Daily
Athens
Friday, May 15th, 2026
Good morning, Athens. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 15th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Athens public pools open Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 23 and close July 26; Bishop Park Pool and Walker Park Splash Pad run daily until August 4 then weekend until Sept. 7. Admission is $1 per person + $20 pool pass, with free passes for youth. Classic City News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Pizza Hut is closing about 250 stores nationwide as part of Yum Brands’ Hut-Forward strategy, yet no Georgia locations have been reported among the closures. The closures will be completed by July 1 while the chain continues expanding internationally. Athens Banner-Herald
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday, May 14, the U.S. Postal Service unveiled four Forever Stamps in Athens that highlight Harriet Powers’ work on the historic Pictorial Quilt (one of her two surviving pieces) and are now available at Post Offices nationwide. WUGA
- ➤ ACC Leisure Services invites Athens residents to join a free open jam session at Sandy Creek Park on Sunday, May 17 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. All skill levels are welcome (a $2 park admission fee applies). Classic City News
- ➤ Today, catch Andy Gross’s magic and comedy show at Marigold Auditorium at 8 p.m. and plan ahead for Weaver D’s Festival at VFW Post 2872, Athens’s Got Talent at Terrapin Beer Company, Classic City Wrestling at 40 Watt Club, plus Sandy Creek Hootenanny at Sandy Creek Park this weekend. Athens Banner-Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Jules Bruck has been named dean of the UGA College of Environment and Design effective July 1. She served as director and professor at the University of Florida and founded the landscape architecture program at the University of Delaware — bringing national expertise to the role. WUGA
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Georgia has been in a drought since last fall—drying soils and hurting farming and forestry; experts warn that without several months of above-normal rain, wildfire risks could increase. Athens Banner-Herald
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Athens Rock Lobsters announced they will join the SPHL starting in the 2026‑27 season, continuing to play at Akins Ford Arena while promising more regional matchups—reducing travel compared to their previous league. The team has drawn strong community support with over 229,000 fans since its launch. FOX 5 Atlanta
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Around the World Cooking Challenge Summer Camp for Junior Chefs
9 a.m.-12 p.m. — The Table @ Athens Cooks — $325 — Aspiring young chefs explore global cuisines and sharpen their culinary skills over four fun-filled days.
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The Ultimate Doors Tribute Concert
10 AM – 9 PM — Georgia Theatre — Tickets available March 13th — Experience an authentic journey back to the era of The Doors with this celebrated tribute band.
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KACCB Litter League Greenway Cleanup
9:30-11:00 a.m. — Dudley Park — Free entry — Join the community in an effort to clean up the Greenway and protect the local environment.
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