Halloween is right around the corner, and Athens has a multitude of fall festivities to get students into the spirit.
Saturday features the annual Pumpkin Fest at the Dairy Barn Arts Center. Pumpkins and gourds will be available to purchase, and there will be an area for decorating pumpkins. Wagon rides will also take place throughout the day.
Passion Works Studio will host its Fall Fling on Saturday. The art gallery will have free food and live music for guests to enjoy as they peruse local artists’ creations.
The live music scene, as usual, has many diverse options this weekend. Jones for Revival, an indie funk-rock band from Youngstown, will headline the Saturday show at Casa Nueva. The band will be joined by beatboxer LethalFX and the eclectic Athens-based band Bright At Night. Friday night at Casa Nueva will be devoted to metal, as three bands, Druid, Tears of Olympus and Death to the State, will play a free show.
Those not looking to bang their heads Friday can visit Donkey Coffee and Espresso to enjoy the guitar duo of Courtney Martin and Alana Baldwin, as well as the “ghostly, mandolin-laden creations” of Ira Lawrence.
Sunday night, runners will unite for a Halloween Night Run. The OU Trail Running Club invites all runners to bundle up, bring a flashlight and run through the night together.
If You Go
Friday
What: Community Halloween Dance
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St.
Admission: $3, Free for members of the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities
What: Ohio Volleyball vs. Northern Illinois
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Convocation Center
Admission: $5 general admission, free for students
What: Courtney Martin & Alana Baldwin; Ira Lawrence
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Donkey Coffee & Espresso, 17 W. Washington St.
Admission: Free
What: Metal Night: Druid, Tears of Olympus and Death to the State
When: 9 p.m.
Where: Casa Nueva, 6 W. State St.
Admission: Free
Saturday
What: New Beginnings Animal Center Adoption Event
When: 10 a.m.
Where: PetSmart, 743 E. State St.
Admission: Free, pets for sale
Dogs and cats in need of a home will be up for adoption. Wayne Boyd, the president of New Beginnings Animal Center, estimated the organization has given more than 150 dogs homes in the past two years, according to a previous Post report.
What: Passion Works Fall Fling
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Passion Works Studio, 20 E. State St.
Admission: Free
What: Pumpkin Fest 2016
When: 1 p.m.
Where: The Dairy Barn Arts Center, 8000 Dairy Ln.
Admission: Free
What: Joey Hebdo (Free Early Show)
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Casa Nueva, 6 W. State St.
Admission: Free
What: Ohio Volleyball vs. Western Michigan
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Convocation Center
Admission: $5 general admission, free for students
What: Ohio University African Night
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Walter Rotunda
Admission: $7
The African Students Union will be holding its annual African Night. Students are invited to learn about the culture and enjoy the food and music of Africa.
What: Jones for Revival with special guests LethalFX and Bright at Night
When: 9 p.m.
Where: Casa Nueva, 6 W. State St.
Admission: $5
Sunday
What: Ohio Soccer vs. Miami
When: 1 p.m.
Where: Chessa Field
Admission: Free
What: Autumn Yoga and Hike
When: 1 p.m.
Where: Athens Yoga, 77 ½ E. State St.
Admission: $15 pre-registered, $20 day of
Athens Yoga will host a vinyasa yoga practice, followed by a hike through Sells Park. Afterwards, there will time for meditation and snacks.
What: Fall Festival
When: 3 p.m.
Where: Ohio University Inn, 331 Richland Ave.
Admission: In advance, $30 for adults, $15 for kids under 12; on day of, $34
The OU Inn will offer a large buffet of food, plus a hot apple cider and hot chocolate bar. A do-it-yourself caramel apple bar will be available as well. Face painting and trick-or-treating will be available for children.
What: Halloween Night Run, hosted by OU Trail Running Club
When: 9 p.m.
Where: Baker Center, 1 Park Pl.
Admission: Free
