Along with AthFest comes a slew of day parties, shows and other such gatherings. Here’s a partial list of unofficial goings-on this weekend.
Breakfast of Champions
Normaltown Hall · Saturday, June 22, 10:30 a.m. · FREE!
The folks at Normaltown Records are not only offering free admission to their Saturday morning shindig at 399 Meigs, which features stripped-down performances from Buxton, New Madrid and throwback-country troubadour Daniel Romano, but also free breakfast tacos while they last. Shake off the shakes with a Bloody Mary and some bloody good tunes.
Clayton Street Music Festival
Downtown Athens · Thursday, June 20–Saturday, June 22, various times · FREE!
The first annual CSMF, organized by local outfit Fifth Records & Radio, was designed to give bands not selected for AthFest showcases a chance to perform while the crowds are in town. Taking place at various bars on, you guessed it, Clayton Street, the fledgling fest features a lineup of local folk, Americana and singer-songwriter types. Feeling fatigued? Take a break from the bedlam on the west end of downtown and go east, young man. Check the most recent schedule on Facebook.
Dirty Athens Day Party
Caledonia Lounge · Saturday, June 22, 1 p.m. · FREE!
The Caledonia Lounge’s annual Saturday show always features a jaw-dropping lineup of buzzworthy local talent, and this year is no different. The impressive schedule includes scene mainstays Maserati, as well as Muuy Biien, White Violet, New Madrid, Shaved Christ, Shade, TaterZandra and plenty more. Plus, Flagpole’s Gordon Lamb is usually on hand serving up free hot dogs. Kill that hangover. Kill it! See the full lineup, including set times, on the venue’s website.
SKYFest
Nowhere Bar · Thursday, June 20–Sunday, June 23, 7 p.m. · $5
A stylistically varied set of bands will take over Lumpkin Street hangout Nowhere Bar all weekend long: from the hip hop/funk hybrid of Showtime to the reggae-tinged tunes of Lowdive and the classic rock of The Woodgrains, there’s something for everyone at the first annual SKYFest. Though it’s not an AthFest-affiliated event, organizers are offering a discounted door price with a wristband.
Slush Fund Day Party
Little Kings Shuffle Club · Saturday, June 22, 1 p.m. · FREE!
Right in the middle of the AthFest madness sits Little Kings, home to one of the best patios in town. So, yeah, it’s usually pretty crowded on Saturday. But the Slush Fund party makes it worth your while to stop in: this year, the Atlanta-based label presents another great afternoon of day-drinkin’ music from the likes of The Electric Sons, Thayer Sarrano, The Empties and more.
Summer Solstice Concert and Cookout
New Earth Music Hall · Friday, June 21, 5 p.m. · FREE!
Celebrate the new season and kick off the weekend with music from a trio of locals: Dangfly!, Beauty and the Beard and Scott Low and the Southern Bouillon, as well as out-of-towners Caine McDonald and The Romans. Plus, “burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs and plenty of beer.”
Like what you just read? Support Flagpole by making a donation today. Every dollar you give helps fund our ongoing mission to provide Athens with quality, independent journalism.
