Cinco de Mayo in Athens

Happy May, everyone!  As school is winding down and summer is nearing, Cinco De Mayo is the perfect opportunity to celebrate in Athens.  From entertainment, to authentic Mexican dishes, to festivals, there's no need to head any farther south for this holiday.

Start your morning with some local flare at Heirloom Cafe and Fresh Market's Spring Artists Market!  Rescheduled from April 28th, the market runs from 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM and will feature the wonderful work of local artisans in forms such as jewelry, photography, and pottery.

The May Day Music Festival, hosted by UGA's own Music Business Program students, will begin at 1:00 PM at The Melting Point at Foundry Park Inn & Spa.  There will be eighteen performing acts between The Melting Point's two stages.  With flavors of Rock, Electronica, Folk, Funk, Jazz, and Indie, this is truly a music festival with something for everyone!  
Doors at 12:30 PM.  Tickets are $5.00.

The Athens Rights Humans Festival will continue to celebrate politics and culture on Cinco de Mayo.  This will be the second and final day of free, family-friendly activities such as street theater performances, music, and oratories- all amidst beautiful downtown Athens.  Update:  the festival was a rainout on Saturday; check the Facebook page for Sunday plans.

If you're craving some nighttime comedy, Sean Patton will be the evening entertainer at The World Famous on North Hull Street at 8:00 PM.  Sean, a previous guest on "Conan" and "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," performing within The World Famous' intimate setting are sure to make for a fun night.  Tickets are $8.00 in advance and $10.00 at the door.

And, of course, no Cinco de Mayo is complete without some queso and margaritas.  This year, my favorite Mexican spot is a little-known restaurant on North Chase Street named Tlaloc El Mexicano.  Since discovering Tlaloc last month, I have hardly been able to forget their delicious (and cheap!) fish tacos and fajitas.  Tlaloc is from Teotihuacan, a city in the heart of Mexico, and their authentic menu is sure to satisfy.  What is your favorite spot to eat Mexican in Athens?

For more Cinco de Mayo ideas, be sure to visit our event calendar!

¡Esperamos que tenga un día bueno!

Athens This Weekend: May 3 - 5

Another weekend is upon us, and boy is this one packed with exciting events! Whether you're watching professional golf at the Stadion Classic, browsing through one-of-a-kind crafts at the Indie South Fair or mingling at the annual Human Rights Festival, we're confident you'll have a great weekend in Athens, Georgia!

Stadion Classic at UGA

The Masters may be over, but luckily pro golf and the Stadion Classic at UGA have arrived in Athens. This exciting golf tournament  is the only PGA TOUR sanctioned event that is owned and operated by an institution of higher education, the University of Georgia. The tournament continues through Sunday, May 5, and admission is $25, which includes a weekly ground pass. 

Indie South Fair

Twice a year, the Indie South Fair provides an opportunity for local artists to directly connect to the Athens community. Featuring a unique marketplace of crafts, instructional workshops, musical performances and local food carts, there's something for everyone at the Indie South Fair! The Fair will be held on Saturday, May 4 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Annual Human Rights Festival

The Annual Athens Human Rights Festival is a springtime political and cultural tradition in Athens. The Festival features a dynamic, educational and family-friendly weekend of oratory, music, children's activities and street performances in an outdoor setting. The Festival will be held Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5. Be sure to visit the CVB website for more details!

More events...

• Yuengling 19th Hole Music Series, at The Melting Point,
  Thurs. through Sat., times vary
• Athens Symphony Pops Concert, Classic Center Grand Hall,
  Fri. and Sat. 8 p.m.
• UGA Softball vs. LSU, UGA Women's Sports Complex, Milledge  Ave,
  Fri. 6 p.m., Sat. 1 p.m., Sun. 3 p.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.