Athens Braces for a Bustling Weekend with Festivals and Events
This weekend, Athens is set to be a hive of activity, hosting a series of well-loved festivals and events. Attendees should prepare for potential traffic disruptions, as road closures are expected to accommodate the festivities.
Visitors to downtown Athens will encounter several road closures, including Thomas Street, Clayton Street, Lumpkin Street, Washington Street, College Avenue, Jackson Street, and Wall Street, as reported by the Athens-Clarke County Government. These closures will be in effect on both Friday and Saturday due to the Athens Orthopedic Clinic Twilight.
Launched in 1980, the Athens Twilight is famous for its variety of cycling events catering to professionals, amateurs, and children. The weekend culminates with the Men’s and Women’s Pro Twilight Criteriums on Saturday evening.
To help navigate the busy weekend, attendees are encouraged to use the fare-free ACC Transit to reach the downtown area, as parking is expected to be limited. Each bus is equipped to carry up to three bicycles.
This year, the Twilight has joined forces with the International Street Festival, which is organized by the University of Georgia’s Center for Global and Cultural Student Engagement. This vibrant festival features global performances, activities, and cuisine, taking place on Saturday in the heart of downtown Athens.
Saturday also marks the return of G-Day, the University of Georgia’s spring football scrimmage game. The game kicks off at 1 p.m., but the campus will welcome tailgaters from 7 a.m. Free parking is available in the lots on the south side of the campus, while north campus parking may require a fee. The East Campus Parking Deck will offer shuttle services starting at 10:30 a.m.
The day will conclude with the 37th Annual Boybutante Ball at the 40 Watt Club at 8:30 p.m. Titled “Inferno Rising from the Lashes,” this drag event will feature performances by Phoenix and Nicole Paige Brooks from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Proceeds support the Boybutante AIDS Foundation, Inc., benefitting HIV/AIDS services in Northeast Georgia.
