Athens This Weekend: July 26 - 28

July has been a fun-filled month in Athens, Georgia, and this weekend is no exception! With several events specifically intended for all ages, this may be the best time for a Georgia family weekend getaway to the Classic City.  

Athens Creative Theatre's summer camp participants have been hard at work preparing their production, Super Duck, which will premier at the historic Morton Theatre on Friday night! The action-packed show is based on the traditional ugly duckling story and incorporates unique super-powered twists that will keep the whole family entertained. Tickets are only $6 and can be purchased at Morton Theatre's box office until Friday at 6 p.m. and online here. This is your only chance to see the kids' young talent, and for just $6 per person, who could say no?

The Georgia Theatre's loaded schedule for the upcoming season is in full swing with two great shows scheduled for this weekend! On Friday night, Cosmic Charlie, a Grateful Dead-inspired band from Athens, Georgia that balances tradition and originality, will take you back to the 20th century and keep you dancing all night. Saturday's performer, Bobby Compton, is a rising star in the country music scene, and will mesmerize the audience with his heartfelt lyrics and catchy rhythms. Each show costs $10 and the doors open both nights at 8 p.m. There's a lot of fun to be had this weekend at the Georgia Theatre!

The search ends here for any family looking for a fun and active evening this weekend! In memory of Mr. Fred Birchmore, an Athens native who was an avid swimmer and member of the University of Georgia's gymnastics and boxing teams, Bishop Park is hosting a the Fred Birchmore Go & Glow Aquathlon this Saturday. The kids (ages 7-12) will kick off this event with a 200-yard swim and 2k run at 6 p.m. and will be followed by the adults' (ages 13+) 400-yard swim and 4k run. A lively celebration full of glow-in-the-dark items will wrap up this event. Registration is $30 for kids and $50 for adults, and proceeds will benefit the William B. Mulherin Foundation for Health and Wellness. Whether you want to participate or not, you and the family are invited to come watch the events and enjoy the party!

The weekly Athens Farmers Market at Bishop Park will include special guest Kevin West this Saturday! As usual, the Farmers Market runs from 8 a.m. - noon and features local food, crafts, and art. Avid Bookshop is bringing Kevin West to the market from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. in celebration of his new book, Saving the Season: A Cook's Guide to Home Canning, Pickling, and Preserving. Kevin will be leading a cooking demonstration and meeting attendees while he's there. Everyone is invited to check out and enjoy all that the Athens Farmers Market has to offer!

This is the last weekend to see the Ossabaw Island: Holy Ground Exhibition at the Lyndon House Arts Center! The exhibit has been open since May and features the art of The Ossabaw Artists Collective, a group of painters and photographers who have explored the State Heritage Preserve on Ossabaw Island, one of Georgia's largest barrier islands, twice a year since 2009. Format photography, digital photography, pinhole photography, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting as well as mixed media are featured in the exhibition. The Lyndon House Arts Center is open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and admission is free, so be sure to swing by and take a look before it's too late!

With so many great events to choose from, there's really no reason not to make the drive to the Classic City this Friday. Take a look at the event calendar for a complete listing of all there is to do this weekend!

Athens This Weekend: July 12 - 14

Having a blast in Athens, Georgia this weekend is easy, and hopefully all of the excitement will make you forget how quickly summer is passing! Dawg fans near, far, young, and old will not want to miss out on spending the day with UGA Football stars during the Countdown to Kickoff activities, performance-lovers will be thrilled to see the musical "Into the Woods," and adventure-seekers will love the Athens Dawg Derby Flyball Tournament and the Totally 80's Party with The Highballs! Grab the whole family and prepare your weekend getaway, because it's a great weekend to be in the Classic City! 

With less than 50 days until SEC Football season begins, UGA's Countdown to Kickoff weekend is upon us! The festivities begin on Friday morning at the Celebrity Dawg Classic, when attendees will be organized in groups of four and paired with a former or current UGA football player or a member of the coaching staff. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and golfing starts at 11 a.m. Golfers are invited to attend the awards reception, immediately following the tournament,  plus dinner, drinks and raffle prizes. Saturday is Kids Fan-Day, which is sure to get the whole family pumped up for UGA's upcoming season with opportunities to take pictures, get autographs, catch passes, run drills, and play games with some beloved former UGA football players now in the NFL, legends from the past, and the current UGA football team. This year, the guests of honor are members of UGA's 2002 football team. Don't be shocked if you see Hairy Dawg and a few other surprise guests there as well! Individual tickets are $25, and family packages are $75, including 4 tickets and a Countdown to Kickoff pennant for autographs. All proceeds benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and the Georgia Transplant Foundation.

Get in touch with your imagination this weekend at the Morton Theatre, where the Circle Ensemble Theatre will perform the musical "Into the Woods!" Based on James Lapine's book and featuring music and lyrics by composer Stephen Sondheim, this musical "wow-ed" Broadway 25 years ago and won numerous awards, including "Most Outstanding Musical." The Circle Ensemble Theatre is a captivating Athens professional theatre company offering their version of the show at 7:30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday nights plus a 2:00 p.m. Saturday matinee. Tickets are $15/$10 with a valid student ID and may be purchased via phone at 706-613-3771, online, or at the box office on weekdays 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3 p.m.-6 p.m. or during the hour before the show begins. 

The Melting Point has been keeping the music going this summer in Athens, and this weekend is no exception!  Rock out on Saturday night at the Totally 80's Party with The Highballs, which is exactly what it sounds like- a contagious, energetic 80's dance party! The Highballs are an Athens, GA-based dance band known to play the all of the best hits from the vibrant decade. Tickets are just $10 in advance/$13 at the door/$8 at the door with UGA student ID and can be purchased online! Feel free to arrive a couple of hours early for dinner and/or drinks to kick off your fun night ahead!

Dawgs of all ages will enjoy cheering on real dogs on Saturday and Sunday at Double Dog Dare's Athens Dawg Derby Flyball Tournament!  More than 230 canines will fill Ballroom 8 in the newly-renovated Classic Center to participate in relay races in teams of four on Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. During the races, each competitor must run the lane, jump the four hurdles, retrieve the pitched ball and return over the hurdles carrying the ball, and the first team to finish four dogs without error wins the heat. All classes of racing are offered, and entries are unlimited! The Flyball Tournament is unique, exciting entertainment for all and travels around the South, so you don't want to miss their Athens, Georgia stop!

With these choices and more, the family will have no problem staying entertained in Athens, Georgia this weekend! To plan a weekend getaway in the Classic City, check out the Convention and Visitors Bureau's website or call (706) 357-4430.

17th Annual AthFest: June 19 - 23

It's mid-June and guess what that means- time for AthFest!  The festival celebrating music, art, kids and film is gearing up to return to downtown Athens, Georgia for its 17th consecutive year!  This festival is perfect for the whole family with entertainment and fun for all ages.  AthFest earned a spot on Livability.com's Top 10 Summer Music Festivals and is truly an event unique to downtown Athens.  The excitement for June 19th-23rd is building every day!  

AthFest is partially comprised of free performances on outdoor stages followed by Club Crawl performances at Athens' favorite venues including the Georgia Theatre, The Melting Point, Little Kings Shuffle Club, 40 Watt Club, Green Room, The World Famous, New Earth Music Hall, Caledonia Lounge, Flicker Theatre & Bar, GO Bar, Max, Cine, and Farm 255!  The outdoor shows are open to the public, but you'll want to grab an AthFest wristband so you enter the venues for free (or, you may opt to pay a cover charge for most events).  The wristbands are a deal for just $20 and grant unlimited free access to the aforementioned participating venues!

AthFest.com has again put together Compilation CDs featuring artists that will perform at the festival this year!  One includes music from the free outdoor performers, and the Club Crawl mixtape features the bands playing at the indoor wristband events.  Give them a listen, there is a lot of great talent headed our way!

AthFest will offer a KidsFest on Saturday and Sunday (June 22nd & 23rd) on Washington Street between the Morton Theatre and the parking deck.  The KidsFest  tent will house activities such as a rock climbing wall, carnival games, Good Dirt activities (Sat. only), water fun, crafts, a drum circle, kid-friendly entertainers and more!  

The Artists Market is integral to the festival, and will showcase over 60 artists from all over the Southeast.  Types of art displayed include  jewelry, woodworking, furniture, photography, drawing, painting, fabric, sculpture, clothing, glass, ceramics, and printmaking.  The beautiful art will be for sale, but simply walking around to take it all in is certainly encouraged!

The FilmFest is yet another exciting component of AthFest.  This inspiring series of music documentary films and locally produced movies will be shown at Ciné throughout all four days of the festival.  Expect to see pieces of all types and genres, including animated films, short narratives, documentaries,  zombie apocalypses, underwater projects, and action thrillers.  The most anticipated segment of the FilmFest is Sprockets, a local music video competition returning for its 8th year.  If you're in town Thursday, June 20th, visit the Morton Theatre at 8 p.m. for the Audience Choice Award and Best Music Video Award announcements and screenings of the winning videos.  During AthFest, on June 22nd, the Sprockets Local Showcase will be shown at Ciné from 5 - 7 p.m.!  Admission is free with your AthFest wristband ($5 without).

LaughFest, the Official AthFest Comedy Showcase, will kick off the first night of the festival (June 19th) at the Georgia Theatre!  The show will feature comedian Brendon Walsch and Friends and costs $15 at the door ($10 in advance or $10 at the door with your AthFest wristband).  Doors open at 8 p.m. - come out for some laughs to start a great weekend!

In spirit of AthFest weekend, why not learn something interesting about Athens' music scene and the locations that have shaped it over the years?  The Athens Welcome Center is offering two awesome Athens Music History Tours!  Saturday's tour includes a 90-minute walking tour of downtown Athens, plus a 30-minute bus tour to the steeple, Nuci's Space, Murmur Trestle, and Weaver D's.  Sunday's tour consists of a 90-minute bus tour covering broader areas of Athens' music history, including step-off points.  The tours depart at 10:30 a.m. on their respective days and cost $15 a person.  While supplies last, participants will receive a free CD that features Athens bands playing the music of R.E.M. when you show your AthFest wristband!  There's limited space available, so make your reservation today via phone at 706-208-8687!

If you have a few hours to spare during AthFest weekend, please consider signing up to volunteer!  It is a very rewarding experience, and the AthFest team is still in need of more participants.  Together, we can make this year's festival be the best yet!  Click here to sign up.  Also, be sure to download the iPhone/Android ATHFEST APP from the App Store!  It contains complete lineup and activity details for the entire festival, and you can keep it all in your pocket! A map of the AthFest can be found here.  We hope you're looking forward all of these great events as much as we are!

Screenshot from the AthFest app, available in the App Store

Athens This Weekend: June 7 - 9

Another summer weekend is here, and that means Athens, Georgia has lots going on!  Among the numerous events, the Classic City is proud to have an exceptional abundance of musical talent and fun for the family this weekend!  Opportunities to see live performances downtown, participate in a cultural festival, cook your family's secret chili recipe at Terrapin, and enjoy Athens' beautiful nature make for an awesome weekend for everyone!

The Georgia Theatre is always a favorite Athens spot, especially during the warm summer months with its rooftop bar and food from the Branded Butcher. This Friday, however, is an especially exciting night at the venue, because Taj Mahal is performing!  Taj began playing blues music forty years ago and earned his title as an influential figure in late 20th century blues and roots music.  He has since been traveling the globe and expanding his style.  Tickets are $30 and may be purchased online or at the venue.  Taj Mahal's show at the Georgia Theatre will be a blast with his talent and sounds from all over the world!

Terrapin Brewery, another frequently visited Athens attraction, is having a special weekend as well!  In addition to their weekly Wednesday through Saturday brewery tours, this Saturday has been declared the 1st Annual IHNA Chili Cook-Off & Family Cookout! Bring the whole family for two of the most fun hours possible this weekend! From 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., hot dogs, hamburgers, side items, vegetarian options, and all of the chili made by the participating competitors will be served to guests ($7 per person or $20 per family). Live outdoor music by The Last Tycoon and a moon bounce will also be present on Terrapin's expansive grass. The proceeds will benefit Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens (IHNA), which is a non-profit organization that works with a network of local congregations to provide emergency shelter and vital services for homeless families with children in Athens and Northeast Georgia.  Bring the whole family to this event that will hopefully continue for many years to come!

It's that time of year again to celebrate the traditional center of black culture and commerce in Athens, Georgia: the Morton Theatre!  This weekend will be Hot Corner Celebration & Soul Food Festival's 13th year of soulful celebration.  The event begins on Friday night with a Gospel Praise Party in the Morton Theatre lasting from 6 - 10 p.m., and the festivities continue all day on Saturday (noon - 10 p.m.) on Washington Street in downtown Athens.  Live performances, showcases, games, speakers, a raffle drawing, and more will keep all in attendance entertained.  People of all ages will enjoy celebrating culture and diversity in the Classic City this weekend!

Head to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia on Saturday morning from 9 - 11 a.m. for the Family Hiking Club! Sign the family up to explore the beautiful gardens and trails for a relaxing and educational Saturday morning. Along the way the guests will play fun environmental and sensory games as they discover interesting facts about plants.  Pre-registration is required, so call to book spots the whole family for $15 or individuals for $5 each.   Kids under age 3 are free.  Wear comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, and get ready to explore!

University of Georgia College of Education professor Melisa Cahnmann-Taylor is hosting Seat in the Shade: Summer Poetry Reading Series- a week of poetry reading and discussion of the poetic craft during the days of June 6-13. The reading this weekend by Stephen Corey, Jenny Gropp Hess, The GA Review Team will occur on Friday night at The Globe at 7:00 p.m.! This is the celebration's second year running, and all performances are free of charge, so check it out!

Yet another musical icon is coming to the Classic City this weekend!  On Sunday night, Jake Shimabukuro: World Class Ukulele Master will blow guests away at The Melting Point with his flawless, passionate style.   Start your week on an inspired note with Shimabukuro's globally-practiced style! Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8.  Get your ticket ($25 in advance) while they last!

Lastly, don't forget that Athfest is coming up quickly on June 19-23!  For hotel packages and a complete compilation of Athens events, visit our website's event calendar.  Now gather the family to get out and enjoy these great local events!

Athens This Weekend: February 1 - 3

What a wonderful weekend to be in Athens, Georgia! From grand re-opening celebrations to Athens' annual Wine Weekend festivities, there's no better place to be this weekend than the famous Classic City! 

Pints and Paints Grand Opening Celebration 

We love a good party, and this is one you don't want to miss! Pints and Paints is celebrating its two-year anniversary and newly expanded location on Friday, February 1. With that said, it's time to grab all of your closest friends and prepare to enjoy live jazz music along with delicious appetizers and drinks. The celebration begins at 6:30 p.m., and admission is free! 

 Athens Wine Weekend

Athens Wine Weekend is finally upon us, and tickets for the Grand Tasting and Sunday Brunch are still available. Featuring hundreds of wines from around the world and a feast of breads, sweets and meats, these exciting festivities make for an extraordinary weekend to remember. Two of the events have already sold out, so be sure to purchase your tickets for the remaining Saturday and Sunday events in advance! 

Country Music Revue  

"I Love Rock n' Roll" is a song of the past as country music hits the Classic City scene. Savannah River Production kicks off its 2013 season at Morton Theatre with I Love Country: A Music Revue. This entertaining show features actors and actresses performing country classics from the Oakridge Boys, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and more. Sit back and enjoy the show on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. or Sunday at 3 p.m. 

More events...

Terrapin Brewery Tours - every Wed. - Sat., 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Friends First Friday, Fri. 9 - 10:30 a.m. 

Harriet Tubman Play, Fri. 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.

UGA Gym Dogs vs. Alabama, Sat. 2 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! 

Athens This Weekend: October 5-7

When the Bulldogs are away (in Columbia, SC this weekend!), Athenians will play! This weekend is jam-packed with Family, Art and Music events. Some say October is the best month of the year and with all the great festivals and celebrations in Athens this weekend, it's certainly climbing the ranks! Don't miss The DiXie Film Festival, North Georgia Folk Festival, Terrapin's Hop Harvest Festival, the Pulaski Street Art Crawl and the other events this weekend in Athens, GA! You're going to have a great time!

1. DiXiE Film Festival

Beginning Friday at 7 p.m., the DiXiE Film Festival is taking over the Morton Theatre! The 9th Annual Festival will be showcasing film makers from all over the world, with a special emphasis on the work shot south of the Mason-Dixon. The competition includes animation, comedy, coumentary, features and shorts. Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Peach Fuzz Award (Police related film), Best Comedy, Best Animation, Best Documentary, Best Foreign, Best Screenplay, and the Mason-Dixon Award (Georgia Filmmaker) will reward the excellent films of the weekend! An all-access festival pass is $35. Tickets available at the door or by visiting www.dixiefilmfest.com.

2. Terrapin Brewery's Hop Harvest Festival

Celebrate the Harvest Season at Terrapin Brewery on Saturday from 4:30-8:30! The Hop Harvest Festival features 16 different casks of hops! Vouchers for glasses are available at the Terrapin Gift Shop on Newton Bridge Road. Once the glasses are gone, that's all for the night! Enjoy a night of great beer, local food and great music! 

3. North Georgia Folk Festival

It will be a day of music and activities at Saturday's 28th annual Folk Festival in Sandy Creek Park! Taste great food from Harry’s Pig Shop, Juan’s Empanadas, Jittery Joe’s Coffee, Farm 255, Sweets 4 U while watching chair making, cider making, folk painting, white oak baskets, corn shuck dolls, spinning, jewelry making and more beginning at 11 a.m. The Kid's Fest will feature arts and crafts facilitated by Lyndon House Arts Center staff and animals facilitated by staff from the Sandy Creek Nature Center. Admission is $12 for adults, $7 for students and free for children 12 and under. The music continues until 9 p.m., so expect a day full of fun for all!

4. Pulaski Street Art Crawl

The Pulaski Street Art Crawl is designed to celebrate the rich artistic tradition concentrated on one of Athens' most famous streets. The Crawl begins Saturday at 5 p.m. at Pints and Paints, located in the historic Leathers Building. Heading south, enjoy art, live music, food and drinks from local businesses along Pulaski and cross streets! The Crawl ends at ArTini's Art Lounge with a Georgia Sculptors’ Society’s Exhibition juried by Todd Rivers of the Georgia Art Museum. Look for the Black & White Balloons! 

5. Athens to Atlanta Road Skate

For 31 years, Athenians and visitors have taken the trek to Atlanta, by skating! The Athens-to-Atlanta Road Skate is world's longest running point-to-point inline skating event! At 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 7th, experienced skaters will depart from the Classic Center, winding through city and country to Atlanta! You can choose between 38, 52, or 87-mile distance and skate on four or five wheels, with bus service to the finish in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward Park. 

6. Athens Heritage Walks: Historic Boulevard District

The Athens Clarke Heritage Foundation continues their series of heritage walks featuring two areas this weekend. On Saturday, explore Athens' first "streetcar suburb" in the Boulevard District. On Sunday, head back to school to learn about UGA's South Campus! Expect the tours to last about two hours. Come learn about Athens rich history and architectural tradition!

7. Athens Corn Maze

The five-acre Athens Corn Maze is open for visitors Thursday-Sunday through November 3rd! Enjoy the farm animals, pony rides, the Hey Hey Heyride, a corn box (think sand box without the mess!) and of course, the maze! Admission is $10 per person. Don't miss this Fall Family event!

8. Zombie Farms Halloween Trail

Athens' newest Halloween attraction is the perfect alternative to a haunted house! Take the fear outside, to a farm plagued by zombies and other spooky nighttime oddities. This Friday and Saturday, come dressed as a zombie for discounted admission to the trail, located on Lexington Road. The farm opens from 7 p.m.-midnight every Friday and Saturday in October! 

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!

Athens This Weekend: September 7-9

As the Bulldogs head to Missouri for their first game in SEC play, things are getting really exciting in Athens, GA!! There won't be any big crowds and football traffic this weekend, so make sure you get out and explore the Classic City! There are tons of great art events taking place, including the Athens Aerial Arts Weekend, Family Day at the Georgia Museum of Art and the final weekend of ATHICA Emerges V: The Synthetic Mind.

             1. Athens Aerial Arts Weekend

 

Athens has incredibly advanced programs involving aerial arts like Leap Flying Trapeze, Canopy Studio AerialDance, and Athens Vertical Pole Dance Academy. We’re so fortunate to have such great attractions enriching our arts scene and now, they’re turning to you! This weekend, you have the chance to test your ability on the trapeze and much more! The workshops and classes this weekend are designed specifically for beginners, so there’s no reason to stay on the ground! Events begin Friday evening and continue through Saturday afternoon. Sign up for a weekend in the air!

2. ATHICA Emerges V: The Synthetic Mind

The Athens Institute for Contemporary Art will be exhibiting ATHICA Emerges V: The Synthetic Mind for the last time on Sunday. The collection opened earlier this summer to high acclaim and praise for nine artists participating and their works, which synthesize perception and awareness from a variety of approaches. On Saturday and the final day Sunday, they’ll be open from 1-6 p.m. Admission is free!
 

3. Family Day at Georgia Museum of Art

 In addition to Athens’ residents, students and visitors, the Georgia Museum of Art works diligently to support children’s creativity. They host so many great events for kids and this Saturday will be another to add to the list!! Inspired by the work of renowned artist Chakaia Booker, whose work is currently on display at GMOA, kids will be creating sculptures out of recycled materials. It's the perfect example of turning trash into treasure! The activities start at 10 a.m. but make sure you see all the other exhibits in the museum, too!

Other events in Athens, GA: 

• "The Board Room" Skateboard Auction @ The Gallery at Hotel Indigo, Sunday 4 p.m. 
• Ready, Set, Vote! Film Screening: "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" @ the Special Collections Library 
• Murder at the Howard Johnson's Play @ the Morton Theatre
• Classic City Roller Girls vs. Charlotte @ Athens Arena
• UGA Heroes Bulldog Brawl @ Georgia Theatre

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!

Special Memorial Day Events in Athens GA

Memorial Day is a time to spend with friends and family, enjoying the summer weather and each others' company, as well as a chance to commemorate and honor our nation's veterans for their service to our country. Here are some special holiday weekend events going on in Athens, GA this weekend to help you and yours celebrate and enjoy the Memorial Day holiday!

1. Classic City Band at the Morton Theatre

Kick the Memorial Day holiday off with a concert at the Morton Theatre by the Classic City Band honoring all veterans. The Athens' Classic City Band is the oldest functioning community band in Georgia, and is comprised of musicians of all ages. Come out to hear this traditional American Concert Band as they honor the men and women who have served our country. The concert will be held from 4-5 p.m. on Sunday, May 27, and the cost is free. 

2. Memorial Day in Memorial Park

Bring the family and head out to Memorial Park and the Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail to celebrate Memorial Day and the official start to the summer season!  From noon to 3 p.m., attendees can enjoy music, children's activities and games, and more. Admission is free, and concessions will be available for purchase. From 1-5:30 p.m., the Memorial Park pool will be open. Admission to the pool is $1 a person, so bring the kids over to swim and cool-off after enjoying the festivities in the park!

3. Memorial Day at Sweet Peppers

All day long, on Monday, May 28, all firemen, policemen, emergency responders, armed forces, and veterans dressed in uniform will receive a free salad, sandwich, wrap, panini, or potato from Sweet Peppers Deli on West Broad Street. Come out to enjoy lunch or dinner, and help say "thank you" to all those who selflessly serve our country!

4. Memorial Day Pop-In Playtime

Pump It Up! of Athens is hosting a special Memorial Day Pop-In playtime not regularly offered, on Monday, May 28 from 3:30-5 p.m. Bring the kids to enjoy an hour and a half of bouncing, sliding, climbing, and jumping! Admission is $6 per child, and all ages 11 and under are welcome.

For more information and other exciting event listings, be sure to check out our Visit Athens, GA calendar of events. Happy Memorial Day everyone!

To stay in the know about what's coming up in Athens, join our mailing list!

A Weekend of Holiday Cheer! Dec. 9 - 11 Athens Special Events

If you are like me, you have been looking forward to the holiday season all year. Something about the crispness of the cool air as winter approaches and the unpacking of warm winter clothes immediately brings to mind the images of twinkling holiday lights, the steam curling up from a mug filled with hot cocoa, family sitting around the dinner table staggering under the weight of a holiday feast, fireplaces, familiar holiday tunes, and lots and lots of gift-giving. There is also the fact that with the holiday season comes a variety of exciting holiday events, such as concerts, plays, parades, family activities, and much more!

Luckily for us, Athens GA is no exception, and as we get closer to the end of the year, there are plenty of events and things to do to help get us even more in the holiday spirit. If that is something you are interested in, I would advise you to mark off the weekend of Dec. 9 - 11 in your calendar because that weekend will be completely full of great holiday activities perfect for you and your family and friends!

1. Head over to Clarke Central High School on Friday, Dec. 9 for the 4th annual Not So Silent Night, where you can participate in a silent auction of items from some of Athens' finest establishments. There will be great food provided as well as lively music from Panablaze, Atlanta's renowned steel drum band. Enjoy this night of unique holiday shopping, food, and music, and support award-winning journalism staff of The Odyssey Newsmagazine and the Illiad Literary Journal. Admission is $20 and the event lasts from 7 - 9 p.m.

2. Friday is also the opening night for Overnight Christmas at the historic Morton Theatre. Cornerstone Productions proudly presents this unforgettable musical journey, where Frank Green, the main character, travels the world on the last delivery run before Christmas. This grand musical will fill your evening with delight, Broadway-style production numbers, and fun for the whole family. Overnight Christmas will show at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission can be purchased in advance for $10 for adults and $8 for students, seniors, and children 10 and under. Tickets purchased at the door are $15/$12.

3. On Saturday, Dec. 10, stop by the Sandy Creek Nature Center for Breakfast with Santa. Bring your children and chat with Jolly Old St. Nick himself! There will be crafts and activities for your family to enjoy. The breakfast runs from 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. and admission is $5 for Athens Clarke County residents and $7 for non-residents.

4. Make sure you have reserved a spot for the 4th annual Holiday Spirits Museum Mile Tour held on Saturday night. This festive tour will provide you a chance to step back intohistory and experience antebellum Athens as you experience theatrical vignettes in four house museums that show you holiday traditions back in the day. Seasonal refreshments and period music will also be provided, completing your experience of historical fun. 2-hour tours will depart at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m. Admission is $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. There are a limited number of seats, so get your tickets today!

5. Those lucky enough to have scored a ticket to the Athens Symphony Community Christmas Concerts on Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. will enjoy a wonderful night of holiday music. Held at the Classic Center, the concert will feature many well-known Christmas pieces, such as Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, Carol of the Bells, and The Christmas Song.

6. Bring your children with you to the 3rd Annual Holiday Tea, held at the historic Harris Room on Sunday, Dec. 11. Enjoy time spent and pictures taken with Santa, and eat your fill of of sweets, sandwiches, gourmet cookies, and hot chocolate. The event will begin at 3:00 p.m. Admission is $15 for children and $20 for adults and helps support the programs of the Athens Community Council on Aging.

7. When you have a free moment on Sunday, make sure to drop by the Athens Artist Market First Annual Holiday Showcase. Over 40 local artists will be selling their work at the Athens Art Gallery at Hotel Indigo, allowing you to choose from a variety of quality selections of jewelry, pottery, home decor, skin products, mixed media, and more! Support local while getting a few things crossed off your gift shopping list. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Just thinking about all these holiday events makes me excited to spend my holidays in Athens, GA. What will you be doing the weekend of Dec. 9 - 11?

For other great holiday activities and events, check out www.VisitAthensGa.com/holiday.

- Debbie

Going the Distance - Athens, GA This Weekend: Oct. 21-23 Events and Things to Do

Have the rain and chill earlier this week been getting you down? Don't worry, the weekend is nearly here! And there are some really exciting events planned that will bring guaranteed fun to your day no matter what the weather may bring!

1. From Friday through Sunday, the Canopy Studio Company will be presenting their Fall Aerial Show "What Flies Beneath". This family-friendly show will feature zip lines, bungees, flying cubes, circus poles, straps, tight-wire, Spanish web, and more! The show will be at Canopy Studio at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Matinees will be 4 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are available online or thirty minutes prior to showtime. Watch the preview video here to get a little sneak peek of what you can expect!

2. Are you a fan of jazz or bluegrass? Then make sure to go see the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and the Del McCoury Band perform at the Hodgson Concert Hall at the University of Georgia Performing Arts Center this Saturday at 8 p.m.! These two legendary bands have between them such achievements as performing for royalty all around the world as well as winning a Grammy for Best Bluegrass album. Get your tickets today, and look forward to a night of authentic and uniquely American music; this will definitely be an unforgettable experience!

3. Calling all runners -- have you registered to participate in the 2nd Annual AthFest Half Marathon yet? Make sure to sign up because this run benefits AthFest, a non-profit organization in Athens, Ga., that supports arts and music education. While you run for this great cause on Sunday morning at 7 a.m., you can enjoy the beautiful scenery Athens has to offer; the run goes through several historic areas, by Sanford Stadium, and along the Oconee River Greenway. Also, don't miss out on the Health and Fitness Expo which will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Holiday Inn Express. You can register at the Expo on Saturday. Participants will receive a t-shirt and those who pick up their packet early gain access to some neat giveaways and sales.

If none of those fit in your schedule or will bring you out of your gloomy weather funk, take a look at the following events.

• Bring your family out on Friday night for Family Campfire and Storytelling at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. The event runs from 6-8 p.m. and is limited to 40 participants, so register now! You will learn to build a fire, hear fun tales, and, best of all, enjoy that lovely treat known to all as S'mores!
• If you enjoy the art of dance, don't miss out on DanceAthens 2011's 11th Annual Dance Concert on Saturday. Many regional dance companies will come together for a night celebrating dance in Athens. It will take place at the Morton Theatre at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Purchase your tickets soon!
• Check out the beauty of the North Oconee River during this Sunday's Athens Heritage Walk. However, you won't just be walking on this tour -- a portion of the tour takes place on a canoe! The tour will begin at 1 p.m.; get your tickets quickly before the tour hits its capacity (only 14 people!).

Any of these events will be a good start to a great weekend. Here's hoping for fair weather, so you can enjoy a variety of events, whether they be indoors or outdoors!

- Debbie