Good morning, Athens.

The Red & Black launches Coffee Hours—an initiative that will meet at Jittery Joe’s downtown on Friday, Sept.

26 from 10 a.m. to noon to answer community questions. The sessions will continue twice a month at changing local coffee shops to give Athens residents a chance to share their thoughts.

Hundreds of demonstrators from local religious groups marched in Athens on Sept.

21 to protest mass deportation and support immigrant neighbors. Leaders from various faith groups organized the peaceful march to the courthouse where speakers emphasized the need to care for one another—ending the event around 4 p.m.

The Oconee River Land Trust will host the Secret River fundraiser at Cine in Athens from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, featuring a silent auction of five Middle Oconee River photographs by local photographer Jason Thrasher—along with music and an appearance by local river expert Oconee Joe.

DIA hosted Athens’ 16th annual LatinxFest on Sept.

19 on Washington Street to celebrate Hispanic heritage with music, dance, vendors and a kids zone. The event showcased local performers and community activities—marking its role as an early celebration during Hispanic Heritage Month.

The Red & Black hosted an indoor office concert called On the Beat on Sunday, Sept.

21 in Athens featuring The Downstairs. The event was part of a monthly series that invites a new band to perform at the office.

WUGA hosted a listening event at Sandy Creek Nature Center on Friday evening—residents gathered outdoors to enjoy radio stories from This American Life and live music by Cicada Rhythm as the sun set.

Organizers plan to review the success of the event—an experiment in unplugging and shared community experience—for future gatherings.

Dr. LaKeisha Gantt—a member of the Clarke County Board of Education—announced she will run for Mayor of Athens next year to give under-represented residents a stronger voice.

She served as board president from 2019 to 2024 and her platform focuses on affordable housing, fair wages for city employees, and small business expansion for minorities and veterans.

Mark Richt and Kirby Smart will host the third Chick-fil-A Dawg Bowl on Oct.

22 at Showtime Bowl at 555 Macon Hwy in Athens to raise funds for Parkinson’s and Crohn’s research. Georgia football players will also join the event, and organizers aim to reach $700,000 with 500 donors this year—showing strong local support.

Athens readers are invited to vote for the Week 6 high school Football Player of the Week based on last Friday’s game performances — the poll will close on Sept.

29 at 5 p.m. Future nominations can be sent to Sara Tidwell via email.

Georgia remains No.1 on the NCAA Re-Rank 1-136 after Week 4—Miami, Penn State and Ohio State hold top spots while Indiana jumped to No.8 after a 63-10 win over Illinois and Memphis became the leading Group of Five contender following a 32-31 win against Arkansas.

Georgia football will host Alabama on Saturday, Sept 27 at 7:30 p.m. at Sanford Stadium—ticket prices begin at $407 on VividSeats, $467 on StubHub, and $516.20 on Ticketmaster.

Georgia football will resume a border rivalry that ended for two seasons as the SEC moves to a nine-game schedule in 2026.

South Carolina will join Florida and Auburn as the Bulldogs’ opponents for four seasons — the SEC will announce the matchups today at 7 p.m. on the SEC Network.

Night of Comedy with Brad Upton

8-10 p.m. — Rialto Club at Hotel Indigo — Check the venue for ticket prices — Experience a laugh-out-loud performance from comedy veteran Brad Upton, known for his viral specials and engaging humor.

Waylon Wyatt Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — $37 — Catch Waylon Wyatt perform live in a vibrant atmosphere at one of Athens' top venues.

Georgia Bulldogs vs Alabama Crimson Tide Tailgate Party

3-9 p.m. — Sanford Stadium — All-inclusive access — Enjoy a tailgate extravaganza with BBQ, drinks, and live entertainment while cheering for your team.

Classic City Sprint, Duathlon and Aquabike

7 AM – 2 PM — Sandy Creek Park — Check website for entry fees — Compete in a thrilling triathlon event combining swimming, biking, and running.

Deerhoof Live Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Ticket info unavailable — Celebrate 31 years of Deerhoof with an evening of avant-garde tunes.

Braxton Keith Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Georgia Theatre — Tickets starting at $50 — Experience an exciting night of live music with Braxton Keith at a popular local venue.

Guardians of the Jukebox Concert

7-10:30 p.m. — The Foundry — $12 adv, $15 door ($10 with college ID) — Experience the ultimate 80s tribute band transporting you back in time with high-energy hits and a vibrant visual backdrop.

Dolphin Group Live

8 p.m. — Flicker Theatre & Bar — $12 — Experience the aquatic synth-pop sounds of Dolphin Group and local indie talent in a lively night of music.

Tini Semeria 6th Annual Spark in the Dark 5K

6-8:30 p.m. — University Golf Course — Registration required — Participate in a fun, multi-activity event with face painting, live music, and glow in the dark fun.

October Club Meeting - Athens Radio Club

7:30-9 p.m. — Athens-Clarke County Police Department East Precinct classroom — Free entry — Connect with fellow ham radio enthusiasts in your local community.