Whether you’ve put off visiting the home of your future alma mater, or it’s just been awhile since you’ve been here, summer is a great time to experience Athens!  Take a stroll across UGA’s majestic north campus, picnic in the shade of a giant oak, then stroll through Athens’ quaint downtown with its many shops, cafes and amazing restaurants.

Plan your visit around some of Athens’ family-friendly events this summer:

1. June 22-26 — AthFest 

Where: Downtown music venues

During the month of June, Athens’ biggest music attraction, AthFest, will be in full swing! Tons of local and well-known artists will be taking the stage within renowned venues like the Georgia Theatre and 40 Watt Club, and also on stages set up in the streets of downtown Athens! Bands and performers like Kishi Bashi, Mothers and Elf Power will be performing. There will also be local vendors selling art, food and other items.

2. July 12 — Sunflower Music Series Concert

Where: State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Local singer-songwriter Randall Bramblett will be performing at this outdoors concert from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The concert series is in its 16th season and “has placed both world-renowned and new-on-the-scene musicians in a world-class botanical environment,” according to the Botanical Garden’s website. Enjoy music and nature all in one night!

3. Now-August 21 — Paper in Profile: Mixografia and Taller de Gráfica Mexicana

Where: Georgia Museum of Art

Take a tour of one of the latest exhibitions at the Georgia Museum of Art! The GMOA is the official state museum of art and is a must-see when in Athens. Multiple exhibitions will be in and out of the museum during the summer, so make sure to check out their website to find out which collections will be in when you visit! This exhibit in particular is a showcase of international contemporary art and features the work of sixty different artists.

4. July 19 — Full Moon Hike

Where: State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Take advantage of the beautiful summer evening weather at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and get a glimpse of the lightning bug displays, search for glow worms and phosphorescent fungus, and hear the sounds of the gardens from the frogs, cicadas, and katydids. All ages are welcome, so bring your friends and family!