It’s officially spring, which means festivals and community events are in full bloom, and the sleepy, barren calendar months are behind us. Healthy competition between events has returned due to full and overlapping schedules. Looking ahead, it might be helpful to mark your calendar for Athens Twilight Criterium Apr. 21–23, Boybutante Apr. 22, Normaltown Music Festival Apr. 22, Winterville Marigold Festival May 13, Athens Pride Parade June 3, Hot Corner Festival June 10 and AthFest June 23–25. Check Flagpole in the coming weeks for more information on each. However, there’s plenty to do in and around Athens this Saturday, plus a mid-week outing if you’re looking for plans even sooner.
España En Corto
Mar. 28–29 • Georgia Museum of Art
Celebrating its 10 year anniversary, this festival started in 2013 when former UGA graduate student Kate Bundy wanted to screen short films from Spain in Athens. Since its second year, the film festival has taken place at the Georgia Museum of Art and is organized by graduate students in UGA’s romance languages department with faculty advisors. The award-winning film selections this year range in runtime from three minutes up to 22 minutes. All films have English subtitles, so knowledge of the language is not required for viewing. After each screening, a presenter will speak on the film’s cultural relevance followed by an audience Q&A to discuss perspectives. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (showing). FREE! simpson2@uga.edu; lmw30723@uga.edu; georgiamuseum.org
FanFest
Apr. 1 • Oconee County Civic Center
The Oconee County Library’s second annual FanFest is an all ages celebration of creativity. Its activities cover a wide range of interests including live music, publishing, art, cosplay, gaming and more. Attendees can engage in workshops, panel discussions, book signings, performances, demos and other activities. Some of the featured guests advertised are Carlton and Darrick Hargro of the comic book and entertainment company 20th Place Media, author Tracy Adkins of the Ghosts of Athens series, Mux Blank of Blank toys and JOKERJOKERtv, and Tonalli Danza Folklórica Mexicana presenting Mexican folkloric dances. There will be an array of vendors present including food from Cafe Racer, Rashe’s Cuisine and Kona Ice. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. FREE! athenslibrary.com/oconee
International Street Festival
Apr. 1 • Downtown Athens
After moving to UGA campus grounds last year, the International Street Festival is returning to its historical location on College Avenue downtown. Fit for family and friends, this afternoon excursion provides an opportunity for attendees to explore different cultures through music, performances, activities and food. Its goal is to promote internationalization and cultural awareness within the Athens community, and in pre-pandemic years the festival brought in thousands of participants. To learn more about this year’s festival and UGA’s International Student Life department, the planning committee is hosting an International Coffee Hour Friday, Mar. 24 from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. in the Memorial Hall Ballroom. 12–5 p.m. FREE! isl.uga.edu
Terrapin’s 21st Birthday
Apr. 1 • Terrapin Beer Co.
Terrapin Beer Co. is celebrating 21 years in business by taking fans back in time to “party like it’s 2002!” What does that mean exactly? The taproom will be serving up some of what Terrapin considers its favorite throwback beers from the last 21 years, including all current beers in rotation. Live music entertainment will be supplied by cover band That’s Rad performing an early 2000s-centric set. It might be time to pull the full denim fit out of the closet, or get comfortable and put those blue jeans on under your dress. Local vendors, food trucks and a vintage Terrapin garage sale will also be set up for the evening. 4–8 p.m. $25. terrapinbeer.com/21st-birthday
Flight of the Fireflies Lantern Parade
Apr. 1 • Dudley Park
The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department is hosting an inaugural parade meant to celebrate the completion of the Dudley Park renovations with the community. Individuals, families, school groups and organizations are encouraged to participate by bringing flameless lanterns and flashlights. There will be three entry points—starting at the Firefly Trail at East Broad Street, North Oconee River Greenway at East Broad Street and Firefly Trail at Little Oak Street—that converge in the center of the park. Each access point will be color-coded and staffed with friendly volunteers to guide the way. Along the path, participants will be met with live music, performers and large-scale illuminated puppets. Participating acts include West African drumming, the East Athens Educational Dance Center, a poetry installation from ACC Poet Laureate Jeff Fallis and more. It is advised to check the ACC Leisure Services social media for any weather updates. 8 p.m. FREE! accgov.com/10599/Flight-of-the-Fireflies-Lantern-Parade
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