5 Things to Do in Athens, GA This Weekend | October 23–25, 2026

If you’re looking for something to do in Athens this weekend, October is definitely going out strong.

From a brand-new downtown celebration and fall shopping to guided hikes, bats, and a Halloween-themed run, there’s a good mix of local events happening October 23–25.

Here are five worth adding to your weekend plans.

1. College Square Grand Opening + SquareFest

Saturday, October 24 | 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
College Square, Downtown Athens

This is the big one this weekend.

Athens is officially celebrating the grand opening of the newly redesigned College Square with a full day of events downtown.

The day begins with an 11:00 AM ribbon-cutting, followed by SquareFest from 1:00–4:00 PM with family-friendly activities and community organizations.

Then at 7:00 PM, local ’90s tribute band BTBTE will perform a free outdoor concert.

Cost: Free
Good to know: No ticket is required.

2. Hike Into History at Ben Burton Park

Saturday, October 24 | 10:00 AM–Noon
Ben Burton Park
616 Mitchell Bridge Road, Athens

If you like your outdoor plans with a little local history mixed in, this is a great pick.

Leisure Services staff will lead a guided hike through Ben Burton Park while sharing some of the lesser-known natural, social, and economic history connected to the area.

It’s an easy way to get outside and learn something new about a park you may have visited dozens of times.

Ages: 12+
Cost: $3 for Athens-Clarke County residents / $5 for non-residents
Good to know: Advance online registration is required, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

3. R. Wood Studio Fall Pottery Sale

Saturday, October 24 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
R. Wood Studio Ceramics
450 Georgia Drive, Athens

This one has all the cozy fall vibes.

R. Wood Studio is hosting its fall pottery sale with 35% off handmade pottery, along with Georgia mountain apples, Cafe Racer donuts, warm apple cider, and a special selection of Rebecca Wood’s one-of-a-kind pottery.

If you like shopping local, finding unique gifts, or just want an excuse for cider and donuts, this is a good Saturday stop.

Cost: Free to attend
Good to know: No reservation is currently listed.

4. Jack-O-Lantern Jog 5K + Goblin Fun Run

Sunday, October 25 | Starting at 2:00 PM
Sandy Creek Nature Center
205 Old Commerce Road, Athens

For something a little more active, the Jack-O-Lantern Jog returns Sunday afternoon.

The one-mile Goblin Fun Run begins at 2:00 PM, followed by the 5K at 2:30 PM.

Both routes use the Oconee River Greenway, and proceeds benefit Friends of Sandy Creek Nature Center.

Costumes are always a fun bonus at a Halloween-themed race, whether you’re running or cheering from the sidelines.

Registration: Currently $30 for either event
Good to know: Race-day registration and packet pickup begin at 1:00 PM.

5. Bats’ Night Out

Friday, October 23 | 6:00–7:30 PM
Dudley Park
100 Dudley Park Road, Athens

Bats’ Night Out is one of those quirky local events that feels perfect for October.

Participants learn about Athens’ bat populations, meet researchers, see some of the equipment used to study bats, and then take a guided hike to the park’s bat houses to watch for bats emerging at dusk.

Ages: 8+
Cost: $3 for Athens-Clarke County residents / $5 for non-residents
Good to know: Registration is currently showing as full.

Even though this one is sold out, I’m still including it because it’s such a fun example of the unique nature programming available around Athens — and it’s one to keep an eye out for next year.

A Few More Weekend Ideas

If you want a couple more options, there are a few other local events worth checking out.

Athens Farmers Market
Saturday, October 24 | 8:00 AM–Noon
Bishop Park

Shop local produce, flowers, prepared foods, handmade goods, and more from Athens-area farms and makers.

Rhythm & Arts Festival
Saturday, October 24 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
973 Prince Avenue

This community event features local musicians, food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, small businesses, youth entrepreneurs, and face painting.

Make the Most of the Weekend

This weekend shows how much variety Athens packs into a few days.

You can spend Saturday morning hiking through local history, stop for pottery and cider, head downtown for the College Square celebration, and finish the weekend with a Halloween-themed run at Sandy Creek Nature Center.

I’ll keep sharing local events, outdoor activities, food finds, and things worth putting on your calendar each week.

If you’re thinking about moving to Athens or Northeast Georgia, or you just want to discover more of what makes this area such a great place to live, follow along.