Athens This Weekend: October 5-7

When the Bulldogs are away (in Columbia, SC this weekend!), Athenians will play! This weekend is jam-packed with Family, Art and Music events. Some say October is the best month of the year and with all the great festivals and celebrations in Athens this weekend, it's certainly climbing the ranks! Don't miss The DiXie Film Festival, North Georgia Folk Festival, Terrapin's Hop Harvest Festival, the Pulaski Street Art Crawl and the other events this weekend in Athens, GA! You're going to have a great time!

1. DiXiE Film Festival

Beginning Friday at 7 p.m., the DiXiE Film Festival is taking over the Morton Theatre! The 9th Annual Festival will be showcasing film makers from all over the world, with a special emphasis on the work shot south of the Mason-Dixon. The competition includes animation, comedy, coumentary, features and shorts. Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Peach Fuzz Award (Police related film), Best Comedy, Best Animation, Best Documentary, Best Foreign, Best Screenplay, and the Mason-Dixon Award (Georgia Filmmaker) will reward the excellent films of the weekend! An all-access festival pass is $35. Tickets available at the door or by visiting www.dixiefilmfest.com.

2. Terrapin Brewery's Hop Harvest Festival

Celebrate the Harvest Season at Terrapin Brewery on Saturday from 4:30-8:30! The Hop Harvest Festival features 16 different casks of hops! Vouchers for glasses are available at the Terrapin Gift Shop on Newton Bridge Road. Once the glasses are gone, that's all for the night! Enjoy a night of great beer, local food and great music! 

3. North Georgia Folk Festival

It will be a day of music and activities at Saturday's 28th annual Folk Festival in Sandy Creek Park! Taste great food from Harry’s Pig Shop, Juan’s Empanadas, Jittery Joe’s Coffee, Farm 255, Sweets 4 U while watching chair making, cider making, folk painting, white oak baskets, corn shuck dolls, spinning, jewelry making and more beginning at 11 a.m. The Kid's Fest will feature arts and crafts facilitated by Lyndon House Arts Center staff and animals facilitated by staff from the Sandy Creek Nature Center. Admission is $12 for adults, $7 for students and free for children 12 and under. The music continues until 9 p.m., so expect a day full of fun for all!

4. Pulaski Street Art Crawl

The Pulaski Street Art Crawl is designed to celebrate the rich artistic tradition concentrated on one of Athens' most famous streets. The Crawl begins Saturday at 5 p.m. at Pints and Paints, located in the historic Leathers Building. Heading south, enjoy art, live music, food and drinks from local businesses along Pulaski and cross streets! The Crawl ends at ArTini's Art Lounge with a Georgia Sculptors’ Society’s Exhibition juried by Todd Rivers of the Georgia Art Museum. Look for the Black & White Balloons! 

5. Athens to Atlanta Road Skate

For 31 years, Athenians and visitors have taken the trek to Atlanta, by skating! The Athens-to-Atlanta Road Skate is world's longest running point-to-point inline skating event! At 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 7th, experienced skaters will depart from the Classic Center, winding through city and country to Atlanta! You can choose between 38, 52, or 87-mile distance and skate on four or five wheels, with bus service to the finish in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward Park. 

6. Athens Heritage Walks: Historic Boulevard District

The Athens Clarke Heritage Foundation continues their series of heritage walks featuring two areas this weekend. On Saturday, explore Athens' first "streetcar suburb" in the Boulevard District. On Sunday, head back to school to learn about UGA's South Campus! Expect the tours to last about two hours. Come learn about Athens rich history and architectural tradition!

7. Athens Corn Maze

The five-acre Athens Corn Maze is open for visitors Thursday-Sunday through November 3rd! Enjoy the farm animals, pony rides, the Hey Hey Heyride, a corn box (think sand box without the mess!) and of course, the maze! Admission is $10 per person. Don't miss this Fall Family event!

8. Zombie Farms Halloween Trail

Athens' newest Halloween attraction is the perfect alternative to a haunted house! Take the fear outside, to a farm plagued by zombies and other spooky nighttime oddities. This Friday and Saturday, come dressed as a zombie for discounted admission to the trail, located on Lexington Road. The farm opens from 7 p.m.-midnight every Friday and Saturday in October! 

Want a complete list of all upcoming activities and goings-on in Athens? Check out 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!

Athens This Weekend: September 21-23

Another weekend is upon us!! Looking for a great Georgia getaway? Head to Athens, GA to enjoy great food, awesome music and oh yeah, UGA football!!  If you're coming in town for Saturday's game, be sure to check out our Football Information page on the CVB website! 

1. UGA Football vs. Vanderbilt

The game is sold out and emotions will be high as the Commodores head into Sanford Stadium for Saturday's 7:45 kickoff! Our Bulldogs have won 16 of their last 17 meetings against Vandy, but that doesn't mean it won't be a fight!

2. New Belgium Brewing's Clips of Faith 

The company that brought you Fat Tire has launched an 18-city tour around the country, combining beer tastings, short films in a festival atmosphere. All proceeds from the tastings & activities supports our much-loved non-profit Bike Athens. The event takes place at the Lyndon House Arts Center, just north of Downtown on Friday evening from 7-10.

3. The Whigs at the Georgia Theatre

The Whigs rock-- hard. They're another great product of the Athens music scene and we're lucky to call them our own. On Friday night, the trio will headline a show at the Georgia Theatre! Tickets are $15.
 

Be sure to check out these other great events, too!

• 2012 Yuengling Gridiron Music Series
• Nighttime Paddle
• The Athens Corn Maze
• UGA Womens Volleyball

Want a complete list of all upcoming activities and goings-on in Athens? Check out 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!

Athens This Weekend: February 10-12

It's finally the weekend! After a long week, I know I am ready for an exciting and eventful weekend, and I'm sure you are too! Luckily, there are so many exciting events taking place this weekend in Athens,GA. Get your planners ready, because the Classic City will guarantee you a great time!

1. Original Tribute to the Blues Brothers 

The Classic Center Theatre presents the legendary Original Tribute to the Blues Brothers! Jake and Elwood Blues will be accompanied by the sassy Bluettes to perform all of your favorite songs including, "Everybody," "Shake Ya Tail Feather," "Sweet Home Chicago," "Think," "Respect," "Gimme Some Loving," along with so many more. So don the sunglasses, dig out your best pork pie hat, and buff up those dancing shows for a night of the best music, moves, and comedy! The show will be Friday, February 10, at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now, and prices range from $9-$65.

2. Athens Kids Expo

Athens Kids Expo is a fundraising event benefiting the Wee Read Program of United Way of Northeast Georgia. This event is perfect for a family-fun day! Your children will be beyond excited when they hear what this event has to offer. The Athens Kids Expo will feature fabulous entertainment, face painting, bounce houses, balloon artists, a petting zoo, and more! There will be products and services for the entire family including educational products, toys and hobbies, health care services and products, cosmetics, jewelry, apparel, music and entertainment, arts and crafts, safety products and services, schools and daycare services, summer camps, and much more. Whew! This exciting event will be taking place Saturday, February 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. So bring out the entire family and enjoy a fun-filled day! 

3.UGA Women's Softball Red & Black Showcase

The University of Georgia's Softball Team will open its 2012 season by hosting the Fifth-Annual Red & Black Showcase this weekend at Jack Turner Stadium! The first game will be against Army on Friday, February 10, at 7:00 p.m. You can enjoy additional games throughout the weekend as well vs. Utah State, St. John's, Campbell, and North Carolina State. So come out and support Georgia Softball for another exciting season! 

Additional Events taking place in Athens,GA:

• Bring the family out to the "Owl Prowl" Friday, February 10 from 6:30-8:00 a.m., for an evening hike. You will search for the owl that inhabit the woods of Athens, GA, while learning about these fascinating feathered nocturnal animals. This event will take place at the Sandy Creek Nature Center.
• Grains of Sand will be performing at The Melting Point Friday, February 10, at 8:00 p.m. This band's desire is to keep the great music of the 60's and 70's around for everyone to enjoy-the young and old! Tickets are $10 in advance and will be $12 the day of the show. You can also reserve seating on the mezzanine level on a first-come first-serve basis. There will be tables of two available for $30 and tables of four available for $60. Come out and enjoy a night of fun, great music, and dancing! 
• Let the King romance you on Saturday, February 11, at 7:00 p.m. Buffalo's Southwest Cafe in Athens, GA,  will be featuring the Elvis-Burning Love Valentine's Show. Enjoy a romantic evening with delicious food from their full menu.
• The Senior Adults Sweetheart Prom will be Sunday, February 12, at 4:00 p.m. This romantic event will be held at Lay Park. Come and enjoy an evening of dancing, listening to soft music, socializing and light refreshments.This is guaranteed to be a good time!
These were just a few of the many exciting events happening in Athens,GA. Hopefully you've read something that will be of interest to you! Be sure to check out our Visit Athens, GA calendar for a full list of even more events and activities! 

To stay in the know about what's coming up in Athens, join our mailing list!

What are you looking forward to doing this weekend in Athens,GA?

A Weekend of Holiday Cheer! Dec. 9 - 11 Athens Special Events

If you are like me, you have been looking forward to the holiday season all year. Something about the crispness of the cool air as winter approaches and the unpacking of warm winter clothes immediately brings to mind the images of twinkling holiday lights, the steam curling up from a mug filled with hot cocoa, family sitting around the dinner table staggering under the weight of a holiday feast, fireplaces, familiar holiday tunes, and lots and lots of gift-giving. There is also the fact that with the holiday season comes a variety of exciting holiday events, such as concerts, plays, parades, family activities, and much more!

Luckily for us, Athens GA is no exception, and as we get closer to the end of the year, there are plenty of events and things to do to help get us even more in the holiday spirit. If that is something you are interested in, I would advise you to mark off the weekend of Dec. 9 - 11 in your calendar because that weekend will be completely full of great holiday activities perfect for you and your family and friends!

1. Head over to Clarke Central High School on Friday, Dec. 9 for the 4th annual Not So Silent Night, where you can participate in a silent auction of items from some of Athens' finest establishments. There will be great food provided as well as lively music from Panablaze, Atlanta's renowned steel drum band. Enjoy this night of unique holiday shopping, food, and music, and support award-winning journalism staff of The Odyssey Newsmagazine and the Illiad Literary Journal. Admission is $20 and the event lasts from 7 - 9 p.m.

2. Friday is also the opening night for Overnight Christmas at the historic Morton Theatre. Cornerstone Productions proudly presents this unforgettable musical journey, where Frank Green, the main character, travels the world on the last delivery run before Christmas. This grand musical will fill your evening with delight, Broadway-style production numbers, and fun for the whole family. Overnight Christmas will show at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission can be purchased in advance for $10 for adults and $8 for students, seniors, and children 10 and under. Tickets purchased at the door are $15/$12.

3. On Saturday, Dec. 10, stop by the Sandy Creek Nature Center for Breakfast with Santa. Bring your children and chat with Jolly Old St. Nick himself! There will be crafts and activities for your family to enjoy. The breakfast runs from 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. and admission is $5 for Athens Clarke County residents and $7 for non-residents.

4. Make sure you have reserved a spot for the 4th annual Holiday Spirits Museum Mile Tour held on Saturday night. This festive tour will provide you a chance to step back intohistory and experience antebellum Athens as you experience theatrical vignettes in four house museums that show you holiday traditions back in the day. Seasonal refreshments and period music will also be provided, completing your experience of historical fun. 2-hour tours will depart at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m. Admission is $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. There are a limited number of seats, so get your tickets today!

5. Those lucky enough to have scored a ticket to the Athens Symphony Community Christmas Concerts on Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. will enjoy a wonderful night of holiday music. Held at the Classic Center, the concert will feature many well-known Christmas pieces, such as Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, Carol of the Bells, and The Christmas Song.

6. Bring your children with you to the 3rd Annual Holiday Tea, held at the historic Harris Room on Sunday, Dec. 11. Enjoy time spent and pictures taken with Santa, and eat your fill of of sweets, sandwiches, gourmet cookies, and hot chocolate. The event will begin at 3:00 p.m. Admission is $15 for children and $20 for adults and helps support the programs of the Athens Community Council on Aging.

7. When you have a free moment on Sunday, make sure to drop by the Athens Artist Market First Annual Holiday Showcase. Over 40 local artists will be selling their work at the Athens Art Gallery at Hotel Indigo, allowing you to choose from a variety of quality selections of jewelry, pottery, home decor, skin products, mixed media, and more! Support local while getting a few things crossed off your gift shopping list. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Just thinking about all these holiday events makes me excited to spend my holidays in Athens, GA. What will you be doing the weekend of Dec. 9 - 11?

For other great holiday activities and events, check out www.VisitAthensGa.com/holiday.

- Debbie

Athens, GA This Weekend: Sept. 23 - 25 Events and Things to Do

If you're wondering about what to do this weekend in Athens, GA, you are in luck! This coming weekend is absolutely packed with fun events, festivals, and concerts, and they are all listed on the Athens CVB Event Calendar. I couldn't even start to tell you about everything going on this Friday through Sunday, but I wish I didn't have to narrow down this awesome list of things to do. Despite the fact that this Saturday is not a gameday, this weekend in Athens is going to be anything but boring.

1. This weekend is actually getting started on Thursday as the 1st Annual Athens Pride Weekend kicks off at the UGA Founders Memorial Garden! This celebration has grown from a Sunday picnic into a weekend full of amazing and fun events. On Friday, Farm 255 will be hosting a Dragaoke night from 11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.. From 1 - 5 p.m. on Saturday, the Georgia Safe Schools Coalition will be hosting a beer bust at the Little Kings Shuffle Club, and this will be followed by Dancing thru the Decades at New Earth Music Hall from 6 - 10 p.m.. The event will come to a close on Sunday with a service at Our Hope Metropolitan Community Church from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; there will also be a Cookout and Celebration of Commitment at Lake Harris from 2 - 6 p.m. followed by Drag in the Rink from 8-11 p.m. at Skate Around USA. Find some time off and take part in this wonderful new Athens celebration!

2. Calling all film fanatics! The 8th Annual Dixie Film Festival is taking place this weekend from noon - midnight on Saturday and from 1 p.m. - midnight on Sunday at the Morton Theatre. This international film festival does highlight Georgia filmmakers and local talent in their special Mason-Dixie screenings. The films will be competing for the following awards: Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Peach Fuzz Award, Best Comedy, Best Animation, Best Documentary, Best Foreign, Best Screenplay, and the Mason-Dixie Award. If you only want to watch a few films, admission is $10 per 2 hour screening; however, if you would like to fully partake in this event, there is a $35 all-festival pass. You can purchase your tickets at the door or online -- go and support your local filmmakers!

3. I don't know about you all, but I have been excited for this coming Sunday for a while now. Why, you ask? Because world-renowned DJ, Tiesto, is coming! Tiesto, who is arguable one of the biggest and most well-known DJs in the world, has truly transformed the world of trance; chances are, even if you don't care for trance or don't think you've ever heard trance, you most likely have heard one of Tiesto's worldwide hit singles on the radio. And this show is sure to be one to look forward to; Tiesto is known for creating dance music spectaculars no matter where he is performing (he invests heavily in his own sets by employing his own light, sound, and visual crews!). The arena-sized dance party begins at 8 p.m. at the Classic Center.

None of the above sound like a promising weekend for you? No worries! There are plenty of other events going on -- read on for more!

• Feeling like you belong in the wrong decade? Head over to The Melting Point this Friday at 9 p.m. for the Totally '80s party with the Highballs! Bring your legwarmers and hairspray and get ready to dance the night away to covers of some of the greats - Madonna, Duran Duran, Journey, and more! General admission is $10, and doors open at 6 p.m. for dinner and drinks.
• If you're disappointed that you can't tailgate in Athens this Saturday, then make sure you head out to the Terrapin Brewery for its 2nd Annual Hop Harvest Festival. From 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., you can enjoy educational speakers, delicious food, as well as the harvesting of Terrapin's hop garden. And don't worry, the brewery will be featuring 12 casks of ale showcasing their different varieties of hops!
• Looking for a family-friendly event? The 27th Annual North Georgia Folk Festival will be held this Saturday from noon - 8 p.m. at the Sandy Creek Park. There will be traditional folk music as well as craft demonstrations and sales. The kids will love playing with the arts and crafts and animals!

So take a deep breath, take a bit of a breather from your work or school, and start planning your weekend of fun now! With so many possibilities this weekend, it's sure to be an exciting couple of days.


- Debbie

Athens This Weekend: July 15-17

The summer heat has been a huge and steady companion to all venturing outdoors in Athens, GA these last couple of weeks- greeting all who exit the relief of air conditioning with an enthusiastic, all-consuming hug of humidity. But our good friend, Sweltering Heat, will be giving us some much needed space this weekend in Athens, GA, so let's make the most of it! With a varied calendar of options for all ages, plan on getting out and about for multiple weekend events!

1) Spend your Saturday morning in the midst of renewed classical antiquity and in the company of the little ones you love most at the Georgia Museum of Art Family Day event running from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The Family Day of July 16th will feature the Kress Collection, which includes 12 Italian Renaissance paintings donated in 1961 by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation. The valued collection, which includes pieces from as far back as the 14th and 17th century, has been integral to the museum's educational function as university students, faculty, and art historians from all over the world come to study the works. The Family Day activities will include refreshments and the crafting of Renaissance-inspired picture frames in the first-floor classroom following an educational tour of the Kress Collection. This highly informative and engaging Family Day event at the Georgia Museum of Art will entertain parents and kids alike, so come out and see how you and your family will be inspired! For more information on this event, visit out calendar listing.

2) The museum isn't the only place to enjoy displays of inspired cultural expression in Athens, Ga this weekend- The Rialto Room will feature the latest segment of their "Go Green" Series benefitting the Oconee River Land Trust- A Songwriters in the Round event is set to take place this Friday night, July 15, beginning at 8:00 p.m. The evening will feature songwriters of a Southern persuasion as all musicians fall under the country genre. Some past credits of the performers include: Mike Dekle, writer of hits "Scarlett Fever" and "Someone Must Feel Like a Fool Tonight" by Kenny Rogers;  Will Nance, writer of #1 Billboard hit "She's Everything" for Brad Paisley; John Ford Coley, writer and performer of hits "Love is the Answer," "Gone Too Far," and "Sad To Belong"; Byron Hill, writer of classics such as "Fool Hearted Money" by George Strait and many others. This unique and intimate event could only be made better by making it last all night- reserve a room for the night at Hotel Indigo- offering a special deal of one standard room and 2 concert tickets for $145.00. Single tickets are on sale for $15 here. Come escape for a unique evening at the Rialto Room this Friday night! For more information on this event, visit our calendar listing.

3) Connect with the Athens community through the delicious shared experience of enjoying some local food at events sponsored by the Taste Your Place Local Food Extravaganza, a couple of which will take place this Saturday and Sunday. This two week event, running from July 9 - 21, is sponsored by P.L.A.C.E., an Athens non-profit committed to maintaining and fostering the growth of a healthy, well-connected local food culture, seeking to unite the Athens community in an appreciation of good food from local vendors.  The Taste Your Pie Contest event will take place this Saturday at the Athens Farmers Market around 10:00 a.m. Contest entry is open to all who provide $5, a pie and the recipe, contest tasting of all pies costs only $5 as well. Prizes will be awarded to the most delectable pies. On Sunday from 1:00 - 8:00 p.m., a driving tour of 3 local farms will take place around Athens, seats can be reserved for $30 each- contact Amanda Tedrow (atedrow@uga.edu) to save your spot. For more information about past and upcoming Taste Your Place events, visit our event listing.

These three fantastic events are just the start of your fantastic weekend in Athens, GA- check out some other notable events taking place:

• View and partake in the creation of fairy homes in a Fairy House Workshop, Friday 6:00 - 8:30 p.m., at the State Botanical Garden.  

• Hear Native American Folk Tales at the ACC Library, Friday at 2:30 p.m., in a storytelling concert of Cherokee legends.

• Kayak or Canoe through Lake Chapman by the moonlight during Full Moon Paddles at Sandy Creek Park, Friday or Saturday from 9:00- 11:00 p.m.

Don't stop here--visit our weekend calendar for an even more comprehensive guide to this weekends events! Take advantage of the brief relief from the heat this weekend, get out and enjoy summer in Athens, GA!

Get in Gear with BikeAthens!

Before moving to Athens GA, I didn't really know how to ride a bike. 

That is to say, while I had the ability to ride around in circles in my driveway, I had never voyaged outside the boundaries of my neighborhood. My lack of experience didn't come from a lack of interest though, the disconnect was more the result of my community, which didn't really support biking as a means of transportation or even public activity. Biking was strictly for kids in driveways and families in parks.

With another bike rack always just around the next corner and bike lanes sharing over 54 miles of road, Athens, GA is a far cry from my bike-oppressive roots. As a town that not only supports, but encourages, traveling with just two wheels, Athens is a rare kind of city in the South. After years of hosting special events like the pro cycling Twilight Criterium, bicycles have even come to be a symbol of the Classic City. It's hard to imagine a downtown without brightly colored road bikes carrying Athenians of all ages. 

Just last month, Athens-Clarke County received the distinguished designation of Bike Friendly Community from the League of American Bicyclists. Now numbering among only 2 other counties in the state (179 nationally out of over 450 applied) to receive this designation, Athens, GA has been recognized for its efforts and success in creating a bike friendly community. And who do we have to thank for this prestigious honor? Aside from a willing community and cooperative local government, the biggest strides made in the way of making Athens a safe and accessible biking city have come from the commitment of local non-profit, BikeAthens.

BikeAthens has been passionately promoting its mission of informing the community about bicycle and alternative transportation options since 1992. With unrelenting dedication, BikeAthens has carried out its goals through advocacy and, most impressively, community service. 

With support from local agencies and committed volunteers, BikeAthens' Bike Recycling Program refurbishes and re-allocates used bikes to those in the community not adequately served by public (and private) transportation. Since its start in 2001, the BRP has repaired over 600 bikes which are donated largely to the Athens Area Homeless Shelter along with a couple of other local organizations. With volunteer operations taking places every Monday and Wednesday from 6-8:30 and Sunday from 2-4:30, the program works to unite the city over a common goal. 

Volunteers rebuild an old road bike

So, as a blossoming Athens biker myself, I decided to get my hands dirty for the good of the greater community. Situated in the Chase Park Warehouse next to Pig Pen Studios, BikeAthens workshop has the quirk and heart of all the best Athens locations. Maybe somewhat wishfully prepared, I navigated the somehow artful construction of the Warehouse in a clean set of clothes with two of my willing friends. Inside the buzzing workshop, a few clusters of volunteers hovered around bikes in repair. Not much of a mechanic myself, I realized I may have overestimated my abilities to help, but my doubts were quickly quieted as the nearest group of volunteers greeted us with aprons and pulled us into their current project- a beautiful blue road bike in need of a fresh chain. Teams worked and laughed together all around the workshop engrossed in their repairs, and before I had even managed to smear any grease on my face, we had successfully added the good-as-new chain to our blue beauty. In talking with the wide variety of volunteers of assorted age groups and levels of expertise, it seemed quite clear that what they all shared was a common appreciation and recognition of the value of a town striving for openness and accessibility.

In a larger warehouse unit next door, ready-to-be refurbished bikes of all shapes and sizes covered the concrete floor awaiting the day they'll be pedaled through the welcoming streets of Athens once again.  

If you're like me and haven't experienced much of the world by bike, Athens, GA, is the best place to start. Throw your old bike in the trunk and make a visit, I guarantee you and your bike will be welcomed with open arms.

Oh, what's that? You don't have a bike? Even better! You'll get plenty of help making the perfect purchase from the experts at Sunshine Cyles, Ben's Bikes, or the Hub Bikes. Or help support BikeAthens by buying one of their refurbished bikes, with proceeds funding further repairs and workshop costs, at Earth Fare on Saturday, June 18, from 2-4 p.m.

Maintaining safety is an important part of being a bike friendly city, so BikeAthens in conjunction with the League of American Bicyclists will host Cycling Course: Traffic 101. Come refine your techniques and knowledge of the road in this two-part class Friday, June 17 from 6:30-9 p.m., and Saturday, June 18 from 9-1 p.m.  For more information on these events, visit their website here. 

Get a little adventurous this summer- come explore Athens by bike! Check out the BikeAthens Google Map Bicycle Tour of Athens:


View Larger Map

Or grab a free Athens-Clarke County bike map at any of these locations (links to map locations):

@ the Hub Bikes (Five Points)

Athens Area Chamber of Commerce (downtown)

Athens-Clarke County Library (Baxter St.)

Athens-Clarke County Transportation & Public Works (downtown)

Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau (Classic Center, downtown)

Athens Transit (Multi-Modal Transportation Center.)

Athens Welcome Center (downtown)

Half Moon Outfitters (Five Points)

Earth Fare (Five Points)

Georgia Cyclesport (Baxter St.)

Sandy Creek Nature Center (Old Commerce Rd.)

Sunshine Cycles (downtown)

UGA Parking Services

UGA Visitors Center

Farm 255 (downtown)

Masada (downtown)

BikeAthens meetings & events

Check out more tours and itineraries here. Find everything else you need to know about planning your visit on our site.

June Delivers a Fantastic First Weekend!

Rejoice and welcome the glorious month of June in Athens, GA. With plenty of great options for the family or friends, this sunny weekend is in no short supply of exciting summer activities.

If it’s thrills you seek, then take a walk on the wild side, or at least the scientific side, at the 33rd annual Snake Day this Saturday at the Sandy Creek Nature Center. This beloved Athens event examines the anatomy and life of nature’s most infamous reptiles. Snake Day is packed full of slithery-fun crafts and games, but most importantly the event will center on hands-on, educational activities. Trained caretakers will be guides through the exciting world of snakes. Take advantage of the opportunity to get familiar with a wide assortment of snake variety, learn to identify them both venomous and non, and finally (gasp!) touch a scaly guy for yourself. So, don’t be shy, get acquainted with some serpentine friends this Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. For more information about this event, visit our calendar listing.

If the idea of a day of snakes still makes your hair stand on end, then brush it back and get your hands dirty with a ball of clay instead. Bring the family out to the Georgia Museum of Art this Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon, to Go Figure!, the museum’s Family Day event. Get inspired by Icelandic sculptor Steinunn Thórarinsdóttir’s installation, “Horizons”, in the Jane and Harry Wilson Sculpture Garden before heading inside to form a sculptural creation of your own. Admission and refreshments will be free thanks to Family Day sponsors. For more information about this event, visit our event listing.

Make some classic memories of these sweet summer nights the best way we know how in Athens, GA- with a drink, fantastic food and great music. Find these 3 essential ingredients for a classic Athens night out at the Melting Point this weekend. Start the month and your weekend off right this Friday night with Swingin’ Medalions, a timeless and well-respected group with an ear for tradition. And Saturday don’t miss a true veteran of the blues, the Nighthawks’ Jimmy Thackery will perform a musically emotional journey almost as heady as his career. Come enjoy food and drink around 6 p.m. until the artists take the stage at 8:30 p.m. For more information about who’s on stage at the Melting Point this June, visit our calendar listing.

Take on the Garden Geology adventure of examining the Georgia Piedmont rock types in the State Botanical Garden of Georiga this Saturday beginning at 10 a.m.

Check out our weekend calendar listing for more great ideas and events happening in Athens, Ga this weekend!

Athens This Weekend: February 19 - 21

Friday, February 19:

• Join us for the 2010 Southern Garden Heritage Conference at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia! Robin Salmon will open the conference with a lecture about garden sculpture and close the conference with a lecture about garden sculpture and close the conference with a presentation about Brookgreen Gardens, one of America's finest sculpture gardens. Amateurs and professionals alike are sure to find this conference interesting and informative. Preregistration is required- call 706.542.6359 today! $95 for members, $110 for non-members.

• Great event for all ages! Sandy Creek Park and the Athens Astronomical Association will host Starwatch: Winter Night Skies tomorrow from 7- 9 p.m. Starwatch is a unique event where participants can enjoy views of the winter constellations, Mars, and the crescent moon. Pre-registration is recommended. Only $2 for ACC residents and $3 for non-residents!

Saturday, February 20:

• Take a trip to Kingpins Bowl and Brew this Saturday from 2 - 5 p.m. for Bowling for the Bard and great prizes! They will be raffling off a framed, autographed poster from REM! Season tickets, restaurant gift certificates and more are also up for grabs. All proceeds help produce this summer's free production of The Taming of the Shrew. Only $5 to participate!

• In celebration of Black History Month, Classic City Tours is offering a special 2-hour bus tour at 2 p.m. of Athens' most significant African-American heritage sites. Stops include the Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery and Morton Theatre.

Sunday, February 21:

• "Eat, Drink, and Help Many" by attending the 17th annual A Taste of Athens! Over 50 restaurants and beverage distributors are participating for your chance to sample local cuisine, sip on wine & beer from regional distributors, bid on amazing silent auction items, and mix & mingle with other community supporters. This event benefits Community Connection of Northeast Georgia, who empowers our community to GET HELP, GIVE HELP, and GROW HELP.

• Support Sandy Creek Nature Center by walking or running in the Frog Hop 5K! The one-mile Tadpole Fun Run starts at 2 p.m. with the 5K race set for 2:30 p.m. Race entry forms are available around town, at Sandy Creek Nature Center or at the nature center's Web site. You can also register here. Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome!

Ongoing Events:

• SEC Swim & Dive Championships: The Georgia swimming and diving teams are proud to host the 2010 Southeastern Conference Championships at Gabrielsen Natatorium. The four-day competition features seven men's teams and six women's squads that are ranked in the Top 25 by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America! See schedule here.

• Town and Gown presents Mame: Town and Gown presents Mame, a Tony-Award winning musical, at the Athens Community Theater! From mountain climbing related deaths to Massachusetts boarding schools, Mame is a musical that has it all. The musical, based on Patrick Dennis' novel Auntie Mame, chronicles the tumultuous and often hilarious life of the titular character. Mame made its broadway Theatre debut in 1969, and it features Georgia as a prominent setting. 8 p.m. Thursday - Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.

• UGA Sports: UGA tennis has two home matches this weekend, taking on Southern Cal. on Friday and Arkansas on Sunday. Also, cheer on the Hoop Dawgs as they take on Alabama!

• Not Since You Movie Premiere and Screening: This film was shot in large part in Athens! Not Since You is an ensemble film about a tight-knit group of college friends who graduated from NYU just prior to 9/11 and reunite years later for a weekend wedding in Georgia. It premieres this Friday, and screening for only one week at Beechwood Cinemas.

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.