Daily
Athens
Friday, April 24th, 2026
Good morning, Athens. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 24th of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Zaxby's, headquartered in Athens, will launch GIANT Chicken Finger Wraps at participating locations on Monday, April 27. The new menu item comes in three varieties (Chicken Bacon Ranch, Buffalo Blue, and Asian Zensation) and offers a bigger bite for fans. Athens Banner-Herald
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Country stars Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Zach Top, Lauren Alaina, Dee Jay Silver, and DJ Rock will perform live at Sanford Stadium Saturday, Apr. 25 at 6 p.m., with tickets ranging from $62.25 to $591 (organizers confirm ticket pricing). Flagpole
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The Georgia Department of Labor reported that February saw a 1,096-worker increase in the four-county Athens labor force to 113,677, with employment rising to 110,038 and jobs up to 108,200; the unemployment rate edged to 3.2% from January. WUGA
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Wildfires in south Georgia are causing poor air quality in Athens as smoke drifts north from over 90 fires + Governor Kemp declared a state of emergency for 91 counties, and officials warn drought may worsen conditions in the coming days. WUGA
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Athens Clarke County Fire Department advises residents that wildfire smoke from southern Georgia is lowering air quality today. Individuals with respiratory issues are urged to take precautions—using medications, limiting outdoor exposure, and checking on neighbors. Classic City News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former GymDog Megan Haught (a national champion from the Suzanne Yoculan era) joined UGA gymnastics under head coach Cécile Canqueteau-Landi after key coaching departures. Haught, who worked at Denver University and the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy, said returning to Athens feels like coming home. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ North Oconee alumna Kendall Wells, an Oklahoma freshman catcher, leads the nation with 34 home runs and record-setting season stats. The Sooners will face Georgia softball today at Love's Field in Norman at 7:30 p.m. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ Monroe Freeling, the 21-year-old first-round pick from Georgia football, said Thursday that joining the Carolina Panthers feels surreal because it lets him stay close to family—playing in Charlotte is a welcome change from his time with the Bulldogs in Athens. Athens Banner-Herald
- ➤ After Monroe Freeling was picked in the first round, several Bulldogs may be chosen in tonight's rounds two and three of the NFL Draft from Pittsburgh. Coaches praised players like CJ Allen, Christen Miller, and Zachariah Branch as top prospects for the draft. Athens Banner-Herald
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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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Steve Wynn with Special Guest Peter Buck
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Rialto Club at Hotel Indigo — Under 18 allowed with guardian — Enjoy an unforgettable night featuring music from Steve Wynn and Peter Buck in downtown Athens.
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Weaver D's Food & Entertainment Festival
11 a.m. - 6 p.m. — VFW Post 2872 — Free entry — Celebrate community with food, music, and local culture at this vibrant festival.
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Rick Fowler Acoustic Band Blues & Brews Residency
6-8:30 p.m. — Athentic Brewing Co. — $5 — Enjoy original blues-rock tunes from a local favorite in a relaxed brewery setting.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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