It started 14 years ago as a way to attract people to downtown Athens after the college mob dispatched for the summer.
Over the years, then-mostly-local-but-now-national bands such as Of Montreal and Drive-By Truckers performed free shows on the outdoor stages.
The past few years, about 50,000 people converged on downtown Athens during the three-day weekend of activities, confirming what longtime attendees already know: AthFest is something special.
The multi-day festival boasts live music, an artisan market and a KidsFest area for free, local filmmaker showcases and a wristband-required “Club Crawl” through some of Athens’ storied downtown venues.
The setup hasn’t altered much over the years, and that could be part of its appeal.
“The most positive aspect of AthFest is its consistency,” said Michelle Roche, media spokesperson for the event. “People know what they’re going to get and the affordability factor is what a lot of people are looking at these days, too.”
With Athens roughly 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, a day or weekend trip to check out AthFest could fall under the “staycation” qualifier.
It’s also a distinctly family-friendly event. Alcohol consumption is contained to a beer tent and the KidsFest area at the intersection of Washington and Lumpkin streets will include a rock wall, foam pit and “rock star photo booth,” as well as hands-on activities such as creating origami and making instruments.
AthFest is produced by the nonprofit organization AthFest, Inc. While money garnered from the sale of “Club Crawl” wristbands, compilation CDs of AthFest acts and event T-shirts is spun back into promoting the event, it’s also directed into the organization’s true mission – educating and engaging people through music and arts.
Year-round, AthFest, Inc., supports music education in local schools with its AthFest Educates! program by purchasing instruments, providing instrument repair and sponsoring a music-focused camp. The group also donated instruments to the UGA String Project to be used as a permanent lending library.
“Everything is really run by volunteers. It’s a labor of love,” Roche said.
Music is the strongest draw of AthFest, and this year’s participants include Futurebirds, which just performed at Bonnaroo, and Guadalcanal Diary, the Marietta-based indie-pop band that is reuniting for two 30th anniversary shows – 9 p.m. Saturday at AthFest and July 2 at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta.
“The point,” said Roche, “is to showcase local talent. And Lord knows we have enough of it.”
If you go
AthFest
Through Sunday. Downtown Athens on West Washington Street between Lumpkin and Pulaski streets. Admission is free for all events except the “Club Crawl,” which is $15 (in advance) or $20 (at gate) for a wristband valid for use both nights. Also provides discounts to affiliated events. 706-548-1973, www.athfest.com. Travel packages still available.
Music on outdoor stages 5-10 p.m. Friday; noon-10 p.m. Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Musical acts include Futurebirds, Centro-matic, Guadalcanal Diary, Nappy Roots, Chicksaw Mudd Puppies, Col. Bruce Hampton and Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit. See website for schedule.
Artists Market open 5-10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday.
KidsFest takes place noon-5:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
“Club Crawl” (age restrictions vary; entry subject to capacity limitations) is 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
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