Good morning, Athens.

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department announced a free family program for World Oceans Day that will be held Saturday, June 14 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Sandy Creek Nature Center, where University of Georgia marine science students will lead touch tanks, lessons on microplastics, and crafts for visitors.

Applications are open for the Classic Center Cultural Foundation's 2025–26 Community Grant, which offers up to $5,000 for arts and workforce projects in Athens-Clarke County.

The deadline to apply is Aug. 22 at 5 p.m.—recipients will be announced in September.

The Athens Regional Library System announced that ABCmouse is now available for patron use at home — the free program offers over 10,000 educational activities for children ages two to eight with progress tracking in a safe, ad-free environment.

Patrons can access the program using a library card from any branch.

Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz and the Commission appointed Stephanie Thompson as Municipal Court Judge and Administrative Hearing Officer at a Special Called Session on June 10, 2025.

Thompson, who served in Hall County, will begin her two-year term on July 1, 2025—replacing Interim Judge Jim Davis.

The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission approved a FY2026 budget on Tuesday, June 10 that keeps millage rates steady and sets $80,000 for a Real Time Crime Center—after heated debate on tax changes and allocation shifts—while some speakers and commissioners expressed worry about cuts to affordable housing and community funds. The vote passed 7-3, and the changes will affect local services in the coming fiscal year.

On June 5, the FDA upgraded the recall of Dr Pepper Zero Sugar, which contains 39 grams of sugar per can and is distributed in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina.

Consumers who have these products produced by Pepsi in Jacksonville—labeled with a best-by date of Feb. 16, 2026—should return them or dispose of them safely.

Coach Kirby Smart and his staff are building Georgia's 2026 football recruiting class as multiple high school players commit, including three-star offensive lineman Zykie Helton who committed on June 11.

His ranking as the No. 41 interior lineman (by 247Sports) and other pledges from across the nation show a focused effort to restock the roster.

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.

Homebuyer Education Workshop

9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Athens Land Trust — $10 — Learn essential home-buying skills through this HUD-certified course for first-time homeowners in Georgia.

Band of Horses Concert

6-10 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $40+ — Experience the emotionally charged sound of Band of Horses as they perform their latest album and classic hits.