📰 In the news

Athens named top retirement destination: Forbes has named Athens, Georgia one of the 25 best places to retire in the U.S., citing its affordable housing, vibrant college town atmosphere, and low natural hazard risk—though crime and walkability remain concerns. See why Athens made the list.

Free pet clinic coming to Athens: The Athens Area Humane Society is hosting a free vaccine and microchip clinic on Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to noon for residents of 13 counties — services are limited to the first 200 pets, so plan to arrive early. Get the location details and eligibility info here.

Other highlights this week:

• Forsyth County grad inspires thousands
• Shop local at this farmer’s market
• Cheer for grads at this ceremony
• Celebrate Freya Diva at this benefit show
• Rise early for this forest walk
• Dance to support mental health

✨ We got your back

Hole lotta love: When your carb cravings hit a 10, Athens Bagel Co. comes through with the kind of chewy, golden perfection that demands a schmear (or six). Sweet, savory, stacked sky-high—we don’t judge. We just hope you get there before the everything bagels are gone.

Sip happens: Craving something cold, chewy, and dangerously addictive? The drinks at Bubble Cafe are equal parts caffeine, fruit, and snack—all in one cup. Customize your order like a boba sommelier or stick with the house fave, but fair warning: that first slurp might become a full-blown personality trait.

Plot twist! You walked in just to browse… and somehow left Avid Bookshop with a towering TBR pile, a tote bag, and deep emotional attachment to a story you haven’t even read yet. Cozy, chaotic, or cat-adjacent—whatever your genre, the shelves here never disappoint.

Green thumbs up: Whether you’re a seasoned plant whisperer or the kind of person who needs a succulent with a survival guide, Cofers Home & Garden Showplace has what you need to make your home 47% leafier. Warning: side effects may include impulse-buying a fiddle-leaf fig and naming it.

👀 Why just read it when you could be in it?

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🔔Coming soon

PrideFest 2025: From Athens, With Pride | June 7th

Athens is going big this year. PrideFest 2025 is doubling down and combining the city’s annual festival and parade into one all-out celebration of joy, color, and community. Think: a stacked lineup of local vendors, cold drinks, a parade full of flair (kicking off at 5 PM sharp), a dedicated kid’s zone, and entertainment stretching until 10 PM.

The entire thing is free, fabulous, and absolutely not to be missed. Want in on the action? Here’s how to get involved.

Athens Cars & Coffee | June 7th

Sun’s out, hoods up. Athens Cars & Coffee is rolling into Terrapin Beer Co. to kick off the summer car season with horsepower and hops. From noon to 3 pm, expect shiny rides, good vibes, and a taco truck (courtesy of Taqueria Luna Rosa) that understands the assignment.

Come for the chrome, stay for the cold brew. Bring a friend, bring your appetite, and maybe don’t wear white if you’re planning on eating salsa. Get the details here.

📆 Around town

All events are subject to change without notice. Please check event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Know of an event we should include? Submit it here for free.

This week

🎸 JJ Grey & Mofro and The Marshall Tucker Band: The Ramblin’ Rooster Tour @ The Classic Center Theatre | Tuesday (5/20) at 7:15 pm – Two Southern powerhouses, one legendary night. JJ Grey & Mofro team up with The Marshall Tucker Band to bring soulful swamp rock and Southern rock classics to Athens. This one’s for folks who like their music loud, live, and steeped in grit.

🌿 Nature Ramblers @ State Botanical Gardens Of Georgia | Thursday (5/22) at 9:00 am – Start your day meandering through Georgia’s native beauty with like-minded explorers. With a dash of poetry and a slow stroll pace, this is nature appreciation at its finest — no hiking boots required.

🥕 Athentic Weekly Farmer’s Market @ Athentic Brewing Co. | Thursday (5/22) at 4:00 pm – Your midweek produce plug is back. Stock up on fresh veggies, local honey, artisan bread, and sweet handmade goods from Athens’ finest vendors. It’s the chillest way to shop your way into the weekend.

🎨 Thursday Night Art Club for Adults @ The K. A. Artist Shop | Thursday (5/22) at 6:00 pm – Unwind with brushes, paper, and good vibes. Led by local artist Samantha Hudson, this cozy art club is all about tiny masterpieces, creative flow, and a chance to trade art like old-school pros.

This weekend

🎨 Dreamlike Drawings by Jeffrey Whittle @ Ciné Gallery | Friday (5/23) at 4 pm – Step into a world where color floats and nature takes center stage in Jeffrey Whittle’s latest exhibit. His pieces are shimmering portals that blur the line between the real and the surreal — like if your dreams got tangled up in a botanical garden. The best part? Admission is totally free.

💋 Athens Showgirl Cabaret Fabulous Fridays Benefit Show @ Hendershot’s | Friday (5/23) at 9 pm – Things are getting fierce at Hendershot’s for this Fabulous Friday showdown. Ten queens and kings, one night, and a whole lotta glitter — all to benefit the radiant Freya Diva. Doors at 8, show at 9, and only $5 to get in on the lovefest.

🧺 Athens Farmers Market @ Bishop Park | Saturday (5/24) at 8 am – Wake up early and head to Bishop Park for a morning packed with fresh local produce, piping hot coffee, and community vibes. With over 40 vendors slinging everything from baked goods to handmade art, this market’s the real brunch MVP. Dogs are cool too—just keep them off the tennis courts.

🏕️ Summer Kick Off: 2-Night Family Camping Retreat @ Pryce Acres | Saturday (5/24) at 1 pm – Memorial Day weekend just got an upgrade. Think axe throwing, s’mores, outdoor movies, and a chill vibe that’s part adventure, part reset button. It’s free to attend (just RSVP!), and meal passes and tent rentals are on hand if you want the full glamp-out treatment.

🕊️ Heritage Walk @ Brooklyn Cemetery | Saturday (5/24) at 2 pm – Step into Athens’ hidden history with a guided stroll through Brooklyn Cemetery, one of the city’s oldest African American burial grounds. Linda and Kimberly Davis share stories, legacy, and two decades of grassroots restoration work. It’s a walk through time—and a tribute to those who shaped the community.

🌿 Botanical Garden Forest Bathing Walk @ State Botanical Gardens Of Georgia | Sunday (5/25) at 10:30 am – Tap into your senses and slow the pace with a 2.5-hour guided forest bathing walk. Led by an ANFT-certified guide, this nature immersion is part solo reflection, part gentle connection, and all good for the soul.

🧠 Steppaz Sunday “Steppin On My Mind” (Mental Health Awareness Edition) @ VFW | Sunday (5/25) at 2 pm – Step into self-care and community vibes with this special mental health awareness edition of Steppaz Sunday. Expect rhythm, reflection, and good energy as movement meets mindfulness in the heart of Athens.

🎶 Live music & comedy

• 5/20 JJ Grey and more @ The Classic Center Theatre – 7:15 pm
• 5/22 Mary & the HOT Hotty-Hots! @ Globe Athens – 7:30 pm
• 5/22 Freeman Leverrett @ Georgia Theatre – 8 pm
• 5/22 Phantom Dan and more @ The World Famous – 10 pm
• 5/23 Trio Metro @ Athentic Brewing – 6 pm
• 5/23 Tyler Key and more @ 40 Watt Club – 7 pm
• 5/23 Athens Showgirl Cabaret @ Hendershot’s – 9 pm
• 5/24 Luther Vandross & Adele Tribute @ The Foundry – 7 pm
• 5/24 RiffNotes @ Athentic Brewing – 7 pm
• 5/24 Marses and more @ Flicker Theatre & Bar – 8:30 pm
• 5/25 Seth Martin and more @ The World Famous – 9 pm

🏠 This house is wild

*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.

Listed by: Gena Knox (REAL Broker, LLC)

This 2,400-square-foot Southview stunner has three bedrooms, four baths, and all the charm of 1923 with the updates of 2025. Think limewashed brick, arched doorways, and a screen porch built for sweet tea and gossip.

Inside, you’ll find a renovated kitchen, two main-floor en suites, a brand-new powder room, and a dreamy upstairs primary suite with a soaking tub and walk-in shower. The 0.37-acre lot sits on one of Five Points’ most beloved streets—just a flip-flop stroll from your favorite restaurants, shops, and UGA landmarks. No HOA, just pure, polished perfection.

Window shopping is free — take a peek inside →