Hot Corner Celebration and Soul Food Festival
The annual Hot Corner Celebration and Soul Food Festival is back the second weekend of June to continue celebrating the African American business community in Athens. This vibrant festival brings together everyone in the community, from the best restaurants and businesses to the most lively entertainers, to learn about and appreciate the beauty and diverse culture of the Hot Corner. Bring the whole family to this block party style event for a weekend full of community, inclusivity, and fun!
The Hot Corner Festival will kick off with a gospel extravaganza at First African Methodist Episcopal Church, and will continue the next day at the corner of Washington and Hull Street.
AthFest Music and Arts Festival
At this iconic three-day festival, experience the creative culture of Athens by enjoying live music, local artwork, and delicious food and beer! From June 23 to 25, AthFest will bring the finest local and regional musicians to perform on three outdoor stages at no cost to attendees. After a day filled with art and free live music, the Club Crawl will present even more lineups at Athens' best venues and clubs, both Friday and Saturday nights. Enjoy the full AthFest experience with an AthFest Club Crawl Wristband to skip the cover at all official venues. On Friday night, bring the kids to enjoy KidFest, which will feature middle and high school aged musicians/bands!
AthFest will feature performances by Family And Friends, Linqua Franqa, Bea Porges, Nuclear Tourism, Hunger Anthem, Vision Video, Tears for the Dying, Pylon Reenactment Society, Lo Talker, Elijah Johnston, Well Kept, Heffner, Lera Lynn, Deaf Condors, and more!
Music is not all that AthFest has to offer! The festival also features dozens of visual artists, artisans, and makers who will have their works on display and for sale at the Artist Market. And don't forget to grab a beer at the Beer Gardens, visit some retail vendors, and get a bite at one of the food trucks.
The best part is that by having a fun filled and vibrant weekend you are supporting a great cause. The festival raises money for the nonprofit AthFest Educates, which awards grants to support music and arts education for K-12 students in Athens.
Sunflower Concert Series
The annual Sunflower Concert Series is back at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia presenting four concerts throughout the summer season - one per month from June to September! For $17 enjoy a live music performance from Athens' best musicians at the Flower Garden, while enjoying included beverages. On June 13, the Sunflower Concert Series 2023 season kicks off with Abbey Road LIVE. Followed by The Original Splitz Band on July 18, Elf Power on August 29, and Randall Bramblett Band on September 26. Bring your lawn chair or favorite picnic blanket to lay out on the soft green grass and enjoy the sound of summer in a beautiful horticultural setting!
Classic City American Music Festival
For an unforgettable Independence Day celebration come to Athens for the Classic City American Music Festival, which brings together local bands to perform at Southern Brewing Company. Enjoy the hot and vibrant summer day with refreshing local beers, delicious BBQ, and an amazing Americana live music experience. On July 1, bring your entire family to this entertaining event to celebrate our country!
