Athens’ many annual events include festivals, parades, fundraisers, sporting events, craft markets and cultural celebrations among other things. Here are some long-standing favorites and promising up-and-comers to look forward to each year. Check Flagpole’s weekly calendar in print and online for a comprehensive community events roundup.
Athens Film Festival | Aug. 14–17, 2025 | Second annual community-focused festival with more than 80 films screened at five venues, workshops and networking parties. athensfilm.com
Groovy Nights | Sept. 6, 2025 | Get your groove on with Project Safe for a ‘70s vs. ‘80s lip sync battle at the VFW. project-safe.org
UGA Home Football Games 2025 | Dawg fans fill the stadium and overflow to occupy every nearby space with a TV and a tap. Aug. 30 Marshall • Sept. 6 Austin Peay • Sept. 27 Alabama • Oct. 4 Kentucky • Oct. 18 Ole Miss • Nov. 15 Texas • Nov. 22 Charlotte georgiadogs.com
LatinxFest | Sept. 20, 2025 | Celebrate with the local Latinx community during National Hispanic Heritage Month with music, food and more. dignidadinmigranteenathens.org
North Georgia Folk Festival | Oct. 11, 2025 | Enjoy a day of folk music and local artisans and crafters at sprawling Sandy Creek Park. northgeorgiafolkfestival.org
AthHalf | Oct. 11–12, 2025 | AthFest Educates’ half-marathon and 5K highlights live music along its meandering course through Athens and the UGA campus. athhalf.com
Boo-le-Bark on the Boulevard | Oct. 19, 2025 | Rain or shine, show off your pup’s best Halloween attire with a dog parade. facebook.com/barkonboulevard
PorchFest | Oct. 19, 2025 | The Athens music scene kicks up on front porches all over Athens’ walkable intown neighborhoods for a tuneful afternoon/evening ramble. historicathens.com
Wild Rumpus Parade and Spectacle | Oct. 25, 2025 | Show off your best costume by joining in the parade march or cheering on the side. Kids events, music and more. wildrumpus.org
Downtown Parade of Lights | Dec. 4, 2025 | Floats, marching bands and Santa Claus make their way through downtown and wind up at City Hall for a tree-lighting ceremony. accgov.com
Indie South Fair | Dec. 13–14, 2025 | This large outdoor market of handcrafted and functional art has several other events throughout the year. theindiesouth.com
MLK Day Parade and Music Fest | Jan. 19, 2026 | The festival and the parade through downtown are sponsored by the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement and include music, dance, speeches and vendors. aadmovement.org
Classic City Marathon | Jan. 24, 2026 | Marathon, half-marathon and relay through downtown, campus and scenic greenways with live bands along the course. classiccitymarathon.com
Athens Wine Weekend | Feb. 6–8, 2026 | A variety of wine and culinary experiences from tastings and pairings to classes. classiccenter.com
Dancing with the Athens Stars | March 2026 | Local celebrities work hard with their paired dancers for Project Safe at the Classic Center. project-safe.org
Fluke Mini-Comics and Zine Festival | March 2026 | Comic and zine creators (lots of them) get together annually to share and sell their stuff at the 40 Watt Club. flukeisawesome.blogspot.com
Boybutante Ball | April 2026 | A glamorous tradition at the 40 Watt features drag queens and kings raising funds for the Boybutante AIDS Foundation. boybutante.org
Georgia Rodeo | April 2026 | A full day of tailgating, rodeo action and a live music lineup with big country names. thegeorgiarodeo.com
International Street Festival | April 2026 | Student and community groups present a day of music, art, food and more to showcase cultures from around the world. isl.uga.edu
Athens Beer Fest | Apr. 19, 2026 | Enthusiasts sample craft beer from Athens and around the region at this event carrying on the legacy of the original Classic City Brew Fest. classiccenter.com
G-Day Game | April 2026 | UGA’s free spring scrimmage provides fans a first look at next year’s football team. georgiadogs.com
Twilight Criterium | April 2026 | This world-class bicycle race draws thousands downtown and includes lots of associated activities. athenstwilight.com
Athens Comedy Fest | May 2026 | Second annual festival featuring a lineup of local and regional comedians with nationally-touring headliners. athenscomedyfest.com
Winterville Marigold Festival | May 2026 | Music, food, arts and a day of fun for all in a quirky, cool pocket of Clarke County. marigoldfestival.com
Indie South Fair | May 2–3, 2026 | This large outdoor market of handcrafted and functional art has several other events throughout the year. theindiesouth.com
Hot Corner Celebration and Soul Food Festival | June 13, 2026 | Music, food and fellowship at Hull and Washington streets downtown, celebrating local Black culture and commerce. hotcornerathens.weebly.com
PrideFest | June 2026 | Welcoming and inclusive to all, this LGBTQIA+ community celebration features a parade, vendors, live entertainment and also highlights local resources and activities. athenspride.org
AthFest Music and Arts Festival | June 26–28, 2026 | Local and regional bands play the free outdoor stages located in downtown Athens. There’s also an artist market, kids activities, food and more. athfest.com
Star-Spangled Classic | June 27, 2026 | Celebrate American independence with a fireworks display launched from a location to be announced. accgov.com
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