Fireflies in the woods, Motown grooves, paper peonies, BBQ beats, and plenty more to kick off summer in Athens. 
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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Free pet clinic 🐾
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Line dancing 🤠
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Motown night 🎵
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Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
Firefly ID Class tonight: Sandy Creek Nature Center, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, is hosting a free evening tonight from 8:30–10:30 pm to observe local firefly species and uncover their mesmerizing flashing patterns. Space is limited—register online now.
Caribou Coffee arrives in Athens: Caribou Coffee opened its new 2198 W. Broad St. location on Friday, June 13, complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and spin-to-win prizes — check it out.
Athens eats makeover: Sully’s Steamers opened on Clayton Street with oozy bagel sandwiches, while Oak Steakhouse and Caribou Coffee have moved into former local spots, and longtime favorites Athens Wok, Lumberjaxe, Saucehouse, and ARTini’s have closed, shaking up Clayton and Broad Streets — read the full story.
College funding: With fall semester approaching, it’s a good time to explore student loan options. Co-signed loans often come with better rates and higher approval odds, and many lenders provide pathways to release co-signers after establishing good payment records — CollegeAve makes the entire process a breeze.
Highlights this week
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RFRA becomes law
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Georgia taxpayers get refunds
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Explore fireflies on Firefly Atlas
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Join the reentry support group
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Got debt? National can help you cut ties
🫶 We got your back
Farm-to-fork thrills ahead: Craving bold, beef-free flavors? Look no further than Maepole for humble veggies turned rock stars. Expect inventive plant-based dishes, dairy-free twists, and desserts that’ll make you rethink vegan eats.
Shuck it to me: Nothing says coastal charm like briny, ocean-fresh oysters piled high—and Seabear Oyster Bar isn’t shy about bringing the tide straight to your table.
Two-wheel TLC: Whether you’re dodging potholes or conquering gravel trails, The Hub Bicycles keeps your ride rolling smoother than your favorite playlist.
Punchline paradise: From clever one-liners to off-the-wall improv, Flying Squid Comedy delivers belly laughs and beer-fuelled cheers—no two nights are ever the same.
One enthusiastic zoomie sesh could cost you $6,000+. Between the emergency visit, X-rays, surgery, pain meds, and months of physical therapy, it adds up quicker than Spot chasing a tennis ball. The good news? This pet insurance plan offers up to 90% cash back on the bill.
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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
🐞 Firefly Hike @ Sandy Creek Nature Center | Tuesday (6/24) at 8:30 pm – Grab a headlamp and your sense of wonder for a dusk stroll with GA DNR as we chase glowing firefly magic. You’ll learn about the Firefly Atlas project while perfecting your glow-spotting skills under the stars. Registration is free but required—don’t let this flicker of fun pass you by!
🐾 Free Pet Wellness Clinic @ MedLink Georgia | Wednesday (6/25) at 11 am – Treat your furry BFF to free exams, vaccines, and pet food at this pop-up clinic. Cats, dogs, and brag-worthy pets of all stripes get VIP care (no diva attitude necessary). Hosted with Project Street Vet—because happy pets make happy homes!
🤠 Boots and Brews Line Dancing with Lindsey @ Athentic Brewing Company | Thursday (6/26) at 7 pm – Kick off your weekend early with a cold pint and some killer line-dancing moves in the taproom. Whether you’re a two-left-feet rookie or a seasoned boot-scootin’ pro, Lindsey’s got you covered. Dust off those boots, grab a brew, and let’s stomp the floor like nobody’s watching!
🧸 Stuffed Animal Clinic @ Athens-Clarke County Library Children’s Department | Friday (6/27) at 1 pm – Is your teddy in tatters or your bunny in need of a bandage? Bring your well-loved stuffed sidekick to our expert “doctors” for check-ups, repairs, and plenty of TLC. No appointment needed—just your fluffiest friend and a big hug.
🎵 An Evening of Motown, R&B & Soul with The Original Splitz Band @ The Foundry | Friday (6/27) at 7 pm – Dust off your dancing shoes for a soulful night with The Original Splitz Band, mixing classic Motown grooves, ’70s funk, and disco flavor. Grab a drink from the bar, soak up those vintage vibes, and get ready for an all-ages party in the heart of downtown Athens.
This weekend
🗑️ KACCB Litter League Cleanup @ Athens Community Council on Aging | Saturday (6/28) at 10 am – Roll up your sleeves with the KACCB board and help reclaim local neighborhoods from rogue wrappers, bottle caps, and wayward burritos. All supplies are provided; just bring your good vibes and a friend or two (kids welcome with parents). It’s community care at its finest, wrapped up in a satisfying morning mission. Plus, you’ll earn major karma points and maybe make a new neighbor or two.
🎨 Family Day: Visual Beats @ Georgia Museum of Art | Saturday (6/28) at 10 am – Step into a world where music and art collide in hands-on gallery activities for all ages. Jam to colorful beats, then translate those grooves into your own take-home masterpiece. Can’t make it in person? Grab a Family Day To-Go Kit starting at 1 pm and keep the creative party rolling at home. Free tickets are required, so reserve your spot and prepare for palette-pleasing fun.
🌸 Paper Flower Making Workshop: Charm Peonies @ K. A. Artist Shop | Saturday (6/28) at 2 pm – Unleash your inner florist as Carol Satterfield guides you through crafting lifelike peonies from crepe paper. You’ll leave with one show-stopping stem and the know-how to design two more at home. All materials—wire, crepe paper, and glue—are included, so just bring your creativity (and maybe a friend for moral support). P.S. These beauties last forever, no watering required.
🎤 Off the Clock Comedy Upstairs @ The Globe | Sunday (6/29) at 9 pm – Kick off your week with Off the Clock Comedy Upstairs, where regional headliners and your favorite local jokesters take the stage every Sunday. Doors open at 8:30, and with free parking plus drink specials at the bar, you’ve got the perfect recipe for a night of nonstop laughs.
🎶 Live music & entertainment
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6/24 We The Kings @ 40 Watt Club – 7 pm
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6/25 Open Mic @ MaiKai Kava Lounge – 8 pm
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6/26 Boots and Brews Line Dancing @ Athentic Brewing – 7 pm
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6/26 Mary & the Hot Hotty-Hots @ The Globe – 7:30 pm
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6/26 Big Band Athens @ Hendershot’s – 8 pm
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6/27 Check The Signs @ Athentic Brewing – 6 pm
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6/28 Smooth Jazz Concert ft. Dee Lucas @ The Foundry – 7 pm
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6/28 Reggae Vibes Party @ Athentic Brewing – 7 pm
🏠️ This house is wild
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Ivette R Tillman (Keller Williams Realty Atl. Partners) – 5 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | Built in 1969 | 3148 sqft
Porch swings, sweet tea, and a whopping 40 acres of Southern sass—this revamped five-bedroom stunner isn’t shy about showing off. Two levels of gleaming upgrades mean there’s space for the in-laws, outlaws, or that friend who “just needs a weekend.” Exposed beams, farmhouse flair, and enough windows to keep an eye on every chicken, goat, or rogue squirrel.
Pastures roll, trees stand tall, and sunsets put on a show you’ll never get bored of. Whether you’re plotting a hobby farm, a garden jungle, or just want to brag about your acreage at brunch, this place delivers the goods with a wink and a twang.
Window shopping is free — take a peek inside →
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