8 Things to Do in Athens, GA
From family-friendly fun to exciting nightlife options and a vibrant seasonal calendar full of community events, you’ll never be bored looking for things to do in Athens, Georgia!
Athens is a college town, proud home to the University of Georgia, which creates many opportunities to have fun in the local community.
Find your new favorite pastime in the “Classic City!” When considering things to do in Athens, GA, you’ll discover a variety of options.
In This Article
1. Cheer for the Bulldogs Between the Hedges
If you have the pleasure of being in Athens on a Saturday morning during football season, you’re in for quite the treat! Football is a well-known source of Southern pride, and the four-time national championship-winning University of Georgia football team truly takes that to heart. The team plays at Sanford Stadium, facing teams between the iconic hedges lining the playing surface.
Whether you’re singing Georgia’s fight song “Glory, Glory” or watching the Redcoat Marching Band put on a stunning halftime show, Athens’ pride will have you wanting tickets to every game.
Not a fan of sitting in the stands between the hedges? No worries! Local restaurants and bars throughout town proudly air every game from start to finish. So, whether you’re exploring town or cheering in the stands, get ready to wear the red and black and cheer. Go Dawgs!
2. Gardens Galore: Visit the State Botanical Gardens of Georgia
Fancy a walk in the gardens? Athens is the city for you! When thinking about things to do in Athens, GA, The State Botanical Gardens of Georgia offers visitors free parking and admission as well as a chance to explore the stunning grounds.The garden is home to more than 290 acres of natural area and 32 acres of cultivated gardens, eight of which are specialty gardens. With a conservatory building operated by the University of Georgia, the gardens host 11 botanical and horticultural collections and frequently host seasonal events. A beloved favorite is the annual Winter WonderLights in November and December, which sees half a mile of walking trails glow with over a million festive light bulbs and holiday sculptures.
3. Tune in to the Legendary Athens Music Scene
Athens’ music scene is next level. For decades, the city has been known for its live music venues and has produced wildly popular bands and artists, including Widespread Panic, The B-52s, the Drive by Truckers and R.E.M. If you’re compiling a list of things to do in downtown Athens, GA, experiencing live music is a must.
In the fall of 2020, the city celebrated its iconic musical history by initiating the first class into the Athens Music Walk of Fame. The Walk of Fame is a two-square-block in downtown Athens that passes by several musically oriented landmarks and live music venues. If you’re looking for free things to do in Athens, GA, you’ll definitely want to add this to the list!
Classic rock fans will appreciate visiting the 40 Watt Club — a true Athens gem. Credited with helping to launch the American punk rock movement, the 40 Watt Club has been a popular nightspot on West Washington Street in downtown Athens since its opening in 1978. Today, the club can accommodate 500 patrons and hosts quality acts on weekends and several days throughout the week. Though this historic venue has no food service, it boasts a full-service bar and an intimate concert experience that will entertain patrons late into the evening. Do note that this venue is 18+ unless minors are with an adult.
4. Outdoor Fun at the Twilight Series Criterium
In a thrilling weekend event that has occurred since the 1980s, the city of Athens plays host to the Twilight Series Criterium — a weekend of bicycle races and events each April, sponsored by the Athens Orthopedic Clinic. A perfect candidate for families looking for things to do in Athens, GA, with kids, the weekend series features BMX Racing, a Kids Criterium event for all ages, a mountain bike event known as the ‘Fat Tire’ Criterium, and the namesake Twilight Criterium. The Twilight Criterium showcases professional riders who bike 50 miles, including an exhilarating half-mile through downtown Athens. The weekend kicks off with two family-centric “Fun Runs” and concludes with an evening of homegrown music on the final night. Don’t miss it.
5. Catch a Show at the Georgia Theatre
The iconic Georgia Theatre is the busiest live music venue in Athens and has undergone many iterations over the years. From a concert hall in the ’70s to a movie house in the ’80s and then permanently back to the concert venue in the ’90s, more than a few music legends have performed here on their paths to greatness. With a capacity of only 1,000 people, this intimate venue hosts performances several days per week from musicians on regional and national tours. Check out their website to see the current schedule before your trip to Athens! Who knows? You might just find your new favorite artist.
6. Have Family Fun at the Georgia Museum of Natural History
Looking for some family-friendly fun and to learn a little bit more about the history of Georgia? Spend some time at the Georgia Museum of Natural History.
More than a dozen displays are featured in the museum, with exhibits representing several areas of expertise. Some favorites include archaeology, arthropods, mammals, ornithology, paleontology and zoology. The exhibit’s focus is varied and provides information on conservation efforts and interactive displays for kids. There are even opportunities for the university’s students to take museum-associated courses focusing on curating and preserving artifacts, continually enhancing the visitor experience.
7. Sample the Local Flavors at Creature Comforts
Founded in 2014, Creature Comforts is a purpose-driven craft brewery based in Athens whose focus is on sustainability and local engagement. A staple in town since its opening, Creature Comforts has expanded in more ways than one, opening a secondary location in Los Angeles and offering an extensive menu of classic beers, as well as some local surprises. The brewery is located in an old tire shop in downtown Athens and offers large amounts of communal seating and a patio — perfect for large groups or even for the solo traveler looking for fun things to do in Athens, GA — and maybe make some new friends. Between the industry-leading brews and the vibrant community fostered here, what’s not to love?
8. Stretch Your Legs
Wanting a chance to explore Georgia’s native wildlife up close? Spend a day exploring the grounds at Athens’ Memorial Park, including a visit to the Bear Hollow Zoo. For those looking for outdoor things to do in Athens, GA, this is a great option. Within Memorial Park, the 1.25-mile Birchmore Trail is nestled in an urban forest and features installations built by local legend Fred Birchmore. The much smaller (but no less mighty) Bear Hollow Zoo puts the whole family up close and personal with some of Georgia’s free-living wildlife. Who knows? On your stroll, you might just spot one of the park’s black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer or even owls!