Athens This Weekend: September 13 - 15

While the UGA football team is taking a well-deserved break after beating down on the Gamecocks last Saturday, this weekend offers plenty of other fun things to do in Athens, Georgia! We are already half-way through September and that means that there are an abundance of cool events to keep boredom at bay! With so much going on, take the opportunity to grab your friends and family and try something new in the Classic City!

Last year's UGA team went undefeated in this two-day tournament and is back to defend their title in this year's Benson's Hospitality Group two day Invitational! Catch the UGA Volleyball team in their games against North Florida, Louisiana-Lafayette, and UNC Greensboro. All dedicated fans will be rewarded for their promptness, with prizes being given out each day to the first couple hundred fans to arrive at each game. Bring the whole family because the tournament with also be featuring a Carnival Day! Kids can enjoy carnival games, balloon animals, face painting and a bounce house on the concourses. Sports, carnival games, prizes, and halftime performances...what more could you ask for? The games are free so get there early and show your support!

 

If you're looking to see some good music this weekend, look no further than the Dirty Dozen Brass Band! They were once asked to play the main stage at the VERY FIRST Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival back in 2002, and I think that says all you need to know about this unique musical experience. Come witness the magic of this captivating act as they spread their authentic New Orleans sound and preach their brass blend up and down the country to the delight of audiences young and old. Head over to The Melting Point on Sunday night for a chance to breath in the rich sounds of the French Quarter! Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.! Get your tickets here!

 

From the Beginning: The Art of Jack Davis is an all-new exhibit opening Thursday at the Gallery @ Hotel Indigo, with works by acclaimed illustrator Jack Davis, known for his masterful pen and ink work for MAD Magazine, EC Comics, TIME, Newsweek, TV Guide, and Esquire magazines, dozens of movie posters, hundreds of album covers, and of course beloved sports caricatures.

Other Events

Fit Family Fun Fest , Sat., 10 a.m. - 12 noon, Bishop Park 3rd Annual Keepin' It Clean Dirty Dance Party, Sat. 5:30 - 9 p.m., Little Kings Shuffle Club Galactic at Georgia Theatre, Sat. doors 8 p.m., show 10:30 p.m.; Georgia Theatre

 

Other Athens Events

Fit Family Fun Fest , Sat., 10 a.m. - 12 noon, Bishop Park 3rd Annual Keepin' It Clean Dirty Dance Party, Sat. 5:30 - 9 p.m., Little Kings Shuffle Club Galactic at Georgia Theatre, Sat. doors 8 p.m., show 10:30 p.m.; Georgia Theatre

There's so much going on this weekend so make sure not to miss out on the many things you can do around the Classic City! Take advantage of the UGA football bye week and check out all that Athens has to offer before North Texas comes to town next Saturday! Have a great weekend and GO DAWGS!

Athens This Labor Day Weekend: Aug. 30 - Sept. 2

This weekend marks the beginning of every Athenian's favorite time of year: football season! But while the team is up in Death Valley stomping on the Clemson Tigers, there are plenty of other fun things to do right here in Athens, Georgia! Make sure not to miss all the other incredible events going on this Labor Day weekend in the Classic City!

Head to The Melting Point on Friday for a great night of 80's music featuring one of Athens' favorite party bands, The Highballs! If you're still longing for the days of big hair and neon spandex, come have a blast at Totally '80's LIVE with The Highballs! Seems like each time they set foot in this venue, the place erupts into one big cozy dance floor. They play all the hits from your favorite era, and bring as much energy as they do talent to the room! They are in high-demand for weddings throughout the Southeast, but in case you are a little afraid of commitment, The Melting Point is proud to present them in a traditional concert atmosphere for you. The show is 18 & up, and it is recommended you get your tickets in advance, as this $10 price will attract a crowd. Grab your tickets here!

If you're in need of plans Saturday before watching Georgia take on Clemson, try a relaxing day out on Lake Chapman at Sandy Creek Park. It'll be the last day to take advantage of their partnership with Floating Peach Paddle Co., which provides the opportunity to rent stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes! Come out from 1 - 5 p.m. and make sure to soak up every last bit of the summer sun you can before we head into fall! It's a great way to make some lasting memories with friends and family!

For the more art-savvy Athens-goer, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia is opening a new watercolor exhibit on Sunday! Beth Evans, native to the Southeast, takes inspiration from birds and their habitat. She has been part of exhibitions throughout the Southeast, and is a member of the Southern Watercolor Society, the Artist Guild of Northwest Georgia, and the Atlanta Artist Center. This exhibit will be going on through October 13 and with no admission fee, it's sure to be one you don't want to miss! So if you're headed over for a walk through the Botanical Garden, make sure to stop by the Conservatory Gallery to appreciate all that can be done with watercolor and a love of nature!

Looking for some good family fun on Labor Day? Then don't miss out on the Athens Action Dash! It's a family-friendly 5K run/walk beginning at the Tate Student Center that was created by Action Ministries to provide local hunger, housing and education solutions. Join them and become an action hero! Make sure to wear your favorite action hero costume! And don’t forget your favorite pet because they can dress up too! Awards will be given for the best adult, child and pet costume. If you want to have some fun on Labor Day by walking or running with other local heroes, you can find more information here!

There's so much going on this holiday weekend in Athens, Georgia! For a complete look at all the things going on around the Classic City, be sure to check out the event calendar! Don't miss out all the great opportunities to take in all that this great city has to offer! Have a great long weekend and GO DAWGS!

Athens This Weekend: May 31 - June 2

This weekend, as we bid farewell to the month of May and welcome sunny June, Athens, Georgia is thriving with entertaining opportunities for you and the whole family!  Whether gardening, health, nature, art, or music is your forte, the Classic City is offering events you will undoubtedly enjoy this weekend! 

June 1st is the first Saturday of the month, and that means it's time to visit the West Broad Farmers Market again!  This monthly summertime market provides unique activities including cooking demonstrations, children's activities, health assessments, and performances in addition to an array of locally produced fruits, veggies, meat, dairy, baked goods, and crafts.  Head to the corner of West Broad Street and Minor Street here in Athens, Georgia for an authentic taste of local goods!  The market will be open from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.   

2013 is "The Year of the Snake," and Snake Day at Sandy Creek Nature Center is another reason why we love the first Saturday of June!  This will be the 33rd year that Sandy Creek dedicates a day entirely to these scaly creatures. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the opportunity to learn about snakes through live snake exhibits, games, crafts, reptile hikes, guest speakers, and a snake-themed photo booth!  Pack your camera and slither on over to Sandy Creek Nature Center this Saturday from noon - 4 p.m. for the fun!

The Georgia Museum of Art is excited to open their newest exhibit, "Fashion Independent: The Original Style of Ann Bonfoey Taylor," on Saturday!  This is not your average museum exhibit, as it features more than 60 intricate full clothing ensembles and accessories.  The pieces are mostly designed by Ann Bonfoey Taylor (1909-2007), who was a recognized American tastemaker and accomplished sportswoman regularly featured in publications such as Vogue, Town and Country and Harper’s Bazaar.  The clothes demonstrate a refined personal style reflective of her outdoor savvy and gracious indoor elegance.  The pieces will be on display until mid-September.  Be the first to experience this awesome collection on opening day, June 1st!   The GMOA is open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. on Sundays.

The State Botanical Garden is gifting Athenians and visitors with great outdoor music all summer, and you won't want to miss Sunday's performance, the Classic V Brass Quintet Concert!  This free concert will last from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. and will feature five talented musicians playing two trumpets, a French horn, a tuba, and a trombone combined to create a lively, instrumental brass concert. The musicians are also in the Athens Brass Choir and Classic City Band, so don't miss seeing them free of charge! 

The Melting Point is also keeping the music coming this weekend with two shows, Jessta James with special guests Ty Manning & Friends on Friday evening ($8 in advance/$10 day of the show; $5 with UGA Student ID) and Ralph Roddenbery Band with Ted Norton & The Squirrelheads on Saturday evening.  Tickets are $10.  If you think their names are intriguing, just wait 'til you hear them perform!  Jessta James, with his unique blend of country, rock wild west, and classic rock, will be joined by special guests Ty Manning (Bearfoot Hookers) and Friends (featuring Doyle Williams from REHAB & more).   Saturday's show, Ralph Roddenbery Band with guitarist Ted Norton, will entertain the crowd with eclectic southern rock-blues with supporting act, The Squirrelheads, who bring some New Orleans-esque funk to the stage.  On both Friday and Saturday, doors open at 6 p.m. and the music starts at 8 p.m.!

The 7th Annual Front Porch Foot Race by The Georgia Club Foundation is this Sunday at The Georgia Club!  The three races are the Tot Trot (a short course for kids 5 and under) at 2:45 p.m., a one-mile fun run/walk at 3 p.m., and a 5K race beginning at 3:30 p.m.  People of all ages are invited to participate in the one-mile and 5K events!  Best of all, this event benefits Extra Special People, Inc. (ESP), "where children with developmental disabilities don't just survive...they THRIVE!"  Register to participate in these family-friendly races in beautiful Athens, Georgia starting at $15 ($25 registration fee includes an event t-shirt.)  Donations in lieu of registration for the Tot Trot race are kindly accepted.


Music, locally-grown goods, beautiful nature, and charitable opportunities are just a handful of what Athens has to offer not only this weekend, but year-round.  The special events this weekend are "must-dos," though, so don't miss out!  For more ideas and information about Athens, Georgia events,  explore our website calendar!  Have a great weekend!

Athens This Weekend: October 19-21

1. 3rd Annual AthFest Half Marathon

13.1 miles. You can walk it or run it, but finishing a half-marathon is downright impressive. Even more impressive, the AthFest Half benefits the AthFest non-profit for music and arts education in local schools. The race course begins downtown and winds through town to Milledge Avenue, heads towards the UGA Golf course and continues through campus before finishing 'tween the Hedges at Sanford Stadium! This is going to be the best Half-Marathon ever! Spectators and supporters are invited to stand along the race route and enjoy the great music. Half Marathon too intense for you? Visit the Health and Wellness Expo Saturday from 12-6 p.m. at the Classic Center.

2. Zombie Farms Halloween Trail

 
"The Walking Dead" premiered on Sunday to the highest cable rating in history so it's almost fact that zombies are incredibly popular. Whether you're a fan or fearful, you'll enjoy the Zombie Farms Halloween Trail. The Farm is open to visitors for two more weekends this fall on Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m.-Midnight. Workers at the Farm recommend guests 13 years and older, because the Zombies don't like screaming... You've been warned. 

3. Over the Rainbow: An Aerial Performance in Oz

Canopy Studio is performing a spectacular aerial event based on "The Wizard of Oz" at their Tracy Street space. Marvel at the talented aerialists on trapeze, aerial lyra and other hanging structures. There are five shows this weekend: Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 4 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 and 6 p.m.! Don't be a Cowardly Lion, buy your tickets now! 

Check out these other great events taking place in Athens, GA! 

• Dance Athens 2012, Saturday @ 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.
• John Prine, Friday @ 7 p.m.
• Lera Lynn, Saturday @ 8 p.m.
• Athens Corn Maze, Thursday-Sunday
• Scary, Oozy, Slimy Day, Saturday @ 4 p.m.
• Pinocchio: Free Family Puppet Show, Saturday @ 11 a.m.

Want a complete list of all upcoming activities and goings-on in Athens?  Explore our event calendar at Visit Athens, Georgia.
  
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Athens This Weekend: September 28-30

Don't worry, the first five days after a weekend are the hardest, but there's another coming soon! There's so many exciting activities and events around Athens, GA this weekend! The September 29th UGA Football game against the Tennessee Volunteers will be our last home game until November 3rd against Ole Miss, so enjoy the 3:30 kick-off in Athens, GA! In addition, the Athens Corn Maze is open for some fall fun and the Georgia Theatre will host two great acts this weekend.

1. Georgia Bulldogs vs. Tennessee Volunteers

The Bulldogs are 4-0 and ranked #5 coming into Saturday's sold-out game!! We shouldn't have to tell you how thrilling this game will be. There's nothing better than a day with 93,000 friends in Sanford Stadium! Kick-off is at 3:30 p.m. and don't forget our Football Weekends page for all you need to know about getting around Athens while in town for a game! Go Dawgs!

2. Athens Corn Maze

There's no better way to feel fall in the air than a trip to a farm filled with fun harvest activities! At the Athens Corn Maze, guests can take a ride on the Hey Hey Heyride, feed farm animals, and children can take a pony ride! Unique to the Athens Corn Maze is the "Corn Box". It's similar to a sand box, but filled with fresh, clean corn for your children's enjoyment! Don't forget about the Corn Maze, either! The farm is open Thursday- Sunday through November 3rd. Tickets are $10 each.

3. Concerts at the Georgia Theatre

The Georgia Theatre books some of the greatest musical acts in the county and can help catapult up and coming acts into success. It's a special place and luckily, it's in Athens! On Friday, the Dirty Guv'nahs perform at 8 p.m. for a show with a sound described as "rock meets Americana". Tickets are $10. Saturday, Yacht Rock Revue plays a post-game show with their fun and energetic 70s tunes. The group has been featured in publications like the NYT & others, so come see what they're all about! Tickets are $12. 

More great events in Athens, GA...

• Athens Heritage Walks: Southern Piedmont Farming Tour, Sunday @ 2
• 2012 Yuengling Gridiron Music Series, Fri. @ 8:30 p.m., Sat. @ 7:45 p.m.
• Classic City Roller Girls vs. Scenic City Rollergirls, Sat. @ 6 p.m.
• Athens Farmers Market, Sat. 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Children's Show with Laughing Pizza, Sun. @ 1:30 p.m.
• Put A Ring On It Bridal Show, Sun. @ 12 p.m.

Athens, GA: The Perfect Fall Football Weekend Getaway

Fall weekends at the University of Georgia bring thousands of sports enthusiasts to the campus, eager to enjoy a fun-filled Georgia Bulldogs football weekend in Athens, Georgia beyond the hedges of Sanford Stadium. There's nothing like SEC football, and we like to think Athens is one of the finest SEC towns on the schedule! With fantastic live music and entertainment, several unique tour options and award-winning dining choices, traveling fans of all ages are sure to be pleased. 

The game day energy circulating through fans crowded into Sanford Stadium continues long after the final whistle is blown. Downtown Athens, the heart of this historic college town's live music scene, boasts world-famous musical venues that big-name bands and artists, including Widespread Panic, the B-52's and R.E.M, can call home to. Weekend evenings are particularly exciting, as clubs like The 40 Watt, the Melting Point and the Georgia Theatre play host to various concerts and performances. 

Athens, Georgia Music History Tours offer an in-depth look at how the city became the musical mecca that it is today, by guiding fans through the Classic City's most influential music sites. The Athens Welcome Center has an extensive list of even more self-guided tour options exploring the town's local heritage. Of these include the Downtown Athens tour, the Milledge Avenue tour and the Civil War Tours of Athens. 

For a unique culinary experience, Athens Food Tours offer a wide variety of guided walking food tours for eaters of all fitness levels. Options include regularly-scheduled neighborhood tours of Athens, Georgia's Five Points, Prince Avenue, Downtown, or Normaltown areas, or partaking in specialty themed tours. Participants will enjoy an array of local and regional cuisine, prepared by many of Athens' most celebrated restaurants. 

To continue the tailgate even after the game is over, fans can take a trip to the award-winning Terrapin Beer Co. for a tour of the brewery, complete with tastings of the facility's house-crafted brews. Live music is performed each night, to be enjoyed by adults, children, and even pets. Terrapin offers tours Wednesday through Saturday evenings, beginning at 5:30 p.m., lasting until 7:30 p.m. The tour is free, with the option of purchasing a pint glass for $10, or a specialty glass for $12 for the tastings. 

Win or lose, hungry football fans cannot complete a visit to Athens without stopping in at any one of the city's acclaimed eateries. The Five Points area boasts the James Beard award-winning chef Hugh Acheson's upscale restaurant 5 &10. Downtown Athens is home to Farm 255, a unique dining experience that promises farm-to-table freshness, using only seasonal and sustainable food grown by local farmers. A terrific Sunday brunch can be enjoyed at Athens' favorite music-club-turned-restaurant, the Last Resort Grill. For a complete a list of the city's excellent dining options, visit  http://www.visitathensga.com/.

Whatever it is that you and your family want to do this fall during UGA football weekends, Athens, Georgia has a variety of activities, events, and locales that will make for the perfect weekend getaway!  Check out our 2012 UGA Football Weekend page at www.VisitAthensGA.com/football for more ideas and tips on where to park, where to eat, and what to do.

--Elizabeth Bertrand