Athens This Weekend: November 30-December 2

We hear there's a pretty big football game in Atlanta on Saturday, but as the home of the Bulldogs, Athens is a great place to be this weekend! Businesses are opening for special Holiday celebrations, exhibits at local galleries and a 'stomp' show for a great cause. So, if you didn't get the hottest ticket in the country, you're still in for a great weekend in the Classic City! 

The Athens Pop-Up Art Gallery

Featuring over ten notable Athens artists, gathered together for an art show and sale just in time for the holidays! Friday's preview party from 5-8 p.m. includes refreshments and music. Sale continues Saturday from 9-6 and Sunday from 10-2! Come celebrate the Athens arts scene at ATHICA!

Stomp Out Domestic Violence Step Competition

Join Project Safe to Stomp Out Domestic Violence and enjoy a great competition by seven Athens area teams! Leading up to Sunday's show, vote for your favorite group on their website and catch the show at the Classic Center Theatre!

The State Botanical Gardens of Georgia Holiday Open House

The Botanical Garden's Open House is a don't miss Holiday event! On Sunday from 2-5, enjoy family friendly entertainment, Donderos' Kitchen treats, the newly expanded Gift Shop and a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus!

More events around Athens, GA...

• East Athens Educational Dance Center 2012 Christmas Show, Saturday @ 7 p.m.
• Heirloom Holiday Market, Sunday @ 4-7 p.m.
• Holiday Artist Market at Treehouse Kid and Craft, Saturday @ 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Louis C.K. at the Classic Center, Friday @ 7:30 & 10 p.m.
• SNOWpendous Holiday Open House at Native America Gallery, Saturday @ 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.

Third Thursday: Athens Arts Attractions Collaborate on Expanded Programming

We've got great news for art lovers . . . Athens, Georgia, already known as a Top Arts Destination, has expanded the opportunities to enjoy great  events and exhibits at many of our favorite arts venues.  Here's the scoop, recently released by Michael Lachowski at the Georgia Museum of Art:

Six of Athens’ established venues for visual art are introducing “Third Thursday,” a monthly evening when art can be viewed in the evening hours on the third Thursday of the month. The GeorgiaMuseum of Art and the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia; the Lyndon House Arts Center, GlassCube & Gallery@Hotel Indigo-Athens and Ciné in downtown Athens; and Athens Institute for Contemporary Art (ATHICA) in the Chase Park Warehouses near the Boulevard neighborhood will be open from 6 until 9 p.m. on those days unless they are between installations or closed for a holiday or weather emergency.

The six art establishments will maintain a calendar of their programming at a soon-to-be-launched website, www.3Thurs.org. The website will provide links to the venue resources and a Google Calendar of all their exhibitions, receptions and events, such as kids’ events, lectures and gallery talks. Some opening receptions and special features will occur on Third Thursdays, but they will endeavor to prevent conflicts of critical exhibition elements.

The first iteration of Third Thursday will be on September 20. Opening receptions will be offered at the Lamar Dodd Schoolof Art galleries and at Ciné. ATHICA will be in-between exhibitions, but is opening to reveal its new logo and will offer new t-shirts for purchase and a performance of experimental ambient music. The Georgia Museum of Art, LyndonHouse Arts Center and Gallery@Hotel Indigo will be open with current exhibitions on view.

Events on September 20 are all free and open to the public. Following is the programming for each of the participating venues:

Georgia Museum of Art

• George Beattie’s Agriculture Murals

• The Epic and the Intimate: French Drawings from the John D. Reilly Collection at the Snite Museum of Art

• Francisco de Goya’s “Disasters of War”

• The New York Collection for Stockholm

• The South in Black and White: The Graphic Works of James E. Routh Jr., 1939–1946 

• De Wain Valentine: Human Scale

Lamar Dodd School of Art

• DUOLOGUES: Las Hermana Iglesias, Jihn Moon and Rachel Hayes, and SATAN'S CAMARO, Gallery 307, reception, 6–8 p.m.

• Colour as a Medium: Graphic Design by RAW COLOR (The Netherlands), Gallery 101, reception, 6–8 p.m.

• Costa Rica Study Abroad Program undergraduate student work, Suite Gallery

• NUE WRK: First-year graduate students show, Plaza and Bridge Galleries

Lyndon House Arts Center

• The Orphan Show—exhibition and silent auction of artworks abandoned by their artists at LHAC over the years, including paintings, photographs and assemblage

• Period Decorative Arts ca. 1840–1890 and Athens History Museum Display in the Ware-Lyndon House, ongoing

Athens Institute for Contemporary Art(ATHICA)

JT Bringardner.

GlassCube & Gallery@Hotel Indigo-Athens

• PLACE: photography—works by Michael Lachowski, Carl Martin and Stephen Scheer

Ciné

• Works by Didi Dunphy, Carol John and Lou Kregel with an opening reception

For more information about Third Thursday schedules and plans at participating venues, please see the events calendar at  http://www.visitathensga.com/things-to-do/events/ or contact the venues directly. 

Georgia Museum of Art

90 Carlton Street, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602

Michael Lachowski

706-542-GMOA

mlachow@uga.edu

georgiamuseum.org

Lamar Dodd School of Art Galleries

270 River Road, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602

Jeffrey Whittle

706- 542-0069

whittle@uga.edu

Lyndon House Arts Center

293 Hoyt Street, Athens, GA 30601

Nancy Lukasiewicz

706-613-3623

bit.ly/lyndonhouse

Athens Institute for Contemporary Art (ATHICA)

160 Tracy Street, Unit 4, Athens, GA 30601

Hope Hilton

706-208-1613

info@athica.org

athica.org

Ciné

234 W. Hancock Street, Athens, GA 30601

Carl Martin

706-353-7377

carl@docunlimited.com

athenscine.com

GlassCube & Gallery@Hotel Indigo-Athens

500 College Avenue, Athens, GA 30601

Didi Dunphy

706-546-0430

didi@dididunphy.com

www.indigoathens.com

Athens This Weekend: August 3-5

 The weekend is almost here! There is plenty to do and see in Athens, Georgia, with a full calendar packed with music, art, and more. Check out what's happening in the Classic City this weekend!

1. 2012 Athens Maternity and Baby Fair

Saturday, August 4, the 2012 Athens Maternity and Baby Fair will be held at the Classic Center from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. This event will feature various exhibitors associated with health care, breastfeeding, child care, education, photography, and infant wear, as well as on-site children's activities and a silent auction. Admission is free, and parents, expecting parents, grandparents, and children are encouraged to attend. This is a great event for couples who already have children, or are planning to start a family in the future!

2. Syncretic Music Night

This Saturday night, August 4, ATHICA is hosting Syncretic Music Night, from 9:30 to 11 p.m. Musician Trappers Cabin, known as one of the top 10 unknown artists of 2007, will be singing with Nancy Kay. Also performing are Anni Paisley, known for her sultry, soulful sound, and Trey Pivott, who specializes in traditional folk and country instrumentals. The suggested cover charge is $6, and light refreshments will be served. Come out and enjoy a fabulous evening filled with great music and contemporary art!

3. Athens Brass Choir Concert

The State Botanical Gardens of Georgia will host a concert by the Athens Brass Choir on Sunday, August 5 from 3 to 4 p.m. in the garden's indoor conservatory. Celebrate the 2012 London Summer Olympics, as the band plays traditionally patriotic, Americana fanfare. Admission is free. Bring the whole family and enjoy a summer afternoon with some of the Classic City's most talented musicians!


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!


What's your favorite way to watch the Olympics in Athens?

Athens This Weekend: July 20-22

Get excited, because the weekend is just around the corner! Bring the family to enjoy great outdoor events, as well as cool, indoor activities. Athens, Georgia is certainly the place to be this weekend, with exciting events for all ages!

1. Splashdown 2012

In honor of the 43rd anniversary of mankind's first mission to the moon, Bishop Park in Athens will host Splashdown 2012 from 7-8:30 p.m. on Friday, July 20. The evening's activities will include a swim in the pool under the moon, arts & crafts, music, and fun astronomy games, all while snacking on free Moonpies and Tang! All ages are welcome and admission is free. It's one small splash for man, one giant splash for mankind!

2. Shape Up in the Park

Start your Saturday off right with a morning full of exercise! On Saturday, July 21, Southeast Clarke Park will host Shape Up in the Park from 7-11 a.m., a half-day of free outdoor fitness and wellness classes. The morning's itinerary includes back-to-back classes of Zumba, Yoga, Tai Chi, and more, as well as raffles and prize give-aways! All ages are welcome, and admission is free. Be sure to dress appropriately for exercise, and don't forget to bring a yoga mat and water bottle. Get movin' in the park!

3. ATHICA Emerges V: The Synthetic Mind

Saturday, July 21 marks the opening of the Athens Institute of Contemporary Art's most recent exhibit, ATHICA Emerges V: The Synthetic Mind. The exhibit displays nine artists' works, which synthesize perception and awareness from a variety of approaches, from the neurobiological to sociological. The opening reception on July 21 will be from 7-9 p.m. at ATHICA art gallery. Tour the exhibit once again anytime on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thursdays from 1-9 p.m., or Fridays through Sundays from 1-6 p.m. The exhibit will be open through Sunday, September 9. Admission is free and open to all ages!

For even more awesome events happening in Athens, GA this weekend, go check out our calendar at Visit Athens, GA!

To stay in the know about all the exciting happenings in the Classic City, join our mailing list!

How does your family enjoy the outdoors during these warm, summer months?

Athens This Weekend: July 22-24

It's going to be one of those weekends in Athens, GA. You know, the kind of weekend with enough exciting events taking place around town for you to be able to customize your days specifically to your own interests. I suggest you start creating your itinerary now- so as not to miss the fun happenings going on in Athens, GA this weekend. There is:

1) Art to be discussed; If you haven't yet had the chance to visit the first Resident Studio Exhibition at ATHICA, featuring 30 oil paintings by Maxine Youngblood, then it's time to get out there and check it out  in its final weekend. The exhibit's Closing Reception will take place Sunday, July 24, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and will include an artist & curator Panel for open discussion and finally, a reception with the artist. Having not started creating art until the age of 52, Maxine Youngblood, now around 73 years old, nevertheless, creates vivid, rousing works of art. The 30 oil paintings being featured in ATHICA's Resident Studio exhibit are of that same nature, bright, colorful, and passionate, often likened to the style of French and German Expressionism. Curator Lizzie Zucker Saltz and Assistant Curator Ashley Westpheling largely selected works that were figurative in nature- representing pop culture icons like Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and Donald Trump, as well as other local artists, performers, and models. If you already had the pleasure of visiting this exhibit or will be visiting for the first time this weekend, be sure to remember to come out for the closing reception on Sunday to hear about the works from the artist and curators themselves! Open 1-6 p.m. Thursday- Sunday! For more information about ATHICA or the event, visit our calendar listing. 

2) Music to be danced to; In its seventh consecutive year, the Annual Darius Goes West Benefit Concert will feature huge acts, such as Bubba Sparxxx and the Nappy Roots who will be accompanied by Georgia Gurlz and Elite Tha Showstoppa- doors open at 8:00 p.m. Saturday night at the 40 Watt. Tickets will be $10 in advance and anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Darius Goes West: The Roll of his Life is an award winning documentary that followed Darius Weems, a teen with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, on a 7,000 mile journey across the U.S. to spread awareness about the fatal DMD disease and raise money for researching a cure. The film was widely praised and raised over one million dollars for research. Since the film, a Darius Goes West Foundation continues to spread awareness and raise money through events such as the one taking place in Athens, GA this weekend. Other Darius Goes West Day affiliated events taking place this weekend are: 

• Dealing For Darius/ Casino For a Cure: Poker Tournament at Lucky Dawg Billiards, Thursday July 21 
• Family Fun Night/ Carnival: The Body Shop of Athens, Friday, July 22, 5:00-9:00 p.m.
• Darius Goes West screening: Cine, Saturday, 7:00 p.m. See trailer below-

For more information about the benefit concert, visit our calendar listing.

3) Local commerce to be supported; The Athens Farmers Market is still in full swing, all local produce and crafts at their freshest and finest, Saturday at Bishop Park from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Your beautiful morning of perusing the displays of the healthy produce and delightful crafts in the sun will be set to a Celtic soundtrack this Saturday morning as Repent at Leisure will play at 8:00 a.m., but the track will flip with the soul folk sounds of local singer/songwriter Kyshona Armstrong at 10:00 a.m. I know it'll be Saturday, but the Athens Farmers Market is worth setting your alarm for this weekend! For more information, check out our event listing.   

4) Theater to be enjoyed; Opening night of The Circle Ensemble Theater performance of Metamorphoses will take place Thursday and run through the Saturday night, July 21-23, beginning each night at 8:30 p.m. in the pool at Ashford Manor. The play transforms ancient myth and lore into contemporary language in a story that takes place completely in and around a large pool of water. This performance is sure to be one of the most interesting theatrical events of the summer! Read more about it on our calendar listing. 

5) and much more to do in Athens, GA this weekend! Be sure to check out our weekend calendar for other fun and exciting events on the schedule, like the secret passageway opening and Slop Fest 2011!

Memorial Day Weekend in Athens - Great Deals & Events!

This Memorial Day weekend is shaping up to be a busy one for all Athens, GA, folks and friends! With a great lineup of options for fun and lots of savings, there is no excuse not to get out and enjoy this holiday weekend.

Maintaining the true spirit of Memorial Day, many Athens Businesses will offer special deals to our amazing men & women in uniform.

• Active Climbing is happy to offer a free climbing session to any and all holders of military I.D from 4-8 p.m. this Monday.
• Hotel Indigo will be running a Memorial Special, Friday through Monday, with rates of only $59 a night for members of the military. Be sure to mention the special when calling ahead to make a reservation.
• Hampton Inn is offering a rate of $80/night with military ID.
• At Sweet Peppers Deli this Memorial Day, all men and women in uniform will receive a free entrée of their choosing upon arrival. If your uniform is a bit more snug than it used to be, just bring along a jacket or article of insignia instead and enjoy your free lunch!

• Other Memorial Weekend hotel specials available to all visitors include:
• Candlewood Suites, $59/night, Thursday to Sunday
• Georgia Gameday Center, stay one night get one night 1/2 off
• Holiday Inn, $75/night, book here;
• Holiday Inn Express, rates starting at $69/night, book here; and

Come one, come all to the annual Memorial Day in Memorial Park celebration this Monday from noon to 3 p.m. If you are looking to stay true to Memorial Day tradition, then the Memorial Park celebration is sure to satisfy. Bring a blanket and the whole family out for a day of wholesome American fun. Have your face painted with the kids before sending them to bounce to their hearts content in the many inflatables provided for the celebration. Then indulge in your favorite concession food items as you relax in the grass and enjoy live music all afternoon. The weather will be warm and the company will be warmer. Keep in mind the park pool will not be open, but the Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail certainly will be so don’t forget to say ‘Hello’ to these little cuties:

For more information on this event, visit our calender listing.

If you’re looking to get a little less traditional before your all-American Memorial Day or if you’re just looking to get a little culture, then don’t miss your chance to see ATHICA’s spring exhibit, The Way Things Work, in it’s closing weekend. The exhibit ends in celebration starting this Friday in a reprise of The Way Things Go 2, a video art experience, with outdoor screenings of short video artworks on the ATHICA porch from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. On Sunday, the closing ceremony will consist of an artist and curator discussion panel followed by a picnic on the porch provided by White Tiger and Trumps from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. With 12 artists from around the country and abroad, this highly stimulating exhibit includes artwork in forms ranging from large-scale installations to pencil drawings. The works featured focus around a theme of systems and norms within culture and society. With pieces like the one pictured below, Trivialities of Deportment by Will Pergl, this exhibit is sure to get you thinking! So try your hand at non-conformity and do something a little different this Memorial Day weekend!

For more information about this exhibit, visit out event listing.

Get fresh at the Athens Farmers Market this Saturday at Bishop Park from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Local foods, crafts, and works of arts from area farmers and volunteers will fill the park along with music from 2 very different groups of performers. Starting the day off right will be the all-female folk trio, Maiden Radio, performing at 8:00 a.m. Then prepare yourselves for a trip to the deep South when Maculele Capoeira take the stage in a traditional Brazilian performance of dance, martial arts, singing, and instrument playing. The Athens Farmers Market is always a great option for your weekend plans, as you’ll get to mingle with the community, enjoy the beautiful morning, and support local commerce.

Learn more about the Athens Farmers Market by visiting our event listing.

The city of Winterville will host Veteran Appreciation Day this Saturday. A complimentary BBQ lunch in Pittard Park will be provided for veterans and spouses following a ceremony at the Winterville United Methodist Church.

And in case you didn’t already have enough to choose from, here are a few other Memorial Day weekend options:

• ACC Library will be kicking off its new “Harry Potter’s World: Renaissance Science, Magic and Medicine” exhibit this weekend with an opening reception on Sunday and a movie screening on Saturday. The travelling National Library of Medicine exhibit will explore the relationship between Harry Potter’s wizarding world and foundational Renaissance science and medicine.
• Get crafty at The Native America Gallery on Friday night with a beginner earrings class from 6-8 p.m.
• Enjoy the sounds of the city this Memorial Day weekend with fantastic musical acts happening around town. Big name artist, Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses, will be headlining at the 40 Watt Club this Friday night. Or catch the soon-to-be-big-name Athens’ band, Reptar, at Little Kings Shuffle Club this Saturday night before they embark on a summer tour at hot spots and festivals around the country.

Bring your family, bring your friends, it’s going to be a very exciting Memorial Day weekend in Athens, GA. Visit our calendar for even more information on Athens’ events this weekend and beyond! Have a great one, friends!

Athens This Weekend: April 8 - 10

Spring is finally here and Athens, GA has several fun events to keep you busy this weekend!

1. Plantapalooza is a giant plant sale to help get your garden in perfect shape. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, the Trial Gardens at UGA, and the UGA Horticulture Club will host their annual plant sales on the same day, April 9 from 8 am - 2 pm. A large assortment of spring garden plants will be available as well as horticulturalists, volunteers, and master gardeners to help you select the perfect plants. All plants selected for the sale are specifically selected to thrive in the Southeast.
Find more information on our event listing.

2. For something edgier, check out UGA's 13th Annual International Street Festival this Saturday from noon - 5 p.m. This event in downtown Athens is a good opportunity for people of all ages to experience and enjoy all of the cultures in Athens. Dozens of UGA international organizations and community groups will have activities for kids, colorful displays, and musical and dance performances. Visitors will have the opportunity to collect "passport" stamps from each of the organizations and those who collect all stamps will receive a ticket for a prize drawing.

3. You could also attend Material World II: FashioNation at Hotel Indigo Friday night at 8 p.m. This event by the Athens Area Arts Council features a unique wearable art fashion show for Celebrate the Arts 2011. At the event, you will have the chance to become a member of the Athens Arts Council and support its goal to integrate Athens art into the local community.

Also this weekend: Classic City Brewfest, Abbey Road LIVE!, and the opening of a new ATHICA exhibit!

Check out our weekend event listing for more great weekend ideas in Athens.

Athens This Weekend: March 4 - 6

There is a lot going on this weekend in Athens! We've got great UGA sporting events, dance performances, and much more:

1. Benefit for the Georgia Theatre Rehabilitation Fund at the 40 Watt: This great concert Saturday night will feature Don Chambers and GOAT, Athens singer/songwriter Lera Lynn who will be celebrating the local release of her solo debut, and The K-Macks, and bluegrass BorderHop Trio. There will also be door prizes including Georgia Theatre Merchandise, artist CD's, and 1 pair of tickets to the sold out Avett Brothers concert March 29. Doors open at 8:30, music starts at 9 and tickets are only $6. Come out for a night of fun Athens music and support the rebuilding of the beloved Georgia Theatre! For more ways to help rebuild the Georgia Theatre visit www.georgiatheatre.com

2. Closing Events for ATHICA's Taking Part Exhibition: The Athens Institute for Contemporary Art has spent the last 6 weeks focusing on Taking Part: An Exhibit of Participatory Art Projects. This exciting exhibition concludes with its closing events on Sunday. Show your support at the curator and artist panel discussion, Localized Noise-Induced Transitions: The Athens Survey, and closing reception. Events begin at 3:30 and end at 6 p.m. All closing events are free of charge. For more information about the exhibit go to http://www.athica.org/

3. Mardi Gras 10k Race: Bigger Vision Community Shelter and The Stable Foundation have come together to create an exciting Mardi Gras themed 10k race in Athens Saturday starting at 10 a.m. The race will start and end at Terrapin Brewing Company and will be followed with an awards ceremony, brewery tours, and live music. Race registration includes a t-shirt, tour of the brewery, and a Terrapin glass featuring the race's logo. This is one of the few 10k races in Athens and with a fun Mardi Gras theme and proceeds benefiting local charities it is sure to be a great experience! For more information visit http://www.mardigras10kathens.org/

For a full list of events in Athens this weekend check out our event calendar.

Vote for Athens Top 25 Arts Destination



CLICK HERE TO VOTE



Every year American Style Magazine lists their top 25 Arts Destinations.  Each year since 2002 Athens, Georgia has made the list! Athens boasts a newly expanded Georgia Museum of Art, a growing contemporary arts presence through ATHICA, a supportive Athens Area Arts Council, local galleries such as the Lyndon House Arts Center, Aurum Studios, Good Dirt, and many others. While we all know how amazing art is in Athens, it's time to tell everyone else! The American Style Magazine takes votes every year to determine who makes this list and we can't let Athens drop off! To vote: go here and check Athens, GA in the mid-sized cities category!

For more reasons why Athens is great, check out all the accolades from around the country!

Athens This Weekend: February 26 - 28

Friday, February 26:

• History comes alive at the State Botanical Garden this Friday. You will have the opportunity to meet John Bartram, America's first botanist and horticulturist- John Bartram Lives! Okay, so it is actually Pennsylvanian Kirk R. Brown. Enjoy this first-person biographical and historical presentation on the life of John Bartram. Prepare to be entertained, amused and educated as history comes alive! Attendees will have the opportunity to meet John Bartram at a reception from 6:30-7:30pm. The program will follow. $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

• This Friday is your last chance to see the "Not Since You" movie premiere and screening at Beechwood Cinemas on Alps, and you do not want to miss out. This film was shot in large part in Athens and potrays Athens as itself! It is a 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. Unresolved conflicts and love affairs spark again.

Saturday, February 27:

• America's most successful black stage play, "Beauty Shop," comes to the Classic Center Theatre this Saturday! This production served as inspiration for the recent film "Beauty Shop," starring Queen Latifah. The story continues as the curling irons get hotter, the gossip is juicier, the backstabbing is deeper, and the he-said/she-said tipping the scales. Get ready to fall out of your seat, because you'll be rolling in the aisles with mascara-running laughter.

Sunday, February 28:

• The UGA Performing Arts Center is proud to present "Coppelia," a charming and comic ballet performance by the Moscow Festival Ballet! Their tours throughout the world have presented many of ballet's greatest works featuring the highest artistic elements within the framework of Russian classic ballet. Enjoy lush melodies, beautiful costumes, and stunning virtuostic and athletic dancing.

• Over 20 of northeast Georgia's premium wedding vendors will be on hand at the Foundry Park Inn & Spa Bridal Open House! Vendors will include photographers, florists, formal wear, wedding panners, pastry chefs, entertainment, transportation companies and more! Sample the cuisine of our award winning culinary team while persuing the latest bridal fashions for the entire wedding party.

Ongoing events:

• It is the last weekend to enjoy the stunning works of Amy Jenkins at ATHICA! "Nurture: Video and Photography by Amy Jenkins" features works from her "Cradle Series" in which the artist films herself and members of her family in order to reveal salient aspects of familial relationships. Great for families and art lovers alike!

• There are only 10 seats left for the unique African-American History Tour this Saturday! Enjoy a special 2-hour bus tour with stops including the Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery and the Morton Theatre. Call 706.353.1820 for more details or visit the Athens Welcome Center Web site.

• In these tough economic times, sales are greatly appreciated! The 26th Annual Athens-Clarke County Library Book Sale features thousands of books including fiction, non-fiction, children's books, hardbacks, paperbacks, audio books, CDs and more. All proceeds from the Book Sale benefit the Athens-Clarke County Library.

• Considering remodeling your home, landscaping your yard or even building or buying your dream home? Stop by the 15th Annual Home and Garden Show at The Classic Center on Saturday and Sunday to get your questions answered on topics such as decor, landscaping, lighting and more!

Athens this Weekend

Be sure to check out the great music rolling into Athens this weekend. And get your tailgate ready as the Dawgs play Between the Hedges for the last time this season.

Friday, November 20th:

• The Atlanta Rhythm Section plans to rock The Classic Center Theatre this Friday evening with classic rock anthems from their more than 15 albums. The Section has been a part of the Southern rock scene for more than 30 years with hits like "So Into You", "Champagne Jam", and of course "Spooky". Local band Eddie and the Public Speakers will open the show. The concert begins at 8 p.m. at the Classic Center. Tickets run from $10-$35 and are available online.
• The Rialto Room at the Hotel Indigo continues its inaugural "Rialto Bridge Series" with hit recording artist Edwin McCain. The Charleston, SC native is known for the jazz-infused romantic ballads "I'll Be" and "I Could not ask for More". Come experience McCain's smooth soul at either 7 or 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and are available on the Rialto Room's website.
• ATHICA hosts the 28th annual Studio Group Holiday Show & Sale today through Sunday at its Chase Street location. The market is a display and sale of works created by the studio group's twelve members. Items include fused-glass, photography, paintings, drawings, pottery, metals, and jewelry. Find something for everyone on your list! The show and sale runs from 5-9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, and 12-4p.m. on Sunday. For more information about the group and the sale visit the studio group's website.

Saturday, November 21st:

• The Bulldogs host the Kentucky Wildcats for their final home game of the season. The game begins at 7:45 p.m. and will also be broadcast on ESPN2.

Be sure to check out our website and the offers recently listed on our blog for this weekend's available hotel rooms. The CVB wishes a Happy and safe Thanksgiving to those students heading home for the Holiday. (This Bulldawg is headed back to the Connecticut cold for the week.)

GO DAWGS!

Homecoming Weekend in Athens: "Take me Down to the Classic City"

After almost a month on the road, the Bulldogs are back at Sanford Stadium. Make a weekend out of UGA's homecoming with a series of Dawg-related events.

Don't forget to share your favorite UGA football memories with us on our blog. The best memory will win a free night's stay at the Holiday Inn Athens! You have until Friday to give us a great Dawg story.

Friday, November 6th:

• Start the weekend off right at the Melting Point's weekly "Lunch With the Dawgs". This week's featured speaker is UGA strength coach Dave VanHalanger. The Coach's expectantly motivational speech is sure to pump up Dawg fans for this weekend's showdown. The lunch starts at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Price of admission includes lunch crafted by award winning Executive Chef Martin Smetana.
• The Homecoming Parade storms the streets of downtown at 6 p.m. Friday evening. UGA All-American gymnast Courtney Kupets will serve as the parade's Grand Marshal. She will lead a procession of floats, The Red Coat Band, UGA Athletes, and Athens dignitaries. For a complete list of the week's homecoming events visit the University Union's website.
• UGA Equestrian hosts Fresno State at the Equestrian complex on Friday afternoon.
• There is nothing better than an evening of live music the night before a Dawg's game. Come out and enjoy Kim Carnes at the Rialto Room this Friday. Nashville singer-songwriter Carnes has had three # 1 country hits, including Billboard #1 "Betty Davis Eyes". The song went on to win Grammys for both record and song of the year. Shows begin at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and are available on the Rialto Room's website.

Saturday, November 7th:

• The Dawgs are back at Sanford Stadium to take on the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. Alumni visits and the crowning of the homecoming court will certainly make this a Saturday to remember.

Sunday, November 8th:

• Lady Bulldog basketball kicks off their 2009-2010 season this Sunday with an exhibition game versus Clayton State. Tip-off is at 2:30 p.m. at Stegeman Coliseum. Admission is free.

This Sunday is also the closing of Athica's Free Press in Free Fall exhibit, be sure to witness this thought-provoking event before its too late. Visit the CVB's event calendar for a full list of the weekend's events. Enjoy your homecoming and GO DAWGS!