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Friday, May 8th, 2026

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Good morning, Athens. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Seniors at Act Lanier Village Estates held a Yappy Hour to celebrate National Pet Month by pairing residents with adoptable pets.  FOX 5 Atlanta

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Atomic-6, a local company, plans to launch data centers into space to harness free solar power + the cold environment for cooling. CEO Trevor Smith said the project will lower energy costs and boost efficiency starting soon.  FOX 5 Atlanta

CULTURE NEWS

  • Savor Georgia magazine released its top 10 burger restaurants list on May 7, featuring Baddie's Burger House among local favorites. The list spotlights regional spots offering creative and classic burgers + highlights diverse flavors across the state.  Athens Banner-Herald
  • Athens offers a busy weekend with the Marigold Festival on Saturday at Pittard Park (free admission), a fair at Lay Park, and EXPOS 2026 at 40 Watt Club with performances. A brunch and Shrek the Musical Jr. are featured on Sunday at the Georgia Center and Morton Theatre.  Athens Banner-Herald

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • State officials announced on May 7 that Georgia began issuing surplus tax refunds, with eligible residents receiving up to $500 — refunds will total over $1 billion for those who filed in 2024 and 2025 and have no outstanding tax debt. Taxpayers can check their status using the online Georgia Tax Center.  Athens Banner-Herald

SPORTS NEWS

  • Sanford Stadium will host its first Bulldog soccer game in 30 years on Thursday, Aug. 20 at 6:30 p.m. free admission, as the team plays James Madison to mark the Olympic legacy from 1996 — a historic moment for Georgia soccer.  Athens Banner-Herald
  • Georgia and Florida State canceled their 2027 and 2028 home-and-home series and are planning a neutral-site game (previously discussed for Tampa) to preserve their home game totals. The teams will schedule the contest in the future.  Athens Banner-Herald

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Mon, 5/11/26

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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.

    Sat, 5/16/26

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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.

    Thu, 5/21/26

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  • 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.

    Sat, 5/23/26

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  • Cosmic Charlie Concert

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

    Fri, 5/29/26

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  • 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.

    Sat, 5/30/26

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  • 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.

    Fri, 6/5/26

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  • 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.

    Sat, 6/6/26

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REAL ESTATE

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JOB BOARD

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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