Good morning, Athens.

UGA Spring 2026 commencement will use Sanford Stadium on Friday, May 8 with free but limited parking available at campus decks.

Graduates and families are advised to arrive early since parking is on a first-come basis and gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed a comprehensive education package last Wednesday that strengthens literacy, math instruction & student safety in Georgia schools, a move set to affect institutions, including those in Athens.

On Wednesday, May 6, entomologists said extreme drought and warming temperatures had left storm drains with standing water (ideal breeding spots) that boosted mosquito numbers carrying West Nile virus in Georgia, and residents are urged to remove water from buckets, planters, and birdbaths.

Ben Long (a UGA PhD candidate) studied the native yaupon holly to guide Athens residents in growing this plant for a caffeine-rich tea and food for local wildlife.

He advises planting the Shillings variety in full sun and watering it for six months before a tea harvest in two to three years.

Eligible Georgians who paid for app purchases on Google Play between Aug.

16 and Sept. 30 or used Android phones on cellular data since Nov. 12 may get cash from two settlements. The $700 million deal is approved while the $135 million settlement awaits final approval (objection deadline May 29).

Athens restaurants now offer a range of dining services (dine-in, pick-up, curbside and delivery) to meet diverse customer needs.

Locals can safely enjoy meals from neighborhood spots with convenient options that suit busy schedules.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ride the Airbase Georgia Warbirds

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Athens-Ben Epps Airport — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling ride in classic warbirds at this exciting aviation event.

Cosmic Charlie Concert

8-11 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — Concert tickets available — Experience a lively performance by Cosmic Charlie in the heart of Athens.

Sips & Salads Cooking Class

7-9 p.m. — The Table @ Athens Cooks — $75 — Experience a culinary night of crafting salads paired with wines alongside fellow food enthusiasts.

Wymberly Live at Nowhere Bar

7 p.m. — Nowhere Bar — Check for admission details — Experience the Savannah band Wymberly as they bring their sound to Athens.

The Amazing Acro-Cats' Meowloween Performance

2-4 p.m. — Morton Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience amazing cats performing tricks followed by the unique all-cat band Tuna and the Rock Cats.