When other cities are headed to bed, Athens is just getting started. After all, Athens’ official bird is — you guessed it — the night owl. Read on to discover what sets Athens’ nightlife apart from the rest!
LATE-NIGHT FOOD
It’s late. You’re hungry. Whether you’re in the movie industry, the service industry, or simply out on the town, Athens has you covered all night long. If you’re looking for late-night food in Athens, look no further than our comprehensive list. Some of our personal favorites include Paloma Park, which focuses on tapas and charcuterie, and the Hi-Lo Lounge, which boasts a plethora of hot dog options, from vegan dogs to salchipapas!
ESCAPE ROOMS
Channel your inner Houdini at Escape The Space, Athens’ very own escape room complex! Get locked in a room. Find clues. Solve puzzles. (Hopefully) get out. Though Escape The Space is only open till 9 p.m. six nights a week, it’s a great way to kick off your night out with friends. (Choose your friends wisely!)
LIVE MUSIC
Athens is known as a music mecca for good reason: there’s always rock around the clock. The Georgia Theatre is a historic venue that hosts a variety of national and local acts. For a more intimate experience, check out The Foundry or The 40 Watt Club. In the words of Lionel Richie, let the music play on all night long!
LATE NIGHT LAUGHS
Think you’re funny? See if other people agree. Whether you sing, tell jokes, dance, or all of the above, head to an open mic night at Rabbit Hole Studios every Tuesday or at Flicker Theatre and Bar on the first Tuesday of each month!
If you’d rather laugh than be laughed at, make your way to the Onward Reserve Bourbon Cellar on a Thursday night for Comedy in the Cellar. It’s a great spot for an Athens, GA date night!
BARS AND CLUBS
Bars and nightclubs in Athens, GA, warrant their own article, so we’ll just drop a couple of favorites here. Church organ karaoke? Weekly ping-pong tournaments? Amen! You’ll be skipping midnight mass to head to Sister Louisa’s Church, an iconic church-themed bar off of W Clayton St. Want to catch the game and dance the night away? Head to 1785 Bar and Grill, open until 2 a.m. six nights a week.
From dives to country bars to craft cocktail lounges, the city has it all. Athens bars aren’t short on late-night events, either. Visit our Events Calendar to stay in the know!
FUN AND GAMES
Who says axe throwing and alcohol can’t coexist? Not LumberJaxe. Open till midnight, LumberJaxe is the spot for axe-throwing fun in Athens, ideal for groups and parties. We recommend making a reservation in advance!
If hurling sharp objects isn’t your thing, lace up your skates and roll down to Fun Galaxy Athens! Open until 11 p.m. on weekends, it’s the perfect way to revisit a childhood skill (or learn a new one) at night!
GET SPOOKED
Athens’ haunted history comes alive on the Athens Haunted History Walking Tour. Join local historian Jeff Clarke for this 2-hour tour, an unmatched union of history and storytelling. Looking for a unique idea for a date night in Athens? Bring your boo (ghost pun intended) and wait for their reaction when you hear the wailing spirit of a local woman weeping for her lost love.
AND NOW, FOR DESSERT
Late night sweet tooth? You’ve got options. We recommend heading to Pauley’s Original Crepe Bar to create your own crepe and grab one of their 100+ beer options. Pauley’s is open until 2 a.m. every night except Sunday! Or, sleepwalk down to Insomnia Cookies and build your own cookie box, open until 1 a.m. weekdays and 3 a.m. weekends!
As you can see, there’s a ton of fun to be had in Athens after dark! Grab your friends, load up on caffeine, and see where the night takes you.