Good morning, Athens.

The University of Georgia and Athens-Clarke County residents may nominate a local community member for the 2026 President’s Fulfilling the Dream Award by October 15—winners will be honored at the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Breakfast on January 16, 2026.

On Oct. 1, UGA students gathered in Sanford Stadium for the Film on the Fifty homecoming event to watch 'How to Train Your Dragon' since the field was closed for fresh paint—students used the stadium seats instead.

Will Leitch, founder of Deadspin, moved his family from New York City to Athens in 2013—seeking a simpler life with room to play—and his parents moved in 2017 to help continue a strong work ethic and love for baseball and music.

Now turning 50, he reflects on how his rural roots shape his parenting and hopes his sons inherit a better future.

The Lyndon House Arts Center in Athens will host Music in the House—a new quarterly event that blends live local music with figure drawing and creative writing on October 9 from 6—7:30 p.m.—inviting community members to bring their own sketchbooks and drawing supplies.

The Clarke County School District Class of 2025 scored above state and national averages on the SAT with a mean score of 1048 from 284 students—19 points higher than the state and 52 points higher than the national scores.

The test showed a reading and writing score of 538 and a math score of 510, both exceeding local benchmarks.

Athens Academy said nine Class of 2026 students have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation — five as Semifinalists and four as Commended Students in a press release from the school.

The ACCGov Public Utilities Department will host four open houses on October 16, October 22, October 23, and October 29 (at Athens venues) and will collect public input via an online survey open through November 2 on its 2025 Service Delivery Plan, which outlines 50 capital projects for water and sewer improvements over the next 20 years. Residents in Athens are encouraged to review project details and share their feedback before the survey closes.

The in-store post office at ADD Drug Store on South Lumpkin Street was closed by the U.S. Postal Service—cost-cutting measures ended over 40 years of service in Athens, and residents' petition with over 1800 signatures and support from Congressman Mike Collins came too late before similar contract postal units were terminated on September 30.

Yesterday evening, Athenians attended a town hall on vaccines organized by retired physician Dr. David Lockman—who practiced in Athens for 15 years—with experts Fred Quinn and Dr. Chris Whalen explaining vaccine schedules, health insurance, and rising concerns about vaccine hesitancy.

Heidi Davison, 73, began playing Pétanque in 2016 after joining an informal group at OLLI@UGA and the Classic City Pétanque Club now has more than 60 members playing on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

The game uses steel balls tossed toward a small wooden target ball—offering an accessible and social sport for players of all abilities.

Georgia and Kentucky started their football rivalry in 1939, and the Bulldogs built a strong record with 64 wins, 12 losses, and 2 ties, including a 15-game winning streak.

Kentucky last won in 2009 and nearly broke the streak last season when Georgia edged a 13-12 win — the teams now prepare for their 79th meeting at Sanford Stadium.

Georgia football freshman Tayln Taylor sustained an upper-body injury during practice on Oct.

2 and will need surgery — he is set to miss Saturday's game and could be sidelined for an extended period.

Inside linebacker C.J.

Allen, an ESPN preseason All-American, has led Georgia’s defense with strong performances in recent games and will use his leadership to contain Kentucky’s rushing attack during Homecoming on October 4. Georgia narrowly won last season when Kentucky ran for 170 yards, and the Bulldogs now rely on Allen—renowned for filling gaps and pressuring quarterbacks—to keep the Wildcats in check.

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.

The Head And The Heart Concert

7-9 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience an uplifting evening with the soulful melodies of The Head And The Heart.

Nice Dream - Radiohead Tribute

7-9:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Tickets from $48 — Experience the sounds of Radiohead with a tribute band at a beloved local venue.

North Georgia Folk Festival

11:00 AM to 9:00 PM — Sandy Creek Park — Adults $15, Students $12, Kids Free — A celebration of folk music and arts featuring diverse performances, food, and crafts for the whole family.

Julie Concert

8:00 PM — Georgia Theatre — $32+ — Experience the genre-bending sounds of Julie, a dynamic LA band fusing noise rock, grunge, and shoegaze.

The Amazing Acro-Cats Meowloween Special

7 p.m. — Morton Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience the spooktacular feats of trained cats and the world's only all-cat band in this unique Halloween show.

Stewart & Winfield with Me'An Mills

8-9:30 p.m. — The Foundry — $15 adv, $20 day of show — Discover the sounds of lowcountry-rock and Americana roots with local legends and special guests.

Georgia Bulldogs Football Game vs. Mississippi Rebels

12:00–5:00 p.m. — Sanford Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement of a Bulldogs game day with lively fan festivities and the Redcoat Marching Band.