-Some upcoming events in Athens. This will take you on a tour of Athens and all the fun to be had from now and most of the summer.
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.
Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival 
Select nights now through Aug. 1, 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.
Ron Pettus Flag Exhibit
Monday, June 22, through Friday, July 3, Alabama Veterans Museum
Ron Pettus offers for exhibit his carefully curated collection of American Flags collected over 50 years. His amassed collection of “Stars and Stripes” allows spectators to view the evolution of our Nation’s flag and the story behind them. For more information call 256-771-7578.
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.
Light Up the Night Charity 5K
Saturday, June 27, 7:30 p.m., downtown Athens
Hosted by Athens Bible School to benefit the school and Marly Suggs, who has autism. For more information, visit http://www.athensbibleschool.org/giving/lightupthenight5k.cfm
Hallelujah Series for Children
Wednesday, July 1, 9-11:30 a.m., High Cotton Arts on Washington Street
Cost is $25. Designed for children ages 6-12. Each child will take create a 16×20 acrylic painting of a church in a pastoral setting. Register on Eventbrite.com or at High Cotton Arts on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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.
Fireworks Viewing Event
Saturday, July 4, Central Church of Christ on U.S. 31, 7 p.m. through fireworks show
The community is invited to watch the fireworks from the church’s property. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks beginning at 7 and served until food runs out. There will be games for the kids and a sidewalk chalk art contest, also beginning at 7 p.m. Free event.
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.
Fridays After Five
Every second Friday from July through October, 5-8 p.m., downtown Athens
Sponsored by the Spirit of Athens with the encouragement of downtown merchants. Downtown stores will stay open longer, there will be vendors, musicians, authors, etc. For more information, go online at http://www.fridaysafterfiveathens.com/
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 http://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.
