Good morning, Athens.

Businesses, restaurants, churches, and schools in Athens are offering free Thanksgiving meals and resources during holiday week from November 23 to November 27 to help those in need — events include a community banquet at Classic Center, a hot meal and extra thankful bag at Athens First UMC, a free dinner plate at El Paso Tacos & Tequila, a buffet and hygiene products at Sparrow’s Nest, and a traditional feast at Chuck’s Fish with proceeds benefitting Project Safe.

Local business owners in Athens are urged to explore employee co-ops as a way to pass on their businesses when they retire, with expert Matthew Epperson from the Georgia Center for Employee Ownership noting that more than 1,000 baby boomer-owned ventures could benefit.

He said free online training every Thursday in November will detail models like ESOPs and employee ownership trusts—options that let retiring owners secure a fair exit—while offering a flexible plan for the future.

Chick-fil-A at 3637 Atlanta Hwy in Athens switched on its extravagant holiday light display this week featuring over half a million white string lights on the building — bushes and trees.

The franchise hired an outside company — which installed the lights that first drew online attention in 2020.

Michael Guthrie will host a show called 'Sixty Years of Songs and Stories' on Friday, Nov.

7 at The Rialto Club—doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. A new plaque on Hull Street honors his band’s lasting impact on Athens music since the 1970s.

Cicada Rhythm will host its seventh annual farm show at Low Star Farm on Nov.

9 at 3 p.m.—tickets cost $30 and North Georgia artist Sam Burchfield will perform—for the release show of their new album Magic State, which is available for pre-sale now.

On Tuesday, the University of Georgia announced it was awarded nearly $5 million from the National Science Foundation for a pilot program to help science teachers improve through mentoring, leadership training, and research—creating three hubs to support these efforts in Georgia.

Lt. Col. Weston Layfield is now a military science professor at UGA Army ROTC and draws on over 18 years of Army experience—he trains cadets with hands-on sessions and early morning physical training to build future leaders.

Athens Academy this week hired Jeff Miles—former head at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee—to lead the school effective July 1 and replace retiring John Thorsen at the end of the 2025-26 school year.

UGA Extension master gardener coordinator Lisa Klein advised Athens residents to plant trees such as red maples, ash, ginkgos, and white oaks to enjoy vibrant fall color, based on her recent online presentation.

The Smoky Mountains 2025 Fall Foliage Prediction Map showed peak foliage on November 3 — a sign local yards offered a striking autumn display.

Over 20,000 Athens residents lost food benefits on Nov.

1st when SNAP funds expired due to a congressional funding impasse — many families relying on SNAP, WIC, and Meals on Wheels now face increased food insecurity. Local officials, nonprofits, and federal judges are taking emergency measures as efforts to restore benefits continue.

Athens-Clarke County stands to net $15 million and save the historic Foundry music venue if the commission approves a land swap with Core Spaces to build a downtown student apartment complex that adds affordable housing and public amenities—commissioners plan a work session to address concerns before seeking zoning approval by February as the project must be completed by Aug. 1, 2028.

Alvin was featured as Pet of the Day on November 4 at 1:23 p.m. and is described as a cute pup ready to be loved by a local family.

Georgia won 104—59 against Bellarmine at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens on Nov.

3.

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.

The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Classic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an enchanting mix of Rock & Metal anthems performed by a classical ensemble in a magical candlelit setting.

Flatline Drive Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — 40 Watt Club — $10 — Enjoy a lively mix of country, rock, and indie music from local bands.

Campus Nights: Josiah Queen & Hulvey Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Classic Center — Tickets required — Experience powerful worship and hip-hop praise with rising artists captivating college students.

Northeast Georgia Livestock Auction

11:00 AM – 12:59 AM — Northeast Georgia Livestock, LLC — Free entry — Experience the thrill of real-time livestock auctions and enjoy a unique online viewing experience.