Juneteenth festival returns, Commerce Cinemas closes, new cocktail lounge, and more. 
Happy Tuesday, Athens. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Athens Brief serve up everything you need to know for the week ahead:
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Juneteenth festival 🎉
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Cocktail lounges 🍸
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Commerce Cinemas 🎥
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Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
Juneteenth festival this Thursday: Athens’ Juneteenth Music and Art Festival returns June 19 with live performances, mural painting, Afro dance, and more in celebration of Black history and community — see what’s planned
Commerce Cinemas shutters: After 20 years under Georgia Theatre Company, Commerce Cinemas screened its final film on June 8 — read more
Athens’ spirited drink scene: From hidden cocktail lounges and organic wine-tasting markets to dive bars where you can sip Princess Peach Tea while playing Mario Kart, these spots are now available in downtown Athens — take a look
Highlights this week
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Managers relish rudeness to employees
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Schools require panic systems
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Athens reentry support meets Tuesdays
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Morton Theatre Annual Meeting on June 17
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Summer Blast 2025 for kids on June 18
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Lawn looking rough? TruGreen’s 50% off
🫶 We got your back
Sweet tooth salvation: Need a chocolate fix? Condor Chocolates is your one-stop shop for bonkers bonbons, decadent drinking chocolate, and so many ganache-filled delights that your dentist will both weep and cheer.
Coastal crunch cravings: When fish, chips, and that unmistakable seaside breeze call your name, The Royal Peasant delivers golden-battered perfection with malt vinegar flair, plus the kind of fluffy chips you’ll dream about ’til your next order.
Wardrobe whisperers: From breezy linen dresses to power-shoulder blazers (and all the accessories that make them pop), Epiphany is where your closet goes to get its personality back—one perfectly curated piece at a time.
Market magic: Why shop anywhere else when Daily Groceries Co-op has weekly farm-fresh produce, small-batch pantry staples, and enough grab-and-go gourmet options to turn your dinner routine into something extraordinary?
Get your piece of the pie: While the market swings on trade wars and escalating conflicts overseas, gold and silver are steadily holding (under the radar). Check out this free guide for new investors and see how easy it is to tap into one of the most underrated money moves right now.
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
This week
🌭 Lobster Dogs @ Athentic Brewing Company | Tuesday (6/17) at 5 pm – Your taste buds just sent a thank-you note. Lobster Dogs is back on the patio, dishing out buttery, seafood-packed hot dogs and those legendary stuffed avocados. Pair it with a cold pint and consider your dinner plans solved.
🎶 Sunflower Concert Series @ State Botanical Garden of Georgia at UGA | Tuesday (6/17) at 7 pm – Imagine Southern rock royalty jamming under the open sky amid blooming sunflowers. Bring your blanket, picnic basket, and a sweet spot in the Flower Garden to soak up Grammy-nominated vibes. Snacks and drinks are included, and season passes score major savings—just don’t let weather rain on your parade.
🐾 Animal Encounter with Sandy Creek @ Athens-Clarke County Library | Wednesday (6/18) at 2 pm – Registration required to get up close and personal with some of Sandy Creek’s coolest critters. Perfect for curious minds of all ages, you’ll learn wild biofacts and maybe even make a new furry (or scaly) friend. Don’t forget to book your spot before they fill up.
🎨 Artini’s at Athentic Paint Class @ Athentic Brewing Company | Wednesday (6/18) at 7 pm – Sip, sip, hooray! Bring your favorite brew and unleash your inner Picasso as you paint a tropical sunset. Supplies are on us—just show up ready to mix, brush, and giggle. Pro tip: register before noon on the 18th or you’ll have to wait for July’s encore.
🙌 Evening Volunteer @ Bigger Vision of Athens | Friday (6/20) at 5:30 pm – Give back by helping prep, serve, and clean up a community meal at Bigger Vision. No cape required—just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to roll up your sleeves for a night of good food and even better company.
🍴 Nosh @ Athentic Brewing | Friday (6/20) at 6 pm – Fuel your Friday with a foodie pop-up featuring quesabirria tacos, pork belly bahn mi, walking tacos, pizza pockets, and more. Whether you’re craving comfort or culinary adventure, there’s a bite here to hit the spot.
This weekend
🍳 Berry Alumni Athens Brunch @ Mama’s Boy | Saturday (6/21) at 10 am – Berry alumni, assemble for Southern comfort on a plate with Mama’s Boy’s Mill Town Breakfast Buffet: grits, bacon, biscuits, and all the honey-poppy butter you can handle. Sip on Jittery Joe’s coffee and OJ while swapping campus tales and competing for those coveted alumni prizes. Secure your spot by June 12 for biscuits, banter, and bragging rights.
🎤 Athfest 2025 Music & Arts Festival @ Downtown Athens | Saturday (6/21) at 12 pm – Catch a live performance right in the heart of Athens at AthFest! The stage is set on N Hull St. for a fun-filled set of music and celebration. Don’t miss out—this one’s for the locals and visitors alike.
🚛 Monster Jam @ Akins Ford Arena | Saturday (6/21) at 1 pm – Buckle up for an adrenaline-packed afternoon at Monster Jam®! Watch jaw-dropping stunts as monster trucks fly through the air and go head-to-head in gravity-defying battles. It’s big, loud, and as wild as it gets—don’t miss it!
🎲 Lazy Sunday Games Day @ Athentic Brewing Company | Sunday (6/22) at 1 pm – Round up your board, video, card, or RPG games and join fellow gamers for an afternoon of friendly competition and craft brews. Whether you’re questing in D&D or duking it out in Mario Kart on the projector, there’s a table—and a pint—waiting for you. Pro tip: bring your Switch dock to keep the action rolling.
🎶 Live music & entertainment
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6/17 Sunflower Concert Series @ State Botanical Garden – 7 pm
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6/17 Tumblr TV Improv @ Athentic Brewing – 7:30 pm
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6/19 The Reverend Conner Tribble @ Athentic Brewing – 6 pm
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6/19 Brandon Sears @ Costa Alegre Seafood & Grill – 6:15 pm
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6/19 Mary & the Hot Hotty-Hots @ The Globe – 7:30 pm
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6/20 Florence Cardigan and more @ AthFest Main Stage – 5 pm
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6/21 Slush Fund Day Party @ Hendershot’s – 1 pm
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6/22 Tropical Breeze Steel Band and more @ AthFest Main Stage – 12:30 pm
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