Upcoming Attractions in Athens for Your Summer Plans

Athens hosts a number of well-known attractions that satisfy most everyone’s interests. From a beautiful stroll through the State Botanical Gardens to a late night out at 40 Watt Club, there’s much to look forward to in the city. 

If you’re looking for something to do or want to change up the pace on your summer schedule, here’s a list of attractions, events and restaurants to check out this summer.  

For the Shopping Lovers

Athens is home to many local shops and creatives who sell and make custom pieces. With all the talent in the city, there are multiple events where you can interact with these artists and the broader Athens community over your shared love for art and handmade pieces.   

Vintage Market Pop-Up 

You might have just missed the last vintage pop-up, but don’t worry, the Vintage Market Pop-Up comes to Athens every first full weekend of the month. The pop-up features regular vendors like Virgo Vintage, Green Door Vintage, OK Will Vintage and Orphintage as well as other vendors around Athens and Atlanta. There’s clothing options for everyone – vendors sell everything from vintage t-shirts to old-style dresses to eclectic accessories. 

Stop by the Historic Fire Hall No. 2 on Prince Avenue the first full weekend in May to curb your shopping desires and find some neat vintage clothing options. 

Abnormal Bazaar

Athens is home to many talented artists and craftsmen, and the Abnormal Bazaar is the perfect showcase of their talent. This flea market is located at Indie South on Hawthorne Avenue and features vendors selling everything from jewelry to vinyl records. 

The event takes place the third Saturday of every month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and goes through the summer. The next event is April 16th, so bring your friends and check out the unique, artistic offerings of the Abnormal Bazaar.

Springtacular Market 

If you couldn’t get enough of the Abnormal Bazaar, Indie South is also putting on the Springtacular Market at Bishop Park on April 30th and May 1st. The event features over 100 vendors including artists, vintage curators and makers. 

For the Music Lovers

Music has shaped Athens into the city it is today and there are always events and shows highlighting local musicians’ talents. However, the summer brings special attention to the music scene with two festivals that spotlight local talent.  

AthFest 

This three day music festival highlights the local talent and artists who add to the culture within the city. AthFest features free outdoor stages where people can watch performances from local and regional artists, vendor booths where makers sell their work, and separate stages for KidsFest where young artists perform for young viewers. 

Be sure to make plans and stop by on June 24-26th at the corner of Washington Street and Pulaski Street outside of 40 Watt Club. 

Marigold Festival

The Marigold Festival returns on May 14th in Winterville, GA after a two year hiatus. Though this event is not technically located in Athens, it features Athens bands and artists during the day-long event. The festival takes place at Pittard Park with performances by The Pink Stones, Lighthearted and Liquid Dynamite. 

For the Foodies

With classic southern food staples, Athens features countless restaurants and attractions that will satisfy your food desires. From local markets to expanding stores, Athens has you covered on good dining. 

Athens Farmers Market

The Athens Farmers Market is not a new attraction to the city, but it offers an excellent selection of locally grown food products. Every Saturday at Bishop Park from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. you can stop by for fresh produce, listen to live music and cooking lessons. 

Their mission is to connect the community to local farmers and artisans through education and cultural impact. This is the perfect summer stop to shop locally and interact with community members.  

Slutty Vegan  

Slutty Vegan began in Atlanta as a food truck and delivery service that brought healthy food options to areas that don’t have access to them. It quickly gained attention and success, and founder Aisha Cole plans on opening a location in Athens this spring. 

This restaurant takes a unique spin on vegan food and offers meatless burgers, Po’boys and fried chicken sandwiches that taste just as delicious. Even if you’re not vegan, you have to try out these plant based alternatives and see what the hype is all about. 

Slutty Vegan is set to open in spring 2022 on Baxter Street. 

Cafe Racer 

Cafe Racer is opening a new location in spring/summer 2022. The original location, on Highway 78, features espresso and drip coffee and most importantly, handmade donuts and breakfast biscuits. 

They’re sticking with their staple menu items and opening a location on West Broad Street in the upcoming months. If you can’t wait until the new location opens, be sure to try their food at their current location. 

Athens has much to offer in the upcoming months, and as the weather gets warmer, you have plenty of activities to fill your time with. While these are some of the most notable events and attractions coming up, Athens continues to hold year round events at the 40 Watt Club, Flicker Theatre & Bar and Ciné. 

Enjoy your summer, and don’t forget to support local artists and businesses!