As the start of the school year approaches, students flock to campus to move back to Athens with the hopes of another exciting school year. Although academics and extracurriculars are at the forefront of everyone’s minds, students often look for different events and festivals that take place throughout the year to take a break from academic commitments.
Luckily, the city of Athens hosts many events throughout the year for Athens residents and students to enjoy. These celebrations allow for a plethora of opportunities for experiencing Athens from a local perspective.
One of the earliest festivals that takes place is the Pawpaw Festival, an event that draws locals and students. This year marks 27 years of the Pawpaw Festival. The festival celebrates the local fruit and gives attendees the opportunity to learn about the fruit’s rich local history.
From vendors to activities to live music, the Pawpaw festival has something exciting for all ages. The festival will take place from Sept. 12 through 14, allowing for a full weekend of Pawpaw-related events. The festival will be at Lake Snowden in Albany, which is approximately a 15-minute drive from campus.
Another popular Athens event is the Halloween Block Party, which takes place on Court Street every year. The annual block party will celebrate 51 years of haunting Athens.
The party usually takes place from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. with local artists performing during those times. The block party, held Oct. 25 this year, is a great time for students and locals to put on their best costumes and take a walk around Court Street. Athens Police Department patrols the street on horseback, and perhaps the most important rule of the block party is not to pet the horses.
The Athens International Film and Video Festival is an exciting event for Athens locals and students alike. The film festival will take place toward the end of the school year from April 13 through 16, 2026. The festival will celebrate its 53rd year of film festivities.
According to the festival’s website, the AIFVF showcased over 200 films from 58 countries. Some students were even able to showcase their work, as well. For students who enjoy supporting small films, the AIFVF is a can’t miss event.
The final notable festival is a cluster of events taking place over multiple weekends. Athens’ Fest Season is an exciting event for all students. Last year, fest season included Mill Fest, High Fest, Congo Fest and Palmer Fest. These fests occur over multiple weekends during the spring semester.
Each fest allows a chance for students to gather and hang out. For those who are 21 and up, it can be fun to challenge friends to drinking games and hop from house to house. Fest season allows for great socializing and is a fun way to end the long school year.
Overall, Athens has many events and festivals to look forward to throughout the school year. Make sure to mark your calendars, Bobcats.
