Athens This Weekend: November 22 - 24

The forecast is in and it's looking like we're all due for a classic Athens weekend! With the final home UGA football game and a lineup of live music that will keep you dancing all weekend long, what more could you ask for? 

If you're aching for the days of Journey and Michael Jackson, this is the event for you. Totally '80s live with The Highballs is coming back to the Melting Point for a show that will transport you back to the days of permed hair, neon spandex, and music that made you think you could moon walk. It's definitely something you're not going to want to miss, so check them out this Friday night at 9 p.m. Doors open at 6 for dinner and drinks. Tickets are $10 in advance and $13 the day of the show.

It's time to say goodbye... to UGA football for the 2013 season and to longtime quarterback Aaron Murray. Come on out to Sanford Stadium this Saturday to watch the Dawgs take on SEC rival Kentucky, to celebrate all the good times this year, and to thank Aaron for his hard work during his tenure at UGA. As if you needed any more incentive, it's finally going to be a home night game (7 p.m. to be exact)! Don't miss your chance to say goodbye, until next year that is! 

No perfect Athens weekend would be complete without live music at the Georgia Theatre. This Saturday, the Cosmic Charlies are taking the stage for an unforgettable night. Dark Side of the Dead is an inventive performance of the entire Pink Floyd classic, Dark Side of the Moon album, with an infusion of Grateful Dead, complete with backup singers and saxophones. Doors open at 10 p.m. and the show begins after the game. Grab your tickets now!

With ONE more football game left to take place between our beloved hedges this year, you need to be making your plans now to make this Saturday in Athens your best one yet! For all things UGA football related, including tips on where to stay, park, and eat, check out visitathensga.com/football. And don't forget to look at the calendar if you want to see all the other fun things going on this weekend in Athens, Georgia.

Have a great, safe weekend! And GO DAWGS!

Athens This Weekend: November 8 - 10

If you've been missing the Classic City, this weekend is the one to remedy that. Come experience a weekend with all the Athens essentials: culture, live music, and of course, UGA Football. Homecoming weekend, even! No matter what you're looking for, there are enough fun things going on this weekend in Athens, Georgia, to satisfy the whole family. 

The Spotlight on the Arts Festival is officially underway, and that means that there are an abundance events. This Friday night at 8 p.m., head on over to the University of Georgia Fine Arts Theatre to watch your favorite Jane Austen novel come to life in George Contini's take of Pride and Prejudice. Bring your special someone and share a night celebrating the 200th anniversary of the classic love story. This is a ticketed event. For a complete list of events and more information, click here.

It's homecoming weekend in Athens, Georgia! After a nail-biting win against the University of Florida last weekend, our Dawgs are back at home to take on the Appalachian State Mountaineers. Kick off the weekend on Friday night at 6 p.m. with the homecoming parade in downtown Athens. Then wake up early for a morning of tailgating in the Classic City before the 12:30 kickoff. There's only a few more home games for the 2013 season, so make sure you soak them all up before we say goodbye to UGA football for another year. For more information on this game, click here.  

No perfect Athens weekend is complete without some live music at the Georgia Theatre. After the game on Saturday, come celebrate the win with a night of rowdy fun. 106.1 WNGC welcomes the Randy Rogers Band to the legendary Athens venue, along with Wade Bowen and Bobby Compton with a full night of music. Doors open at 8 p.m., Compton at 9 p.m., Bowen at 9:45 p.m., and Randy Rogers takes the stage 11:05 p.m. More information on the show can be found here. 

There are only two more home UGA football games left for the 2013 season. Before we say goodbye to football Saturdays in Athens for the year, make sure you don't miss out on any match up between the hedges. For all things UGA football related, including where to stay, eat, and park, check out visitathensga.com/football. 

These aren't the only events going on this weekend in the Classic City. For a complete list of everything going on around town, browse through the calender and you'll be sure to not miss out on anything. Have a great, safe weekend and GO DAWGS!

Spotlight on the Arts at UGA, Nov. 7-15

It's time to celebrate the arts! Starting next week, the UGA Arts Council will host a special event at the University of Georgia. The 2013 Spotlight on the Arts Festival is bringing over 50 events to the Athens area from November 7 - 15. Each day of the nine-day festival will feature a wide selection of performances, exhibitions, literary events, films, discussions on the arts and so much more! Events will be going on continuously throughout the festival, and with so many different arts on display there is sure to be something to suit every taste! Check out the festival schedule for a complete list of events, times, and additional information.

Kicking off the Spotlight on the Arts Festival on November 7th, audiences are in for quite a treat when the comedy show, Two Man Group, comes to The Classic Center. Fans of the Emmy-nominated improvisational comedy show Whose Line Is It Anyway? will be able to witness first-hand the amazing improv abilities of two of its stars, Colin Mocherie and Brad Sherwood. Seize the opportunity to enjoy the hilarity of the acclaimed comedy duo! The show begins at 8 p.m. and is a ticketed event. 

The University Theatre's production of Pride and Prejudice was first performed at the University in 1941, when the Fine Arts Building hosted a five-day festival. Spotlight on the Arts, almost twice that long, is offering several additional performances of Jane Austen's famous novel. Opening night of the play is November 7th at 8 p.m., and then additional performances will take place on November 8th, 10th, and 13-15th. Don't miss out on seeing this beautiful take on the literary masterpiece in the UGA Fine Arts Theatre! Check the Spotlight on the Arts schedule for times and information on how to get tickets. 

Come watch as UGA Opera Theatre joins forces with the Symphony Orchestra led by Mark Cedel to catch the beautiful concert version of Carmen. Under the direction of Frederick Burchinal, audiences will have two nights to watch as Bizet's masterpiece is brought to vibrant life. An open dress rehearsal will be hosted, for a discounted price, on November 13th, with the full concert version performance on November 14th. Both nights are ticketed events and prices and times can be found here. 

On November 15th, audiences are in for a treat as Emmy- and Tony-award winning actor Hal Holbrook brings his long-running one-man show Mark Twain Tonight! to the stage at the UGA Performing Arts Center. For nearly 50 years, the Oscar-nominee has been highlighting the unique humor and wit of the American icon Mark Twain, and is now gracing the stage and closing out the last night of the festival. This special performance begins at 8 p.m. and is a ticketed event.  

Tickets for the ticketed events are available through the UGA Performing Arts Center and can by found at pac.uga.edu, or through calling the box office at 706-542-4400. UGA students receive discounts for most ticketed events, and many free events and activities will be offered throughout the festival. 

The Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau is your source for all events going on in the Athens area. For more information on the Spotlight on the Arts Festival, or any other fall events, check out visitathensga.com. 

Athens This Weekend: October 25 - 27

The month of October has flown by and its last weekend is already approaching. Athens, Georgia has all you could ever need to soak up the last days before November. Halloween festivities will be in full swing this weekend.  If you're looking to drink at historic pubs, experience all the local arts, or join the wildest Halloween party in all of Georgia, there's no excuse to sit at home this weekend. Come visit the Classic City and experience a weekend you're sure to never forget!

This Friday, the Athens Clarke Heritage Foundation will hold the 4th Annual Historic Pub Crawl.  The Pub Crawl is the perfect opportunity to check out Athens' renowned hot spots. Even club veterans will learn new details and behind the scenes stories from their favorites.  Crawlers will visit several local and historic watering holes. They'll also enjoy a sample of Terrapin beer at each stop, as well as receiving samples of appetizers, a custom Pub Crawl t-shirt, and a downtown parking voucher. The crawl lasts from 6 - 10 p.m. and space is limited so make your reservations now to ensure a spot! 

Summer may be long gone, but festival season is ripe for the picking! This Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., come out to Lyndon House Arts Center for the Lickskillet Artists Market. This unique indoor/outdoor festival will host more than 50 artist booths, including hands-on activities perfect for families and performances by several local musicians. There will also be tours of the Ware-Lyndon House, live art demonstrations by area-artists, and food vendors. The market will take place rain or shine; plus it's FREE and open to all ages so there's really no reason not to come check it out! 

It's finally here! The Halloween event of the year, the Wild Rumpus Parade, is this Saturday at 7 p.m. Come express your inner creative spirit by dressing up in costume and marching solo or in a themed brigade. Along with the traditional mayhem in the streets, this year will be bringing all new features such as an outdoor stage from 8 - 9 p.m. and all sorts of daytime activities for the kids i.e. a Monster Mash rock show from 2 - 4 p.m., Halloween crafts, a Haunted House, and more! Athens' craziest Halloween party all ends with a wild bash at the 40 Watt Club at 9 p.m., featuring performances by several local musicians. This event isn't for the faint at heart, so this Saturday be ready to get WILD! For more information, such as the parade route or schedule details, check out www.wildrumpus.org.

With only two more home UGA football games left, there's not a lot of time left to soak up all the magic between the hedges. The Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau has all the assistance you need to plan your football weekend visit to Athens. For all things UGA football related, including tips on where to stay, eat, or park, check out visitathensga.com/football.

There's so much going on this weekend in Athens, Georgia that you're not going to want to miss out on! For a complete list of events and activities, check out the Athens CVB events calendar. Have a fun and safe weekend! 

Wild Rumpus Halloween Parade and Spectacle

Looking for an amazingly interactive Halloween activity in one of America’s most exciting college towns? In the style of Burning Man or the Oregon Country Fair, Athens, Ga hosts their own explosion of creative energy: the Wild Rumpus Parade and Spectacle. On October 26, 2013, thousands of creatively-costumed revelers will march their way through Downtown Athens. Last year saw nearly 3,000 people flood the streets of the Classic City and 2013 aims to see even more. The parade is FREE for both spectators and participants, so start planning your costume and head to Athens to enjoy the festivities!

While last year's Wild Rumpus parade was focused on howling at the moon, this year's theme aims even bigger with "RAWR ~ A Tribute to the Sun." With a focus on Leo and the Sun, downtown Athens will be set ablaze on October 26th as the pinnacle Halloween event to let loose this bubbling stew of artistic self-expression, costuming, and gleeful abandon.

One unique aspect of the Wild Rumpus is that it encourages creativity and group spirit. Attendees can opt to walk alone, in pairs, or small groups. Or even better . . . you can choose to form your own themed brigade with friends, or even join an existing brigade. Examples of past brigades include Leather and Lace, Dead and Famous, Zombies, Belly-dancers, even Disney characters. Basically if you can theme it, you can form it! Let your creativity shine through like the Sun! Floats, banners, performances, and music are all welcome. Those wanting to walk in the parade MUST be dressed in costume, so don't forget to dress up in your Halloween best.

This year’s 5th anniversary of the Wild Rumpus brings with it many exciting new features in addition to those participants have come to relish. A new outdoor stage at the end of the parade route will host even more live, local music. There will also be many new daytime activities aimed at including the younger crowd into the festivities. For the first time ever, kids can look forward to a "Monster Mash" party, complete with musical acts, puppeteers, crafts stations, a haunted house, and all sorts of Wild Things.


Top off the evening with a concert at the world-famous, fabulous 40 Watt Club. The after-party extravaganza, for those 18+, will feature local bands Ghost Owl, Space Trucks, and Wild Rumpus master of ceremonies Timi Conley with Kite to the Moon. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the party starts at 9 p.m.


The 5th incarnation of the Wild Rumpus Parade is sure to be unlike any other. With many new activities for children, this year aims to get the entire family involved. Whether you want to dress up on your own, in a brigade, or just come down and watch, the Wild Rumpus is really a special treat for all of Athens.


Ready to join in?  Head to  www.wildrumpus.org to review the participation guidelines and to register if you plan to enter a float or vehicle.  Then, plan to meet at the corner of Clayton St. and Pulaski St. in downtown Athens at 7:00 p.m. The parade will begin at 7:30.

The Wild Rumpus isn't the only fun event going on in Athens, Georgia this Halloween. For a complete list of events, travel information, and everything else Athens-related, check out VisitAthensGa.com.

Halloween in Athens, Ga

Halloween is always an exciting time of year no matter where you are, but to do Halloween in Athens, Georgia is to do it right. Whether you're looking to party, hear ghost stories, or spend a fun evening with your family, the Classic City has got you covered. Don't wait until the 31st --  this year, Athens has more than enough reasons to celebrate Halloween all month long.

Fall is finally here ladies and gentlemen, and in Athens, Georgia that means the celebration lasts all season long. If you're looking for some wholesome, fall family fun, then head over to the five-acre Athens Corn Maze which is open Thursday - Sunday through November 2nd. Contrary to its name, the corn maze is more than just that. In addition to the Corn Maze, you and your friends can enjoy a "Hey Hey Heyride," pony rides, and farm animals. There's also the Corn Box filled with freshly shelled corn, which offers a seasonal alternative to a sandbox for children (or adults!) to play in. There's no better way to spend your autumn day than lost in a sea of corn with all your friends. You can come visit Thursday - Friday 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. - 10 p.m. Admission to the Corn Maze is $10 per person and free for children under 3 years of age.

Looking for some wholesome fun for the kiddo's this Halloween? Come on out to the famous 40 Watt Club. They'll be hosting a Halloween Kids Dance Party with theatrical kids band Like Totally! on Saturday October 19th. All guests, including parents, are encouraged to dress up as there will be a costume contest during the show. As an added treat, Like Totally! will be debuting their new single and music video "Veggie Wrap." There will be snacks and juice boxes for the kids, as well as a bar for those of age. Doors open at 2 p.m., the show starts at 3 p.m. Tickets are only $5. Check out www.40watt.com for more information.

Those looking for a chance to interact with some creepy-crawlies this Halloween season should look no further than Scary, Oozy, Slimy Day. Sandy Creek Nature Center will be hosting one of their most popular events on October 19th, 4 - 7 p.m., which offers attendees the chance to spend the evening learning about different scary bugs and insects, in addition to participating in a variety of games, activities and crafts. This year there will be delicious food vendors, including Shane's Rib Shack. Admission is $3 for ACC residents, $5 for non-residents, and free for children under the age of 3. For more details, go to www.athensclarkecounty.com.




Lickskillet Artists Market, a unique indoor/outdoor market featuring eclectic wares by countless artists of all ages, returns to Lyndon House Arts Center on Saturday, October 26th from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. In addition to over 50 artist booths, you'll be able to get your hands dirty with many hands-on art activities perfect for families, and then enjoy performances by a variety of local musicians. The event also includes tours of the historic Ware-Lyndon House, live art demonstrations by area artists and some delicious food provided by food vendors.The best part? Admission to the Market is free and open to all ages, however, children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information visit www.athensclarkecounty.com/lyndonhouse.

No talk of Halloween in Athens would be complete without mention of the Wild Rumpus Parade. October 26, 2013 marks the 5th year anniversary of this crazy event where thousands of people dress up and march around downtown Athens, Ga. It's the Classic City's take on similar events like Burning Man or The Oregon Country Fair, except with many of its own unique twists. The Wild Rumpus Parade offers the opportunity to form brigades with friends, all dressed in a themed costume, or you can join an already existing group and make new friends as y'all march through downtown together. The creative energy of Athens is never more evident than during the Wild Rumpus. The night concludes with a wild party at the famous 40 Watt Club featuring local bands Ghost Owl, Space Trucks, and Timi and Kite to the Moon. Those who attended last year will remember howling at the moon, but this year's theme goes in the opposite direction with "RAWR ~ A Tribute to the Sun!" Along with a new theme, the Wild Rumpus will be featuring all new daytime events for families and kids of all ages! Kids can enjoy a brand new "Monster Mash" rock show, haunted house, face painting and more. Additionally, paraders can look forward to new adventures including an outdoor stage at the end of the parade route. This year's deserving non-profit charity recipient is Nuçi's Space. The parade starts at 7:30 p.m. and the after-party starts at 9 p.m. Come on out and make sure to wear your costume! Tickets for the concert can be found at www.40watt.com and parade details can be found at www.wildrumpus.org.

Before you gorge yourself on pounds of Halloween Candy, get a head start on your exercise with the thirteenth annual Jack O' Lantern Jog and Goblin Fun Run. It will take place October 27th at the Sandy Creek Nature Center. This festive four-mile road race and one-mile fun run raises money in support of the Sandy Creek Nature Center. All runners are encouraged to dress up. The costume contest starts at 1:40 p.m., the Fun Run at 2 p.m., and the Jack O' Lantern Jog begins at 2:30. There will be unique trophies for winners, runners medallions for kids 10 and under, and much more. Prizes will be given out in each age division for the four-miler. Visit www.athensclarkecounty.com for more information or www.active.com to register online.

This year on Tuesday October 29th, children ages 2 - 12 will get the chance to take a haunted trick-or-treat tour of the Athens' Bear Hollow Zoo when they hold "Boo at the Zoo." Afterwards, make sure to head on over to Memorial Park's Halloween Carnival for fun and prizes! Kids are encouraged to dress up, as there will be a costume contest every hour. The carnival, which will run from 5 - 8 p.m, will also feature stories, games, and activities. Kids must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The event is $4 admission for children, and free for parents, guardians and children under the age of 2. Find more information at www.athensclarkecounty.com.

Halloween in Athens is particularly special because all old towns have lots of great ghost stories to tell. This year's Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation's  "Haunted History Tour" will be held on Wednesday, October 30th and Thursday, October 31st at 7:30 p.m. The two-hour tour will wind through Downtown Athens and UGA's North Campus and explore the spirits, hauntings, superstitions and mysterious legends of the Classic City. Get your tickets now to hear stories of murder, suicide, and many other spooky tales. Tickets are $15 for non-ACHF members, $12 for members. For more information visit www.achfonline.org/heritage-walks.

Halloween is a time to spend with friends, rediscover your youth, don a costume, and share in the abundance of spooky stories and candy. If you're looking to do all that, and more, then Athens is where you need to be. Make sure not to miss out on all this great city has to offer, whether it be the rich and haunted history, or thousands of wild Athenians parading downtown in full costume. More information on these events, along with complete travel information, is available from the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau at VisitAthensGA.com, 706-357-4430.