Events in Athens today

An informal breakfast gathering with lighthearted storytelling takes place at Suncatcher Cafe, known for its homemade biscuits. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with easy conversation to start the morning.

At the Georgia Museum of Art, this Creative Aging workshop welcomes adults 55 and up to explore lifelong learning through the arts. Teaching artist Toni Carlucci guides a conversation in the galleries focused on works from the permanent collection, then leads a hands-on session in the studio classroom where participants create artwork and connect with others. All experience levels are welcome, and seating is limited.

At The Georgia Museum of Art, a student guide leads a conversational tour focused on the permanent collection. Explore the galleries through the perspectives of UGA undergraduates as they consider works from a range of academic viewpoints. Free general admission tickets are available, and visitors should check in at the lobby desk upon arrival. Registration can be completed online in advance or in person.

Explore the State Botanical Garden’s Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum on an hour-long guided tour led by the curator or museum docents. Admission is $5 per person, with payment collected at the Garden Gift Shop on arrival.

Weekly line dance instruction for beginner through intermediate levels takes place at the Bogart Community Center. The venue features a roomy, smooth concrete surface that works well for dancing, and the event welcomes all ages. Situated about 15 minutes from downtown Athens, it offers an easy outing for an evening of learning and practice. Bring your own snacks and drinks to keep your energy up. The flow moves from a newcomer segment to beginner teaching, then an improver session, with music spanning country, pop, and rock. Admission is $10, payable in cash or Venmo, and the instruction is friendly and supportive for those just starting out as well as dancers looking to build skills.

A relaxed porch gathering welcomes neighbors to drop in for conversation or quiet company. There is no set agenda, no sign-up, and no formal program. Iced tea, lemonade, and coffee are available, and guests often chat, knit, or play a friendly game of mahjong. The Taylor-Grady House opens its doors for informal walk-throughs, reflecting a simple mission of hospitality where no purchase or performance is expected. The focus is on nurturing community through regular, face-to-face connection in an easygoing setting.

At the Georgia Museum of Art, Callan Steinmann, director of learning and engagement, leads a focused conversation on George Segal’s sculpture “Young Woman in Doorway.” Part of the Artful Conversation series, this 30-minute program centers on a single artwork and encourages careful looking, open conversation, and discovery. Admission is free with a ticket. Please check in at the lobby desk upon arrival. Tickets can be reserved online in advance or obtained on site.

The taproom hosts a weekly karaoke night led by DJ Gregory. Expect lively music, a friendly vibe, and beer on tap that make it a relaxed way to break up the week.

Discover the natural areas, flora, and fauna of the State Botanical Garden in a relaxed ramble that offers fresh air and a chance to meet new people. Each outing begins with an inspirational reading from a nature writer such as Annie Dillard, John Muir, or Janisse Ray, setting a reflective tone for unhurried exploration. Participants may bring their own nature writing, poems, or favorite essays to share with the group. This is a gentle ramble rather than a hike, with frequent pauses to observe plants, insects, butterflies, and mushrooms along the way. Take part in a single session or come back for more. The gatherings are informal and free, with optional donations accepted in the garden’s donation box in the visitor center lobby.

Sweet Pea Club brings families together at the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden for playful, nature-focused learning led by the State Botanical Garden of Georgia’s education team. Children ages 3 to 5 take part in activities like songs, puppetry, storytelling, short nature walks, and games, with each session highlighting a new topic such as busy bees, pollination, decomposers, animals, or the plants we eat. The experience fosters curiosity about the natural world and encourages care for our shared planet. Activities usually happen outdoors, and the exact spot may change depending on the weather. Registration is required for each child who will participate.

A Zumba and dance fitness class is offered at Social Dance Preserve. Admission is $15 per class.

Broadway star Kelli O’Hara makes her first appearance with UGA Presents at Hodgson Concert Hall, bringing the artistry that won a Tony Award and earned Emmy and Grammy nominations. Known for acclaimed roles on Broadway, performances at the Metropolitan Opera, and appearances in HBO’s The Gilded Age, she will offer a program of Great American Songbook standards alongside favorite Broadway selections.

Presented by Zero Mile Presents, Lily Rose takes the stage at Georgia Theatre. This event is for ages 18 and over.

At the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum, this free sketching session welcomes artists of any age and experience to spend time in the galleries studying and drawing from the museum's diverse collections. All necessary materials are provided by the museum.

Catching the Moon brings a young girl’s love of baseball to the stage in a lively family musical inspired by Crystal Hubbard’s children’s book and adapted by Tyrone L. Robinson. The story follows Marcenia Lyle, later known as Toni Stone, as she pursues America’s pastime and pushes past obstacles. In 1953 she made history as the first woman to play regularly on a men’s professional baseball team in a major professional league, taking the field with the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro American League. Set to a blues-tinged score and filled with heart and determination, this production shares an engaging, educational tale for audiences of all ages. General admission is $10. Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets at $5 per person by calling the box office. For details, email board@mortontheatre.com or call 706-613-3770.

An informal lunch featuring tall tales takes place at Plantation Buffet, also known as J&L Buffet, in Athens. The restaurant is Marine owned and operated.

Presented by Zero Mile, Morgan Wade brings candid, country-rooted storytelling to Georgia Theatre, with SUSTO Stringband joining the bill. Wade is known for turning hard-lived experiences into songs that feel both intimate and widely relatable, delivered with a voice that balances grit, vulnerability, and strength. After breaking through with the album Reckless and the song "Wilder Days," she continued to broaden her sound across country, rock, and Americana with Psychopath, Obsessed, and The Party Is Over (recovered), exploring themes of addiction, mental health, resilience, and self-discovery. A fifth studio album is forthcoming, and she is also making an acting debut in Dutton Ranch, part of the Yellowstone universe. Entry is restricted to ages 18 and over.

Flatland Cavalry takes the stage for a live show at Akins Arena at The Classic Center in Athens, Georgia.

At Terrapin Beer Company in Athens, Tailgates & Trailheads brings together fans of the outdoors and college football to celebrate public lands, waters, and wild places with a true pre-game vibe for the University of Georgia versus Oklahoma State. The day spotlights Georgia and Athens traditions with live music, friendly community, and quality beer. Athens band Grassland sets the tone with energetic Americana, followed by country artist Catt McCreary, a multi-instrumentalist and self-producing songwriter whose Georgia roots and Appalachian influences shape a modern country sound. She has an upcoming project in 2026. Between sets, storytellers take the stage. Marc Thompson, a Georgia BHA chapter leader, shares a lifelong love of conservation sparked by time fishing with his grandfather and exploring local creeks and woods. Durrell Smith, a Georgia-based creative and co-founder with his wife Ashley of Minority Outdoor Alliance, speaks to his passions for dogs, upland pursuits, connecting people to the outdoors, visual art, and music. Baylee Taylor of the Georgia Wildlife Federation, who serves as sporting recruitment manager, brings stories from the field with a special enthusiasm for turkey hunting and adventures around the state. Alisha Beck, raised in Georgia and founder of Girls with Bows, tells how discovering archery in her mid 20s led to championing archery and the outdoors with women nationwide. Look for more than $4,000 in prizes, Public Land Beer from Terrapin Beer Company, vendor booths, and Public Landowner merchandise. Georgia BHA chapter leaders, BHA staff members, and BHA North American Board President Chris Jenkins are part of the celebration. Vendor and sponsor inquiries may be directed to Hibbs@backcountryhunters.org. Tickets are available at two levels. Basic Entrance is $10 per adult, and kids 15 and younger are free. The Conservation Ticket is $50 per adult and includes basic entrance, entry into special prize drawings, and recognition at the event as a Conservation Advocate. Supporting sponsors include Terrapin Beer Co., Stone Glacier, XOP, Outdoorsy, Benchmade, Turtle Box, Danner Boots, Simms, Sitka, Rocky Talkie, and Waltons.

Oklahoma travels to Georgia for a seldom-seen regular season meeting between two college football powerhouses at Sanford Stadium. The matchup features contrasting styles in an electric SEC setting, with hard-hitting defenses, dynamic playmakers, and long-standing traditions on full display. It serves as an early test and a helpful gauge of where both teams stand.