CLASSIC CITY NEWS

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

From Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Athens Creative Theatre will hold auditions for “One Man, Two Guvnor” by Richard Bean on Thursday, January 15 and Friday, January 16 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Quinn Hall at Memorial Park.  Show dates are March 26 – 28 at Quinn Hall at Memorial Park. “One Man, Two Guvnors” by Richard Bean is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud farce set in 1960s Brighton, England. This Tony Award–winning comedy follows Francis Henshall, a down-on-his-luck ski

From Athens-Clark County Leisure Services Transport yourself to a time of the past when sitting by a fire and listening to a story was the entertainment when storytellerJackie Elsner shares a couple of tales at Sandy Creek Nature Center. Before the story begins, visit the inside of a 1810 log house and enjoy a fire and a hot beverage. "Tales on the Porch" is set for Saturday, January 17 from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m..  This program is for ages 16 and older.  The fee is $3 per person.

From Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Get the year off on the right foot! Join staff for a New Years Day hike at Ben Burton Park. Make sure you have clothing for the weather, comfortable shoes, and water. Participants must wear closed toed shoes for hiking. This program is for ages 8 years and older.  Children must be accompanied by an adultt. "First Day Hike" is scheduled for Thursday, January 1 from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. and is free of charge. Online registration is underw

From Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Athenians are invited to honor Dr. King's legacy at the annual Athens-Clarke County Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 19, 2026. In 1994, Congress made the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday an official day of service. Athens-Clarke County is one of the thousands of cities across the United States that decides to make the holiday "A Day On and Not a Day Off.” This year’s kick-off celebration will take place

From Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services It is time for the annual Deck the Hollow at Memorial Park! This special four-night event in the Zoo includes lights, crafts, concessions, ambassador animal encounters, and live performances! This event is open to all ages, however children must be accompanied by an adult.   The dates are Thursday, December 11- Sunday, December 14 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The fee is $5 per person at the gate (children younger than 2 are admitted free).

Released by Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Celebrate the holidays with Leisure Services! "12 Days of Christmas Countdown" (Online) "Holiday Pawlidays" at Lyndon House Arts Center (December 6, 2025) "Ugly Christmas Sweaters" at Lay Park (December 9, 2025) "Deck the Hollow" at Bear Hollow Zoo (December 11 - 14, 2025) "Cookies with Santa" at Sandy Creek Nature Center (December 13, 2025) "Breakfast with the Grinch" at Howard Park (December 13, 2025) "Gingerbread Workshop"

From Athens-Clarke County 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 inaugural  "Sandy Creek Hootenany" is set for Sunday, November 16 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Sandy Creek Park. This program is free of charge, however the $2 per person park admission is still in effect.  On

Released by Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Mindful planetarium is a time for adults to unwind. No cell phones, no talking, and no children.  Coffee and tea will be served before and after the mindful time. Attendees will spend time listening to music and watching the night sky.  Put away your phones, turn off your voices, and spend quiet time in the planetarium This planetarium program is for adults. The information presented is aimed at older audiences. This program,

From Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Step back in time with  "A Walk though Athens' Industrial Past" in Dudley Park.  Learn about the social, economic, and natural history of our public spaces. Park secrets will be revealed! This walk is scheduled for Saturday, November 8 from 2:00 - 4:30 p.m.. This free program is for ages 18 years and older. Online registration is underway. For more information, please call 706-613-3620.

Released by Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services When it comes to Nerf Wars, anything goes! Bring your best game face, your personal (single shot/non-auto) Nerf gun, and the whole family for a night of battling, challenge, and fun!  Bring your best game face and your personal (single shot/non-auto) Nerf gun. Price is per shooter. "Nerf Wars" Session 1  is for ages 5-8 years and will take place Thursday, November 6 from 6:00 - 6:45 p.m. at Lay Park The fee is $5 for ACC resid

Released today by Athens-Clarke County: The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County (ACCGov) invites professional artists to submit qualifications for a large scale, 3D artwork for the Tallassee Road roundabout in Athens, Georgia. The selected artist(s) will work with stakeholders and government staff to create a public artwork that enhances the user experience and complements the selected site.   Application deadline is November 7, 2025 at 5 PM .  Project Overview & Site

Issued today by Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services The World of Wonder playground ( 325 Whit Davis Rd .) at Southeast Clarke Park will be closed from 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM Wednesday, October 22, 2025 while new trees are being planted. The playground will re-open and resume its regular schedule following the work. All other amenities at Southeast Clarke Park will remain open during regularly scheduled hours. For more information, please call 706-613-3800.

From Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services: What if all your favorite fairy tales…suddenly broke apart? The magic is gone, the heroes are confused, and the villains are winning. But there’s one last hope, Skelly, a lovable skeleton who never planned to be a hero, but might just become one. Don't miss  "Kristar Bubble Show: Shards of Skelly"  at Morton Theatre.  Show dates are Thursday, October 23 at 5:00 p.m. or Thursday, October 23 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are now on sale online

From Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Have a ghoulish time with all of the Halloween events scheduled this fall! Scary, Oozy, Slimy Day at Sandy Creek Nature Center (October 18, 2025) Journey through the Stars Planetarium Program: Spooky Space at Sandy Creek Nature Center (October 18, 2025) Walk through Boo at Lay Park (October 24, 2025) Fright on the Firefly Halloween Trick or Treat Trail at Dudley Park (Oct. 25, 2025) Halloween Week at Bear Hollow Zoo - Halloween Show

From Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services The Leisure Services Department announces that applications are now being accepted for the  2025 Athens-Clarke County Downtown Parade of Lights.  This year’s parade is scheduled for Thursday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m The deadline for entries is Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.  Late applications are not accepted.   This is a firm deadline. The online application is available at  www.accgov.com/parade   The parade application fee

From Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services: Have a ghoulish time with all of the Halloween events scheduled this fall! Pumpkin Hunt at...

From Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services; The Lyndon House Arts Center (LHAC) invites the community to experience Music in the House, a...