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!

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

What summer plans does your family have in store?

Athens This Weekend: May 18-20

The weekend is finally here! With the school year winding down and the official start to the summer season just around the corner, this weekend is the perfect chance to get the family out to enjoy the gorgeous weather. Come participate in various Athens GA events ranging from outdoor sports and adventures to more relaxing family-friendly events. Here are a few ideas for this weekend that will hopefully spark your interest!

1. Friday Night Paddles at Sandy Creek Park

Join in for an evening paddling around Lake Chapman at Sandy Creek Park on Friday, May 18 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. The program is offered to those ages 12 years and older, and the cost is $8 for Athens-Clarke County residents without a boat, or $5 for Athens-Clarke County residents who come bringing their own canoes or kayaks. Non-county residents will be charged $12, or $8 if bringing their own boat. Registration and payment are required in advance and can be made by calling 706-613-3631. Be sure to reserve your spot today!

2. Winterville Marigold Festival

This annual festival began 30 years ago as an attempt to bring citizens together to refresh and beautify the town of Winterville. Come out for the traditional Country Breakfast, which begins at 7 a.m., followed by the Marigold 5k at 8 a.m. and then music and other activities all day from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Bring the kids to enjoy a parade, crafts, street dancing, delicious food, and much more!

3. NCAA Tennis Championships

Come experience the thrill of watching some of the country's best collegiate athletes as the University of Georgia hosts the 2012 NCAA Tennis Championships here in Athens at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex. The men's quarterfinals will be held on Sunday, May 20, followed by the semifinals on Monday, May 21, and the finals on Tuesday, May 22. The women's quarterfinals are on Saturday, May 19, followed by the semifinals on Monday and the finals on Tuesday. Be sure to come out and cheer on the Dawgs!

Comedian Wanda Sykes Coming to Athens' Classic Center Oct. 11

"Wanda Sykes is coming to Athens!"
I was on the phone with my hubby right quick when I heard the announcement from  The Classic Center Theatre.  Wanda Sykes is, hands down, absolutely our favorite comedian.  We got hooked on her TV show  "Wanda at Large" about 10 years ago, and watched them all again a couple of years ago when we found them on our satellite programming (I think we're about ready for a round with Netflix-- will have to check that out).

Now we're going to get to see her live and in person! Wanda Sykes is bringing her one-of-a-kind stand-up comedy to The Classic Center Theatre stage on Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at www.ClassicCenter.com.

Here's the rest of the press release from The Classic Center:

Wanda Sykes has been called "one of the funniest stand-up comics" by her peers and ranks among Entertainment Weekly's 25 Funniest People in America. Her smart-witted stand-up has sent her career in many different areas.

Sykes in the last two years has been seen on several television shows, such as her own late night talk show on FOX, “The Wanda Sykes Show.” In October 2009, she had her second HBO stand- up special “I’ma Be Me.” She also was seen on the CBS comedy “The New Adventures of Old Christine” as “Barb.” Her first HBO comedy special, “WANDA SYKES: SICK & TIRED” debuted in October 2006 and was nominated for a 2007 Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special.

Sykes was seen in the feature films “Evan Almighty,” the sequel to “Bruce Almighty,” in which she co-starred with Steve Carell, the feature film “Monster-In-Law” starring opposite Jennifer Lopez and Jane Fonda, and was heard in the animated feature “Over The Hedge” for Dreamworks, as well as “The Barnyard” for Paramount Pictures. She also can be seen co-starring with Luke Wilson and Uma Thurman in the romantic comedy “My Super Ex-Girlfriend.” Sykes starred and produced the Comedy Central show "Wanda Does It" where she tried various non-showbiz jobs. Her first book titled “Yeah, I Said It,” published by Simon and Schuster, hit bookstores in September 2004. “Yeah, I Said It” is a hilarious collection of essays touching on life, family and current events.

In the fall of 2003 she was seen on Fox's "Wanda at Large," which she wrote, produced and starred in. She also has a one hour Comedy Central special called "Wanda Sykes: Tongue Untied.”  In addition, she can be seen on HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" or heard on Comedy Central's "Crank Yankers” as the voice of Gladys Murphy.

Wanda was born in Portsmouth, Va., and raised in Maryland. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Hampton University. Her stand-up career began at a Coors Light Super talent Showcase in Washington, D.C., where she performed for the first time in front of a live audience.

She spent five years as part of the HBO's critically acclaimed "Chris Rock Show." As a performer and writer on the show, she was nominated for three Primetime Emmy's and in 1999 won the Emmy for "Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special." In 2001, she won the American Comedy Award for "Outstanding Female Stand-Up Comic.” She won three more Emmys, in 2002, 2004 and 2005, for her work on “Inside the NFL” for “Outstanding Studio Show - Weekly- Inside The NFL".

In 2003, Wanda earned a Comedy Central Commie Award for "Funniest TV Actress." Other writing credits include the "MTV 1999 Music Video Awards,” "The MTV Movie Awards,” the "74th Annual Academy Awards," "The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show" and "Wanda at Large."

She also appeared in the feature films "Pootie Tang,” "Nutty Professor 2; The Klumps” and "Down to Earth".

Visit www.ClassicCenter.com to buy tickets, call 706.357.4444 or stop by The Classic Center Theatre Box Office.

Best of the Road

The 2012 Rand McNally "Best of the Road" search for the most unique and inspiring road trip stop in America has kicked off! We want Athens, GA to be voted as the "2012 Best Small Town in America." You can nominate Athens for several categories, but we feel that Athens, GA definitely is the best small town with the Best Food! The unique culture of the Athens dining experience is definitely a special aspect of the Classic City. 

If Athens wins, our town will receive exposure and publicity which will benefit the entire Athens Area! You can vote once daily! Go to the following website, register, share a review of how much you love Athens dining, then VOTE- http://www.bestoftheroad.com! It's that easy (especially after you register the first time)! Tell all of your family and friends that they should vote once daily, too!

Athens This Weekend: May 4-6

The weekend is finally here! Come and spend a relaxing weekend in the Classic City. With all of the exciting festivals, musical performances, and even more for the entire family, we know your weekend in Athens, GA will be amazing! Here are a few events that are taking place this weekend.

1. Athens Human Rights Festival

The 34th 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, activities for the children, and street theater performances in an outdoor setting. This event is perfect for the entire family! This festival will take place Friday and Saturday at College Square in Downtown Athens,GA. There is no admission charge, so make sure to bring everyone you know! 

2. Stadion Classic at UGA

The Athens stop on the PGA's Nationwide Tour is entering its seventh year, and its third with the University of Georgia as host. This annual golf tournament will be operated by the University's Auxiliary Services Department. All net proceeds from the event will support need-based scholarships for UGA students and local non-profit organizations through the Regional FirstCare TICKETS Fore CHARITY program. This is definitely an event you will not want to miss. It will  be taking place all week long, and it is only $25 for a weekly grounds pass. 

3. Bike MS: Deloitte. Atlanta to Athens

Bike MS: Deloitte. Atlanta to Athens proudly announces its third-annual ride on May 5-6, 2012. After its inaugural debut in 2010, buzz is escalating throughout the cycling community for this two-day ride that raises money to fight multiple sclerosis and benefits the GA Chapter of the National MS Society. The ride offers a century route option on day one of the 2-day ride and new for 2012, Bike MS: Deloitte. Atlanta to Athens is offering a separate 1-day, 35 mile route option that will start and finish in Athens. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity, all for a great cause!

These are just a few of the exciting events that are taking place in Athens,GA this weekend. Here are a few more ideas that will hopefully spark your interest:

• Friday-Sunday: UGA Men's Baseball vs. Auburn at Foley Field.
• Sunday: Raindrop: 2nd Annual Spring Handmade & Vintage Artist Market at Treehouse Kid & Craft. 

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 you looking forward to this weekend in Athens,GA?

Athens Georgia Named a Top 10 affordable Vacation

Athens has been named one of the Top 10 Cities for Affordable Vacations, by Livability.com. College towns such as Athens are a smart choice for affordable fun, with a high level and quality of entertainment at nominal or even FREE admission.  Athens ranks eighth on this list.

Coverage on WXIA 11Alive!

Livability.com reports that their Top 10 list includes "places where friends and families can come together in the pursuit of fun and relaxation without the worry of busting budgets. Cities were ranked by their offering of unique, free activities, both indoors and out, and by the availability of discounts on otherwise pricey attractions."

Livability.com  highlights several top Athens attractions, including the Georgia Museum of Art, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, and the World of Wonder community playground at Southeast Clarke Park.

Athens is also world-renowned for its live music scene, which is not only thriving but is also extremely inexpensive.  The best time of the year to sample the Athens music scene might just be AthFest, with over 150 bands playing over a 4-day weekend on FREE outdoor stages plus in local clubs, accessible with a $15 wristband.   AthFest 2012 is June 20-24.

Read more about Athens and the rest of the list at:

http://livability.com/top-10/top-10-cities-for-affordable-vacations/athens/ga 

And, check out more FREE things to do in Athens here:

http://www.visitathensga.com/things-to-do/20-free-things/

Athens This Weekend: April 27-29

The weekend is finally here! Come spend an exciting weekend in the beautiful Classic City.  We know you will have an amazing time with all of the many festivals, concerts, and even more fun activities for the entire family, taking place in Athens,GA! Here are a few ideas that will hopefully spark your interest!

1.Athens Terrapin Twilight Criterium

The 33nd Annual Athens Twilight weekend is a professional cycling event and festival fun for fans, families, and racers. You heard right - this is the 33nd Annual Twilight, and this year's weekend will be bigger and better than ever! The kickoff on Friday will feature Twilight Music, the Twilight Expo and Food Court, and the Grid Qualifiers presented by Georgia Cycle Sport, which lets you get up-close-and-personal with your favorite professional rider as they battle it out Friday night for coveted starting places in America's best criterium. Of course, Saturday night is the main event - the Terrapin Twilight Criterium. More than 30,000 fans will pack the cozy confines of downtown Athens to witness the best in American criterium racing.In addition to the professional criterium racing, there will also be amateur category racing, a 5k run, a BMX Jam and the Gambler participation bike ride, among many other events. This event will take place Friday and Saturday in Downtown Athens. This event is perfect for the entire family, and is one you will not want to miss out on!

2. Athens Indie Craftstravaganzaa

The Indie Craftstravaganzaa will feature an eclectic blend of artists and crafters, everything from jewelry and fashion to fine arts and pottery, plus stuff for the little ones, pets, and the home.There will be local and regional food carts to provide eats and beverages. There will also be activities for the children including an exciting kids crafts booth.There will also be live performances by local musicians on both days, so be sure to stop by around 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. to catch some quality jams for free.The vintage market is also back! There will be curated vendors from around the Southeast with the finest selection of clothing, housewares, and curiosities a collector could want.

3. Dreams So Real Reunion 

Dreams So Real, the Athens Georgia band perhaps best known for its 1988 album, Rough Night In Jericho, will reunite to perform again in a short series of shows in Spring 2012 for just the second time in a decade and nearly 25 years since the release of Rough Night In Jericho whose title track garnered heavy airplay on radio and MTV and reached #28 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Chart. This exciting show will take place on Friday at 8:00 p.m. at The Melting Point. Tickets are only $12 in advance, and $15 at the door.

These are just a few of the many exciting events taking place this weekend. Here are a few more ideas that we know you will love:

• Saturday:  Athens Area Master Gardener Association's Annual Spring Plant Sale at Athens-Clarke County Extension Office. There will be hand-crafted yard art, verbs, vegetable plants, annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, ferns, ground clovers, seedlings, and more! This event will take place Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Saturday: Georgia Children's Chorus Tour of Kitchens at The Hill at the Armstrong & Dobbs House. The Georgia Children's Chorus (GCC) presents The Hill and Oak Grove neighborhoods, as the sites for its annual fundraiser, the Athens Tour of Kitchens. As part of the 14th annual tour, celebrity chef Peter Dale of The National restaurant will host a cooking demonstration at the home of internationally acclaimed artist, Jim Fiscus, whose home is on the tour. This event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tickets are only $20 in advance, and $25 the day of the tour. 
• Sunday:High Hat Party at The Classic Center. There will be plenty of games and crafts for kids, delicious snacks, and silent and live auctions. Reservations are $25 per person or $300 for a table of 10 guests.This event will take place from 1:00-3:00 p.m. 

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 plans this weekend in Athens,GA?