Athens, GA This Weekend: Sept. 23 - 25 Events and Things to Do

If you're wondering about what to do this weekend in Athens, GA, you are in luck! This coming weekend is absolutely packed with fun events, festivals, and concerts, and they are all listed on the Athens CVB Event Calendar. I couldn't even start to tell you about everything going on this Friday through Sunday, but I wish I didn't have to narrow down this awesome list of things to do. Despite the fact that this Saturday is not a gameday, this weekend in Athens is going to be anything but boring.

1. This weekend is actually getting started on Thursday as the 1st Annual Athens Pride Weekend kicks off at the UGA Founders Memorial Garden! This celebration has grown from a Sunday picnic into a weekend full of amazing and fun events. On Friday, Farm 255 will be hosting a Dragaoke night from 11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.. From 1 - 5 p.m. on Saturday, the Georgia Safe Schools Coalition will be hosting a beer bust at the Little Kings Shuffle Club, and this will be followed by Dancing thru the Decades at New Earth Music Hall from 6 - 10 p.m.. The event will come to a close on Sunday with a service at Our Hope Metropolitan Community Church from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; there will also be a Cookout and Celebration of Commitment at Lake Harris from 2 - 6 p.m. followed by Drag in the Rink from 8-11 p.m. at Skate Around USA. Find some time off and take part in this wonderful new Athens celebration!

2. Calling all film fanatics! The 8th Annual Dixie Film Festival is taking place this weekend from noon - midnight on Saturday and from 1 p.m. - midnight on Sunday at the Morton Theatre. This international film festival does highlight Georgia filmmakers and local talent in their special Mason-Dixie screenings. The films will be competing for the following awards: Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Peach Fuzz Award, Best Comedy, Best Animation, Best Documentary, Best Foreign, Best Screenplay, and the Mason-Dixie Award. If you only want to watch a few films, admission is $10 per 2 hour screening; however, if you would like to fully partake in this event, there is a $35 all-festival pass. You can purchase your tickets at the door or online -- go and support your local filmmakers!

3. I don't know about you all, but I have been excited for this coming Sunday for a while now. Why, you ask? Because world-renowned DJ, Tiesto, is coming! Tiesto, who is arguable one of the biggest and most well-known DJs in the world, has truly transformed the world of trance; chances are, even if you don't care for trance or don't think you've ever heard trance, you most likely have heard one of Tiesto's worldwide hit singles on the radio. And this show is sure to be one to look forward to; Tiesto is known for creating dance music spectaculars no matter where he is performing (he invests heavily in his own sets by employing his own light, sound, and visual crews!). The arena-sized dance party begins at 8 p.m. at the Classic Center.

None of the above sound like a promising weekend for you? No worries! There are plenty of other events going on -- read on for more!

• Feeling like you belong in the wrong decade? Head over to The Melting Point this Friday at 9 p.m. for the Totally '80s party with the Highballs! Bring your legwarmers and hairspray and get ready to dance the night away to covers of some of the greats - Madonna, Duran Duran, Journey, and more! General admission is $10, and doors open at 6 p.m. for dinner and drinks.
• If you're disappointed that you can't tailgate in Athens this Saturday, then make sure you head out to the Terrapin Brewery for its 2nd Annual Hop Harvest Festival. From 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., you can enjoy educational speakers, delicious food, as well as the harvesting of Terrapin's hop garden. And don't worry, the brewery will be featuring 12 casks of ale showcasing their different varieties of hops!
• Looking for a family-friendly event? The 27th Annual North Georgia Folk Festival will be held this Saturday from noon - 8 p.m. at the Sandy Creek Park. There will be traditional folk music as well as craft demonstrations and sales. The kids will love playing with the arts and crafts and animals!

So take a deep breath, take a bit of a breather from your work or school, and start planning your weekend of fun now! With so many possibilities this weekend, it's sure to be an exciting couple of days.


- Debbie

Roll With Athens' Toughest Ladies: The Classic City Roller Girls

What are girls made of? Sugar and Spice, and Everything Nice?

Before you answer that, meet The Classic City Roller Girls- a group of Athens girls who'd love nothing more than to show you, and a packed arena of spectators, just exactly what they are made of. And I can go ahead and tell you, it is not sugar.

The Classic City Roller Girls are a tangy, tough team of fierce female athletes on skates, and often also, in fishnets and fake eyelashes. Today, the all-American contact sport of Roller Derby is revived and thriving among aggressive women all over the world. And Athens, GA, is no exception- with ever-expanding local interest making The Classic City Roller Girls impossible to ignore.

I already knew a lot about the pop culture praise of the national Roller Derby scene when I heard about the Athens league, but after attending my first actual bout at the Athens Arena, I gained a whole new respect for the sport and the Classic City Roller Girls. Roller Derby is fully physical, highly energized, heart-pumpingly exciting, and just incredibly fun to watch. I have attended few sports events quite like a Roller Derby bout, and we are lucky enough in Athens, GA to have a dedicated team worth watching and cheering on manically from the stands.

In more focused moments of my Roller Derby viewing experience, I was able to stay quiet long enough to capture a few videos. Later, I was even able to interview a few of the Athens' roller girls myself. The video account of my first Classic City Roller Girls and Roller Derby bout experience are below for your viewing enjoyment.




There may not be a home football game in Athens this weekend, but there will certainly be a high energy sporting event worthy of your support taking place- Don't miss your chance to see the Classic City Roller Girls face off against the Atlanta Roller Girl's Jukes of Hazard at this Saturday's Fall Brawl at the Athens Arena - Saturday, September 24th at 7 p.m. | Tickets can be purchased at the door for $12 (adults), $5 (kids 6-10), & free admission for children 5 and under. Advance tickets can be purchased here for only $10.

How to Be a Painter for a Day - Art Experiences in Athens for the Non-Artist

I will be the first one to tell you that I am no artist. In fact, the last art class I had was in elementary school, where I remember making a crooked clay pot constructed with uneven coils (I gave it to my mother, and it now proudly stands hidden in our basement). But this doesn't mean I don't appreciate art and those who create it. In fact, something I love about Athens is its great art scene -- there are so many exhibits to see and so many local artists that are showcased in different Athens businesses.

So maybe you will understand my excitement when I heard about the opening of Artini's this past summer. If you haven't heard of them, they basically have a set calendar each month of different paintings; you choose which painting you like, register for the class, and show up that night ready to stir your creative juices!

They will teach you step-by-step how to paint the chosen piece of artwork, so if you're a beginner like me, you will have no problem creating a masterpiece. Even experienced painters and artists are welcome, however; if you want to add your own flair, use different colors, or change certain aspects of the design, you are totally welcome to do so. You are provided with all the necessary tools to make your painting: an apron, easel, canvas, paints, brushes, etc.

I was very excited the week before going in to paint my "Sitting Pretty" piece. The night of, I arrived at Artini's at around 6:30 (they recommend getting there 30 minutes early in order to get a parking space in the limited lot they share with Gigi's Cupcakes and Sweet Peppers Deli), and used my extra time to look at some of the great art being displayed in the space as well as get myself situated. I talked to a few of the people sitting around me; many of them also were first-timers sharing the same excitement and nervousness I felt about how the painting would turn out. As our instructor began the class, we set to work on our canvases, equipped with our brushes and aprons.

As we got further into the session, we all started

really having fun with our paintings! Looking around, I saw a variety in designs and colors, and even the instructor was giving suggestions on how to alter the paintings to one's own taste. She gave us plenty of time for each step to make sure that everyone was happy with their work, and even though I sometimes worried about small imperfections and details (those thin branches gave me a very difficult time), I was very content with the final outcome.

What made Artini's a great experience besides the fact that I came out of it with something nice to put in my room? First of all, the people at Artini's create a really fun and relaxing atmosphere; they are very personable and like to get the classes pumped by playing music and serving beverages. This brings me to my second point: they offer refreshments while you paint, so if you are of age, you can order a bottle of wine with your friends. This would make a great place to have a private party for birthdays or any other special events.

Now, I do know there are other places in Athens that offer similar types of experiences, such as Pints & Paints and Sips n Strokes. Unfortunately, I personally have not had the opportunity to visit these places; however, I have heard great things from people who have gone. I would like to eventually go, since each place offers such distinct options, and honestly, my room is a little bare.

Have any of you gone to any of these places recently? I'd love to hear about your experiences!

- Debbie

Athens, GA This Weekend: September 16-18 Events and Things to Do

It's that time again! The weekend is fast approaching, and if you're looking forward to getting out and about, then Athens, Georgia, is definitely the right place for you. Read on to find out some of the exciting happenings occurring in the Classic City this Friday through Saturday!

Looking to enjoy Athens' famed music scene? You should definitely check out Buckethead at the Georgia Theater this Friday, Sept. 16th. Buckethead is one of the top virtuoso guitarists in the world, and he experiments with many different genres of music from progressive metal to bluegrass. He is known for his signature bucket hat and wacky performances which sometimes include nun chucks, robotic dancing, and toy trading. Lynx will be opening for this show; she will take you through a variety of emotions with her mix of melancholy melodies and catchy pop hooks. Make sure you don't miss out on this awesome night of music! Tickets are $20, and you can purchase them online. The show begins at 9:00 p.m., and doors open at 8:00 p.m..

Get pumped for another Football Saturday! Bring out your favorite red and black wear and come early to tailgate -- show your spirit and support for the Dawgs! Join the rest of the Bulldawg Nation at Sanford Stadium this Saturday, Sept. 17th, when UGA takes on Coastal Carolina. Be loud and be proud, and show the rest of 'em how great it is to be a Georgia Bulldawg! Kickoff is at 1:00 p.m.

If you're interested in learning more about Athens' history and heritage, make sure to check out this Sunday's Athens

Heritage Walks: Walking the Hill. John Knowlton and Lee Epting will lead this two-hour walking tour around the series of historical homes saved from demolition and collectively known as "The Hill". For $15, you will get a taste of history as you walk around and learn more about these eight period homes which are set in a beautiful location with no streetlamps. If you are interested in taking part, book your tickets online in advance! The tour will begin at 2:00 p.m. and is located at 1800 Crescent Lane.

These events are just a little taste of what all Athens has to offer. Check out some of the following events, and also make sure to check the Events Calendar at www.VisitAthensGA.com for a full schedule.

• Head over to Buffalo's Southwest Cafe on Alps this Friday, Sept. 16th, to check out the Athens Got Talent Pre-Show. You can enjoy this show for only a $5 cover charge! Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the show begins at 7:00 p.m..


• Have you been collecting your finds from exploring nature? Bring them to Nature's Trading Post at the Sandy Creek Nature Center and ENSAT Center this Saturday, Sept. 17th, from 11 a.m. to noon. It's completely free, and you can either trade your treasures in for points or for something from the nature center's own collection.


• Hurry and get your tickets for the Laughing Pizza Concert at Morton Theater this Sunday, Sept. 18th. This family-friendly band is a favorite on PBS TV, and a portion of the proceeds will go to support the station. The show starts at 4:00 p.m., and if you purchase your tickets now, they are $17 for adults and $15 for children.

Hopefully, this will help you begin planning for a fun weekend. I know I will definitely be checking out the concerts, since I most look forward to relaxing and live music whenever I have free time. What about you? What sort of things do you look most forward to doing over the weekends?

- Debbie

Favorite Athens Deals: Ethnic Food

Let's face it. We're all looking for ways to save money. It's usually a difficult task, particularly when revolving around the very vital process of keeping yourself fed. With all the delicious options of restaurants located in Athens GA, it can be hard sometimes to pass up a friend's invitation to eat out. However, my wallet just can't support my dining decisions, and I find myself following the typical college diet of ramen and fast food's dollar menus far too often.

After a few stomachaches too many, I decided to actively search for deals around Athens that would allow me to get away from the kitchen a few times each week (I have to confess - I abhor washing dishes). After asking my friends and spending a lot of time on Google and www.VisitAthensGA.com, I came up with a pretty substantial list of different places to try.

I can't say I've gotten to try even half the places on that list, but I did want to share with you some of the restaurants I have been to and thoroughly enjoyed. The topic of today's post? One of my favorite things to discuss -- ethnic food!

Now, when one thinks about eating on a budget, a restaurant specializing in sushi does not generally come to mind. However, Utage's lunch menu is the first steal I want to talk about. Because Japanese food is generally in the more pricey category, the lunch combination

option is a serious deal. You can choose two menu items from a given list (yes, sushi is on that list) which will be served with miso soup, salad, and rice, all for under $8! And don't worry if you can't stomach raw fish; they offer different meat dishes and noodles. They also have plenty of sushi rolls including only cooked protein. Of course, besides the awesome price, the food is tasty, fresh, and satisfying. On a side note - if you are a fan of tofu, I would highly recommend the agedashi tofu. This dish contains cubes of silky tofu encrusted with a delicately crispy layer sitting in a sauce that I dream about sometimes.

This next deal is so good, it has been solely responsible for the end of my dinnertime fast-food

runs. Many in the Athens community rejoiced when Maba Grill, a Vietnamese bistro, opened up

downtown. What's not to love? Big steaming bowls of chewy noodles and crunchy bean sprouts, delicious options for both meat-lovers and vegetarians, grilled meats sitting on top of beds of noodles or rice awaiting a sprinkle of fish sauce...all ready to be consumed! But what I really want to highlight here is my personal favorite to order - the banh-mi, or Vietnamese sandwich. You get an option of chicken, steak, mushroom, or tuna on your sandwich, which is comprised of a complex mixture of flavors and textures all contained within a crusty baguette. The best part? It's less than $4! With this low price, me and a couple of my friends have been known to purchase multiple sandwiches during a single visit in order to save some for later.

My last deal is an Athens favorite. I have been to the Latin American Cali N Tito's too many times to count, and I will continue adding on to that number until I am no longer within driving

distance of the place. This place has earned itself a permanent place on the Athens dining map

through its fun atmosphere, reasonable prices, and consistently great-tasting food. While dinner is inexpensive as well, the real deal comes during lunchtime. During lunch, you can get a combo

that includes an entree, a side, and a drink (try the limeade if they haven't run out of it!) for around $7. It's an enormous amount of food for a very small price, and the restaurant is a great place to go with your friends. As for any personal recommendations of mine....well, I seriously recommend that you go as many times as you can so you can try the whole menu. I am particularly fond of the sweet plantains, which are always very nicely caramelized, but honestly, all of the sides are equally as good.

I wish I could talk more about other places I have found, but if I didn't limit myself to three restaurants, I might never stop! Even though I condensed my list, though, doesn't mean you have to as well -- what are some of your favorite deals in Athens when it comes to ethnic foods? Have you been to the places I listed, and if so, what are your recommendations?

- Debbie

Get Ready for Game Day - Athens GA This Weekend: Sept. 9-11 Events and Things to Do

As the week winds down and my energy levels start to decrease, I begin to employ a personal technique to get me through to Friday, and I'm sure some of you use it, too. A sure method of revving myself back up is to plan for my weekend; I love finding about the numerous events happening in Athens over the weekends and deciding which of them capture my interest.

Are you like me? Does planning ahead for your free time give you that extra burst of excitement and motivation? If so, I'm glad you have come, because I have several events for this weekend's calendar that I would love to share with you all!

1. Want to experience Athens' famed music scene? You should definitely check out the Athens-based band Futurebirds as they perform at the Georgia Theatre on Friday. This band has been praised for their undeniable character and ethereal sound. Their opening act is Gary Clarke, Jr., a singer-guitarist who has been making waves within the music industry and garnering support from well-known artists such as Eric Clapton and Sheryl Crow. This will be yet another great show from a great Athens venue, and it only costs $12! Doors open at 8 p.m.; Clarke's set begins at 9 p.m., and at 10, Futurebirds will take the stage. Keep in mind that this is not a family event; all shows at the Georgia Theatre are 18 and over.

2. Calling all of Bulldawg Nation -- the first home game of the football season is finally here! This Saturday, thousands of people will be coming together at Sanford Stadium to cheer on the Dawgs to victory. They will be playing the South Carolina Gamecocks at 4:30 p.m., and if you weren't able to get tickets, do make sure to tune in on ESPN. Grab your friends and join the tailgating festivities, or just make it a party in your very own living room. Also, if you're coming from out of Athens to see the game, make sure to check out some great hotel deals from the Athens website. Go Dawgs...Sic 'Em!

3. This weekend marks the 10th anniversary of September 11th, and I'd like to highlight the September 11 Memorial Ceremony that occurs right here in Athens. It is located on Bob and Nancy Hart's property; they decided to build a memorial garden and trail after a visit to New York City. The ceremony will include a choral group and a reading of each of the victims' names, and the Harts encourage attendees to walk the trail either before or after the 30 minute ceremony. This event takes place on Sunday at 6:30 p.m., and there is no admission fee. The trail itself is filled with artwork and structures all commemorating the lives lost on that day.

The events don't stop there. Check out some more things to do this weekend!

• Experience the full moon while on the water at Full Moon Paddles hosted by the Sandy Creek Park. Admission ranges from $5 to $12 depending on whether you are a resident and whether you bring your own boat. It is held on Friday and Saturday from 8-10 p.m., and make sure you register in advance! This event is for ages 12 and older.
• Don't miss the Edmund Lewandowski: Precisionism and Beyond exhibit at the Georgia Museum of Art this Saturday. Lewandowski was an artist and educator who chose architectural and industrial images as his subject matter; catch his work from 12-5 p.m.!
• Looking for a little something different to round out your football weekend? Try Football Weekends at Hotel Indigo, where you can celebrate our team by enjoying live music. On Friday, listen to Justin Brogdon from 4-7 p.m., and on Saturday, make it a day-long affair by joining them for the pre-game radio broadcast as well as a post-game tailgate.

So jump-start your weekend (and your energy!) by planning for it now! Who's going to the game this weekend? Or doing anything listed in this post? If not, what are your plans?

- Debbie

Athens' Vegetarian Hotspots

Those of you with vegetarian friends know the limited options vegetarians face in the restaurant scene. They are either stuck with the one entree on the menu that meets their dietary needs or forced to pick the salad. As a food lover myself, I feel as though the abundance of choices and delicious descriptions on page after page of a menu is half the adventure of dining out. With a thriving vegetarian population in Athens, GA, I have always wondered how they all survived on such limited options.

Well, last Wednesday I tasted veggie heaven. My vegetarian friend was ecstatic that our dinner crew let her pick the restaurant for the night. While we had all heard raving reviews, none of the meat-eaters in the group had ever been to The Grit. Feeling adventurous in our last year in college, we were excited to try something new. Little did we know how much we would all actually love it.

Surrounded by a relaxed, local vibe, the menu was endless. Noodle bowls, stir fry, falafel sandwiches, quesadillas, pita pizzas, loaded nachos - the list went on and on. After thinking long and hard about all of my options, I ordered the grilled cheese smelt, and I can guarantee you it was one of the best decisions of my day. With chips and vegetables on the side, the fresh thick and well-buttered bread oozed with delectable cheddar cheese. I pulled the two sandwich halves apart only to discover a sliver of crisp spinach and a bright red tomato just waiting to be savored. My friends' dishes filled the table with homemade macaroni and cheese, dusted with light brown bread crumbs and creamy golden cheese, a massive crunchy vegetable and cheese quesadilla, stuffed with flavorful peppers and onions, and a falafel pita, filled with chick pea fritters, veggies and lemon-tahini dressing. Needless to say, it didn't take any of us long to dig in and polish off the plate. The meal was refreshingly different than many of the Athens restaurants we have eaten at before, and the fresh ingredients and local touches left us with full stomachs and a new favorite restaurant.

Of course Athens has an abundance of other restaurants that provide its vegetarian crowd with meat-less options. While most of them are not exclusively vegetarian, their menus offer selections for stricter diets. Clocked for example, a quaint but retro small burger and sandwich joint, has great vegetarian options including a humus sandwich, a hot falafel sandwich, and their juicy veggieburgers that taste just as good as the flavorful burgers they're known for. Local favorite Mama's Boy is also vegetarian-friendly and will easily prepare menu items without meat upon request. With a menu designed exclusively for its Athenian diners, the Athens' Buffalo's Cafe location also provides vegetarian options that are unique to the franchise. An entire page of the menu is dedicated to garden burrito wraps, tortilla broccoli and penne pasta, spinach quesadillas, veggie fajitas, and so much more.

While I may never be a vegetarian myself, its exciting to know that the amazing assortment of Athens restaurants takes care of its vegetarian residents and visitors.

Do you have a favorite vegetarian spot to get your veggie fix? Let me know, so I can try it myself!

Pack Up Your White Clothes - Athens GA This Weekend: Sept. 2-4 Events and Things to Do

Why are we not supposed to wear white after Labor Day? A quick search on Google provides many, varying answers, but there is only one answer that matters to me: after this weekend, I'll only be needing my red and black, because football season is coming!

Fortunately, we have a holiday weekend before then, and if you're like me, you are looking forward to a great weekend of fun and relaxation. Where better to spend such a weekend than in Athens, GA? The Classic City has a variety of awesome events going on, and no matter what your interests are, there is something for you!

1. Do you love bluegrass and Americana music? If so, be sure to check out the Del YEAH! Festival on Friday, Sept. 2nd. For $20, you can enjoy an amazing lineup of musicians such as The Welfare Liners, the David Mayfield Parade, Drew Emmitt and Danny Barnes, Cornmeal, and the legendary Del McCoury Band. The event will take place, rain or shine, right outside the Terrapin Brewery starting at 5 p.m., but be sure to get there early to get a good view. This is a great family event, and any children age 10 and under get in free! Bring your folding chairs, but leave the coolers at home - there will be concessions, including your favorite Terrapin beer, for sale.

2. If you're a foodie like me, you will absolutely love visiting the Athens Farmers Market this Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Head over to Bishop Park Saturday morning to peruse the freshest Athens-grown produce, sample delicious prepared foods, do some art and craft shopping, and enjoy the live music. They do accept debit and credit cards, so don't worry if you aren't in the habit of carrying around cash. Support your local farmers and artisans, bring your grocery list, and beat the heat of the afternoon!




3. Haven't had the chance to visit the newly-expanded Georgia Museum of Art yet? This weekend is your perfect opportunity since they are holding a temporary exhibition to introduce the public to 3 of their 4 new Study Centers in the Humanities! Enjoy all the paintings, prints, drawings, photos, and letters; some of the archival materials on display are related to Alfred Heber Holbrook, the founder of the GMOA. The museum is open from 12-5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.


These are only three events out of many going on in Athens GA this weekend, however! Be sure to check out the following events if you're looking for more experiences to pack into your holiday.

• Music lovers should look into an Evening of Motown and R&B at The Melting Point this Friday. The Splitz will be bringing their fun and funky stage show to Athens; this all ages event should not be missed. Get there before 9 p.m. and bring your dancing shoes!
• Looking to enjoy the great outdoors? Join the free Naturalist's Walk from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday. Go to the Sandy Creek Nature Center and ENSAT Center for a refreshing hike around the property. Don't forget your binoculars and cameras!
• If you're trying to find something different, check out the Classic City Rollergirls Hollerin' Hootenanny on Saturday night. This night of fun and entertainment includes games, music, and dancing for only $3. It starts at 9:30 p.m. at the Little Kings Club and lasts all night. Don't miss out on the Watermelon Seed Spittin' Contest!

Hopefully, you can now start planning for your weekend for fun. If you already have plans, I would love to hear about them! Where are you going and what are you planning to do over the coming weekend?

- Debbie