Athens, Georgia is about to shine even brighter than usual from April 24 to 27, 2025, with one of the most exciting and family-friendly weekends out of the year. With the high-speed thrills of the Athens Twilight Criterium, the magic of Disney on Ice, and tons of local happenings all across town, this is the weekend to bring the whole family out to play, explore, and make lifelong memories.

🏁 Twilight for Families: More Than Just a Bike Race

The Athens Twilight Criterium (April 25–26) may be known for its professional nighttime bike races that loop through the heart of downtown Athens, but this festival is packed with fun for all ages — and it’s especially welcoming for families. Be sure to catch the main races at 7pm and 8:30pm on Saturday, but don't miss out on everything else the weekend has to offer!

two kids watch the Twilight bike races

Here’s how families can enjoy the Twilight experience:

👧 Twilight Kids Zone

Located near the action but away from the crowds, the Twilight Kids Zone is a must-stop for families. Expect inflatable bouncy fun, crafts. and interactive activities for curious minds. Kids can burn off energy while staying engaged. Bouncy houses will be open 5-9pm Friday and 10am- TBD Saturday.

a bouncy house at Twilight

🚴‍♂️ The Twilight Kids Races

Let your little cyclists feel like part of the main event! The Kids Bike Race is one of the most heartwarming Twilight traditions. Bring your child’s bike and helmet and cheer them on as they race (at a much friendlier pace) on a portion of the pro race course. The Kids 1k Bike Criterium is at 1:30pm Saturday, the Kids 1k Run is at 1:45pm, and the Kids Parade Lap is at 5:50pm. Staging is in the Kids Zone 20 minutes prior to each event. 

three children in a race, two on bikes

🎶 Live Music & Street Performers

From local bands to kids performers, the entertainment doesn’t stop when the bikes whiz by. Stages are set music suitable for all ages. There’s something magical about watching a bike race with a soundtrack of live music in the background.

🍦 Family-Friendly Dining

Downtown Athens is packed with restaurants that welcome kids — from classic burger joints like Clocked! and pizza places like Ted's Most Best to Condor Chocolates and Alumni Cookie Dough. Grab a sidewalk table so the kids can snack while watching the racers fly past.

A man and his daughter sit at an outdoor table, eating.

🛍️ Vendors & Local Makers

Enjoy strolling through vendor tents featuring local artisans, handmade toys, cool crafts, and more. Kids often enjoy seeing how things are made — and maybe picking out a souvenir!

❄️ Disney on Ice: Frozen & Encanto (April 24–27)

Experience the magic of Disney as characters from Frozen and Encanto come to life on ice at the Akins Ford Arena! Your kiddos can sing-along to their favorite songs while experiencing world-class ice skating, aerial acrobatics, and more. 

Showtimes:

  • Thursday, April 24:7:00 PM

  • Friday, April 25:11:00 AM & 7:00 PM

  • Saturday, April 26:11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

  • Sunday, April 27:1:00 PM & 5:00 PM

Tickets and additional details are available on The Classic Center's website

🎨 Additional Family-Friendly Activities

Beyond the main events, Athens offers a plethora of family-oriented activities:

  • Picnic at the Athens Symphony Pops Concert: April 25 and 26! Concessions will be available for purchase at the concerts, but guests are welcome to bring their own picnic food. Outside alcohol is prohibited. Doors for picnicking will open at 6:30 p.m.

  • Athens Farmers Market and Marigold Farmers Market on Saturday, April 26! Celebrate spring with fresh food, crafts, and music! 

  • State Botanical Garden of Georgia: Children can water plants, dig for dinosaur bones, see underneath the soil for how plants grow, and frolic in a forest treehouse. There are gigantic ladybugs to crawl over, water features, fun sculptures, and much, much more. Even better? The Children's Garden is a free attraction!

  • Bear Hollow Zoo: Visit native Georgian wildlife in a serene setting. Spot the bears, otters, owls, and many more! Bear Hollow Zoo also has no admission fee!

  • Sandy Creek Park: Enjoy outdoor recreation with playgrounds, picnic areas, a beach on lake Chatman, dog park, walking trails and more. Entrance to the park grounds is $2, under 4 years old and over 64 years old free.

For a comprehensive list of events and attractions during this weekend, check out the Visit Athens event calendar.

With a blend of thrilling races, magical performances, and enriching activities, Athens Twilight Weekend 2025 promises unforgettable memories for families.