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!

Spring Festivals and Events in Athens, GA

We've brushed off the last gasp of winter (and brrrr, that last week of March was a doozy) and can now say, finally, that Spring has sprung in Athens, Georgia.

Springtime in Athens brings a whirlwind of life and activity back to the Classic City, especially after a long, cold winter. As spring blossoms, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery via historic tours and numerous outdoor events. The Athens live music scene also comes to life with concerts and festivals celebrated throughout the city. Between the renowned sporting events, beautiful gardens and exciting festivals, springtime in Athens, GA is a unique and captivating time for people of all ages!

UGA's Annual International Street Festival 

  

UGA's Annual International Street Festival showcases a variety cultures from throughout the world and will take place Saturday, April 6. Dozens of UGA international organizations and groups from the local Athens community will bring their cultures to life in the heart of downtown from noon - 5:00 p.m. Live musical and dance performances, informative and interactive displays, as well as children's activities help showcase the many cultures of Athens. For more information about this wonderful event and the international student organizations represented, please visit www.uga.edu/isl. 

Plantapalooza

  

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, The UGA Horticulture Club and The Trial Gardens at UGA are coming together again to host Plantapalooza, a combined plant sale.  This event will take place Saturday, April 6 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gardeners are expected to travel to Athens from throughout the state for the wide array of beautiful garden plants that will be available. Horticulturists, volunteers, and Master Gardeners will be available to assist with plant selections.  More details are available at www.ugatrialgardens.com.

Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage

Georgia's 5th Annual, award-winning, Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage will be April 18 - 21. Visitors who travel down Georgia's Antebellum Trail enter a magical place where time has stood still. Each community, from Macon to Athens, holds hidden treasures from the past. This event features events and tours along the Trail as well as entrance into private, historic homes not generally open to the general public. A $25 Pilgrimage Pass will provide unlimited access to participating events and attractions throughout the weekend in all Antebellum Trail communities. For more information about the event, please visit www.atpilgrimage.com. 

  Piedmont Gardeners' Garden Tour

Athens' 20th Annual Piedmont Gardeners' Garden Tour Saturday, April 20 offers visitors  an inside look at the Athens area's most inspired private gardens. Five gardens will be featured in this event. Tickets include maps and directions to the gardens. The Garden Tour  happens rain or shine. More details about the five featured gardens are available at www.piedmontgardeners.org/GardenTour.html.

Terrapin Twilight Criterium

Athens will host its 34th Annual Terrapin Twilight Criterium April 26 - 27. This professional cycling event and festival provides fun for fans, families and racers. The Terrapin Twilight Criterium is a popular spot on the national cycling tour circuit. In addition to the marquee men's and women's races Saturday evening, there will be kids' activities and races, live music performances, an all ages 5K run/walk, and a BMX Jam. More than 30,000 fans pack the exciting streets of downtown Athens every year to witness the best in American criterium racing. For more information about the event, please visit www.athenstwilight.com.  

Indie South Fair

The Indie South Fair will be held on May 4. This bi-annual handmade market brings together an eclectic selection of emerging artists and crafters from the South and beyond. For more information including applications, visit www.athensindiecraftstravaganzaa.com.

Stadion Classic at UGA

Professional golf returns to Athens April 29 - May 5 during the Stadion Classic at UGA. This is one of two Nationwide Tour stops in Georgia. The Stadion Classic at UGA is the only event on the Nationwide Tour that is owned and operated by an institution of higher education.  All net proceeds from the event will support need-based scholarships for UGA students through the Arch Foundation. Tickets can be purchased through the TICKETS Fore CHARITY program which supports non-profits in Georgia and nationwide. Ticket and event information can be found at www.stadionclassic.uga.edu.

  

AthFest Music and Arts

The Athens live music scene is ready to kick off the 17th Annual AthFest Music and Arts Festival June 19 - 23. This has been named a Top 20 Event by The Southeast Tourism Society. AthFest features more than 150 bands on outdoor stages and in Athens' renowned clubs. Between the live music, art, local film screenings and KidsFest, there is entertainment for all ages. More event information is available at www.athfest.com.

Athens Human Rights Festival 

The 35th Annual Athens Human Rights Festival will be May 4 - 5. This is a springtime political and cultural tradition in Athens. The festival features a dynamic, educational, and family-friendly weekend of oratory, music, activities for the children, and street theater performances in an outdoor setting. More information about the event is available at www.athenshumanrightsfest.org. 

For more information about spring events taking place in Athens, along with special offers and discounts on accommodations, activities, shopping and dining, visit www.visitathensga.com/spring or contact the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau at 706-357-4430, toll-free 800-653-0603.

Athens This Weekend: April 29 - May 1

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Head to Athens, Georgia for great events for all ages!

1) The 3rd Annual Antebellum Trail begins Wednesday, April 27 and lasts through Sunday, May 1. The trail winds through seven historic areas of Georgia to let you revisit the days of big front porches and slow living. Athens is the northern tip of the trail and offers tours of 16 historic districts and four house museums. This is a great opportunity to view Athens architectural styles and see the Church-Waddel-Brumby House, the oldest Athens residence. While you're in town, there are several other exciting events to check out!
For more information about the trail, visit http://www.antebellumtrail.org/.
For more information about historic Athens, visit the Athens Heritage section of our website.

2) The 32nd Annual Athens Twilight Criterium will be this Friday and Saturday. Join us for two full days of activities including: a Canopy Studio Trapeze Performance, live music, evening races, a 5K, BMX Jam, and kids races. The Twilight Criterium is a favorite race on the national cycling circuit because of its night races and the energy of downtown Athens. Although events last all weekend long, the men's and women's criterium races are held Saturday evening.
For a schedule of events and more information about Athens Twilight, visit http://www.athenstwilight.com/.

3) Check out the Athens Americana Festival this weekend at Little Kings Shuffle Club in downtown Athens. The four-night festival began Wednesday night and lasts through Sunday with an extended closing party at Hendershot's. Enjoy the sounds of bluegrass, folk, country, and 'Americana' and don't miss the new events this year including an acoustic happy hour and artisan fair Saturday afternoon.
For more festival information visit http://www.athensamericana.com/.

Find more weekend events on our interactive calendar!