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?

New Teen Program at Georgia Museum of Art-- and it's FREE!

Great news from the Georgia Museum of Art!  Michael Lachowski, the Museum's Public Relations coordinator, tells us about a new teen program:

Responding to an audience underserved by museums, the Georgia Museum of Art (GMOA) at the University of Georgia has created a new program specifically for teenagers. The first Teen Studio Night is scheduled for Thursday, May 3, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Teens can join GMOA editor Mary Koon and textile designer Susan Hable as they discuss the exhibition "Pattern and Palette in Print: Gentry Magazine and a New Generation of Trendsetters," then participate in a fabric design workshop inspired by the exhibition.
"Pattern and Palette in Print" is a collaborative exhibition featuring work by students in the fabric design program at UGA's Lamar Dodd School of Art. Students took inspiration from the 1950s menswear periodical Gentry and were asked to create a color palette and design their own patterns based on their studies of the magazine and other 1950s-era media. Koon and Hable served as co-curators of the exhibition along with Clay McLaurin, fabric design chair at the art school.
"This is a really great chance for teens to work alongside successful professionals in the field and get authentic hands-on experience," said Melissa Rackley, who organizes community programs for GMOA's education department.

This program provides a unique opportunity for teenagers to tour the exhibition and participate in an individualized workshop with the co-curators. Pizza will be served and space is limited. Call the museum at 706.542.GMOA (4662) to reserve your spot.

A Getaway to Athens! Drive a Little. Live a Lot.

Just over an hour from Atlanta, the quintessential college town of Athens is a wise choice for a quick getaway. Visitors are immediately struck by the town's creative energy.  Well-known as a hotbed of live music, hundreds of bands call Athens home and perform in a wide variety of genres to suit many tastes.  More recently, Athens has arrived on the culinary scene with chefs such as Hugh Acheson of Five & Ten (James Beard finalist, Top Chef Masters contestant, Top Chef judge), Whitney Otawka of Farm 255 (Top Chef: Texas contestant), and Peter Dale of The National (Food & Wine Magazine's People's Best New Chef Southeast) receiving national acclaim.  Spring is a wonderful time of year to visit Athens, for patio dining, outdoor music stages and blooms at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the gardens of Athens' four historic house museums. With the beautiful weather out in full force, a weekend getaway to Athens,GA is perfect for enjoying time with loved ones and friends!

Athens' Music Scene

Home of the The B-52's, Pylon, R.E.M., and Widespread Panic, Athens' music scene offers entertainment suited to every taste. The newly-renovated Georgia Theatre hosts a wide variety of musical performances. Enjoy the wide open floor space in front of the stage, or spacious seating in the balconies. You can check out the Georgia Theatre's upcoming performance calendar here. The Georgia Theatre's new rooftop bar is sure to impress. The rooftop bar also offers a menu including a delicious array of their signature sandwiches and salads. The Georgia Theatre has recently launched a new rooftop dance party series named Get Up Get Down. This series takes place every Tuesday night from 11:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. in April and May, and runs through June 5th. The focus of Get Up Get Down will be on the aesthetic of "music people can dance to" showcasing local, regional, and national talent. Guests 18+  can attend the weekly showcase for just $2.00 a cover and will be able to enjoy $2.00 drink specials.The Georgia Theatre is located at 215 N. Lumpkin Street in
 Athens, GA. 

The Melting Point is another popular local music venue. The Melting Point is a blend of old and new: vintage modern decor in the oldest building on the Foundry Park Inn & Spa property. A 30 foot smoke stack anchors the venue's entry tower while three glass and metal garage doors blend the exterior patio with the interior space for al fresco dining and listening in pleasant weather. Savor, sip and socialize in style with a mix of locals and travelers alike in an atmosphere like no other.This intimate music venue hosts a variety of music styles and is a favorite of a wide range of fans. Why end your night here? With the beautiful Foundry Park Inn & Spa next door you can enjoy a night of luxury in their boutique hotel, or melt away stress and restore the soul at the spa. 

There are even more local music venues in Athens, GA. A complete list of the live music venues can be found here http://www.visitathensga.com/live-music/where-to-hear-live-music/.

Athens Dining

Athens is also known for their local dining selections. The creative energy of Athens, Georgia is alive and well in local Athens restaurants, with masterful artwork on both the walls and the plate. Dozens of unique independent eateries offer a distinctive culinary experience, from traditional southern soul food to trendsetting nouveau southern cuisine. Relax in ambient settings from sidewalk and courtyard cafés to dining rooms overlooking the University of Georgia's historic North Campus, with menus that feature exceptional wines and Italian, Sushi, Steak, Cajun, and farm fresh offerings from local Athens growers. Farm 255 is a unique and local dining location that  serves local, seasonal & sustainable food. The menu is a mix of Mediterranean & Southern influences and changes daily. And, the music is as homegrown as the food, with performances typically held on the patio. Farm 255's Executive Chef is Whitney Otawka who competed on Top Chef: Texas in 2011. With patio dining available you can enjoy delicious food and the beautiful weather. There are several other delicious restaurant spots to satisfy any craving including the Cajun favorite, NONA, the vegetarian based menu from The Grit, delicious fresh seafood from Square One Fish Co, and many more! A complete listing of local Athens restaurants can be found at http://www.visitathensga.com/restaurants/. 

Athens Welcomes Pets

Athens also welcomes those who want to visit with their dogs! There are several dog-friendly places and events around the Classic City. You can enjoy a delicious meal on the patio with your dog at several restaurants including Five Star Day Cafe, Mama's Boy, Farm 255, Big City Bread Cafe, East West Bistro, Square One Fish Co, and several other unique and local places. Terrapin Brewery is also a fun and exciting dog-friendly location. Terrapin Brewery offers brewery tours and tastings every Wednesday through Saturday from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Experience live music and tastings of Terrapin's full line of award winning beers while observing the brewing process first hand. For only $10, you'll get a Terrapin beer glass for tastings, a tour of the brewery, and access to their lively atmosphere. Their spacious outdoor area is perfect for enjoying Terrapin's wide selection of beer and the company of your dog. As a completely pet-friendly hotel, The Hotel Indigo in Athens also has a unique opportunity for you and your pup! Every Wednesday from 5-7 p.m., they host a Canine Cocktail Hour where your beloved pet can hang out with other pets, and you can enjoy $3 special Salty-Dogs or Greyhounds. 

Upcoming Events

There a several upcoming events and festivals taking place in Athens,GA, including:

• Professional golf returns to Athens April 30 - May 6 during the Stadion Classic at UGA. This is one of two Nationwide Tour stops in Georgia. The Stadion Classic at UGA is the only event on the Nationwide Tour that is owned and operated by an institution of higher education.  All net proceeds from the event will support need-based scholarships for UGA students through the Arch Foundation. Tickets can be purchased through the TICKETS Fore CHARITY program which supports non-profits in Georgia and nationwide. 

• The 34th Annual Athens Human Rights Festival will be May 5 - 6. This 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. 

• The Athens live music scene is ready to kick off the 16th Annual AthFest Music and Arts Festival June 20 - 24. This has been named a Top 20 Event by The Southeast Tourism Society. AthFest features more than 150 bands on outdoor stages and in Athens' renowned clubs. Between the live music, art, local film screenings and KidsFest, there is entertainment for all ages. 

With so many exciting things to do in Athens, make your visit a weekend getaway to ensure you get the full Classic City experience! Athens has many beautiful and accommodating hotels to make your visit even more special. With many convenient downtown locations, you can enjoy both the music scene and the famous local restaurants without even driving! A complete listing of hotels in Athens, GA can be found at this website, http://www.visitathensga.com/places-to-stay/.

For more information about spring events taking place in Athens, along with special offers and discounts on accommodations, activities, shopping and dining, visit www.visitathensga.com/spring or contact the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau at 706-357-4430, toll-free 800-653-0603. 


What festivals and events that are taking place in Athens,GA are you looking forward to?

Athens This Weekend: April 13-15

The weekend is finally here! A weekend getaway to Athens,GA is the perfect solution for "de-stressing" after a long week. Athens has so many exciting festivals and events taking place. With an array of festivals, entertaining performances, sporting events, and even more for the entire family, we know you will have an amazing weekend in Athens, GA! Here are a few ideas to mark down on your calendar.

1. Plantapalooza: A Combined Spring Plant Sale

This event is perfect for all of the garden enthusiasts! The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, The UGA Horticulture Club and The Trial Gardens at UGA have combined their Spring plant sales to create 'Plantapalooza.' Gardeners are expected to travel to Athens from throughout the state to attend! There will be a wide array of garden plants  available at each location, combined with horticulturists, volunteers and Master Gardeners to help you with any plant selections.  There will be coffee and light snacks sold at the two gardens, and admission is free for all plant sales! Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity! This event will take place on Saturday, April 14, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information about the gardens and their locations visit here.

2. G Day: UGA Spring Football Game 

Georgia Football is finally back in action! Come out and get a preview of the great things that lay ahead for the 2012 football season. The G Day  game annually features the Bulldog team split into the Red and Black squads. Come out in your red and black and cheer on your Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. Kickoff will be at 3:00 p.m.

3. The 14th Annual UGA International Street Festival

Bring the entire family out for this exciting and culture-filled festival! The UGA International Street Festival features cultural displays, traditional costumes, dances, and international bands. International and multinational groups will perform and host colorful displays from around the world. A children's corner will allow young guests to participate in a variety of fun activities such as coloring international paper dolls, creating their own flags, crafting African necklaces and much more. This festival will be held this Saturday in College Square of Downtown Athens,GA from noon-5:00 p.m. There is no admission charge for this event, so make sure you come and check it out!

These are just a few of the many exciting events taking place this weekend. With spring in full bloom, festivals and events are endless in Athens,GA. Here are a few more ideas that we know you will love:

• Friday: Canopy Studio Aerial Dance presents: Evolve. This exciting performance 
  will feature newly invented apparatus, flying cubes, mini tramp, double vertical pole and even roller skates, in addition to trapeze, lyra, and fabrics. This show will touch on Canopy's history and celebrate what is to come! This event will take place on Friday at the Canopy Studio at 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday:  Terrapin Beer Co. 10th Anniversary Carnival.  Come out for a fun filled afternoon and celebrate 10 years of Terrapin Beer! Terrapin will be raising money for charity through several fun activities including a beer filled dunk-tank, carnival snacks, and a “tattoo parlor” among other surprises. There will be 10 casks, a barrel aged beer tent and a very special anniversary ale! This event is one you should not miss! The carnival will be on Saturday from 4:30-8:30 p.m. at the Terrapin Brewery. 
• Sunday: 17th Annual Classic City Brew Fest. Come out and experience one of the Southeast's favorite beer events. There will be live music, and over 250 of the best beers from around the planet. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Athens Area Humane Society. This event will take place on Sunday from 2:30-6:00 p.m. at The Melting Point. 

Hopefully you have read something that you are looking forward to! To complete your weekend getaway, check out all of the available hotels and restaurants here. Also, 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 Spring time festivals and events are you looking forward to?

Plant & Garden Events in Athens,GA

Spring is a wonderful time of year to visit Athens, especially for garden enthusiasts. You can enjoy the blooms at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, the gardens of Athens' four historic house museums, a wide variety of nurseries, and the fascinating horticulture Trial Gardens at UGA.  and several exciting events. This April will provide added inspiration for your own garden. Here are a few ideas that hopefully will spark your interest. 

Plantapalooza: April 14

Gardeners are expected to travel to Athens from throughout the state to attend the  Plantapalooza plant sale from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Held at the State Botanical Garden, the UGA Horticulture Club and The Trial Gardens at UGA, a wide array of garden plants will be available at each location, combined with horticulturists, volunteers and Master Gardeners to help with plant selections. Gardeners who participate in the 2012 Plantapalooza will be able to explore two gardens, chat with horticulturists, and choose from a large selection of plants at the three venues. All the plants are selected to thrive in Southeastern gardens.

Plantapalooza Stop 1:

• The Trial Gardens at UGA, which grows and tests the newest annuals and perennials from plant breeders throughout the world, will focus on offering unique plants that are difficult to find anywhere else. They will also offer Athens Select Plants, plants that have successfully survived and thrived in the hot and humid climate. Dr. Allan Armitage will be available to sign his books (which will be for sale) and lead tours of the Trial Garden. Profits from all sales help fund the continuation of the Trial Gardens research and student employees in the gardens. The Trial Gardens are located at: 1111 Plant Sciences Building at the University of Georgia,Athens, GA 30602

Plantapalooza Stop 2:

• The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, headquarters of the Georgia Gold Medal Plant Program, will have Gold Medal plants noted among its broad selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetables, and more. This sale will also offer many native plants grown at the State Botanical Garden, which has a successful Certificate in Native Plants program and has recently launched a Native Plant Initiative. The Garden Gift Shop, with a large selection of books and locally crafted items, will be open.The newest building at the State Botanical Garden is the Garden Club of Georgia State Headquarters.  Both the Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance and the Garden Club of Georgia are headquartered at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. This garden can be found at the following address:  2450 South Milledge Avenue  Athens, GA 30605

Plantapalooza Stop 3:

• The UGA Horticulture Club will be selling a wide range of garden and landscape plants near the intersection of Riverbend Road and College Station Road.  Profits from all sales fund projects for students in the Horticulture program.

Piedmont Gardener's Garden Tour

Another event perfect for plant enthusiasts is the 19th Annual Piedmont Gardener's Garden Tour. This spring garden tour features an inside look at the Athens area's most inspired private gardens. Five gardens will be featured on April 21, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the tour. A variety of plants will be found at each garden. These gardens are not usually open for visitors to tour. This event will help visitors enhance garden skills and knowledge. More information about the gardens participating in this event can be found here. 

With all of the Spring Plant Sales in full bloom, make your visit a weekend getaway! There are several beautiful hotels, shops, and dining locations around Athens,GA. For more information about events taking place in Athens, along with special offers and discounts on accommodations, activities, shopping and dining, visit www.VisitAthensGA.com/spring  or contact the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau at 706-357-4430. 

What about the Spring Plant Sales are you looking forward to?

Easter Weekend in Athens GA April 6-8

Easter weekend is here! Spend your holiday in Athens, GA with the beautiful weather and several exciting Easter events fit for the entire family. With an array of Easter activities for the entire family and entertaining performances,we know you will have an amazing weekend in Athens, GA! Here are a few exciting ideas that hopefully will spark your interest  for this holiday weekend.

1. Bunny Meet and Easter Egg Hunts

 Bring the family to meet Mr. Bunny and have a picture taken with him! Children will enjoy hunting for eggs and winning prizes. Adults can even enjoy the blindfolded Easter Egg hunt in which two-person teams will compete for prizes and all participants will search blindfolded verbally guided by a teammate.There are egg hunts planned for people of all ages. Some require a fee, and some are completely free! Here is a complete list of the scheduled Easter egg hunts:

Friday:

•  Easter Egg Hunt; Parkview Community Center; 4-6 p.m.

Saturday:

• Meet Mr. Bunny and Pictures; Rocksprings Community Center; 9 a.m. (photos $1)
• Breakfast with The Bunny; Memorial Park; 9 a.m. AND/OR 10 a.m. ($8 ACC resident, $12 non-resident)
• Easter Egg Hunt; Rocksprings Community Center; 11 a.m. 
• Easter Egg Hunt; East Athens Community Center; 11 a.m.
• Easter Egg-Stravaganza; Lay Park Community Center; Noon
• Blindfolded Easter Egg Hunt for Seniors; Lay Park Community Center; 1 p.m.

2. Easter Brunch at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Bring the family for a special Easter brunch at a garden celebrating spring with blooms and songbirds, with walkways that are easy to navigate with strollers and wheelchairs, lawns that make you want to kick off your sandals, and benches where you can relax. 

Gather the family for a special Easter brunch at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Donderos' Kitchen will be serving a buffet brunch on Easter morning in the Visitor Center & Conservatory.
Guests will enjoy a buffet menu that includes ham, biscuits, grits, fruit, brunch egg casserole, French toast casserole, an assortment of handmade baked goods, and drinks: coffee, orange juice punch and tea. The Garden Gift Shop will be open. Call to make reservations or for more information. Reservations are recommended, as seating is limited.Tickets are $18.95 per person; $8.95 children 5-12; and free for children 4 and under. This event will take place Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

3. 2012 Easter Brunch at The Foundry Park Inn

This Easter, why mess up your kitchen? Forget the dirty dishes and join Foundry Park Inn for a delicious Easter Brunch. They have something for even the most finicky members of your family, from omelet and waffle stations to a delicious assortment of salads, hot dishes (including a honey roasted ham carving station), and more! And no good brunch would be complete without dessert - there will be a wide assortment of cobblers, pies, cakes, and sweet delights! This will take place on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The brunch will be $24.95 per person, so make your reservations today!

These were just a few of the exciting events going on this weekend in Athens. Here are a few more ideas that you should definitely mark on your calendar!

• Friday: Friends First Friday: Plant Sale Secrets at State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Gather for a made-from-scratch breakfast by Countryside Catering and find out what brings folks to the Garden to visit and volunteer. Get insider tips for shopping the plant sale, special plants that will be available, and more. This is perfect for plant enthusiasts! This event will take place from 9-10:30 a.m.
• Friday: Froggie Spring Fling at Sandy Creek Nature Center and ENSAT Center. Bring
  the family out for an evening of amphibian hunting. There will be time to learn about several amphibians found in the area, followed by a search for newts, salamanders, and frogs. This event is perfect for families, and is for children 4 years and older. This event will take place from 7-9 p.m. It will be $7 for Athens Clarke County resident families, and $10 for non residents. This is an exciting event for everyone! 
• Saturday:2012 Cultural Fusion at Tate Student Center at UGA. Don't miss out on performances, such as UGA Ballroom group and Street Rhythm Band! Emceed by Relay for Life star Josh Buce. Join in for a chance to win prizes and a tablet! Food for sale from sponsors, such as SunO and Olive Garden.This event will be from 7-9 p.m. and there will be no admission charge!
  

These are just a few of the many exciting events taking place 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 Easter plans in Athens,GA?

Looks What's Ahead for AthFest 2012

Livability.com just named Athens the #1 music scene outside of NYC, Nashville, and LA.  And the very best time to experience the Athens, Georgia live music scene in all its glory is AthFest each June, just around the corner June 20-24, 2012!

There are several big announcements for the 2012 AthFest music festival that we'd like to share with you!  First off, AthFest is taking the club crawl to the next level this year.  On Friday and Saturday of the festival, the Georgia Theatre, the 40 Watt Club, and the Melting Point will all be Wristband-Only venues. This adds even more value to the wristbands by giving you access to even more music venues at this year's AthFest club crawl.

Drumroll, please . . . headliners have been announced for this years Festival...

• REPTAR
• ATLAS SOUND
• THE GLANDS, and
• YACHT ROCK REVIEW will all be performing on the outdoor stages.

These outdoor stage performances will be open to ALL ages, and are FREE of charge.

The RANDALL BRAMBLETT BAND will headline at the Melting Point and THE MODERN SKIRTS will headline at the 40-Watt Club. The AthFest “club crawl” takes place on the Friday and Saturday nights of the festival.

Make plans now to be in Athens for AthFest June 20-24, 2012.  You won't want to miss it!  Whether you've been itching to experience Athens music scene for the first time, have been away from Athens and need an excuse to return, or are a long-time Athens resident, we'll see you on Washington Street and in the clubs this June!