Summer culture: Here are some upcoming Athens area concerts, festivals, food events, more

If you've never experienced Athens in the summertime, it could be argued that you haven't truly been here yet.

With schools out for the season and folks looking for things to do together, you won't find a place bustling with a wider variety of culture and entertainment than the Classic City. Just a glance at some of the options coming up in June and July shows there's something for everyone to get out and enjoy.

Author's note: Please remember that all listings are subject to change. Got an event you'd like to see listed here? Email ashearer@onlineathens.com.

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Food and Culture Events

Athens 2nd Annual Pride Parade (June 3): Starting a 2 p.m. next to Creature Comforts Brewery and Taproom, the Athens Pride Parade is free and open to members and supporters of the Queer community in Athens. Sponsorship applications, float registration and nonprofit festival registration are now open at athenspride.org/parade.

Downtown Culinary Showcase (Tuesdays at 237 Prince Ave.): Each week, shoppers are welcome to stop at Hendershot's Coffee Bar to pick up items for a week's worth of locally-made nutritious food. Vendors include The Witch's Wonder Emporium, Pop's Socks, The People's Produce and more. Open from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Family Day: Juneteenth (June 10 at 90 Carlton St.): This free event at the Georgia Museum of Art will offer patrons an opportunity to explore works by African American artists, play Art Cart games in the galleries and make art in the Michael and Mary Erlanger Studio Classroom to take home. Visit georgiamuseum.org/event/family-day-juneteenth for details.

Hot Corner Celebration & Soul Food Festival 2023 (June 10 at 343 North Hull St.): In celebration of the African-American business community in Athens, this annual block party-style event has brought together businesses, restaurants and entertainers for more than 20 years. Free admission.

Juneteenth Celebration (June 17 at 100 Rolling Ridge Dr.): Rolling Ridge Apartments' 5th annual Juneteenth observance will include live music, games, fireworks, free food and prizes, guest speakers, and will be attended by Athens-Clarke County city officials. Admission is free and the event lasts from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Craft and Artisan Markets

Athens Farmers Market (Through Nov. 29 at Creature Comforts and Bishop Park): This nonprofit organization offers two weekly events (5 p.m. Wednesdays at Creature Comforts and 8 a.m. Saturdays at Bishop Park) with the goal of building a community around food by connecting shoppers with fresh goods from local farmers. SNAP and EBT accepted. Free admission.

Really, Really Free Market (June 10 and July 8 at 375 Reese St.): This community thrift event happens at Reese Pope Park on the 2nd Saturday of every month. It's like a yard sale where everything is free, and you don't need to donate anything to take something. The market lasts from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Abnormal Bazaar (June 17 and July 15 at 470 Hawthorne Ave.): Indie South's "pop-up flea market" occurs on the third Saturday of every month at their brick-and-mortar location and features a variety of unique local vendors. Perfect for gift shopping, the market offers soaps, jewelry, vintage items and vinyl records. Open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

West Broad Farmers Market (Saturdays at 300 S. Rocksprings St): Open weekly year round from 8 a.m. to noon, the West Broad Market features locally-grown produce, eggs, meat, flowers and artwork with seasonal themed events and performances. SNAP and EBT accepted. Free admission.

Concerts and Music Festivals

Athens Hip Hop Awards (June 17 at 285 W. Washington St.): Now in its 9th year, this annual ceremony honors musicians, entrepreneurs, barbers, salon owners and more with awards voted on by the Athens community. The all-star event at the 40 Watt Club will feature live concert performances from Athens area artists from the categories of hip hop, R&B and gospel. Tickets are $15.

25th Annual AthFest Music & Arts Festival (June 23-25): The annual downtown Athens event benefits AthFest Educates and features numerous musical acts on outdoor and indoor stages, dozens of vendors, food booths and much more. All of the concerts on the outdoor stages are free and open to the public. Wristbands cost $25 for the Club Crawl can be purchased at athfest.com.

Whammocon (June 30-July 2 at 263 W. Washington St. and 171 College Ave.): This three-day festival of music, film and art will feature movie screenings on June 30 and live bands on July 1 at Flicker Theater Bar. On July 2, a "Whammocast" conference and webcast with hosts G Bronco and JXP will take place at The Grill. For registration and event details, visit spaceball.com.

706 Fest (July 1 at 285 W. Washington St.): Atlanta hip hop pioneer Raheem The Dream headlines this inaugural festival produced by 95.9 FM The Beat of Athens and locally-based United Group of Artist Music Group. Hosted by Ant G and radio personality Alichia Cruz, tickets for this 40 Watt Club show are $20. Ages 25 and up only.

Athens Goth Night (July 15 at 234 W. Hancock Ave.): Come up to the Lab at Ciné for "Cry Little Sister," a dance party inspired by the 1980s classic vampire flick, "The Lost Boys." Batty vibes will be provided by DJs Tomb Lily, Crowe, Goth Dad and Twin Powers. Tickets are $10 and the doors will open at 9 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Athens offers a variety of summer festivals, concerts and markets