CLASSIC CITY NEWS

From ACC Leisure Services Join ACT for its inaugural Shakespeare in the Park performance. This production of "A Midsummers Night’s Dream" leans into the feeling of summer—its warmth, freedom, and possibility—while embracing the realities of outdoor performance. With lightweight costuming and an airy aesthetic, the world of the play comes to life in a 1920s seaside setting, a time of transformation and rebellion. That lens highlights the journeys of its characters: strong, de

From ACC Leisure Services Come gather ‘round the fire with your instrument and play along to campfire classics at this casual open jam session. All skill levels and abilities are welcome, whether you want to sing, play, or just clap along to the music! The next Sandy Creek Park Hootenanny is scheduled for Sunday, May 17 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. The program is free, however, the $2 per person park admission fee is still required. For more information, please call 706-613-3631.

From ACC Leisure Services Athens Creative Theatre (ACT) presents "A Midsummers Night’s Dream" on Thursday, May 14 and Friday, May 15 at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 16 and 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. in Dudley Park. These performances are free of charge and will take place in the amphitheater at Dudley Park near the pavilion. Parking information is available at www.accgov.com/dudley Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the show! Join ACT for its inaugural

From ACC Leisure Services Memorial Day Weekend Leisure Services Department pools open Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 23 and will close for the season on July 26. The 2026 extended season will include Bishop Park Pool and Walker Park Splash Pad operating daily until August 4 as Clarke County Schools start, then move to weekend only operations through September 7. All pools and splash pads are closed on Mondays for maintenance. Free pool pass opportunities are available

By Joe Johnson A 17-year old girl last week was traumatized by the sight of a man masturbating in Ben Burton Park. The teen told police that she was sitting on the riverbank journaling on the morning of April 30th when she saw an older white male with a handlebar mustache masturbating on a nearby trail. Witnesses reported that the girl had been “crying and acting hysterically” while telling what she had seen. The man had reportedly briefly blocked the girl’s path on the trail

From ACC Leisure Services Join a walk and talk led by Georgia-based wildlife biologist Alex Troutman to hear about JOURNEY to becoming a wild biologist, his critters field guide, and tips for enjoying nature along the way! Alex will lead a indoor discussion about his life, career, and the Critter series. Next is a book signing before a stroll on the Box Turtle Loop and Boardwalk to learn a few nature viewing tips. This special "Critter Tales" is set for Saturday, May 9 a

From ACC Leisure Services The Walker Park Splash Pad will open under its pre-season hours on Saturday, May 9 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The Walker Park Splash Pad, located at200 Trail Creek Streetwill be open weekends only, May 9 - 17 and will then operate under regular seasonal hours starting Saturday, May 23. Splash pad hours of operation are Tuesday - Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The splash pad is closed on Mondays for maintenance. The Howard Park Splash Pad, lo

From ACC Leisure Services: Since 2022, comics have been creating their own opportunities and culture in the Classic City. In the wake of the pandemic locals began rebuilding their scene in Athens rock and roll fashion by starting open mics and showcases in partnership with local venues across the city. The "Athens Comedy Fest" is set for Thursday, April 30 and Friday, May 1 at 7:00 p.m. at the Morton Theatre. Ticket prices range from $25 - $65. Tickets may be purchased onlin

From ACC Leisure Services Join us for a Disco Skate Party on the Firefly Trail featuring disco beats, glow-in-the-dark fun, and a lively community atmosphere. This fun event is set for Friday, April 24 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. along the Firefly Trail. Skaters of all ages are invited to light up the trail with neon colors, flashing wheels, and retro style as we skate to classic disco and feel-good dance music. Participants are encouraged to wear bright colors, disco outfits, a

Released by ACC Leisure Services Enjoy National Kite Month at Sandy Creek Park with kite-flying and other kite-themed activities. . Be part of "Kite Day" and take part in the high-flying whimsical fun of kites while enjoying the spring weather. There will be kite-making stations, kite-flying demonstrations, and other fun activities for all ages. Staff will be available to assist with program activities for the duration of the event. Bring your own kite or borrow one of our

From ACC Leisure Services Athens-Clarke Leisure Services offers small group swim lessons for children ages 3 and up. All lessons are taught by certified lifeguards. Classes are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis. Your child must be 3 years old or older and potty trained to participate in Swim School. The lessons are broken into three, 45-minute classes a week for three weeks, for a total of nine lessons, and are available at the Bishop Park, Lay Park, and Heard Park

From ACC Leisure Services The Leisure Services Departments offers a variety of fun and engaging activities for toddlers and pre-schoolers this month: "Tiny Picasso - Paper Plate Hot Air Balloons" at Howard Park "Super Hero Adventure Playgroup" at Howard Park "123 Toddler and Me!" at Lay Park "Storytime in the Park" at Dudley Pak "Jumping Gym" at Howard Park "Fantastic Friday" at Bishop Park "Art in the Park" at Sandy Creek Park "Preschool Takedown" at Lay Park "Tiny Trek" at

The Leisure Services Department is now hiring for more than 100 summer positions. Applications are currently being accepted for camp counselors, counselors in training, Grand Slam, lifeguards, and pool clerks The pay range is $15.60 - $17.94 an hour. Applicants may apply online at www.accgov.com/jobs For more information, please call 706-613-3090.

From Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services; "Annual Easter Egg Hunt" on Saturday, March 21 at 10:00 a.m. at Heard Park "Breakfast with the Bunny" on Saturday, April 4 at 9:00 a.m. at Memorial Park "Breakfast with the Bunny" on Saturday, April 4 at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Park "Easter Egg Scramble" on Saturday, March 28 at 10:00 a.m. at Lay Park For more information, please call 706-613-3800.

From Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Celebrate the incredible contributions of women in science at our upcoming event at the Nature Center! Join us for an inspiring program that highlights the stories and achievements of women who have shaped the fields of biology, ecology, astronomy, and beyond. This event is an opportunity for learners of all ages to discover, explore, and be inspired by the trailblazing women who continue to make a difference in science today. This f

From Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services The Leisure Services Department invites the Athens community to the third annual Flight of the Fireflies Lantern Parade on Saturday, March 7 at Dudley Park. Participants will gather in Dudley Park starting at 6:00 p.m. with the parade stepping off just after 7:00 p.m. Find out more information and meet one’s friends and families at any of the four color-coded entry points at www.accgov.com/lanternparade The community is invite

From Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Football season is not over. It is just beginning with the Leisure Services Department's Youth Flag Football Leagu e. The program focus on teaching fundamental flag football skills, team work, sportsmanship, leadership, and enhancing the mental and physical development of each participant. The purpose of the youth flag football league is to encourage young male and female athletes ages 5 to 14 to learn about the sport, develop thei

ATHENS, GA — After a highly successful inaugural year, AthensComedy Fest is officially returning as an annual festival, bringing anotherweekend of top-tier stand-up comedy to the Classic City on May 1 and 2,2026, at the Historic Morton Theatre. The 2026 festival will be hosted by Karen Morgan, one of the Southeast’smost respected and beloved comedians, and produced by an expanded local team of Athens-based performers who helped build the city’s modern comedy scene. This year’

From Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services: Bring your best crock pot of chili and be part of the Senior Chili Social & Cook-Off. This fun tasting where everyone votes for Best Overall, Most Unique, and Mild & Tasty! This program is for ages 50 years and older and will take place Wednesday, January 28 from 12:00 1:30 p.m. at Howard Park. The fee is $4 for ACC residents and $6 for non-residents. Online registration is underway. For more information, please call 706-613-

Released by Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services The Friends of Sandy Creek Nature Center present the 27th Annual Frog Hop 5K Road Race on Sunday, February 15, 2026 Make plans to run or walk this 5K and 1 mile Tadpole Fun Run. The Tadpole Fun Run starts at 2:00 p.m., with the challenging 5K Frog Hop starting at 2:30 p.m. Both events take place at Sandy Creek Nature Center at 205 Old Commerce Road . This event benefits Friends of Sandy Creek Nature Center, formerly Sandy C