Good morning, Athens.

Athens events this week included a Mardi Gras celebration at 40 Watt Club on Feb.

17 with live shows and costume contests, college sports games on Feb. 18-19, a 5K memorial for Laken Riley on Saturday, and the Arbor Day festival at Walker Park.

After losing her daughter, a Georgia mom began crafting birth-weight bears called Lilibears to comfort mothers who lost their babies.

She created the project to help others turn grief into support.

Piastra transitions to Asher & Rose Modern Grocers on Marietta Square after a decade serving Italian food.

The mother-son duo now offers a boutique grocery and cafe with market-to-table meals to help address the local food desert.

El Manantial Food has opened at Georgia Square Mall food court, serving Venezuelan classics like pastelitos, empanadas and tequeyoyos to Athens locals.

The family-owned eatery is open Monday–Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Early on Feb. 18, Athens police responded to a call at the Walmart parking lot on Lexington Road after a 32-year-old homeless man threatened to commit suicide by inhaling helium and, after building rapport, he surrendered his gas canister and was taken to a behavioral health facility.

UGA graduate Megan Moroney gave a surprise country music concert at Akins Ford Arena on Monday, Feb.

23. Tickets cost $9 and one dollar from each sale went to the Megan Moroney Foundation to help combat bullying & promote mental health.

Athens-based Chess and Community taught debate skills to local students on Valentine’s Day at YouthForce Innovation Hub in Georgia Square Mall.

They will compete in an intercity debate on Feb. 28 at Georgia Square and again at the Chess and Community Conference on Mar. 28 at the Classic Center.

Georgia football released new pay details for assistant coaches and staff yesterday.

Larry Knight earns $400,000 while offensive line coach Phil Rauscher now earns $650,000, and former players Robert Edwards and David Whitlow will be paid $90,000 and $43,888 as further updates are expected.

Longtime Georgia men’s golf coach Chris Haack will conclude his 30-season career after upcoming tournaments, and he will serve as a special advisor to new head coach Mookie DeMoss through 2027.

Haack, 65, built a proud legacy with the Bulldogs, winning championships + mentoring PGA Tour stars.

Athens-area high school basketball teams are advancing in state playoffs after winning their region tournaments.

Girls games are scheduled for later today and boys matchups start Wednesday, Feb. 25 at venues including Columbus State University and Athens's Akins Arena.

Georgia baseball is ranked No.9 in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll after a weekend sweep of Samford as the Bulldogs start the season 6-1.

They will play Troy Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Foley Field — key players have delivered three-home-run games.

STOMP - Athens

7-9 p.m. — The Classic Center — Tickets required — Experience explosive rhythms with the unique percussion spectacle that enthralls audiences worldwide.

Spirit Brands North American Open 2026

8:00 AM - 7:59 AM — 300 N Thomas St, Athens, GA — Fee required — Cheer on all-star teams as they compete at this exciting multi-day cheerleading event.

K-Pop Golden Show

6:00-9:30 p.m. — Morton Theatre — Adults $30, Children $20 — Enjoy an entertaining blend of music, dance, and comedy for the whole family based on the movie K-Pop Demon Hunters.

Cracker Concert Series

Doors open at 7:00 PM — 40 Watt Club — $30+ — Experience three nights of diverse performances including a special songwriter circle and a full album play.

Beggar Weeds & Frankenfinger Performance

9:30 p.m. — Nowhere Bar — Entry Info N/A — Enjoy energetic punk country-blues and post-punk sounds from two vibrant Floridian bands.

Grupo La Ventaja Live Concert

8 p.m. — RODEO NIGHT CLUB ATHENS — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant sounds of Grupo La Ventaja, a Cumbia Norteña band with captivating rhythms.