Good morning, Athens.

The Flower Cart pop-up—organized by the Junior Ladies Garden Club—is set to return to Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital at 11 a.m. on Oct.

21. The project relies on donated blooms and local vendor support—ensuring patients, visitors, and staff can create fresh floral arrangements and brighten their day.

This week in Athens, people ran the Spark in the Dark 5K at UGA Golf Course in honor of Christina Semeria and Cliffe and Stuart Knechtle spoke with students at Tate Theatre.

There were also sports contests including a hockey scrimmage and a UGA soccer win over Arkansas, a Rivers Alive cleanup, and local festivals at Sandy Creek Park and Beechwood Shopping Center—showing a busy community.

Landmark Properties announced a record-breaking $150,000 raised at its Fourth Annual Building Hope Through Homes Invitational golf tournament held on Oct.

7 at Chateau Elan in Braselton. The funds include $140,000 for Athens Area Habitat for Humanity’s Micah’s Creek project and an extra $10,000 for Atlanta Habitat for Humanity — a move that supports affordable housing efforts in our community.

A $3 million grant from the Marcus Foundation will fund UGA’s Franklin College CREATE! program to give arts and science students practical business experience plus access to mentorship and resources.

The three-year pilot will add 20 new courses and opportunities to help over 2,500 students and launch more than 60 startups.

The University of Georgia today named seven faculty members from five colleges to the new innovation fellows program—designed to boost campus innovation and entrepreneurship.

The fellows will complete discovery projects, host events and receive training in business development to connect researchers with industry partners.

NOAA data shows that in Athens the first frost could come as early as Oct.

9 with an average date of Nov. 7 and as late as Dec. 6 — a pattern seen in other Georgia cities. Temperatures are in the 50s and 60s now, and residents should not expect freezing conditions until November — keeping the chill at bay until then.

New research from UGA shows that young children who use smartphones may face more anxiety and family conflicts—studies advise parents to delay phone use or limit screen time to protect their mental health.

Georgians can now get the updated COVID vaccines at local pharmacies and county health departments without a prescription after the CDC approved new federal guidelines.

Providers will review a brief screening with patients - most insurance plans cover the vaccine while costs for uninsured adults vary.

Jake Wilkins, son of NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins, is a freshman forward for Georgia wearing the No. 21 jersey and has a legacy tattoo on his left arm.

Coach Mike White said he is focused on his own game and will get his first taste of college competition tomorrow against Georgia State in an exhibition match.

Athens-area high school football coaches have mixed reactions to the GHSA’s decision to change postseason seeding to a point-based formula for the 2026 playoffs—some coaches believe the new system will reward teams that play strong schedules while others worry it may create unfair matchups. The rule will replace the current model that guarantees playoff spots for region champions and will extend to all classifications next year.

On Oct. 12, participants ran the AthHalf half marathon in Athens, covering a 13.1-mile route from Downtown to the UGA Tate Student Center Parking Lot — the race was hosted by nonprofit AthFest Educates to fund music and arts education for local K-12 students.

Spectators cheered as runners passed by well-known Athens landmarks throughout the course.

Georgia football coach Kirby Smart kept his comments from Georgia’s 20-10 win over Auburn on Oct.

11—he said he was clapping his hands because Auburn players were clapping. Auburn coach Hugh Freeze and others questioned the call after video looked like Smart called a timeout, but Smart said he did not need one and did not talk to the SEC office.

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.

Circus Delman

7:30-9 p.m. — Georgia Square Mall — Tickets starting at $76 — Experience the enchanting performances of Circus Delman in Athens, GA.

Gannon Fremin and CCREV Live

7-8:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Cost info not provided — Experience the rockin' sounds of Gannon Fremin & CCREV as they bring the grit of Southwest Oklahoma to Athens.

Johnnyswim Concert

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — Tickets starting at $29 — Enjoy an evening of soul-soothing music with the talented duo Johnnyswim.

Ella Langley with Laci Kaye

8:00 PM — Georgia Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the phenomenal voice and songwriting of Ella Langley, a rising star in country music.

Matisyahu Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Georgia Theatre — $42 — Experience a night of uplifting music from Matisyahu in an iconic venue.

Jack O'Lantern Jog 5K and Goblin Fun Run

2-6 p.m. — Sandy Creek Nature Center — $25 — Dress in costume for a fun fall run that supports the Nature Center and includes finisher's medals for kids.