Monday, April 4, 2011

SPRING FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN ATHENS, GEORGIA


Athens, Georgia (April 4, 2011) - Springtime in Athens means new energy after the long, cold winter. Along with spring blooms, the Athens live music scene fires up again with concerts and festivals spilling out onto the streets. Visitors celebrate the scenic views via tours and outdoor events. In addition, Athens boasts local and national athletic competitions, an intriguing comic convention and a new celebration of Athens fashion. There are activities and attractions for everyone looking for unique and memorable springtime fun.
  
Learn more about exciting world cultures at UGA's 13th Annual International Street Festival April 9. Dozens of UGA international organizations and groups from the Athens community bring their cultures to life in the heart of downtown from noon - 5:00 p.m. Live performances, informative and interactive displays, as well as children's activities showcase the many cultures of Athens. Visit www.uga.edu/isl to learn about the event and the international student organizations represented. 
  
Three much-anticipated spring plant sales at UGA have collaborated for Plantapalooza by offering all sales on Saturday, April 9. Gardeners are expected to travel to Athens from throughout the state to attend plant sales held by the State Botanical Garden, the UGA Horticulture Club and The Trial Gardens at UGA. A wide array of garden plants will be available at each location, combined with horticulturists, volunteers and Master Gardeners to help with plant selections.  More details are available at www.ugatrialgardens.com.
  
Athens' 18th Annual Piedmont Gardeners' Garden Tour April 16 offers visitors the rare opportunity to view five private gardens in the area. Tickets include maps and directions to the gardens; the tour takes place rain or shine. For more details about the five featured gardens visit www.piedmontgardeners.org/GardenTour.html.
  
New in 2011, Athens Fashion Week April 20 - 22 brings high fashion to Athens for three days of fashion shows from local and nationally known designers. Bravo TV's Real Housewives of Atlanta star, Kim Zolciak will be in town hosting a gala and an after party as the reality show films her visit to the Classic City. All fashion week events benefit the Georgia 4-H Foundation, Bundles of Joy and the Miss Georgia Scholarship Fund. For the event schedule  and other information visit www.athensfashionweek.com
  
Comic enthusiasts join together again for the 10th Annual FLUKE Mini-Comics Festival April 23 at the 40 Watt Club. This convention serves as an arena to discuss and exchange ideas related to mini-comics, zines and other independent publications. Learn more about FLUKE at www.flukeisawesome.blogspot.com
  
The 2nd Annual Athens Americana Festival celebrates the sounds of bluegrass, country, 'Americana' and folk music April 27 - 30. Performances will span four nights and include shows at Hendershot's and Little Kings Shuffle Club.  Three-day wristbands are available as well as the option to purchase nightly tickets at the door. For more information visit www.athensamericana.com

Georgia's 3rd Annual Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage April 27 - May 1 features sites in seven historically significant communities from Athens to Macon. Named a Distinctive Destination in 2009 by The National Trust for Historic Preservation, Athens offers tours of four house museums from four different time periods, each with its own unique architectural style. Athens' featured attractions include UGA's North Campus, the Oconee Hill Cemetery, Athens' oldest surviving residence and theatrical vignettes from the Rose of Athens Theatre. A $25 Pilgrimage Pass provides unlimited access to participating events and attractions throughout the weekend in all Antebellum Trail communities. Visit www.atpilgrimage.com for more information.
  
Athens hosts its 32nd Annual Twilight Criterium April 29 - 30 for professional cyclers with festival activities for fans, families and racers. The Twilight Criterium is a favorite spot on the national cycling tour circuit. In addition to the marquee twilight event Saturday evening, there will be kids' activities and races, live music performances, an all ages 5K run/walk and a BMX Jam. Find all the information at www.athenstwilight.com.  
        
Professional golf returns to Athens May 2 - 8 during the Stadion Classic at UGA, the only event on the Nationwide Tour that is owned and operated by an institute of higher education. Bubba Watson and Chip Beck, both UGA alums, are honorary co-chairs for the event. Tickets can be purchased through the TICKETS Fore CHARITY program which supports non-profits in Georgia and nationwide. Ticket and event information can be found at www.stadionclassic.uga.edu.
  
The renowned Athens live music scene is geared up for the 15th Annual AthFest Music and Arts Festival June 22 - 26. Named a Top 20 Event by The Southeast Tourism Society, AthFest includes more than 175 bands on outdoor stages and in local clubs. Between the live music, art, local film screenings and KidsFest, there is entertainment for all ages. Visit www.athfest.com for more event information.  
  
For more information about spring events in Athens, along with special offers and discounts on accommodations, activities, shopping and dining, visit www.visitathensga.com/spring or contact the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau at 706-357-4430, toll-free 800-653-0603.

About the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau
 

The Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau is a proactive sales and marketing organization whose primary goal is to increase the economic impact of the hospitality and visitor industry by attracting individual visitors, group tours, and meetings and conventions to Athens. Tourism WORKS for Athens, contributing $210.25 million in spending, 2,460 jobs, $44.93 million in wages earned, $8.14 million in state tax revenues and $6.47 million in local tax revenues in 2009.

For more information and other events taking place in the region,
be sure to visit Wines Down South!!

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