Athens This Weekend: May 25-27

The weekend is almost here, and there are plenty of events in Athens GA to get out and enjoy! Grab some friends for a Friday night concert, then spend Saturday and Sunday out with the family. Be sure to check out these events to help plan your weekend!

1. Patterson Hood & The Downtown Rumblers

Head out to the Melting Point in Athens to see local artist Patterson Hood and his band the Downtown Rumblers perform Friday night. Come hungry and enjoy a fabulous dinner, as well as a fully stocked bar! Doors open at 6, with music beginning at 8:15 p.m. by the MOTHS. Patterson Hood goes on at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 if bought in advance, or $18 if purchased at the door. Ages 18 and older admitted only. 

2. Athens Farmers Market

Bishop Park hosts the Athens Farmers Market every Saturday morning on the basketball courts, beginning at 8 a.m. and lasting until noon. This non-profit organization features food by local farmers, work by local artists, and music by local musicians. Bring the family out to experience this unique Athens tradition, and come early for the best selection!

3. A Divine Light: Northern Renaissance Art

Spend a weekend afternoon at the Georgia Museum of Art viewing "A Divine Light: Northern Renaissance Paintings from the Bob Jones University Museum and Gallery". This exhibit features 28 paintings, all designed to allow the viewer an intimate experience with the devotional art that defines the Renaissance period of the 15th and 16th centuries. The museum is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and on Sundays from 1-5 p.m. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $3. GMOA is also offering free tours of this exhibition for church groups and others. Call  706-542-4662 to schedule one today!

These are only a few of the many events happening this weekend in Athens, GA. To look for more exciting activities and events, be sure to check out our Visit Athens, GA calendar of events!

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What summer plans does your family have in store?

Athens This Weekend: March 9-11 2012

After a long week, the weekend is finally here! It's time to get out of the house and enjoy a fun-filled weekend with family and friends in the beautiful Classic City. Athens, GA has something to offer to everyone. With anticipated concerts, exciting sports events, and activities for the whole family, we know that your weekend in Athens, GA will be nothing short of amazing. Here are a few ideas that will hopefully spark your interest!

1. Wet Willie CD Release:

Foundry Entertainment & Music Matters Entertainment present Wet Willie CD Release for "Miles of Smiles," the first live Wet Willie album since "Left Coast Live." Wet Willie, after The Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd, was the hardest-rocking of the Southern bands to come to national attention in the '70s. This concert is one you won't want to miss! Their new music is definitely a crowd pleaser. All tables and seating at The Melting Point are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The show will be Friday at 8:00 at the Melting Point. Tickets are $15 in advance, and $17 at the door. Come out for a night of rock and roll and fun!

2. Exotic Birds and Reptiles on Planet Earth- A Family Festival

Bring the family out for an exciting day learning about rare and special creatures! Roy Hodge from Exotic Paradise will educate and entertain family members with his menagerie of exotic forest animals. Discover amazing facts and adaptations as well as conservation concerns of cockatoos, exotic parrots, spectacled owls, monitor lizards, anacondas, boa constrictors and more! Following his presentation, you and the family can participate in hands-on activities and crafts to learn more about forest of our planet. This Family Festival will be fun for the entire family! It will take place this Saturday from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Tickets are only $5 for an individual, and $20 for a family. Children under 2 years of age are free! 

3. Gym Dogs vs NC State

Join the legendary ten-time National Champion Gym Dogs in Stegeman Coliseum for high-energy athletics and first-rate showmanship as they take on NC State. The Georgia gymnastics team enters the month of March and the final week of the regular season ranked No. 5 in the GymInfo Top 25. Experience the high energy and exciting crowd of a Gym Dog meet while cheering on the Dogs at the home finale.  

These are just a few of the exciting events taking place in Athens,GA. Here are a few more ideas that you can mark in your calendar:

• Saturday: March for Meals 5K at Athens Community Council on Aging. The ACCA in conjunction with Meals on Wheels Association of America will celebrate March for Meals with a 5K fundraiser. The 5K is organized by Classic City Races and will be the kick off to the afternoon of Railroad Days. All proceeds of the March for Meals 5K will benefit the local Meals on Wheels program. You can pre-register for this event for only $20, and register the day of the event for $25. 
• Saturday: Railroad Days  at  Athens Community Council on Aging.  This  family-oriented event is a nod to its history as the former Southern Railways passenger station. This year, Railroad Days is expanding to celebrate other modes of transportation. There will be a model train display by the Athens Bend Track as well as a fire truck, police car, antique car show, VW club cars, and some other fun modes of transportation. There will also be bar-b-que, inflatables, tractor rides, and other fun activities for children of all ages. Bring out the family for an exciting, fun-filled day! This event will be this Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, or $20 for a family of 5.
  
• Saturday: Open House at the Log House at Sandy Creek Nature Center and ENSAT Center.   Explore the past as you visit our circa 1810 Log House. Warm up by a fire and enjoy activities from long ago. Come for a few minutes or stay for a couple of hours. This will take place Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., and there will be no admission charge. This event is perfect for the entire family!

These are just a few of the many exciting events happening in Athens,GA. Hopefully you've read something that you are looking forward to! Be sure to check out our Visit Athens, GA calendar for a full list of even more events and activities! 

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

What are your exciting weekend plans in Athens,GA?

Athens This Weekend: February 10-12

It's finally the weekend! After a long week, I know I am ready for an exciting and eventful weekend, and I'm sure you are too! Luckily, there are so many exciting events taking place this weekend in Athens,GA. Get your planners ready, because the Classic City will guarantee you a great time!

1. Original Tribute to the Blues Brothers 

The Classic Center Theatre presents the legendary Original Tribute to the Blues Brothers! Jake and Elwood Blues will be accompanied by the sassy Bluettes to perform all of your favorite songs including, "Everybody," "Shake Ya Tail Feather," "Sweet Home Chicago," "Think," "Respect," "Gimme Some Loving," along with so many more. So don the sunglasses, dig out your best pork pie hat, and buff up those dancing shows for a night of the best music, moves, and comedy! The show will be Friday, February 10, at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now, and prices range from $9-$65.

2. Athens Kids Expo

Athens Kids Expo is a fundraising event benefiting the Wee Read Program of United Way of Northeast Georgia. This event is perfect for a family-fun day! Your children will be beyond excited when they hear what this event has to offer. The Athens Kids Expo will feature fabulous entertainment, face painting, bounce houses, balloon artists, a petting zoo, and more! There will be products and services for the entire family including educational products, toys and hobbies, health care services and products, cosmetics, jewelry, apparel, music and entertainment, arts and crafts, safety products and services, schools and daycare services, summer camps, and much more. Whew! This exciting event will be taking place Saturday, February 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. So bring out the entire family and enjoy a fun-filled day! 

3.UGA Women's Softball Red & Black Showcase

The University of Georgia's Softball Team will open its 2012 season by hosting the Fifth-Annual Red & Black Showcase this weekend at Jack Turner Stadium! The first game will be against Army on Friday, February 10, at 7:00 p.m. You can enjoy additional games throughout the weekend as well vs. Utah State, St. John's, Campbell, and North Carolina State. So come out and support Georgia Softball for another exciting season! 

Additional Events taking place in Athens,GA:

• Bring the family out to the "Owl Prowl" Friday, February 10 from 6:30-8:00 a.m., for an evening hike. You will search for the owl that inhabit the woods of Athens, GA, while learning about these fascinating feathered nocturnal animals. This event will take place at the Sandy Creek Nature Center.
• Grains of Sand will be performing at The Melting Point Friday, February 10, at 8:00 p.m. This band's desire is to keep the great music of the 60's and 70's around for everyone to enjoy-the young and old! Tickets are $10 in advance and will be $12 the day of the show. You can also reserve seating on the mezzanine level on a first-come first-serve basis. There will be tables of two available for $30 and tables of four available for $60. Come out and enjoy a night of fun, great music, and dancing! 
• Let the King romance you on Saturday, February 11, at 7:00 p.m. Buffalo's Southwest Cafe in Athens, GA,  will be featuring the Elvis-Burning Love Valentine's Show. Enjoy a romantic evening with delicious food from their full menu.
• The Senior Adults Sweetheart Prom will be Sunday, February 12, at 4:00 p.m. This romantic event will be held at Lay Park. Come and enjoy an evening of dancing, listening to soft music, socializing and light refreshments.This is guaranteed to be a good time!
These were just a few of the many exciting events happening in Athens,GA. Hopefully you've read something that will be of interest to you! Be sure to check out our Visit Athens, GA calendar for a full list of even more events and activities! 

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

What are you looking forward to doing this weekend in Athens,GA?

Valentine's Ideas: The B-52's Concert!

If you can't make it to Athens, GA on February 14th, why not come and celebrate Valentine's Day with your loved one earlier?

The B-52's are performing  live at The Classic Center on Thursday, February 9th! This would be the perfect "early" Valentine's Day idea, that you and your sweetheart are guaranteed to enjoy. The B-52's originated in Athens,GA and are excited to bring their cosmic dance party back to the town where it all began. This exciting and fun event will keep smiling and light on your feet all night! The show begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets range from $38.50 - $58.50.

To complete your special night in Athens, check out the Valentine's Day dinner specials, as well as the romantic hotel packages here.