Good morning, Athens.

A Banner-Herald guide spotlights five Athens events, including live music at multiple venues on Saturday, a film event at Morton Theatre on Friday, an Easter celebration and Spring Fling Market on Saturday, and story time at Dudley Park on Friday morning (details vary by location).

Athens offers busy spring events including a Repair Café on April 26 at Hancock Industrial Way, a Tour of Gardens on April 18, a Pétanque tournament May 2–3, a high school reunion on June 6 and a UGA Theatre play in April at Fine Arts Theatre.

Athens Comedy Fest will run from April 30 to May 2 and feature 18 touring comics along with local talent.

Karen Morgan and Owen Hunt organized the event – a live special at Live Wire downtown on Thursday plus shows at the Morton Theater Friday and Saturday.

ACC Leisure Services offers small group swim lessons for children 3 and up at Bishop Park, Lay Park, and Heard Park.

The lessons, taught by certified lifeguards on a first-come, first-serve basis, run in three sessions starting May 26 and continuing through July 24.

At Thursday’s meeting, the Clarke County Board of Education discussed its fiscal year 2027 budget and approved $126K for a new playground at Whit Davis Elementary and $130K for playground equipment at Gaines Elementary.

The board will finalize the budget on June 11 (after hearings on June 1 and 10).

ACCGov Housing and Community Development invites community members to join two free Fair Housing events at the Athens-Clarke County Library.

The Lunch and Learn is on Wednesday, April 8 (10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) and the Tenant's Rights Forum is on Thursday, April 30 (5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.).

Rising gas prices have caught local voters’ attention as they prepare to vote on April 7 for a U.S. House seat left vacant after Marjorie Taylor Greene’s departure.

In Georgia's 14th district, voters balance everyday fuel costs + broader election issues as early voting wraps up.

Local hospice providers in Athens dispel myths by offering care that helps patients stay comfortable at home and eases burdens for families.

They educate communities on hospice benefits and provide daily support so patients and loved ones can focus on quality time together.

Kemauri Millender committed to play basketball for the Bulldogs on April 2—joining his brother Smurf who returned to the team last season.

The siblings first played together at Clear Brook High.

Former Georgia basketball star Jarvis Hayes is in talks to join coach Mike White’s staff at UGA.

The former NBA veteran, currently an assistant at Georgia State, ranks fourth in career scoring average and has two sons who are top high school recruits.

Athens Christian hosted a ceremony on Thursday morning to name former NFL player Terance Mathis as its new head football coach—his hiring aims to revitalize the team as they prepare for GIAA 11-man Class 4A competition after two seasons with Mike Morris.

Georgia's women's tennis team defeated Kentucky 4-1 at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex in Athens on Thursday, Apr.

2.

2000's Party

6-9 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — Get ready to groove with the biggest hits from the 2000s in a night filled with nostalgia and Y2K fashion.

Willy Tea Taylor Concert

12-3 AM — Flicker Theatre & Bar — Tickets required — Enjoy an evening of live music with singer-songwriter Willy Tea Taylor.

French Language Class

6-7 p.m. — Oconee County Library — Free entry — Dive into the basics of French with expert instructor Emma Auer.

Warren Hollow with Maple Street Band and The Midknighters

7-10 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — $10 (adv.), $12 — Experience Southern rock echoes from the 1970s as Warren Hollow takes the stage alongside local favorites.

Drivin' N' Cryin' Live

7-10 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Under 18 with parent or guardian — Enjoy a night of legendary Southern rock with recent music hall inductees Drivin' N' Cryin'.

Mize: Free Documentary Screening

6-7:30 p.m. — Richard B. Russell Building Special Collections Libraries — Free admission — Watch a documentary revealing baseball Hall-of-Famer Johnny Mize's story through the lens of author Jerry Grillo.

JUMP - An Evening with America's Van Halen Tribute

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $TBA — Experience the surprise of youthful energy paired with classic Van Halen hits to rock your night away.

The SteelDrivers Live

7:30-8:30 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — Cost Info not provided — Experience the unique sound of bluegrass soul blended with country and blues from a Grammy-winning band.

American Aquarium Live in Athens

7-11 p.m. — Live Wire Athens — $20 adv, $25 Day of Show — Experience the soulful tunes and good vibes of American Aquarium.

Co-bill with Gov't Mule and Larkin Poe

7-10 p.m. — The Classic Center — Tickets available — Experience a night of blues-inspired rock with two iconic bands live on stage.