Good morning, Athens.

Forbes magazine recognized two new boutique hotels in Athens as they get ready for graduation and fall football games at UGA.

The Athenian (347 W Hancock Ave) has themed guest rooms and modern features while The Bell (183 West Clayton St) offers individually designed rooms and a rooftop terrace.

The Lyndon House Arts Center will host the exhibition 'Forging Connections: Metal Art Inspired by the Marine Carbon Cycle' by Barbara Mann, which will open on June 5 and remain on view until August 30— the exhibition is free to the public and will include an artist reception on June 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. as well as an artist talk and demonstration on June 26 at 5:30 p.m.

A 19-year-old inmate at Athens-Clarke County Jail became the first person to earn a GED there after passing his tests on a fourth try over four and a half months—he now plans to study welding at Athens Technical College after his release.

This achievement marks an important first step as he looks to learn underwater welding and start his own business.

Georgia Power advises residents to keep their thermostat at 78 degrees to stay cool without a high electric bill as hot weather continues—practical tips include setting the fan to Auto, closing curtains to block the sun, and taking extra precautions for older adults and those with sensory sensitivities. Forecasts show temperatures 1-2 degrees above historic averages this summer, prompting this guidance.

Coach Kirby Smart recalled his record from 1995 when he returned 7 kickoffs in a 52-17 loss to Florida in Athens — a game where the Gators built an early 21-0 lead and broke the Bulldogs’ defense.

The long-running Georgia—Florida rivalry will be played in 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and in 2027 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa as repairs are planned at EverBank Stadium.

Georgia baseball coach Wes Johnson discussed the Bulldogs' 20-4 win over Binghamton at the Athens regional of the NCAA tournament on May 30, saying the win set the tone for the team's effort moving forward.

Georgia baseball lost a 6-3 game to Duke at Foley Field on May 31, leaving the Bulldogs facing elimination if they do not win their next contest.

Coach Wes Johnson recalled his 2015 Dallas Baptist team's comeback—he said strong pitching and a win on Monday are needed to keep the season alive.

Music Bingo Night

7:30-8:30 p.m. — B&B Theatres Athens 12 — Free entry — Enjoy a fun night of music bingo with friends and family.

Pro Wrestling Rebellion: Tombstone Live

7-9 p.m. — Duke's & Dottie's — All ages welcome — Experience an epic night of live pro wrestling action with intense matchups and electrifying surprises.

Shawn Mullins Live at The Foundry

8-10 p.m. — The Foundry — Ticket prices not listed — Experience a captivating evening with the acclaimed singer-songwriter Shawn Mullins.

Hot Corner Celebration & Soul Food Festival

6:00 PM — Hot Corner Celebration And Soul Food Feast — Free entry — Celebrate the African-American business community with food, music, and history in Athens.

Bad Movie Night

8-10 p.m. — Ciné — Free entry — Enjoy a quirky film about love and suspicion with a twist of bad movie charm.

Athfest 2025

Various times — Downtown Athens — Free entry — Celebrate an unforgettable weekend of live music, art, and community in the vibrant city of Athens, GA.

Country River Band Performance

7-11 p.m. — VFW Post 2872 — $10 — Enjoy classic western and honky-tonk music with line dancing during band breaks.

pondgorl at Athfest Club Crawl 2025

7-11 p.m. — Hendershot's — Fundraiser for local music and arts education — Enjoy live music while supporting K-12 education in Athens.

Classic City Trail Ride

12 p.m. – 6 p.m. — Athens Fairgrounds — Family-friendly activities — Saddle up for a delightful four-day trail ride event full of fun for everyone.

Motown, R&B & Soul Night with The Original Splitz Band

7-10 p.m. — The Foundry — $10 adv (+tax/fees) — Dance the night away to the iconic sounds of Motown, R&B, and Soul classics.