Information and Details About AthFest
Frequent Questions About AthFest:
What is the AthFest Music & Arts Festival?
AthFest is a free, three-day festival in Athens, GA that celebrates our local and regional musicians and visual artists. The festival includes three, free outdoor stages with live music, a block-long Artist Market with 50+ visual artists, and a block-long KidsFest area to make sure even our youngest fans get in on the music and art fun! AthFest also includes ticketed shows at some of Athens’ iconic music venues after the outdoor stages have closed. All in all, it is an incredible showcase of the best of Athens music and art!
What is new for AthFest 2024?
This year we have a designated Festival Zone. Those 21+ with valid ID may purchase a $5 Beer Wristband in order to be able to carry purchased beer or wine throughout the festival zone. There will be several bars throughout the festival area where those with Festival Zone Wristbands can purchase beer or wine, and then carry it throughout the festival to see bands, check out the artist market, or be with their kids in the KidsZone. Bars, Festival Zone Wristbands, and Merch will be card ony, so attendees should bring their ID and debit or credit card (we do not currently accept ApplePay or GooglePay).
I’m interested in performing at AthFest. How do I do that?
Applications are closed for AthFest 2024. Information on how to apply to perform at AthFest in the future can be found at: https://athfest.com/athfest-musician-applications
I’m interested in being a vendor at AthFest. How do I do that?
Please contact [email protected] for information on how to be a vendor at AthFest.
I’m interested in being a sponsor of AthFest. How do I do that?
Please contact [email protected] for information on how to be a sponsor of AthFest.
I’m interested in being part of the Artist Market at AthFest. How do I do that?
Information on how to participate in the AthFest Artist Market can be found at: https://athfest.com/selling-in-the-artist-market
Can I bring my dog to AthFest?
We strongly discourage bringing any pets to AthFest. AthFest takes place in June in the middle of downtown Athens. The temperatures are at their highest this time of the year and the pavement can be incredibly hot for little paws. We do not provide water bowls for animals. For the safety of your pets, please do not bring animals to the festival.
What’s available for kids at AthFest?
There is a block-long KidsFest as part of AthFest! The KidsFest area includes a stage with free live music and performances by youth or by youth-friendly performers. The KidsFest area also includes an arts and crafts tent with free activities for the kids. The vendors under the tents at KidsFest vary year-to-year, but most are there to offer free art and music-related activities for kids. Please note that there is a fee for kids to use the bounce house activities. For more information, please visit: https://athfest.com/kidsfest
How old do you have to be to go to the Club Shows?
Each Club Show venue has its own age restrictions. Some venues are all ages, some are 18+, and some are 21+. Click on the venue name on the schedule page to find out the age restrictions for specific venues. If you are not 21 years of age and there’s a Club Crawl performance you really, really want to see, we encourage you to contact the venue directly to determine its age restriction.
How do I sign up to volunteer at AthFest?
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for AthFest. It takes approximately 225 volunteers to make AthFest happen for three days, and we literally could not do what we do with our volunteers, so thank you! You can view the volunteer opportunities and sign-up to volunteer at: https://athfest.com/athfest-volunteers
Where do I park for AthFest?
UGA Transit stops nearby at The Arch and on Lumpkin St (Glibert Hall). ACC Transit is currently fare free and has stops nearby at The Arch, along Broad St., and Dougherty St. The UGA Ride Smart program offers Lyft rides at a discount to UGA students. Bicycle racks are available throughout downtown.
The easiest place to park for AthFest is in the College Avenue Parking Deck located on College Avenue between Clayton and Washington. There are also multiple private lots and metered spots available throughout downtown Athens. Please note that parking in downtown Athens is free on Sunday.
What food options are available at AthFest?
AthFest is intended to showcase the local and regional talent of Athens, and that includes our great local food scene. The food vendors vary year-to-year, but you can be sure to find a number of delicious, local food vendors at AthFest. AthFest provides multiple water fountains within the festival and water within beer tents.
Where should I stay if I’m coming in from out of town?
Information for lodging options can be found at: https://athfest.com/athfest-accommodations
What happens if it rains during AthFest?
It’s June in Georgia, rain is likely. Luckily, the summer rain storms typically only last for 20 – 30 minutes. But with 23 hours of free outdoor live music, a little rain won’t stop us for long. From time to time a rain storm will require us to delay or cancel an outdoor stage performance. We do everything we can to make sure all scheduled performances happen. We want to hear these amazing musicians as much as you do!
I want to use an AthFest photo or the AthFest logo on my website or promotional materials. Am I allowed to do that?
AthFest and its images are trademarked. If you would like to use AthFest images or logos, please contact [email protected] for permission. Each request will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
I am a member of the media. Who should I contact to get the information I need about AthFest?
If you are a member of the media, please contact [email protected].
I am a photographer and I want a media pass to come shoot the festival, can I get one?
Members of the media from a verified media outlet can get a media pass by contacting our media rep at [email protected] by June 18th, 2024. Media Passes are limited, and grant photographers special access to the Outdoor Stages and Club Crawl Shows.
Photographers that are working with an individual performer or act must communicate with that performer or act to get an additional Backstage Pass to be included in the Performer Packet. This Backstage Pass will allow the photographer access to the Outdoor Stage or Club Crawl Venue for that performance.
Photographers wishing to take personal photos at the outdoor festival are welcome to do so from the audience areas.
Who produces the festival?
AthFest is produced each year by AthFest Educates, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are incredibly proud of the role the festival plays in our community. The festival is a fundraiser for AthFest Educates and enables AthFest Educates to award annual grants to support high-quality music and arts education for K – 12 youth in Athens. To learn more about the grants we award, please visit: http://www.athfesteducates.org/current-grantees
Who can I contact if my questions aren’t answered on this page?
Additional questions can be submitted via the Contact Us page located at: https://athfest.com/contact-athfest.