Things to Do in Athens, GA

Home to the University of Georgia, a storied music scene, critically acclaimed restaurants and a full range of can’t-miss attractions, Athens, GA is a hip college town immersed in Southern charm. Whether you’re stopping by for a weekend or planning an extended stay, there’s plenty to do in this North Georgia town. Browse by neighborhood to find Athens activities and attractions near you.

Athens Attractions
Situated just below the foothills of the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, Athens is known for its eclectic mix of Southern heritage, modern attractions and a vibrant arts scene. Visit one of its historic house museums, or enjoy a night out at a live music club. As you’re out and about in Athens, make sure to view the dozens of bulldog statues located throughout the town. For art aficionados, the Georgia Museum of Art is a must-see, and there are numerous Downtown galleries and boutiques that put local artists’ works on display.

Sports and Recreation
UGA sports fans and outdoor enthusiasts will find something to love with Athens sports and recreation. Schedule a sports outing that gives you the full Bulldogs experience, or enjoy a breath of fresh air at Athens, GA parks, which offer fishing, kayaking, walking, biking, skating, hiking and picnicking opportunities.

Shopping, Spas and Salons
Athens shopping offers a blend of specialty shops, artist studios and national retailers. Plan a trip to the restored, Victorian-era Downtown Athens, Five Points or Prince Avenue/Normaltown for unique, eclectic shops selling the finest fashions, antiques, jewelry and more. Beachwood and Georgia Square Mall are home to both major department stores and local retailers, as well as theaters and specialty shops. For a refreshing, relaxing experience, check out Athens spas and salons.

Visit Athens, GA
Whether you’re planning a family-friendly adventure, looking for free things to do or searching for pet-friendly accommodations and activities, Athens has you covered. Check out our tours and itineraries for expert advice, or get an insider look into Athens, GA with the Athens Visitors Guide. For further inquiries, please contact Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau online or by phone at 706-357-4430.

EXPLORE!

Explore by 'hood

Great local flavor in all parts of Athens
Stay out late

Check out Athens' world-renowned clubs for a variety of live music.

Events!

6/20

The Drifters, Cornell Gunter's Coasters… The Drifters, Cornell Gunter's Coasters… The Drifters, Cornell Gunter's Coasters…

The Drifters, Cornell Gunter's Coasters and The Platters will be together on one stage, singing all of their hits at The Classic Center Theatre on Thursday,…

The Drifters, Cornell Gunter's Coasters and The Platters will be together on one stage, singing all of their hits at The…

The Drifters, Cornell Gunter's Coasters and The Platters will be together on one stage, singing all of their hits at The Classic Center Theatre on Thursday,…

6/21 - 6/23

AthFest Music and Arts Festival AthFest Music and Arts Festival AthFest Music and Arts Festival

The AthFest Music and Arts Festival takes place in historic downtown Athens, GA, showcasing more than 100 bands on three free outdoors stages and a Club Crawl…

The AthFest Music and Arts Festival takes place in historic downtown Athens, GA, showcasing more than 100 bands on three…

The AthFest Music and Arts Festival takes place in historic downtown Athens, GA, showcasing more than 100 bands on three free outdoors stages and a Club Crawl…

6/22

2019 Flagpole Athens Music Awards 2019 Flagpole Athens Music Awards 2019 Flagpole Athens Music Awards

The Annual Flagpole Athens Music Awards Show is designed to honor and celebrate those who make Athens, GA a center of musical creativity, enjoyment and…

The Annual Flagpole Athens Music Awards Show is designed to honor and celebrate those who make Athens, GA a center of…

The Annual Flagpole Athens Music Awards Show is designed to honor and celebrate those who make Athens, GA a center of musical creativity, enjoyment and…

6/29

Classic City Band Independence Day Concert Classic City Band Independence Day Concert Classic City Band Independence Day Concert

The Classic City Band will perform patriotic music before the fireworks.

6/29

Star Spangled Classic Fireworks… Star Spangled Classic Fireworks… Star Spangled Classic Fireworks…

The Star Spangled Classic Fireworks Celebration will be back downtown this year on Clayton Street! The fireworks display is planned for Saturday, June 29th.…

The Star Spangled Classic Fireworks Celebration will be back downtown this year on Clayton Street! The fireworks display…

The Star Spangled Classic Fireworks Celebration will be back downtown this year on Clayton Street! The fireworks display is planned for Saturday, June 29th.…

7/6

Classic City American Music Festival Classic City American Music Festival Classic City American Music Festival

The Classic City American Music Festival celebrates the best of American music as we pause to celebrate our country. An ALL AGES family friendly event –…

The Classic City American Music Festival celebrates the best of American music as we pause to celebrate our country. An…

The Classic City American Music Festival celebrates the best of American music as we pause to celebrate our country. An ALL AGES family friendly event –…

6/15 - 11/16

Alice H. Richards Children's Garden… Alice H. Richards Children's Garden… Alice H. Richards Children's Garden…

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia invites you to celebrate the opening year of the Alice H. Richard's Children's Garden with family friendly outdoor…

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia invites you to celebrate the opening year of the Alice H. Richard's Children's…

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia invites you to celebrate the opening year of the Alice H. Richard's Children's Garden with family friendly outdoor…

2/16 - 12/21

Condor Chocolates Factory Tour Condor Chocolates Factory Tour Condor Chocolates Factory Tour

Most of you have been to the café in Five Points, but did you know there is a production factory in the Chase Street Warehouses? Condor Chocolates has been hard…

Most of you have been to the café in Five Points, but did you know there is a production factory in the Chase Street…

Most of you have been to the café in Five Points, but did you know there is a production factory in the Chase Street Warehouses? Condor Chocolates has been hard…

6/11 - 9/17

Sunflower Music Series at the State… Sunflower Music Series at the State… Sunflower Music Series at the State…

Summer was made for outdoor concerts – and so were the amphitheater and terraced lawns in the Flower Garden of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at…

Summer was made for outdoor concerts – and so were the amphitheater and terraced lawns in the Flower Garden of the…

Summer was made for outdoor concerts – and so were the amphitheater and terraced lawns in the Flower Garden of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at…

7/26 - 7/27

Sigh In July 2019 Music Festival Sigh In July 2019 Music Festival Sigh In July 2019 Music Festival

We are excited to announce that the 5th annual Sigh In July Music & Arts Festival will be held July 26-27, 2019 at Live Wire Athens in Athens, GA! A small…

We are excited to announce that the 5th annual Sigh In July Music & Arts Festival will be held July 26-27, 2019 at…

We are excited to announce that the 5th annual Sigh In July Music & Arts Festival will be held July 26-27, 2019 at Live Wire Athens in Athens, GA! A small…

All Events

Attractions!

Georgia Museum of Art Georgia Museum of Art Georgia Museum of Art

Founded in 1945, the Georgia Museum of Art at the University of Georgia houses a permanent collection of more than 10,000 works of art as well as 20 to 25…

Founded in 1945, the Georgia Museum of Art at the University of Georgia houses a permanent collection of more than…

Founded in 1945, the Georgia Museum of Art at the University of Georgia houses a permanent collection of more than 10,000 works of art as well as 20 to 25…

State Botanical Garden of Georgia State Botanical Garden of Georgia State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Athens is the proud home to the state of Georgia's official botanical garden. This 313-acre botanical garden on the Middle Oconee River serves as a cultural,…

Athens is the proud home to the state of Georgia's official botanical garden. This 313-acre botanical garden on the…

Athens is the proud home to the state of Georgia's official botanical garden. This 313-acre botanical garden on the Middle Oconee River serves as a cultural,…

Classic City Tours Classic City Tours Classic City Tours

Classic City Tours, located at the Athens Welcome Center, provides a full range of tour and transportation services for individuals and groups. Set out on your…

Classic City Tours, located at the Athens Welcome Center, provides a full range of tour and transportation services for…

Classic City Tours, located at the Athens Welcome Center, provides a full range of tour and transportation services for individuals and groups. Set out on your…

Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Zoo Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Zoo Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Zoo

Bear Hollow Zoo is a popular place for families to come and see Georgia’s native wildlife. This small wildlife trail is home to black bears, bobcats,…

Bear Hollow Zoo is a popular place for families to come and see Georgia’s native wildlife. This small wildlife trail is…

Bear Hollow Zoo is a popular place for families to come and see Georgia’s native wildlife. This small wildlife trail is home to black bears, bobcats,…

Sandy Creek Park Sandy Creek Park Sandy Creek Park

This park surrounds Lake Chapman and features a variety of activies and facilities. Picnic sites, wooded trails, swimming, playgrounds, fishing, dog runs, disc…

This park surrounds Lake Chapman and features a variety of activies and facilities. Picnic sites, wooded trails,…

This park surrounds Lake Chapman and features a variety of activies and facilities. Picnic sites, wooded trails, swimming, playgrounds, fishing, dog runs, disc…

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Athens Blog

Staying Cool in Athens, GA

With the weather warming up, finding a place to stay out of the sun can be a bit of a challenge. Luckily,…
5 Athens, GA Festivals to Check out…

Summer in Athens, Georgia is all about music, outdoor festivals, and barbecues. It may not be a beach…

Things to Do in Athens, GA

Explore by 'hood

Stay out late

Staying Cool in Athens, GA

5 Athens, GA Festivals to Check out…