This spring, a weekend in Athens holds an opportunity to experience music, art, food and sport. During March, April and the beginning of May, Athens is offering an abundance of spring festivals guaranteed to earn a must-visit spot on any traveler’s spring calendar.

March 2016 Events

Opening the spring festival season is the Jewish Film Festival March 20 - 22, which kicks off with an opening gala on March 19. The Opening Gala will be hosted at the Georgia Museum of Art with the following festivities taking place at Ciné in downtown Athens. A variety of films that celebrate Jewish culture, discussions with visiting filmmakers and a short filmmaking competition will be the main highlight of the three-day-event. The festival will also feature selections from Athens' savory food scene. More information on the annual Jewish Film Festival can be found at www.athensjff.org.

The Slingshot Athens Music & Arts Festival is set to take over downtown Athens March 31 – April 2. Spread over five city blocks and dozens of venues, Slingshot brings international, national and local artists together for a weekend of creative expression. The festival supports music, comedy, electronic art, a technology conference and film while boasting the always-unique Athens culture. More information on line-ups, ticketing and scheduling can be found at www.slingshotathens.com

April 2016 Events

On April 9, College Square in downtown Athens will entertain thousands of visitors at the UGA International Street Festival. Boasting a yearly attendance of 3,000 - 5,000 and dozens of UGA international student and community organizations sponsoring the event, the family-friendly festival includes informative and interactive student displays, musical and dance performances, crafts and more. More information on the International Street Festival can be located at www.isl.uga.edu.

Athens will also host Plantapalooza!, three simultaneous plant sales, on April 9. Participants will find an assortment of difficult-to-find plants along with favorites that thrive in this area, at The State Botanical Garden's Visitor Center and Conservatory, The Trial Gardens at UGA and the UGA Horticulture Club.

The 21st Annual Classic City Brew Fest will be hosted at Graduate Athens on April 10. Festival attendees will have the opportunity to sample an estimated 350 rare, regional and world craft beers, take a Terrapin Beer Co. tour, and partake in countless restaurant tastings, all while enjoying live music in good company. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Athens-Area Humane Society. Additional information on Classic City Brew Fest can be fount at http://www.classiccitybrew.com/brewfest.html

The 23rd Annual Piedmont Gardeners Tour on April 16 features access to five local, private gardens and is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors. The event will be hosted rain or shine and all proceeds go towards a scholarship fund for UGA students studying horticulture or other related fields. More information on the event can be accessed at  www.piedmontgardeners.org

On April 23, the 40 Watt Club in downtown Athens will host the 14th Annual FLUKE Mini-Comics Festival for comic book lovers. FLUKE prides itself on not being the standard, large comic convention and merchandising event, but rather a small venue for the discussion and exchange of mini-comic, magazine and independent publishing information. Additional information on FLUKE can be found at www.flukeisawesome.blogspot.com.

May 2016 Events

From April 30-May 1, the 37th Annual Athens Human Rights Festival will bring speakers from local, national and global organizations together at downtown’s College Square to discuss popular issues. The weekend will also feature live music, informational booths and youth performances. Detailed information on the festival's history and schedule can be found at www.athenshumanrightsfest.org.

The Athens Twilight Criteriumin downtown Athens is a professional cycling event and festival tailored to be enjoyed by fans, families and racers alike. Held May 6-7, it is a favorite spot on the national cycling tour circuit for its unique format and the large, energetic crowds that gather in Athens' vibrant downtown. The event was founded in 1980 by Gene Dixon, serving as the first nighttime cycling race in the United States in over 60 years. Twilight Criterium has since grown from 40 to 150 cyclists! Not only will bikers be able to test their stamina and find the challenge they seek, but various races and kid-friendly events will keep the entire family entertained. Additional information on Twilight Criterium can be found at www.athenstwilight.com.