College Square Grand Opening Celebration, Festival and Concert
- College Ave. between East Broad Street and East Clayton Street, Downtown Athens, Athens, GA 30601
- Presented By: Athens Downtown Development Authority
- Dates: October 24, 2026
- Location: College Square
- Price: Free
Celebrate a new chapter for downtown Athens at the Grand Opening of the all-new College Square! Join the community for a full day of festivities showcasing this reimagined gathering place in the heart of downtown, just steps from the University of Georgia.
The celebration begins at 11 a.m. with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the opening of the newly redesigned College Square.
From 1–4 p.m., SquareFest takes over the square for an afternoon of family-friendly fun featuring local partners and activities. Then, come back at 7 p.m. for a free live concert by BTBTE: A ’90s Tribute Band and celebrate College Square’s return as one of downtown Athens’ signature gathering places.
A New Gathering Place for Downtown Athens
Designed with community input, the new College Square puts the pedestrian experience at the forefront, improving circulation, ADA accessibility and connections between downtown destinations and the University of Georgia.
The redesigned square features new paving, tables and chairs, benches, enhanced lighting, overhead shade sails, large trees and new plantings designed for an urban environment. Just as importantly, the plaza has been created with events and community gatherings in mind. Look for College Square to become a lively setting for live music, artisan and farmers markets, seasonal celebrations, pop-ups, street festivals and more.
Grand Opening Schedule
11 a.m. — Official Ribbon Cutting
Celebrate the opening of the newly redesigned College Square.
1–4 p.m. — SquareFest
Enjoy an afternoon of family fun with local community partners.
7 p.m. — Live Concert: BTBTE: A ’90s Tribute Band
End the celebration with a live outdoor concert in the heart of downtown Athens.
Come experience the new College Square and discover this all-new welcoming, connected and vibrant place to gather in downtown Athens.
Celebrate a new chapter for downtown Athens at the Grand Opening of the all-new College Square! Join the community for a full day of festivities showcasing this reimagined gathering place in the heart of downtown, just steps from the University of Georgia.
The celebration begins at 11 a.m. with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the opening of the newly redesigned College Square.
From 1–4 p.m., SquareFest takes over the square for an afternoon of family-friendly fun featuring local partners and activities. Then, come back at 7 p.m. for a free live concert by BTBTE: A ’90s Tribute Band and celebrate College Square’s return as one of downtown Athens’ signature gathering places.
A New Gathering Place for Downtown Athens
Designed with community input, the new College Square puts the pedestrian experience at the forefront, improving circulation, ADA accessibility and connections between downtown destinations and the University of Georgia.
The redesigned square features new paving, tables and chairs, benches, enhanced lighting, overhead shade sails, large trees and new plantings designed for an urban environment. Just as importantly, the plaza has been created with events and community gatherings in mind. Look for College Square to become a lively setting for live music, artisan and farmers markets, seasonal celebrations, pop-ups, street festivals and more.
Grand Opening Schedule
11 a.m. — Official Ribbon Cutting
Celebrate the opening of the newly redesigned College Square.
1–4 p.m. — SquareFest
Enjoy an afternoon of family fun with local community partners.
7 p.m. — Live Concert: BTBTE: A ’90s Tribute Band
End the celebration with a live outdoor concert in the heart of downtown Athens.
Come experience the new College Square and discover this all-new welcoming, connected and vibrant place to gather in downtown Athens.