Good morning, Athens.

A neighborhood in East Athens organized an annual November food drive for the local emergency food bank and set a goal of collecting a quarter ton of food.

Donations have already begun ahead of the November 10 start — director Kim Ramos said the drive comes at a critical time as the bank braces for increased demand amid the government shutdown — and the service will continue through Thanksgiving.

The University of Georgia will kick off its month-long arts celebration with a two-day poetry festival featuring readings and Q&A sessions by five American poets.

The opening keynote event with Edward Hirsch and Robin Coste Lewis is scheduled for next Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at UGA Chapel, with a second event on November 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the Georgia Museum of Art.

Canopy Studio presents scAIRy stories: chapter 1 – amAIRicana nightmare, an aerial show that blends horror, humor and classical clowning into a dreamlike performance.

The show will run Nov. 7 at 8 p.m., Nov. 8 at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Nov. 9 at 4 p.m.—tickets cost $20.

Musician, artist, and activist Beto Cacao will perform Voces y Versos: Harmony and Solidarity on Saturday, Nov.

1 at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Athens—he will share his poetry book and album projects with local musicians while suggesting a donation.

Flagpole announced its 2025 Scary Story Contest winners after receiving many creative submissions & several honorable mentions were also recognized.

First place went to Your Humble Public Servant by Erin Lovett while Tim Kelly and Morgan Swank won second and third place.

Sandy Creek Nature Center is hosting a Día de los Muertos celebration on Saturday, Nov 1 at 10 a.m. The free event will feature traditional altar building, candle lighting, music, food, and colorful calaveras — it is held with a planetarium program.

Athens will host a Halloween show by Dosed By An Angel this Friday, Oct 31, with doors opening at 8 p.m. and the show starting at 9 p.m. at the 40 Watt Club; six local bands including Wieuca, Immaterial Possession, Ralph, Rauncher and Peter and the Skeeters will perform for a $10 ticket.

Jasmine Curry, a Coile Middle School teacher in Athens, was named the June Bryant Teacher of Promise during the GCSS Annual Conference on Oct.

23—an honor for promising new K-12 social studies educators. Curry, who is in her fourth year and also serves as the school’s National History Day advisor, was voted the 2025-26 Teacher of the Year at Coile.

Clarke County School District held a banquet at 1055 Barber Street in Athens where it honored two educators from Barnett Shoals Elementary.

Timothy Pritchett was named Teacher of the Year and Brian Smith was named Support Professional of the Year—both received the recognition for their contribution to local learning.

Athens Transit will report over 2.1 million rides on Oct.

31, setting a record for fiscal year 2025—its highest number since 2011. The boost comes from a new automated counting system that replaced manual counts during the fare-free change.

Athens-Clarke County and Core are hosting an open house today from 3-7 p.m. at the Foundry at Hotel Abacus on 295 East Dougherty Street.

Representatives will explain plans for land exchanges, infrastructure upgrades, and a 425-space parking deck — including major sewer upgrades and over $15 million in project payments.

Georgia reported a secondary NCAA violation last year when a football student worker bet on professional sports.

A new NCAA rule change will allow athletes and staff to bet on pro sports starting Nov. 1 — the SEC continues to oppose the decision over concerns for game integrity.

The University of Georgia’s Hairy Dawg was ranked No. 9 among over 100 college mascots in a BetUS study that measured factors such as social media following and personality type — the study noted his executive traits and online appeal.

Nicotine Dolls Concert

7-9 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — $50-69 — Experience a lively evening with Nicotine Dolls at one of Athens' favorite spots.

Wieuca Halloween Show

8:00-9:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — No refunds — Experience a night of captivating performances by Wieuca and friends this Halloween.

Susto Stringband Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — Tickets required — Enjoy an evening of alt rock with Justin Osborne and his band Susto.

Noah Hicks Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — VIP Meet and Greet $75 — Experience the rising star of country music with high-octane performances and small-town roots.

Stephen Wilson Jr Concert

7-9 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — Tickets required — Experience the compelling journey of Stephen Wilson Jr. as he blends country and indie rock at the historic venue.

Glads Run ATH 5K

1-5 p.m. — 350 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA — Donation-based — Support the Clarke Central High School General Fund while enjoying a spirited 5K run.

K-Pop Warriors Live Show

3-7 p.m. — Morton Theatre — Adults $30, Children $20 — Experience dazzling performances that bring your favorite K-pop idols to life.

Shakey Graves Solo Show

7-9 p.m. — Georgia Theatre — Cost not listed — Enjoy a unique blend of modern love themes and playful chords with Shakey Graves.

The Droptines Live

7-9:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — Tickets required — Experience the rich storytelling and versatile melodies of alternative country band The Droptines.

Ax and the Hatchetmen Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — $40-$134 — Catch Ax and the Hatchetmen live for a night of high-energy music in Athens.