Athens invites travelers to experience a year of arts, culture and community in 2026, with a wide range of annual events, performances and exhibitions that highlight the city’s creative energy. From nationally recognized festivals to major touring productions at The Classic Center and Akins Ford Arena, the year ahead offers compelling reasons to plan a visit to the Classic City.
NEW AND NOTABLE IN ATHENS
Namak Grill – Pakistani cuisine spot newly opened, bringing authentic Desi flavors, warm hospitality, and a beautiful space to the Athens community.
COMING SOON
City Food Hall- A large new food hall signed for street-level space in this mixed-use development on North Thomas Street. Other developments by this brand sport 10 interesting eateries, a full bar, outdoor space, and entertainment.
ATHENS ANNUAL EVENTS
MLK Day Parade and Music Fest – January 19, 2026
The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement will mark the 10th Annual Athens MLK Jr. Parade & Music Fest, one of the region’s largest celebrations honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The milestone year, themed “A Decade of Justice, Unity and Legacy,” brings together thousands for a downtown parade, live music and community programming.
Athens Wine Weekend – February 6-8, 2026
Athens Wine Weekend returns to The Classic Center with three days of tastings, chef-driven pairings, seminars and signature events, including the Grand Tasting presented by Akins Ford and the Gourmet Dinner presented by St. Mary’s Healthcare System. The weekend begins with Friday’s Amuse-Bouche, continues Saturday with the Grand Tasting and evening Gourmet Dinner, and concludes Sunday with the Sparkling Wine Brunch. Benefitting The Classic Center Cultural Foundation and supporting its local scholarships, the event not only celebrates the craft of winemaking but also helps empower students and organizations in the Athens community.
Athens On Ice – through February 22, 2026
Athens On Ice is an annual outdoor skating experience at the 440 Foundry Pavilion, featuring ongoing theme nights, seasonal treats and fun for the whole family.
Athens Orthopedic Clinic Twilight – April 17-18, 2026
A longtime Athens tradition, Twilight blends professional cycling, community racing and family activities throughout downtown. Highlights include Friday’s kickoff concert and on-stage races, Saturday’s 5K and kids programming, and the nighttime women’s and men’s pro-am criteriums that draw spectators from across the Southeast.
AthFest Music & Arts Festival – June 26-28, 2026
AthFest is a free, three-day celebration of Athens’ creative culture, featuring live music, visual arts and family activities throughout downtown. The festival includes three outdoor stages, a block-long Artist Market and a KidsFest area, with the AthFest Club Crawl extending the music into local venues at night. Proceeds support AthFest Educates, which funds music and arts education for K-12 students in Athens.
Athens Restaurant Week – July 13-19, 2026
Dozens of restaurants across Athens will offer special prix fixe menus, featured dishes and beverage specials throughout the week. It’s one of the best opportunities to explore the city’s acclaimed culinary scene.
Athens Film Festival – August 27-30, 2026
Now in its third year, the Athens Film Festival presents more than 80 films across five venues, showcasing international and local storytellers. The lineup includes features, documentaries, animation, horror, comedy and music videos, along with panels and discussions.
Historic Athens Porchfest – TBD (mid-October)
Historic Athens Porchfest turns front porches across seven historic neighborhoods into performance stages for one of the city’s signature fall music events. Featuring more than 250 performers in a single afternoon, the festival showcases Athens’ creative energy and offers an immersive way to experience its music scene and character-rich neighborhoods.
Wild Rumpus Halloween Parade & Spectacle – TBD (late October)
Thousands gather downtown for the annual Wild Rumpus Parade, a vibrant, community-driven celebration with elaborate costumes, live music and performances. Often compared to a hometown Mardi Gras, the event is one of Athens’ most anticipated fall traditions.
ENTERTAINMENT AT AKINS FORD ARENA
Athens Rock Lobsters Hockey – January-April 2026
Athens’ professional hockey team continues its second season at Akins Ford Arena with a full lineup of home games in the Federal Prospects Hockey League.
Billy Strings – February 6-7, 2026
Two-time Grammy winner Billy Strings brings his winter tour to Akins Ford Arena for a pair of highly anticipated performances.
Bailey Zimmerman – February 21, 2026
Bailey Zimmerman’s Different Night Same Rodeo Tour stops in Athens with special guests Blake Whiten and Hudson Westbrook.
The Boys from Oklahoma – February 28, 2026
Cross Canadian Ragweed and Turnpike Troubadours share the stage for a night of standout Red Dirt country, joined by Shelby Stone.
Harlem Globetrotters – March 26, 2026
The Harlem Globetrotters return as part of the team’s 100 Year Tour, featuring fan-favorite stunts and interactive entertainment.
BROADWAY ENTERTAINMENT SERIES AT THE CLASSIC CENTER THEATRE
Hadestown – January 20-21, 2026
The acclaimed Tony- and Grammy-winning musical brings its modern retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth to Athens.
Mrs. Doubtfire – March 25-26, 2026
The hit musical comedy, based on the beloved film, delivers a family-friendly story filled with humor and heart.
Beetlejuice – May 26 & 27, 2026
The stage adaptation of Tim Burton’s classic film brings its irreverent humor, dynamic score and larger-than-life characters to Athens.
PERFORMANCES AT THE CLASSIC CENTER THEATRE
Jason Isbell – January 17, 2026
Six-time Grammy winner Jason Isbell performs on his solo tour, following the release of his album “Foxes in the Snow.”
Dirty Dancing in Concert – February 10, 2026
Fans can relive the iconic film with a screening accompanied by live music and vocal performances.
Riverdance 30: The New Generation – February 12, 2026
The global phenomenon returns with new choreography, costumes and multimedia elements, showcasing the next generation of performers.
John Mulaney – February 14, 2026
Comedian John Mulaney brings his Mister Whatever Tour to Athens following recent work on stage, screen and Netflix.
Clint Black – February 26, 2026
Country music legend Clint Black performs hits from his decades-long career as part of his Back On The Blacktop Tour.
An Evening with David Sedaris – April 16, 2026
Bestselling author David Sedaris appears for one night only, offering readings and sharp social commentary from his latest works.
GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART EXHIBITIONS
Shacks, Stories and Spirit: Beverly Buchanan’s Art of Home – Dec. 20, 2025 – June 28, 2026
Presented in conjunction with the Athenaeum’s “Beverly’s Athens,” this exhibition explores the work and legacy of acclaimed artist Beverly Buchanan.
We, Too, Are Made of Wonders – Jan. 24 – June 28, 2026
Inspired by Ada Limón’s poem for NASA’s Europa Clipper mission, this exhibition highlights works focused on the night sky, space and cosmic imagination.
Contemporary Art Reinstallation – Spring 2026
The museum will debut a refreshed installation of contemporary works in its temporary exhibitions wing.
Edmonia Lewis: Said in Stone – Aug. 8, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027
Co-organized with the Peabody Essex Museum, this major exhibition examines the life and work of Edmonia Lewis, the first sculptor of Black and Indigenous descent to gain international recognition.
Rachel B. Hayes Installation – through July 30, 2027
Hayes’ large-scale outdoor installation remains on view in the sculpture garden.
