Daily
Athens
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Athens. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Athens Comedy Fest will take place at the Morton Theatre on Thursday, April 30 and Friday, May 1 at 7:00 p.m. and will feature national headliners, touring comedians, and local talent with tickets costing $25 — $65. Classic City News
- ➤ Brian Buffington, a local real estate professional and MocLocal author, released his debut fantasy novel, The Rules of Blackstone: The War for Ardenmark. The book blends magical warfare with political intrigue in a mystical city (the capital of Blackstone) and draws on his North Georgia roots after moving to Athens. Classic City News
- ➤ Ciné, a downtown nonprofit movie theater, is renovating its bar and concessions area to improve guest flow and safety. The project began on March 30 and will finish by the end of June, and the theater will operate with a temporary bar + serve film lovers and event-goers. Athens Banner-Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Vaishali Schuchert was named associate dean for student affairs at UGA School of Medicine and will begin her full-time role on June 1 (she previously led medical student education in Pittsburgh) ahead of the Fall 2026 semester. WUGA
- ➤ University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue announced his retirement Wednesday — ending over 40 years of public service. The Board of Regents will search for a new chancellor while Perdue serves until his successor is named. The Red & Black
- ➤ The University of Georgia was founded on 40,000 acres of Muscogee land, and its Institute of Native American Studies now offers a formal land acknowledgment that details the legacy and supports indigenous communities across campus and state. The Red & Black
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Georgia's G-Day spring game will take place on Saturday, Apr. 18 at 1 p.m. in Sanford Stadium and will be streamed on SEC Network+ and ESPN Unlimited after the school reversed its earlier decision to cancel the broadcast. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Former NBA first-round pick Jarvis Hayes — who started on April 7 — earned $300,000 as Georgia basketball assistant while football coach Kirk Benedict got a $247,000 raise to reach $650,000; both salary details were released on April 16 by the Banner-Herald. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Georgia’s women’s basketball finalized its new staff with head coach Ayla Guzzardo hiring four assistant coaches and recruiting four transfer players — details were released through an open records request marking a fresh start for the program. Athens Banner-Herald
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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.
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Arcy Drive Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $44 each — Enjoy a lively performance from Arcy Drive in a vibrant local venue.
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CAAMP Concert
7-11 p.m. — The Classic Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of enchanting melodies from CAAMP in Athens.
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United We Dance
8-9 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience a genre-blending journey through the best of electronic music in one unforgettable night.
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Melt Live at Georgia Theatre
7:30-8:30 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — Ticketed — Experience the explosive pop/rock sounds of Melt with tight musicianship and dynamic performances in a beloved local venue.
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Soulja Boy Concert
8-9 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $69/ea — Experience the iconic vibes of Soulja Boy live in concert.
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Friday Night Dance Party: West Coast Swing
7-10:30 p.m. — Dance Building, 1030 W Green St, Athens, GA — $3 for students, $5 for non-students — Celebrate the semester's end with an evening of dance and a free lesson.
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Built To Spill Concert
7:30-8:30 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — All Ages — Experience the indie rock legends Built to Spill celebrate 30 years of their iconic album.
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Harvey Street - Wim Tapley and the Cannons
7-10 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Check local listings for tickets — Enjoy an evening of live music with Harvey Street and Wim Tapley and the Cannons.
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EXPO2026: 30 Years of Kindercore Records
7-10 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Ticketed — Celebrate 30 years of Kindercore Records with live performances from local favorites.
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