Five things to do this weekend: Athens Pride, Blueberry Festival, Chicago tribute band

Andrew Shearer, Athens Banner-Herald
·2 min read

Each week, the Banner-Herald will publish a list of five options for things to do in the Athens area. Though there's never a shortage of concerts, theater and other art happenings in the Classic City, we've chosen to spotlight these events for the weekend of June 2-4.

The inaugural Athens Pride Parade passes through downtown Athens, Ga., on Sunday, June 12, 2022. Athens Pride was organized by the Athens Pride and Queer Collective.
The inaugural Athens Pride Parade passes through downtown Athens, Ga., on Sunday, June 12, 2022. Athens Pride was organized by the Athens Pride and Queer Collective.

2023 Athens Pride Parade

WHERE: Downtown Athens

WHEN: Saturday, June 3 at 2 p.m. (Free admission)

DETAILS: Grab a spot along Clayton Street (near the Hull Street intersection) or on College Avenue for a great view of the parade as the route moves through downtown. A resource festival will take place at 3 p.m. at the Foundry Pavilion behind the Classic Center including food trucks, live music, a step show and more. For parade map and additional info, visit athenspride.org/parade.

Sheila Atim, left, Viola Davis and Thuso Mbedu are African warriors in "The Woman King."
Sheila Atim, left, Viola Davis and Thuso Mbedu are African warriors in "The Woman King."

Free movie screening: ‘The Woman King’

WHERE: The Morton Theatre (195 W. Washington St.)

WHEN: Sunday, Jun. 4 at 3 p.m. (Free admission)

DETAILS: Viola Davis should have received an Oscar for her portrayal of real-life hero General Nanisca, leader of an all-woman army of warriors who protected the African nation of Dahomey in the 19th century. Co-starring John Boyega ("Star Wars") and Lashana Lynch ("Captain Marvel") and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. "The Woman King" is rated PG-13 for graphic violence.

This photo from June 26, 2021 shows blueberry whoopie pies at the first annual Forest Heights Blueberry Festival in Athens, Ga.
This photo from June 26, 2021 shows blueberry whoopie pies at the first annual Forest Heights Blueberry Festival in Athens, Ga.

Forest Heights Blueberry Festival

WHERE: Forest Heights Neighborhood (Holly Court)

WHEN: Saturday, Jun. 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Free admission)

DETAILS: The third annual Blueberry Festival will feature live music at the Blueberry Jam Concert, the Blueberry Cook-Off Competition, the BikeAthens Blueberry Rally for kids, and garden tours focused on food production and effective landscaping. The event is a fundraiser for the Community Blueberry Project, which you can find out more about by visiting regenerators.earth/berries.

This photo dated April 22, 2022 shows a concert performance by Chi-Town Transit Authority, a Chicago tribute band. Winterville, Ga. resident Chris Horton is the trumpet player and bandleader.
This photo dated April 22, 2022 shows a concert performance by Chi-Town Transit Authority, a Chicago tribute band. Winterville, Ga. resident Chris Horton is the trumpet player and bandleader.

Chi-Town Transit Authority

WHERE: Marigold Auditorium (373 N. Church St. in Winterville)

WHEN: Friday, Jun. 2 at 8 p.m. ($20 admission)

DETAILS: Lead by trumpet player and Winterville resident Chris Horton, the Chi-Town Transit Authority is a tribute to Chicago, the long-running 1970s rock band known for having one of the meanest horn sections in music history. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/chicago-tribute-chi-town-transit-authority-marigold-auditorium-tickets-603521297447.

Pride Tie-Dye Party and Queer Tivia

WHERE: Athentic Brewing Company (108 Park Ave.)

WHEN: Sunday, Jun. 4 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Free admission, $5 for tie-dye supplies)

DETAILS: This percentage event for Athens Pride Queer Collective (APQC) welcomes guests to bring their own clothing garments to tie-dye. Queer Trivia starts at 5 p.m. with host Erin Windham-Hill. Ten percent of all draft beer sales and pride merchandise will go towards APQC. All ages are welcome and patrons must be at least 21 years old to drink. Non-alcoholic options are available.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Five things to do in the Athens area this weekend (June 2-4)