AthFest Music & Arts Festival

AthFest is an established annual music and arts festival that transforms historic downtown Athens, Georgia into a celebration of regional creative culture. Operating as a free, three-day event, the festival draws thousands of attendees who experience live performances, visual art, and community engagement.

Festival Format

The event features three free outdoor stages with live music performances spanning multiple genres, complemented by a block-long juried Artist Market showcasing over 70 visual artists, artisans, and makers. A dedicated KidsFest area ensures programming for younger audiences, including the UpNext Showcase featuring performances by middle and high school musicians on Friday evenings from 6-9 PM.

Evening Programming

Following the conclusion of outdoor stage performances on Friday and Saturday nights, the official AthFest Club Crawl activates local music venues and clubs with curated lineups of local musicians. The Club Crawl includes performances at iconic Athens venues including the Georgia Theatre, 40 Watt Club, Live Wire Athens, Hendershot's, Flicker Theatre & Bar, Ciné, The Globe, and Nowhere Bar.

Community Impact

AthFest generates revenue supporting AthFest Educates, a nonprofit organization that awards grants to support music and arts education for K-12 students in Athens-Clarke County. The festival's educational mission makes it more than just a celebration of music and art—it's an investment in the community's cultural future.

Volunteer Participation

The festival relies on volunteer support, offering four-hour shifts with t-shirt compensation to participants who help bring the event to life.