Piedmont Gardeners' Tour will take place Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. 

UGA Baseball vs. Vanderbilt

The Georgia Bulldogs are back in action this weekend as they play back-to-back home games right here in Herty Field! Come support the UGA baseball team as they take on SEC rival, Vanderbilt, in the final two games of a three-game series. The two games will take place Saturday, April 20 at 4 p.m. and Sunday, April 21 at 2 p.m. Admission ranges from $5 - $8! 

More events...

• AlanFest 2013, Tues. through Sat., times vary
• UGA Softball vs. Texas A&M, Fri. 6 p.m., Sat. 4 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.
• Saturday Morning Paddle at the Sandy Creek Park, Sat. 9 a.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!

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!  

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.

AthFest CD Release Show

Calling all music lovers... Tasty World will host the AthFest CD Release Show this Friday night! This is a FREE show with performances by Ken Will Morton Band, The Incredible Sandwich and Pride Parade.

The 2010 AthFest CD will be available at the show for a special price before the official release date of May 4. The CD includes 16 diverse tracks of high energy rock, quirky pop, soulful Americana, jam rock and more, representing a fine cross-section of the Athens music scene.

This year's CD includes bands like The Whigs, Charlie Garrett Band, Timber, The Incredible Sandwich, Packway Handle Band and Modern Skirts, to name a few. Most of the tracks are previously unreleased. For a full track listing, click here.

At the show, there will be an announcement by AthFest founder/director Jared Bailey beginning the eBay auction for a Gretsch guitar signed by Drive-By Truckers. Proceeds from the sale will benefit AthFest, Inc. educational programs in local schools such as AthFest InSchool, AthFest AfterSchool and Keys for Kids.

Can't make it to the Release Party? The album will be available in select stores, online at AthFest.com and at online digital music stores worldwide. The CD will also be available at AthFest 2010 - the Athens Music and Arts Festival - which will be held in downtown Athens June 23 - 27.

To listen to the AthFest 2009 Compilation CD, visit our website and click "The Athens Sound."

Athens This Weekend: April 16 - 18

Friday, April 16:

• Abbey West Apartments presents Reality Tour 2010! Stop by for lots of free food, prizes, music, games, contests and a celebrity meet and greet. There will be a swimwear fashion show sponsored by b.swin and baskit as well as your chance to try out to become a reality TV celebrity! RSVP online to win prizes.

Saturday, April 17:

• The 21st Annual Boybutante Ball is a Broadway-style event at the 40 Watt featuring the talents of approximately 20 local and imported drag queens and kings. All performances and costumes will be set around the central theme of "Fairy Tales," and guests are encouraged to dress to the theme. All proceeds benefit AIDS Athens.

• Enjoy a picturesque tour of five lovely private homes and gardens at the 17th Annual Garden Tour of Athens! The tour features the private gardens of Magdalena Williams, Mary and Charlie Weiland, Patti and Charlie Burch, John Knowlton and Lee Epting. Your ticket is a brochure that includes a map and directions.

• The Classic Center presents The All-Star Comedy Jam featuring "Martin" sitcom star "Bruh Man from the 5th Floor (Reginald Ballard)," the amazingly funny Steve Brown (HBO Def Comedy Jam, Showtime at the Apollo,) and pharmacist by day and comedian by night, Lavar (Jamie Foxx's Laffapalooza, BET Comic View.) All hosted by Miss Sophia from Atlanta's V-103.

• Celebrate Terrapin's 8th Anniversary with a cask ale tent, live music and special beers. Expect an exciting cask ale tent with almost ten special Terrapin fixkins and live music from Timmi Conley, Kite to the Moon and Jango Monkey. Terrapin also just released the newest member of their Monster Beer Tour, Monk's Revenge.

Ongoing Events:

• Throw on your boots, grab your hat and head down to the Livestock Instructional Arena this weekend! UGA's Block and Bridle Club organizes the Great Southland Stampede Rodeo each year. Steeped in tradition as the ONLY all student-run PRCA rodeo in the country, it is a guaranteed two-and-a-half hours of slam-packed action.

• SpringSing Weekend 2010 is the second-annual two-day a cappalla music festival for cancer research and awareness. SpringSing uses the power of human voice to bring people together for one common cause, gathering nearly a dozen of the best college and professional a cappella groups, who donate their time and talents to charity.

• UGA Sports: Watch Georgia Softball take on Auburn, Women's Tennis take on Tennessee and cheer on UGA Track at the Spec Towns Invitational track and field home meet.

For a full calendar of spring events, please click here.

Athens this Weekend: April 9 - 11

This weekend in Athens is filled with art, athletics, culture, music and wine! Don't miss out on the great events and annual festivals the Classic City has to offer.

Friday, April 9:

• It's time to Celebrate the Arts! The Athens Area Arts Council presents the biggest fundraising event of the year, where material-world art meets the runway to support the artist-designed bus shelters. The celebration will be held at Hotel Indigo and will include a runway of wearable art featuring exotic creations from local and emerging artists. The event is free and open to the public, but VIP runway seats are on sale for $40.

Saturday, April 10:

• Georgia Football is back in action! Come get a preview of the great things that lay ahead for the 2010 Bulldogs at the G-day Spring Football Game! The game annually features the Bulldog team split into the Red and Black squads. Tickets can be ordered at 12:30 p.m. on the day of the game at Sanford Stadium Gates 2, 4, 6 and the Main Gate located below the Sanford Drive Bridge. Kick-off benefits Hope Haven and starts at 2 p.m.

• The 12th Annual International Street Festival, presented by UGA's International Student Organizations, will feature colorful cultural displays from around the world, traditional costumes, dances and international bands. Collect "Passport" Stamps, watch musical and dance performances, and participate in hands-on activities with your children. Door prizes and giveaways will be available from local businesses.

• Enjoy a cold one after the 2nd Annual Terrapin Beer 5K Plus One More Mile. The race begins at 3:30 p.m. and will end at the brewery with a tour. Only $25 to compete!

Sunday, April 11:

• The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra heads to Athens! The UGA Performing Arts Center presents this program which features two of Tchaikovsky's great masterpieces. Russian guest conductor Vasily Petrenko, pianist Barry Douglas, and the ASO will bring excitement to these melodic treats.

Ongoing Events:

• Calling all aficionados and novice wine lover alike! Athens Wine Weekend will be a treat for the senses featuring seminars with wine experts including Master Sommelier Brett Zimmerman, a Grand Tasting showcasing wines from around the world, and a gourmet seven-course meal with multiple wine pairings. The event benefits The Classic Center Cultural Foundation.

• This weekend presents the newest addition to the Bike MS cycling series in Georgia! Bike MS: Deloitte. Atlanta to Athens Ride is a two-day, fully-supported bicycle ride that will raise money to fight multiple sclerosis and help the Georgia Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

• Fashion, music, arts and fun - what else do you need for the perfect weekend in Athens? Don't miss blvd. Magazine's three-day fashion extravaganza, A Weekend Fashion Affair, showcasing local art and fashion with runway shows, music events and dance parties!

Athens this Weekend: April 2 - 4

Spring is in the air, and the warm weather is here! Start enjoying the month of April with the great events that Athens has to offer this weekend.

Friday, April 2:

• A parade of dog breeds, farrier and horseback riding demonstrations, hospital tours and exhibits- these are just some of the activities available to the young and old alike at the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Open House! Guided tours of the College and Teaching Hospital facilities will be available throughout the day, and interesting exhibits will focus on topics such as animal behavior, equine reproduction and herd health.

Saturday, April 3:

• Great exercise, great fun and a great cause! Join the Athens' Habitat for Humanity and the Athens' Homeless Shelter for the 17th Annual Run/Walk for Home 5K! The race will start at the Classic Center in downtown Athens, run through the downtown area, the North Oconee Greenway and finish behind the Classic Center on Foundry Street. The race will start at 8:00 a.m., rain or shine, and is an event for walkers and runners alike. Proceeds benefits Athens Area Habitat for Humanity and the Athens Area Homeless Shelter.

• The Athens Symphony will present its FREE Spring Concert this Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Classic Center! The Symphony will perform movements from famous fifth symphonies and will feature a former UGA professor and a Monroe band teacher as soloists.

Sunday, April 4: Happy Easter!

• You're invited to celebrate Easter at The Georgia Center, with Easter Lunch served in the Magnolia Ballroom. Reservations required. Entree selections include leg of lamb, honey-glazed ham, sirloin of beef, chicken Key Largo and pecan crusted tilapia. Call 706.542.6341 to reserve today! Only $19.95 for adults, $6.95 for children and children under 6 are free!

Ongoing Events:

• Happy 30th birthday, R.E.M.! April 5, 1980 marked the very first time Bill, Peter, Mike and Michael took the stage together in Athens, GA. It has been 30 years since R.E.M. made its debut, and the Classic City is ready to celebrate with a weekend full of very special events! Take a music heritage tour with scenster Paul Butchart, celebrate at a very special party at The Melting Point, view a 90-minute retropective at Cine and listen to WUOG 90.5 fm for 5 STRAIGHT HOURS of R.E.M. music!

• Now is your chance to see Athens on the big screen! Produced by Athens native Ashley Epting, Not Since You is the story of a group of once tight-knit college friends coming back together for a wedding. This movie was filmed and set in Athens! One screening per day brought to you by Epting Events and Harry's Pig Shop. Monday through Thursday, each night will have a charity designation for which patrons can elect for one dollar from each ticket to go to the designated charity of the day.

• UGA Sports: UGA Tennis has two home matches this weekend and Top Ten-Ranked UGA Softball takes on Arkansas.

DON'T FORGET! Spring means festivals, and Athens has over 10 annual events/festivals just this month! We are offering 18 web coupons and 5 great getaway packages to make your planning easier! We also have a calendar of events with a list of all music, festivals, etc. Click here to see what we have to offer.

Spring is in the Air!

Spring has finally arrived, and there is no better place than Athens to relax and enjoy the warm weather! Athens will host seven annual events this spring, including the 30th Annual Athens Twilight Criterium, the 2nd Annual Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage and the 12th Annual UGA International Street Festival. In addition, 20 local hotels, businesses and boutiques are offering great rates and discounts for budget-friendly ways to have a fun time. As always, Athens offers free anytime attractions, all filled with rich history, amazing talent and inspiring architecture.

For a complete events calendar, click here. Stay tuned for further information about these world-renowned events you do not want to miss!

Athens This Weekend: March 19 - 21

Friday, March 19:

• One person's trash is another person's treasure at Northeast Georgia's largest thrift sale Bargainza! Head to Old Farmers Hardware on Lexington Road to shop from an eclectic mix of merchandise including furniture, lawn and garden equipment, children's toys and clothing. This sale is a major fundraiser for the Junior League of Athens, and a percentage of the proceeds will benefit P.A.L.S. (Friday - Saturday event.)

• The UGA Observatory will be open for public viewing this Friday for 60 to 90 minutes. If the night is clear, those attending will look through the telescope at the stars. If cloudy, there will be a brief talk on astronomy that is of current interest. Everyone is welcome!

• The 40 Watt Club presents Athens' first ever Athens Music Collective (AMC) Showcase Concert. All proceeds from the night's ticket sales will benefit GoARTS!, a local organization that brings opportunities to under-served children in the Athens area. During the show, Classic City Promotions draw a winner of the R.E.M. autographed guitar, live on stage. Show starts at 9 p.m.

Saturday, March 20:

• Save the Ta Ta's! This year's BreastFest event at the Terrapin Beer Company will feature live music by some of Athens' finest musicians, food, beer tasting, brewery tours and a silent auction - fun for the whole family! All proceeds from BreastFest will benefit the St. Mary's Women's Diagnostic Center to support local women and families affected by breast cancer. Tickets are $20.00 in advance/$25.00 at the door. Children are free!!!

• The UGA Performing Arts Center is proud to present I Musici de Montreal, a Canadian chamber ensemble that has performed in many of the world's greatest halls under the dynamic direction of Yuli Turovsky. Their vast repertoire extends from the Baroque to the contemporary and their many recordings have garnered numerous awards. Show starts at 8 p.m.

• Grab the family and head over to the Lamar Dodd School of Art to learn about animals in art at Family Day: Spring Festival. Look at images of works from the museum's collection and then create your own real or imaginary animal to take home. The event will feature live animals including an owl, a snake, frogs and turtles, courtesy of Memorial Park's Bear Hollow. Snacks will be provided.

Sunday, March 21:

• Dancing with the Athens Stars returns this Sunday to the Classic Center! The event puts a spotlight on some of the Classic City's better-known faces and names, pairing them with an instructor and setting them loose on the Classic Center's stage to show off their moves. Routines will be representative of various dance syles such as ballroom, salsa and hip hop. All proceeds benefit Project Safe. Tickets are only $15!

Patterson Hood's Guitar Pull for Robert Osborne's Classic Film Festival

Patterson Hood, lead singer of Drive By Truckers, will host the 5th Annual Benefit Guitar Pull tomorrow night at 9 p.m. at the 40 Watt.

The Guitar Pull is a Nashville-style Songwriter in the Round performance of some of Athens' best musicians.

All proceeds go towards the Robert Osborne Film Festival, an incredible festival which screens classic movies at The Classic Center with state-of-the-art projection and archival prints.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

For more information, please visit the Robert Osborne Film Festival Web site.

Athens This Weekend

From plants to poetry and a variety of festivals, there is something for everyone this Fall weekend.

Friday, October 9th:

• Abbey Road Live!, the Athens based Beatles tribute band, plays their largest Athens show to date this Friday evening. Look for cameos by other Athens' favorites, like members of R.E.M. and Pylon. Abbey Road takes the Classic Center stage 8 p.m., tickets are $24.
• Hear the poetry of Pulitzer Prize winner and former Poet Laureate Rita Dove from the legend herself. Sponsored by the Georgia Review, Dove brings her words to life during a two night engagement, starting tonight at 7 p.m. with a reading at the downtown Morton Theatre. Dove visits the Athens Clarke Library on Friday from 7-9 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public.
• The Lady Dawgs soccer stars take on SEC rival Ole Miss at 7 p.m. at the soccer complex. Free Admission.

Saturday, October 10th:

• Watch the Dawgs grapple back into the top 25 when they take on SEC East rival Tennessee in Knoxville. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network at 12:21 p.m.
• Expand your garden while gaining expert advice at the State Botanical Garden's annual Fall Plant Sale. Plants from the Garden's own collections, as well as selections from local growers and wholesale nurseries are up for purchase. The sale runs from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the the State Botanical Garden.
• The 25th annual North Georgia Folk Festival brings traditional folk music and unique craft demonstrations to Athens. Continuous live music, from blues to bluegrass, runs from noon to 9 p.m. The kid's fest, sponsored by the Lyndon House Arts center, runs from 11-2p.m. The festival, held at Sandy Creek Park, is $10 for adults and $5 for students. Kids under 12 are free.

Sunday, October 11th:

• Come and witness the 28th Annual Athens-to-Atlanta Road Skate.A famous American tradition, Athens-to-Atlanta combines the beauty of northern Georgia, the friendliness of the in-line skating community, and the rigors of distance skating. It's more than a road skate; it's the defining outdoor skating event in America. So whether you elect the 38, 52, or 87-mile distance and skate on four or five wheels, the Event allows you to skate for time, for the challenge of finishing, or for the friendship of spending the day with people from all over the world.
• The EcoFocus Film Festival enters its second week with a screening of The Cove. The 2009 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award Winner follows an elite team of activists, filmmakers, and divers as they embark on a covert mission to penetrate the secrets of the Japanese dolphin hunting industry. A panel discussion and reception will follow the screening. The event begins at 7 p.m. at Cine, tickets are $8.

Twilight Wrap-up

If you missed the Twilight Criterium in Athens last weekend, here is a little recap! Enjoy!!

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.

Celebrate Hot Corner this May

Athens has many downtown hot spots, but "The Hot Corner" has to be one of Athens oldest and most beloved local traditions.

During the early 1900s, the corner of Washington and Lumpkin Streets, nicknamed "The Hot Corner," was the center of cultural life in the Black community. Today, the Hot Corner Association, non-profit organization, preserves this history by presenting the Hot Corner Celebration and Soul Food Fest.

The 9th annual Hot Corner Festival will take place Friday May 1 and Saturday May 2. Friday's festivities will include a concert in the Morton Theatre from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and are on sale at the Morton Theatre.

Saturday will include an all day street festival from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the corner of Hull St. and Washington St. Saturday night, return to the Morton Theatre from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. to view “Fashion: Imagination Unrestricted.” When a fashion design student has a short amount of time to finish her senior project, it is up to her imagination to get her out of the fashion dilemma. Fashion designs from local Athens and Atlanta designers and businesses will be shown. Tickets go on sale in April and they are $12 in advance.

For more information contact Legendaryeventplanning@gmail.com.

Around the globe

Today I had love written on my hand in Chinese, made an African wooden bead bracelet and enjoyed a snow cone and Central-American Jazz music...all in downtown Athens.

The UGA International Street Festival was even more fun than I could have imagined and brought my excitement about spring in Athens to a whole new level.

Check out the video from today below!

AthFest Headliners Announced

AthFest, the annual arts and music festival held each June in downtown Athens, is almost here and this year's headlining bands have just been announced.

AthFest has showcased the best in local, regional and nationally recognized music for the past 12 years and this year will be no different.

More than 175 bands and artists will perform throughout the festival which will be held June 25-28 2009. All performances will take place on two outdoor stages and are free of charge to the public. The festival features music, arts, food and an evening "club crawl."

On Friday, June 26 at 9 p.m. the main stage will feature The Black Lips, a self described "flower punk" band from Atlanta known for their frenzied live shows. Dead Confederate, who recently preformed on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, will co-headline at 7:50 p.m.

On Saturday, the main stage will feature Patterson Hood & the Screwtopians. The line-up includes Drive By-Trucker's Patterson Hood, John Neff and Brad Morgan; Centro-Matic's Will Johnson and Scott Danbom; and David Barbe.

Closing the festival on Sunday at 7 p.m. will be the Randall Bramblett Band, a legendary Athens musician who has performed and/or recorded with Steve Winwood, The Allman Bros. Band and Widespread Panic, just to name a few.

Add to that the "club crawl." What would Athens be without its nightlife of course? The "club crawl" will take place Friday and Saturday night and guests may purchase wristbands in advance for $15 or $20 at the festival to gain entrance into almost 20 music venues across town.

Mark your calendars and visit here for more information!

Go Behind the Scenes at the Robert Osborne Film Festival this Weekend

Looking for a way to make the most out of your cinema packed weekend in Athens? Take advantage of this great opportunity to meet some of the festival's most important guests.

Saturday, March 21 at 11:30 attendees are invited to attend a special brunch with special guests and other film goers.

The brunch will take place in the Athena Ballroom at the Classic Center. A limited number of $30 tickets and $90 festival passes that include brunch are available at the Classic Center box office.

The second special event to look forward to, “Curtain Call with Fred and Friends” will take place on Sunday, March 22 at 11:30 a.m. in the Classic Center theater lobby.

Guests can enjoy coffee and light refreshments and mingle with guest host and actor Fred Willard and fellow film fans. A limited number of tickets are available for $15 at the Classic Center box office.

The movie lineup for the festival includes Goldfinger, King Kong, Rear Window, Funny Girl, Sunset Boulevard, For Your Consideration, The Godfather and E.T.

Remember, ticket options include an unlimited pass including brunch, $90 ($75 with UGA student/ alumni association ID), a festival pass including tickets to film discussions, $60 ($45 with UGA student/ alumni association ID) and individual film passes, $10 ($8 with UGA student/alumni association ID).

This is one weekend, you will not want to miss! For more details, click here.