New Year's Eve in Athens

It's almost time to bid adieu to our good friend 2013. We've had some good times, but we're moving on to something bigger and better... 2014! New Year's Eve plans are of the utmost importance because how you spend that night is said to be how you'll spend the rest of the next year. No one knows how to party better than Athens, Georgia, and with so many parties to choose from, they've got you covered for December 31st. So pop open that bottle of champagne, start belting out the lines of "Auld Lang Syne," and get on down to Athens to ring in the New Year in style!

Forget about stressing over your New Year's Eve plans! Spend your night dancing away at The Melting Point, and you won't have to worry about a thing because Foundry Park Inn & Spa has it all covered with New Year's Eve's biggest bash. They're offering two special packages, beginning at just $199! Enjoy a night of live music with The Swingin' Medallions, including dinner package options, champagne at midnight, and the area's largest balloon drop. 

If you're looking for a good time this New Year's Eve, look no further than Hotel Indigo's party in the the Rialto Room. The Hotel Indigo will be offering a special NYE package including a one-night stay in a luxurious room, two tickets to the exclusive party in the Rialto Room, and champagne at midnight! Athens' own band, The Highballs, will be rocking the stage all night to make sure no one forgets their last moments of 2013!


There can be no more exciting place to count down those last seconds of the old year, than at Athens' famous Georgia Theatre. Make it a night to remember when you toast to the new year with all your friends among the backdrop of some fabulous live music. New Madrid takes the stage at 9 p.m., followed by Velveteen Pink at 10 p.m. and then The Whigs take over at 11:15 p.m. to rock the house for the last time in 2013.


If you're considering celebrating 2014 in Athens, then a trip to the internationally-renowned 40 Watt Club should definitely make your list. No party in Athens would be complete without some great live music, and 40 Watt does it up right this New Year's Eve with Radiolucent. Doors at 9 p.m., show at 10 p.m.

Athens This Father's Day Weekend: June 14 - 16

Another weekend is here in Athens, Ga, and it's a special one!  Father's Day is on Sunday, but the Classic City is offering dad-friendly events all weekend.  Whether your "Old Man" is into wine and beer tasting or theatrical and musical entertainment, there's something for every family to do this weekend!  

If you've never been to Terrapin Beer Co. Free Tastings and Tours, Father's Day weekend is the perfect time to change that!  If you have been, you'll understand why we think Dad would love a couple of hours there with free beer tastings, tours, and live music. Every Wednesday through Saturday, the local Athens brewery invites people of all ages and their leashed pets to tour the brewery and enjoy the early evening in their outdoor field. Each purchase of a $10 or $12 pint glass includes eight tickets (ages 21+), and every ticket is redeemable for a 4 oz. pour of Terrapin's year-round, seasonal, Monster Tour, Side Project, and/or specialty brews. Feel free to bring the kids and dogs on leash, plus a frisbee, ball, or use Terrapin's corn hole games for additional fun! The tours run from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

We're excited about 8th Annual Sprockets Music Video Show at the 40 Watt Club this Saturday!  Music videos from around the world will be shown beginning at 10 p.m. (doors at 9 p.m.) and the audience will vote for the Audience Choice Award winner.  Admission is $5, but if you have an AthFest wristband, you'll save a dollar.  This is an AthFest affiliated event, which serves as a reminder that the festival is nearing!  Flicker Theatre & Bar is hosting a pre-show reception from 7 - 9 p.m., where you will be able to meet the filmmakers and judges and eat Mama's Boy!  Come out and enjoy worldwide talents at this unique Athens event!

Ensure that Dad has an exceptional day on Sunday by signing both of you up for Father's Day Wine Tasting at Hotel Indigo's Rialto Club!  This 3-hour event presented by Hotel Indigo and Shiraz Fine Wine & Gourmet will provide a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy together. Kruger-Rumpf Winery of Germany's Rieslings will be served along with southern snacks, and there will also be live music to be enjoyed by all.  You'll also have the opportunity to meet the winemaker, Georg Rumpf, and learn more about the featured Rieslings.  Call Hotel Indigo directly at 706-546-0430 to reserve your tickets as soon as possible!  The tasting is from 4 - 7 p.m.

Take a trip back to the 1940s at Buffalo's Cafe on Friday night for their Casablanca Night feat. The A-Train Band party!  This family-friendly event will have guests of all ages dancing and having a ball.  All are encouraged to dress up and be prepared to show off their dance moves, as there will be costume and dance contests along with live music and exotic cuisine!  The admission is $20 and includes a buffet.  Take advantage of this neat event!

For the adult crowd, The Great American Trailer Park Musical will be the featured performance all weekend long at the Athens Community Theatre, by the Town and Gown Players!  The musical is written by David Nehls (music and lyrics) and Betsy Kelso (script) and is a Mainstage Production directed by Jonathan Sparks.  The plot is described as a meeting between the shows "South Park" and "Desperate Housewives" - sure to entertain, but not suitable for young ears.  The musical will begin at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday night and 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, and admission ranges from $15 - $18 dollars.  If you're looking to add a little spice to your weekend, this show is for you!

These great events along with many more can be found on our website's event calendar. Enjoy the warm-weathered weekend, and Happy Father's Day, dads!

Gourmet Magazine Features Athens as a Top 10 Music & Food City

Native Athenians are already familiar with the Classic City's fabulous culinary fare and live music scene, but now, readers of Gourmet Magazine across the country are becoming acquainted with the dining and music of Athens, Georgia, which made the list of the top ten cities in the United States for music and food in the magazine's article, "The Next Big Scene."

Several famous Athens entertainment locales are highlighted, including the 40 Watt Club and the Caledonia Lounge, as well as some of the city's favorite restaurants like 5&10 and The Grit.

Read about it here, and then go check out the venues for yourself to see why Athens, Georgia is one of the best music and food spots in the nation!

--Elizabeth Bertrand