Good morning, Athens.

The Varsity opened its new fast-food restaurant in Watkinsville on April 14 at 2271 Hog Mountain Rd—nearly 10 miles from Athens—and it now serves a classic menu including hot dogs, burgers, fries, and frosted orange shakes.

Guests experienced a 20-minute drive-thru wait but received their orders quickly.

The College Station Kroger on College Station Rd in Athens will close at 6 p.m. on April 29 and the new Kroger Marketplace, modeled after the popular Space Kroger, will open at 7 a.m. on April 30 — assuring continued service at the same location.

Just before midnight on April 12 in Athens, two Uber Eats drivers clashed at a McDonald’s on Prince Avenue when 20-year-old Alexo Quevedo Gil parked his car too close to Maikel Vergara’s, leading to an argument that turned violent—Gil punched Vergara and took his Apple Watch, and he was arrested on battery and criminal damage to property charges.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is looking into the death of a 39-year-old inmate found unresponsive in his cell at Athens-Clarke County Jail Tuesday morning—jail staff initiated life-saving measures and EMS transported him to a hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly before 10 a.m.

American soprano and actress Renée Fleming hosted an Opera master class in Athens on April 25—she listened to UGA students sing, offered tips for improvement and answered audience questions.

Since 2022, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens has hosted the Sweet Pea Club where children ages 3 to 5 and their guardians explore nature with puppet shows, tea parties, and hikes every Thursday from March through October.

Each session runs from 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. and requires registration and a $3 fee.

Explore Georgia has ranked the best Mexican restaurants in the state for Cinco de Mayo — with Athens’ Tlaloc El Mexicano recognized for its top tacos — to help guide residents for celebrations and regular Taco Tuesdays.

The ranking also covers spots in other cities, offering a clear look at varied menus across the state.

The second day of Athens Twilight Criterium was held Saturday, April 26, featuring live music, bike races and food trucks—marking the event’s 45th anniversary—and local fans enjoyed the festive energy.

The weekend left a strong mark on the community.

Apalachee senior Favian Williford was named the Atlanta Falcons High School Man of the Year for 2024 after he received a crystal award from Bradley Pinion on April 18th—he was one of five nominees who wrote a speech highlighting a game held after a shooting and began his college football career at Brevard College that fall.

Gimme Hendrix - A Jimi Hendrix Tribute

8 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $15 - $20 — Experience the electrifying performances of the award-winning tribute band recreating the legendary sound of Jimi Hendrix.

Sketch Comedy Graduation Show

8-10 p.m. — Flying Squid Comedy — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughter with original sketches performed by Athens' funniest talents.

Seussical Jr.

7-8:30 p.m. — Morton Theatre — $12 — Experience a whimsical musical adventure with the Studio Athens featuring beloved Dr. Seuss characters.

Winterville Marigold Festival

7:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. — Pittard Park — Free entry — Celebrate spring with a 10K race, parade, auto show, live music, and fun activities for all ages.

Solar-Powered Generator with Boyscoutmarie and We Wiggle Dolls

7:30-11 p.m. — work.shop — Check website for ticket prices — Experience a synesthetic live music and puppetry collaboration that illuminates the magic of sound and light.

Health Live at Georgia Theatre

7:30 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $26.50+ — Experience the unique mathy indie rock sounds of Health, blending tribal beats and aggressive melodies.

Open Mic Improv

7-8:30 p.m. — Flying Squid Comedy — Free entry — Watch standup comedians and improvisers turn jokes into laughter and lively performances.

Uncured Live in Concert

5:30-8:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Ticket purchase required — Experience an electrifying performance by Uncured in the heart of Athens.

Evening with EXTC featuring Terry Chambers & Friends

7:30-10 p.m. — The Foundry — $20-$25 — Experience classic XTC tunes live with legendary drummer Terry Chambers and his band EXTC.

JJ Grey & Mofro with The Marshall Tucker Band

7:15 p.m. — The Classic Center — $55- $126.25 — Experience two legendary bands sharing the stage on a Southern-themed night of music.