MUSIC
The Georgia Theater (downtown)
215 North Lumpkin St.
706-850-7670
www.georgiatheater.com

Recently restored after almost being destroyed by a fire, the historic Georgia Theater serves as the venue to local, regional and national artists from a variety of musical genres. These include artists such as Bella Fleck, Luke Bryan, Gillian Welch, and Big Boi. Before or after the show be sure to take in the view of Athens from the outdoor bar and restaurant located on the top of the theater. Check out the website for a schedule of performances.

 

The Melting Point (downtown)
295 East Dougherty St.
706-254-6909
www.meltingpointathens.com

Tucked away at the Foundry Park Inn, The Melting Point offers a more homey and relaxing way to see local and national musical talent. This venue offers a restaurant with a full dinner menu, as well as a full bar. A regular feature at The Melting Point is the Terrapin Blue Grass series every Tuesday evening.

The 40 Watt Club (downtown)
285 West Washington St.
706-549-7871
www.40watt.com

This venue is a must for those with their finger on the pulse of the music scene. A haven for true music fans, the 40 Watt was thrust into the national spotlight hosting acts such as Patty Smith, Snoop Dogg, REM, the B-52s, and other world-renowned artists.

Farm 255 (downtown)
255 W. Washington St.
706-549-4660
www.farm255.com

A unique mix of organic local cuisine and performers from here and beyond, Farm 255 boasts a restaurant, bar and stage. This venue distinguishes itself from other restaurants because it serves “local, seasonal, sustainable food grown on our own farms.” Be sure to grab a bite to eat as you sit back and enjoy the music.

Flicker Theater and Bar (downtown)
263 West Washington St.
706-546-0039
www.flickertheaterandbar.com

Affectionately known for its quirky atmosphere, this is a great spot to sit and grab a quick drink or stick around for an offbeat musical act or poetry act. While you’re there be sure to check out the local art on the wall or do some people watching as you watch folks head to The 40 Watt.

The Classic Center (downtown)
300 N. Thomas St.
706-357-4444
www.classiccenter.com

Situated between downtown Athens and UGA Campus, The Classic Center hosts a variety of conferences, shows, and performances throughout the year, as well as local conventions. This venue has featured performers such legendary country artists Willie Nelson and Kenny Rodgers as well as more contemporary artists such as The Avett Brothers and Beck.

Little Kings Shuffle Club (downtown)
223 Hancock Ave.
706-369-3144

Conveniently located near the Cine Theater and The National, this local favorite hosts a variety of events, and visitors never know what to expect. The only place in town where folks can enjoy the sound of bluegrass music while shopping at the Farmers Market by day and rock out to local punk bands by night.

The Rialto Room at Hotel Indigo
500 College Avenue
706-363-8616
www.therialtoroom.com

Located in the basement of The Hotel Indigo on the edge of downtown Athens, this swank listening room is the perfect setting for intimate performances by singer-song writers and instrumentalists. Thursdays feature the “Live After Five” series. Shows here run less frequently than at other venues, so check the schedule before arriving.

Terrapin Brewery
265 Newton Bridge Road
706-549-3377
www.terrapinbeer.com

Even though it’s a bit off the beaten the path, this should not discourage beer-lovers from making the pilgrimage to the local Terrapin Brewery. In addition to brewery tours, you can enjoy live music (mostly Americana and rock) and other happy hour concerts.  You won’t leave empty handed as each tour includes a free Terrapin souvenir glass.

THEATER
Morton Theater (downtown)
195 West Washington St.
706-613-3770
www.mortontheater.com

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Morton Theater is distinguished as one of the first African American built, owned and operated vaudeville theaters in the United States. Now it hosts eclectic performances and events, ranging from plays to dance troops to classical pianists, those who attend are sure to enjoy both the entertainment and the atmosphere.

The UGA Performing Arts Center (on campus)
230 River Road
(706) 542-4400
Toll free: (888) 289-8497 (BUY-TIXS)
http://www.uga.edu/pac/

This intimate, but acoustically stellar performance space is home to a rotating slate of classical performers and orchestras, cutting edge comedy, and American roots based music. Examples from the 2011/12 season include Yo Yo Ma, The Chieftains, political comedy troupe The Capitol Steps, and the Tchaikovsky Ballet Theatre.

The Fine Arts & Cellar Theatres (on campus)
The corner of Lumpkin and Baldwin
706-542-4400
Toll free 888-289-8497 (BUY-TIXS)
http://www.drama.uga.edu

The recently updated Fine Arts Theatre and the black box Cellar Theatre are the main venues for productions put on by the UGA Department of Theatre and Film Studies. These productions range from standard Broadway musicals (e.g., Chicago) through provocative drama (e.g., All My Sons) and on to more original works (e.g. Dark Ride).

FILM
Ciné  Bar and Café (downtown)
234 W. Hancock Ave.
706-353-3343
www.athenscine.com

An art house cinema featuring independent and international films, Ciné Bar and Café is a great place to see internationally acclaimed films in a small Southern town. This local treasure also offers a bar and café where you can grab a drink or a bite before catching a show. We recommend checking out the dinner and movie package that includes tickets to a film at Ciné and dinner at The National.

The Tate Student Center (UGA Campus)
45 Baxter St.
706-542-6396
www.uga.edu/campuslife/movies.htlm

Although this typically serves as the hangout for students, The Tate Student Center also houses a small theater that screens Hollywood and feature films. Throughout the year they show a continually revolving schedule of popular new and old releases, as well as periodic film festivals that celebrate French, Japanese, Italian films. See website for the latest schedule.