Good morning, Athens.

Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services is hosting fall Halloween events— the Pumpkin Hunt at Lay Park was held on October 3rd and Scary, Oozy, Slimy Day along with the Spooky Space program at Sandy Creek Nature Center will take place on October 18th, while Walk through Boo at Lay Park, a trick or treat trail at Dudley Park, a Jack-O-Lantern Jog, and a Carnival at Heard Park are planned for later in the month.

UGA plans to demolish the historic Legion Pool to build an amphitheater and extra parking by fall 2026, and this decision has drawn strong concerns from local residents—Historic Athens and other community members have started a petition urging the university to pause demolition and repurpose the site. The pool, built in 1936 and long cherished by the Athens community, is seen as a valuable local resource.

East Athens Development Corporation finished two new affordable homes on Sept.

30 with a ribbon cutting and open house—each home has low rents and energy-saving features. The homes are part of the Pathway to Prosperity program funded by Athens-Clarke County Unified Government ARPA to help families build equity and gain homeownership.

On October 2, spectators at UGA watched a jogging robot at the Georgia AIM event+ the demonstration highlighted the university's innovative technology.

ACC Leaf & Limb crews in Athens will finish work in Area F and start collection in Area A the week of Oct.

6—with scheduled operations to clear leaves and limbs as part of ongoing maintenance efforts. Residents should expect work to proceed according to the planned timeline.

The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government Housing and Community Development Department announced approximately $1,210,965 in federal funding from HUD under the FY27 Community Development Block Grant Program to support community development projects.

A virtual meeting to explain the application process will be held on October 16 at 10:00 a.m. and eligible nonprofits must submit a Notice of Intent by October 24 with complete applications due by November 17.

Georgia basketball coach Mike White received a raise to $3.91 million with a new three-year contract extension that runs through the end of the 2031 season.

The Bulldogs went 20-13 last season and will play an exhibition game on Oct. 15 at Georgia State and open the season on Nov. 3 against Bellarmine.

Athens-area high school football games in Week 8—the Friday matchups—had live score updates as local teams competed in the 2025 regular season, with scores changing as the night went on.

Week 6 updates show that Georgia receiver Colbie Young caught 13 passes for 179 yards and linebacker Raylen Wilson made 23 tackles—while Kentucky quarterback Cutter Boley threw for 240 yards with two touchdowns and running back Seth McGowan rushed for six scores.

These numbers set the stage as teams rely on key players for the rest of the season.

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.

Athens Porchfest

1-8 p.m. — Big City Bread Cafe — Free entry — Experience the vibrant Athens music scene with performances across 250 porches in historic neighborhoods.