ATHENS-Athens has plenty of activities for your summer fun from art to fireworks to bike rides to playing volleyball in the mud to shopping for fresh produce. Here is a list of events ….come to Athens and see what a down home Southern summer is all about:
Athens Cruise In on The Square
Every first Saturday April through October, 3-8 p.m.
Free event. See vintage and custom made vehicles and enjoy visiting downtown restaurants and shops.
Weekend Intensive – Adding Art to Your Life with Sara Beth Fair
Friday-Sunday, June 5-7, High Cotton Arts, downtown Athens, 103 W. Washington St.
Learn the basics of art while developing a personalized plan to add art to your daily diet. Workshop is with oil but you can bring acrylic. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Drinks provided. Lunch on your own. Cost is $245 with proceeds going to High Cotton Arts, a non-profit art incubator for downtown. Register at sarabethfair.eventbrite.com.
Bike MS
Saturday, June 6, 7:30 a.m. start, Noah Bike Trail
About 250 bicyclists will raise money and awareness for multiple sclerosis and enjoy the city and county’s Noah Bike Trail. Routes will start at Fitness Park in Athens. Routes include 25-, 45-, 75- and 100-mile options. For more information, go online at https://bikealc.nationalmssociety.org/ and click on “Athens.”
Athens Saturday Market Opening Day
Saturday, June 6, 8 a.m. to noon, Farmers Market pavilion on West Green Street
State certified market that offers fresh produce, USDA beef, baked goods, handmade items, etc. Will have live music by Matthew Ennis starting at 9 a.m.
Camp Hope
Tuesday, June 9, Camp Helen in East Limestone
Hosted by Hospice of Limestone County for children who are dealing with grief. Includes outdoor activities, story time, counselors. Register online at www.hospice.org. For more information, contact Emily Sandlin at ekphsandlin@yahoo.com.
June Bug Art Camp
Tuesday-Saturday, June 9-13, 9-11:30 a.m., High Cotton Arts, downtown Athens, 103 W. Washington St.
Designed for children going into first grade through fifth grade. Cost is $195. Children will explore photography, watercolor, acrylic and other painting techniques over the five days. For information and registration, send an email to Bates.ashley.e@gmail.com or call 256-542-1749.
Let’s Street Scene Paint Party
Saturday, June 13, 1-4 p.m., High Cotton Arts, downtown Athens, 103 W. Washington St.
Artist Tina Swindell will lead this party on learning to paint a colorful, impressionistic street scene. This is a beginner class. Cost is $35 and includes supplies. Light snacks will be provided. Bring your own drink. To register or for more information, contact Swindell at 256-497-3838 or register at Eventbrite.com.
Singing in the Park
Friday, June 19, 6-8 p.m., Big Spring Memorial Park in downtown Athens
Free event hosted by Athens-Limestone Tourism Association. Trippin’ Dixie will perform classic rock, blues and class songs. Bring a chair or blanket.
Kids Day at the Athens Saturday Market
Saturday, June 20, 8 a.m. to noon, Farmers Market pavilion on West Green Street
Kids will enjoy a variety of activities and relays during the day. Live music by bluesman, Bro. Ric Patton. The state certified market offers fresh produce, baked goods, handmade items, etc.
Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival Opens
Thursday, June 25, 6:30-9:30 p.m., 309 E. Forrest St.
Open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night except July 4 through Aug. 1. Rides include small Ferris wheel, rocket ship, swings, train and more. Concession stands will also be open.
Dulcimer Day at the Athens Saturday Market
Saturday, June 27, 8 a.m. to noon, Farmers Market pavilion on West Green Street
Live music by Athens Dulcimer Club starting at 9 a.m. State certified market that offers fresh produce, meat products, baked goods, handmade items, etc.
Patriotic Day at the Athens Saturday Market
Saturday, July 4, 8 a.m. to noon, Farmers Market pavilion on West Green Street
Wearing your red, white, and blue just might win you a prize at the Market. Wagon decorating contest and fun family activities to celebrate the independence of our nation. State certified market that offers fresh produce, meat products, baked goods, handmade items, etc.
Athens Fourth of July Fireworks Show
Saturday, July 4, around 8:30 p.m., behind Athens High stadium
Free fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day and funded by Athens-Limestone Tourism, City of Athens and Limestone County. Park in designated parking areas around Athens High School and along U.S. 31. The stadium will not be open for seating.
July Fly Art Camp
Monday, July 6, at 9 a.m. and Friday, July 10, at 11:30 a.m., High Cotton Arts, downtown Athens
For children going into first through fifth grades in the fall of 2015. Opportunity to work with 5 artists in various painting areas, display art at High Cotton Arts, and take home several piece of work including a photo album of photos they will take and acrylic and water color paintings. For tickets, go online at www.eventbrite.com and search for July Fly Art Camp. Cost is $195.
CASA Mud Volleyball Tournament
Saturday, July 18, 9 a.m. until tournament ends, Swan Creek Park
Fundraiser for CASA, the Care Assurance System for the Aging and Homebound, which helps the elderly and disabled preserve their independence and continue living in their own home. Go online at https://casalimestonecounty.org/ to register your team. Call 256-777-1038 for more information.
Listening Lounge
Tuesday, July 28, 7 p.m., High Cotton Arts, downtown Athens, 103 W. Washington St.
Writers and musicians will read and play their compositions. Plans are to offer this open mic format the last Tuesday night of the month thereafter. No admission.
Tomato Sandwich Day at Athens Saturday Market
Saturday, Aug. 15, 8 a.m. to noon, Farmers Market pavilion on West Green Street
Come out and enjoy a free tomato sandwich. Organizers use Market growers’ fresh tomatoes on soft, white bread, slathered with mayo, and sprinkled with salt and pepper. State certified market that offers fresh produce, meat products, baked goods, handmade items, etc.
