Community Events

2024 marks the 25th year of the Athens to Savannah Ride. Choose from 4-day gravel, 3-day road or single-day options. The Athens to Savannah Ride is a fundraiser for the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail.

Gravel cyclists roll out of Athens on Thursday, Oct. 17, for the 4-day ride to Savannah. Each day takes riders to a new destination on courses through rural Georgia. Gravel riders can expect amazing terrain--from the red clay of the hilly Piedmont region to the sandy soils of the Coastal Plain.

Road cyclists can opt for the 3-day option, departing Athens on Friday, Oct. 18, and finishing in Savannah on Oct. 20.

Learn more about courses, lodging, registration, and single day options on AthensToSavannah.com

No creature looms larger over the savanna than the African elephant, and you’ll agree when you come face-to-trunk with one at Zoo Atlanta! Meet Tara or Kelly while learning why they are such important ambassadors for their species.

During this Wild Encounter experience, you will learn about elephants with a Zoo Educator before heading behind the scenes to meet up with members of the Elephant Care Team and find out more about elephant care at the Zoo. Of course, no Elephant Wild Encounter would be complete without the opportunity to hand-feed one of the “girls” an afternoon snack.

• Meet at the Zambezi Elephant Center 15 minutes before the Wild Encounter. 
• Please note that availability is limited for all Wild Encounters.

DAYS AVAILABLE:
Every Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 2 p.m. 

COST: $130 + Zoo admission | MEMBER COST: $117

AGE RANGE: 4 and up

AGE SPECIFICATIONS:

• Children must be 4 years old and up to participate.  
• Children 15 years old and under must be accompanied by a ticketed Wild Encounter adult.  
  • There must be one ticketed Wild Encounter adult for every two ticketed children, 15 years old and under.

Get ready for a spooktacular feast at the Halloween Spooktacular Food Truck Roundup on Oct. 17, from 5-9 p.m. at Perkins Field at 105 Mulberry Street in Warner Robins!

Join us for a ghoulishly good time with more than 25 food trucks conjuring up eerily delicious delights that will send shivers down your taste buds.

But the thrills don't end there! Bring the little monsters to our Kids Zone for fang-tastic fun, and don't miss out on the spine-tingling Trunk or Treat extravaganza! 

It's a Halloween celebration like no other, where tricks and treats meet in a flavorful fusion of frights and bites. Dress in your spookiest attire, grab your treat bags and join us at Perkins Field for a night of hauntingly delightful eats and spooktacular sweets! 

Oktoberfest features traditional and contemporary Bavarian Style music performed by both Bavarian and American artists. Dancing, food, drink and fun!

The traditional Oktoberfest parade will be Saturday, Sept. 7 at 12 noon.

The tapping of the first keg of Oktoberfest will follow at the Festhalle Fussen Biergarten.

Dates:

Sept. 5-8 (Thursday – Sunday)
Sept. 12-15 (Thursday – Sunday)
Sept. 19-22 (Thursday – Sunday)
Sept. 26-Oct. 27 (nightly)

Times:

Monday through Thursday, 6-10:30 p.m.

Friday, 6 p.m.-Midnight

Saturday, 1 p.m.- Midnight

Sunday,  1- 7 p.m.

For more information call 706-878-1908 or visit www.helenchamber.com

Come take a stroll through the world where differences are cherished and kindness flourishes, a world we’d all like to live in, a world envisioned and created by artists and friends Maxine Hess and Jeanne Hewell-Chambers--on exhibit at the Southeastern Quilt and Textile Museum in Carrollton Sept. 26-Dec. 5.

Museum hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

Calling all Adventure Cubs, ages 0-5, and their favorite grownups for a morning of exploration, learning and fun.

Embark on a new journey each month with a zoo educator as families get to learn and play together.

Each month, young explorers will learn about a new animal through a game, craft, story and singalong. At the end of the program, participants will visit the animal of the month’s habitat to make observations and draw connections to the lesson. You and your family will then receive a themed scavenger hunt to do in the zoo on your own. 

All topics and activities are designed for children ages 2-5, with opportunities for exploration for ages 0-2. During the winter months, this program will be held indoors.

UPCOMING 2024 DATES:
June 20
July 6 and 18
Aug. 3 and 15
Sept. 7 and 19
Oct. 5 and 17
Nov. 2 and 21
December 7 and 19

TIME: 9:30-10:30 a.m. 

NON-MEMBER COST: $26 for a parent/guardian and child (each additional child participant will be $5/each)*  

MEMBER COST: $21 for a parent/guardian and child (each additional child participant will be $5/each)* 
*Program registration includes Zoo admission.

THEMES:
Each month, Adventure Cubs will explore a new region of the world to investigate the animals and environments there! The purpose of each program is to expose young children to the diversity of animals around the world and to draw connections to the ways we are similar and different. For each adventure, Adventure Cubs will engage in an activity, read a story and create a take-away memory.  

• Terrific Turtles and Tortoises:  Thursday, June 20  
• Loveable Lions: Saturday, July 6 and Thursday, July 18  
• Exciting Elephants: Saturday, Aug. 3 and Thursday, Aug. 15 
• Radiant Rhinos: Saturday, Sept. 7 and Thursday, Sept. 19 
• Zesty Zebras: Saturday, Oct. 5 and Thursday, Oct. 17 
• Fabulous Frogs: Saturday, Nov. 2 and Thursday, Nov. 21 
• Noble Naked Mole Rats: Saturday, Dec. 7 and Thursday, Dec. 19 

AGE RANGE: 0-5 years old

This four-day class, taught by artist/author Larry Moore, will focus on the principles of design and abstraction. The emphasis is on the creative process, exploring new ways to develop a painting, create inventive compositions, and build an authentic voice in your work. You will be shown a simple system for developing your voice as an artist, the level of abstraction is up to you. His goal is to help each artist find a way of expressing that works for them, whether they wish to interpret more, push their process, or get more insight into design. Larry's worked extensively in almost every medium, so all are welcome.

This is an open medium class, but gouache, oil, and acrylic are best suited. It's not a good time to learn a new medium, like gouache, so work in what you are familiar with.

Larry Moore has been teaching for 30 years and is the author of "Fishing for Elephants: Insights and exercises to inspire authentic creativity."  Workbook available on iBook, Kindle available on Amazon. 

Oct. 17-20, daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $695 (All mediums)

Age Range: 5-11

When school is out, Camp is in!

We are here to engage and excite your young learners ages 5-11 during Fall Break and Thanksgiving Break.

Safari Camp is a great opportunity to engage young explorers in learning about the wild world around them and beginning their journey of conservation stewardship. Through Zoo explorations, up-close animal encounters, STEAM-based projects, hands-on science activities, environmental games and more, campers learn about attainable strategies and goals to combat environmental issues and are charged with finding simple ways that they can make a difference.

Fall Camp Dates:
October 14-18
November 25-27

Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.  

Extended care available for $15/day from 8-8:30 a.m. and 4:30-5 p.m. Must be purchased for whole camp session; cannot be purchased for individual days.

THEMES: Each week campers embark on a different Zoo expedition, exploring wildlife and wild places. Young explorers will be immersed in hands-on, minds-on learning while having fun! 

Oct. 14-18 - Diversity Design: Celebrate the diversity of animals on Earth through this week-long investigation of Zoo Atlanta’s animal ambassadors and the conservation issues that their wild counterparts face. Specifically, participants will take on the role of designers and engineers as they learn about animal habitats, adaptations and conservation issues; then use their creative minds to design a game or interactive experience that represents them. This program culminates in a Zoo Atlanta Animal Conservation Festival, where student-designed and built games and interactive experiences will be presented in a fun, festival-like environment.

Nov. 25-27 - Conservation Connections: As human populations rise and native habitats decline, instances of confrontation between humans and animals have increased. Join us as we explore the complexities of balancing animal welfare with human well-being on the African savanna. Campers will learn about the animals of the African savanna, getting to know the species and the individuals in our care. Throughout the week, campers will place themselves in the shoes of various characters and stakeholders as they investigate the difficulties, advantages, and possibilities in promoting conservation initiatives for all. 

Non-Member Cost:

• Oct. 14-18 (5-day pricing): $400/week
• Nov. 25-27 (3-day pricing): $240/week

Member Cost:

• Oct. 14-18 (5-day pricing): $320/week
• Nov. 25-27 (3-day pricing): $192/week

The Scary Movies at The Strand Series is sponsored by JPsHorror.com.

Four young friends bound by a tragic accident are reunited when they find themselves being stalked by a hook-wielding maniac in their small seaside town.

Come early for a free organ pre-show on the Mighty Allen Theatre Organ starting 30 minutes before showtime.

Showtime:  7 p.m.

Movie Length:  1 h 41 m
Movie Rating:  R** 

**Please note:  Individuals under the age of 17 will not be admitted without a parent or guardian.

This four-day class, taught by artist/author Larry Moore, will focus on the principles of design and abstraction. The emphasis is on the creative process, exploring new ways to develop a painting, create inventive compositions and build an authentic voice in your work. You will be shown a simple system for developing your voice as an artist. The level of abstraction is up to you. His goal is to help each artist find a way of expressing that works for them, whether they wish to interpret more, push their process or get more insight into design. Larry's worked extensively in almost every medium, so all are welcome.

This is an open medium class, but gouache, oil and acrylic are best suited. It's not a good time to learn a new medium, like gouache, so work in what you are familiar with.

Larry Moore has been teaching for 30 years and is the author of "Fishing for Elephants: Insights and exercises to inspire authentic creativity."  Workbook available on iBook, Kindle available on Amazon. 

Oct. 17-20, daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $695 (All mediums)

Second Annual Hall County

Artist Educator Exhibition

• Sept. 6-Oct. 25

• Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Reception: Friday Oct. 25, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Come enjoy the start of Augusta Through Fresh Eyes, an art exhibition celebrating the talent of high school and college students in the CSRA at Sacred Heart Cultural Center.

View their latest work, enjoy light refreshments, and support these local artists. All the art is for sale and will remain displayed until the end of the exhibit on Nov. 1. All sales support the ongoing preservation of Sacred Heart.

The opening reception is from 5-7-p.m, Oct. 8, in the Sacred Heart Great Hall and is free to attend.

Celebrate the splendor of autumn at Rock City’s Fall Colors, where pumpkins and hay bales decorate this charming seasonal event.

Feel fall and stroll the gardens as the colors change and take in the beauty of new native sunflower and wildflower patches. Overhead, the autumn glow of hanging lanterns guides the way through the Grand Corridor and the Hall of the Mountain King.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of old-time and bluegrass performances. See the seasons change before your eyes!

In recognition of the vital importance of increased visibility and diverse representation of LGBTQ+ communities and issues, particularly in our rural areas, the Steffen Thomas Museum of Art is honored to present Queer Perspectives, a juried exhibition in Fall 2024.

October – Thursday, Oct. 17, and Friday, Oct. 18

Bug Bonanza: Discover how important insects are to our world. Students will play bug-related games, discuss what makes an insect an insect and even meet some of our educational arthropod ambassadors.

Location: Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center

November – Thursday, Nov. 21, and Friday, Nov. 22

Tree Talk: Learn how to identify and appreciate the trees around you, and delight in the beautiful fall foliage. Students will learn the physiology of a growing tree and the importance of having trees on our planet. Students will also take a walk outside and will learn how to decipher the age of a tree and how to identify a few trees that are common to the Southeast. Project Learning Tree activities and instruction will be incorporated.

Location: Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center

December – Thursday, Dec. 19, and Friday, Dec. 20

Owl Pellet Palooza: Marvel at what’s on the menu for our nighttime predators during this hands-on dissection activity. Students become nature detectives as they work individually or in teams to identify the bones of owl prey items. If they’re lucky, they may be able to piece together a whole skeleton!

NETHERWORLD Haunted House, one of Atlanta’s longest-running immersive experiences, is back with more creepy creatures, terrifying monsters, and frightful fun this scary season! The attraction will feature two new haunts: Wake the Dead and Mr. Grendel's Birthday Party of Horrors. Both haunts will feature intricate sets, otherworldly effects, and live monsters! 

After completing each haunt, guests will arrive at the festival-styled Midway, packed with Halloween spirit, games galore, roaming monsters, food trucks and more.

Haunt goers can also discover more fun at NETHERWORLD’s House of Creeps monster museum, or five epic escape rooms at Escape the Netherworld. 

All tickets are time and date specific. Please arrive during the timeslot listed on your ticket. SpeedPasses are also available to expedite entry. For more details on the haunts and to purchase tickets, visit www.fearworld.com. 

* Please check www.fearworld.com for specific times and pricing. 

Open Nightly Sept. 27-28, Oct. 3-6, 9-14, 16-20, 22-31-Nov. 3  

Closing Weekend – Nov. 8-9 

Versatile Athens band A.D. Blanco returns to the historic Madison-Morgan Cultural Center theatre for another exciting Mainstage Concert on Thursday, Oct. 17,  from 7:30- 9 p.m.

Come to the Cultural Center for a night of music, lights, and dancing as they deliver a performance full of classic hits and electric melodies. 

Few bands have called Athens, Georgia, home for as long as A.D. Blanco. Life-long friends Bennett Evans (Madison, Ga.) and Aaron White (Watkinsville, Ga.) have walked the streets of the Classic City since the early 2000s and created art and music together since 2014.
 

Pumpkins in the Park Scavenger Hunt: A Fall Adventure for Families at Savannah Rapids Park

Are you looking for a fun and active way to get your family outdoors this fall? Look no further than the Pumpkins in the Park Scavenger Hunt at Savannah Rapids Park! From Oct. 1-31, this exciting fall-themed scavenger hunt offers a perfect opportunity for kids and families to explore the beauty of Columbia County while enjoying the festive spirit of autumn.

What to Expect

The Pumpkins in the Park Scavenger Hunt is a family-friendly event that encourages kids to stay active while hunting for hidden fall-themed décor throughout the park. Here's what you need to know:

• Event Dates: Oct. 1-31
• Location: Savannah Rapids Park, a beautiful outdoor space perfect for fall fun.
• Time: Anytime during the park’s opening hours—ideal for a weekend adventure or a weekday afternoon!

How to Participate

Participation in this fun event is simple and free! Follow these steps to join the scavenger hunt:

1. Stop by the Columbia County Visitors Center (located at 3300 Evans to Locks Road in Martinez). The Visitors Center is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
2. Pick up your checklist and map, which will guide you to all 13 fall-themed decorations hidden around Savannah Rapids Park.
3. Search the park for the hidden decorations, and check them off your list as you find them.
4. Once you've found all 13, return to the Visitors Center to submit your completed checklist. Kids will receive a fall-themed prize (while supplies last) as a reward for their participation!

Step into a time warp and experience the ultimate throwback bash with BandX! Get ready to hit the rewind button and party like it’s 1989. Don your most tubular ’80s attire – think neon leggings, acid-wash jeans and oversized blazers – and gather your most bodacious friends for an epic night of retro fun.

Don’t miss out on this blast from the past! 

The fair will celebrate 91 seasons of family fun Oct. 17-27 with exciting midway rides and games and tasty carnival eats.

Enjoy live music by modern country artist Frankie Justin. Other attractions include Victoria Circus thrill shows, championship wrestling, Big Bee Transforming Robot Car, educational petting zoo, interactive Kidbucks Game Show, community exhibits, nightly prize drawings, Houdini-style Escape Explosion and World of Wonders Amazement Show, featuring 10 old-time sideshow acts (sword swallower, fire eater, snake charmer and more) under the big top.

Fair admission: $5 (free for kids under 36" tall). Onsite parking is $5.

Unlimited ride wristbands are $30 on site. Visit the website for ride specials, advance savings and Dollar Day deals.

Fair hours: 5-11 p.m. weekdays, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, 2-11 p.m. Sunday. No unaccompanied minors.

More information: 706-283-3401 or Elberton Fair

The Elberton 12-County Fair serves 10 Northeast Georgia counties and 2 counties in South Carolina.