Fire rescue, concert weekend, and Cinderella

_{Was this e-mail shared with you? Sign up here.}

Hey Athens!

Welcome to our second edition! Thank you so much for signing up. We’re sharing Athens local deals, events, and business straight to your inbox, once a week.

Craving a night out that feels special but stays totally Athens? Osteria Olio at Rivet House brings all the charm with handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, Southern twists, and the best vibes in town. Whether you’re meeting friends for brunch or showing off your fork-twirling skills at dinner, this is your no-fail spot for incredible food, creative drinks, and just feeling right at home.

— Artist of the Week —

Building upon the visual and conceptional foundation of her 2022 ROARSHOCK collection, contemporary artist Courtney Khail's latest work SMOKE AND MIRRORS turns its gaze to the forces- both overt and unseen- that shape our beliefs, perceptions, and sense of truth. Check it out at the ATHICA @Cine Gallery downtown until October 26th.

Athens-Clarke County Fire Department is getting a major upgrade with Rescue 4, a custom-built heavy rescue vehicle set to officially enter service on October 24, 2025. Fire Chief Nate Moss announced the new unit will strengthen the department's technical rescue and emergency response capabilities across the community.

Built by E-One with a heavy-duty Typhoon chassis, Rescue 4 is equipped for everything from vehicle extrication and trench operations to high-angle rescues and structural collapse incidents. The vehicle also carries medical equipment and firefighter-rehabilitation gear for extended emergency scenes. "This vehicle provides our firefighters with the most advanced equipment available to respond to complex rescue situations quickly and effectively," said Chief Moss.

Rescue 4 replaces two older rescue apparatus that served Athens for decades and will be one of the most capable heavy rescue units in Northeast Georgia. The public is invited to attend a traditional push-in ceremony on Friday, October 24 at 2 p.m. at Fire Station #4 (900 Oglethorpe Avenue).

Get ready for one of Athens' most beloved fall traditions: Historic Athens Porchfest returns this Sunday, October 19 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Presented by Cafe Racer, this free, family-friendly festival transforms seven historic Athens neighborhoods into a sprawling music venue where front porches become intimate concert stages.

Over 260 local artists will perform across Boulevard, Buena Vista Heights, Cobbham, Newtown, Normaltown, and Pulaski Heights neighborhoods throughout the afternoon. It's unlike any music festival you've ever experienced: just you, your walking shoes, and an afternoon of discovering incredible local talent in Athens' most beautiful historic streets.

A vendor market will also take place in the Boulevard District from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring handcrafted goods, vintage finds, and original artwork from local artists and makers. Visit historicathensporchfest.com for an interactive map and full lineup.

🩰 World Ballet Company: Cinderella
Friday, October 17 at 7 p.m. | The Classic Center Theatre | Tickets $40.50+ | This Broadway-style production features 40 international dancers, over 150 hand-sewn costumes, and enchanting choreography perfect for all ages. Duration: 2 hours including intermission. Get tickets

🎸 Gavin Adcock: Need To Tour
Friday, October 17 at 8 p.m. | Akins Ford Arena | Tickets $45.75+ | Watkinsville native and country music sensation Gavin Adcock brings his electrifying performance home with special guests Conner Smith and Lanie Gardner. His debut album "Actin' Up Again" became the most streamed country debut of 2024. Get tickets