Bubba Sparxxx, KidsFest and Gospel Brunch Grits Make a Real Athens Weekend

If you’ve ever tried explaining Athens to someone who’s never been, you know it doesn’t quite fit in a tidy sentence. It’s the town where your barista might have opened for The B-52s once, where you can see a punk show and a string quartet on the same block, and where a music festival somehow manages to feel like a neighborhood potluck—just with better sound.

Every June, AthFest Music & Arts Festival throws the city into full creative throttle, and it’s back again June 20–22, doing exactly what Athens does best: being loud, weird, joyful, and packed with talent.

This thing is free. Three days, more than 100 acts, three outdoor stages, and a downtown full of venues keeping the party going after dark. You’ll see toddlers in headphones, UGA students pretending they’re not sunburned, and at least one guy with a banjo and a rescued pit bull handing out stickers for his solo project. (It slaps, by the way.)

What You’ll Actually Hear

The lineup’s a genre buffet: Bubba Sparxxx is showing up (yeah, really), along with local indie darling Elijah Johnston, rock outfit Hallpass, and a big ol’ mix of hip-hop, country, pop, and whoever that one band is that has, like, seven members and a trumpet. You won’t know all the names, and that’s kind of the point—this is Athens. You’ll probably end up following at least three new artists on Instagram by the time you’re back at your car.

The stages are sprinkled throughout downtown, and the music goes on from afternoon into the early evening. Bring sunscreen. Bring water. Bring that one friend who always makes you stay for “just one more set”—they’re right this time.

Not Just for Grownups (Or Grownup Attention Spans)

KidsFest deserves its own shoutout. It’s a block-long zone just for the younger crowd, with hands-on art projects, live shows, and the UpNext Showcase on Friday night—where middle and high school bands show off what they’ve been cooking in garages and band rooms all year. It’s free, fun, and a sneaky way to make memories that aren’t just heatstroke and cotton candy.

Art You Can Actually Buy (And Afford)

The Artist Market runs the full length of a downtown block and features more than 70 booths. We’re not talking tchotchkes here—this is legit, juried work from local and regional makers. Expect everything from funky ceramics and hand-pulled prints to jewelry that doesn’t scream “festival booth” in a bad way. If your tote bag isn’t heavier by the time you leave, you missed a chance.

After Dark, It Gets Louder

Once the free outdoor stages wind down Friday and Saturday night, the Club Crawl kicks in. This is Athens flexing its venue game: 40 Watt, Flicker, Ciné, and more spots you probably danced badly in during college. You’ll need a wristband for this part, but it’s usually worth it for the sheer volume of bands you can bounce between. Plus, the air-conditioning hits different after a day in the Georgia sun.

Come Hungry (and maybe bring wet wipes)

Food trucks are scattered around the festival, and the usual downtown haunts are running full tilt. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure situation: tacos one minute, boiled peanuts the next, maybe even a mid-day scoop from La Michoacana. Just pace yourself—Athens summer heat plus too many cheese fries is a combo that requires a long sit in the shade.

Don’t Sleep on Sunday Morning

If you’re still standing (or if church brunch is more your speed), the Gospel Brunch on Sunday morning is worth showing up for. It’s free, it’s soulful, and the music is better than any Spotify playlist. Grab a plate, find some shade, and let yourself recover spiritually and physically.

Quick Stuff to Know

• Dates: June 20–22
• Location: All around downtown Athens
• Cost: Free (Club Crawl wristbands are ticketed)
• Parking: Street parking’s a gamble. Use a deck or just embrace the walk.
• What to Bring: Blanket, folding chairs, water, sunscreen, your chill