Good morning, Athens.

A Walgreens employee on Hawthorne Avenue was bitten on June 4 during a struggle with a shoplifter who pulled a knife and fled with a duffel bag carrying merchandise—police described the suspect as tall and dressed in a hoodie, Adidas pants, and white sneakers.

Last week, Athenians joined nationwide No Kings demonstrations while attending the 25th Hot Corner Celebration and Soul Food Festival (featuring local music and food) and witnessing the crowning of Miss Juneteenth 2025.

They also watched the Juneteenth flag raised at City Hall on June 14th (a ceremony celebrating freedom, resilience, and local Black heritage).

University of Georgia research warns that the invasive Asian needle ant has reached Athens and is expected to thrive as temperatures rise in July and August—its sting can cause pain and serious allergic reactions.

Residents are urged to clear yard debris and contact local extension agents for help if they spot these ants.

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.

Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop

10 a.m. — SpringHill Suites Athens Downtown/University Area — Book Now on Eventbrite! — Explore ancient techniques to create stunning mosaic lamps while enjoying Turkish delights.

Vern Daysel & The Burning Breeze

9:30 p.m. — Nowhere Bar — Check for entry cost — Enjoy captivating hooks and stellar songwriting from Vern Daysel and his band.

Brad Williams Stand-Up Comedy Show

7-11 p.m. — The Classic Center — $26.00-$121.50 — Experience the hilarious high-energy performance of comedian Brad Williams, famous for his sharp and inspiring humor.