Athens, Georgia's Music Scene: A Guide
Whether you have one day or three, here is how to make the most of your music experience in Athens.
Upon first visit, Athens, Georgia doesn't necessarily look like a place that could’ve launched some of the most innovative, unique musical luminaries in recent history. It’s a sleepy, laid-back college town, home to the University of Georgia, that truly comes alive on football game days as red-clad Georgia Bulldog aficionados pack Sanford Stadium and pour out into the downtown streets for post-game revelry. The university is a key factor in the Athens live music scene, though. The continual influx of new talent keeps things fresh, creating a community that evolves and changes with the times as well as with the tastes of the town’s captive collegiate audience.
Athens gave us kitschy party-band royalty in the form of the B-52’s, poetic lyrics and jangly rock from R.E.M., the endless jams of Widespread Panic, and the modern Americana of the Drive-By Truckers. Other notables include Vic Chesnutt, Danger Mouse, of Montreal, Neutral Milk Hotel, and Colt Ford – proving that you really can’t pin down that Athens sound. Best to just head out to one of the many iconic live music venues in the city’s vibrant downtown, grab a locally brewed beer, and soak it all in.
Walk it Out with the Athens Music History Walking Tour
Start your visit with the meticulously researched Athens Music History Walking Tour to lay a solid foundation for the rest of your trip. Download the brochure online for a self-guided tour, or call ahead to book a guided tour with Classic City Tours’ Paul Butchart, an Athens music stalwart who’s been on Athens’ musical front lines for years and has the stories to show for it. Sites include the landmark “Murmur trestle,” pictured on the cover of an R.E.M. album of the same name, the R.E.M. steeple, lots of venues and nightclubs (including all the prior iterations of Athens crown jewel the 40 Watt Club), record stores, and many once-crashpads for various area bands.
Nuci’s Space
Nuci’s Space was created by Linda Phillips to honor the memory of her son Nuci, a young musician who took his own life. The nonprofit organization offers a safe space for musicians to create and heal through the use of practice rooms, access to musical equipment and various mental healthcare programs. Throw a little support toward a very good cause when you’re in town by grabbing a coffee or juice from their coffee bar/lounge.
Creature Comforts Brewing Co.
This brewery, opened in 2014, has quickly made a name for itself. It’s been named on several best-of lists not just for Georgia but for the entire nation. Their most famous brew, Tropicalia, is a bright, juicy, refreshing IPA that won the hearts (and taste buds) of beer lovers nationwide and even had a cameo in "Avengers: Endgame." Local artists have a hand in designing the beautiful, captivating cans, and Creature Comforts is committed to giving back to Athens-area nonprofits with its Get Comfortable campaign. Visit their tasting room to explore their new brews and sip on classic favorites.
Georgia Theatre
The building that we now know as the Georgia Theatre has lived a lot of interesting lives. It started out as a YMCA and also has been used as a hotel, Masonic Temple, furniture store and Sears Roebuck. In 1935, it found its niche as a theater, hosting some of the biggest and brightest musical names to visit the city. Tragedy struck in 2009 when a fire devastated the building, but the community rallied around this beautiful, iconic space and made sure it was rebuilt and reborn. Start your visit to the Georgia Theatre with dinner at their rooftop restaurant, where you can enjoy a burger or grilled pimento cheese sandwich and a beer while waiting for the music to start down below. The theater hosts a thrillingly diverse lineup of musical acts, has been featured in videos by R.E.M. and John Mayer, and has hosted live album recordings by the likes of the Derek Trucks Band and Corey Smith.
Weaver D's Delicious Fine Foods
Skip breakfast and have a hearty, delicious early lunch (doors open at 11 a.m.) faster than you can say “Automatic for the People” at Weaver D’s. Owner Dexter Weaver's iconic tagline was used by R.E.M. to title their Grammy-nominated eighth album, and the resulting buzz was so strong that Weaver had to hire a publicist and get a 1-800 number to handle all the new attention. The restaurant never lost sight of what matters most, though: plates heaped high with soul-food staples like fried chicken, collard greens and mac and cheese.
Wuxtry Records
Rolling Stone named Wuxtry one of the Top 25 Record Shops in the nation, and with more than 40 years in the business – and a star-studded roster of ex-clerks that includes Danger Mouse, R.E.M.’s Peter Buck, and the B-52s’ Kate Pierson – it’s easy to see why. Wuxtry buys, sells and trades vinyl of all genres, and also stocks CDs, band t-shirts, posters, turntables and more. Head next door to Bizarro-Wuxtry for comics, collectibles and other entertaining weirdness.
The 40 Watt Club
No trip to Athens would be complete without a visit to this iconic venue that was instrumental in the punk/alternative music scene. It has moved around town a few times since its inception, but the Fabulous 40 Watt has held steady at the end of Washington Avenue for awhile now, and it’s a live music junkie’s dream. Musicians who have graced the stage include Nirvana, Snoop Dogg, Iggy Pop, Patti Smith, Ween, Sonic Youth and so, so many more. With a busy, bustling roster of performers, there’s something happening at the 40 Watt almost every night. Come be a part of music history.
Oconee Hill Cemetery
Hop in your car and take a break from downtown to take in the scenic Oconee Hill Cemetery, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is a bucolic, beautiful natural landscape where city founders and talented musicians alike have been laid to rest, among them B-52's guitarist Ricky Wilson and founding member and lead guitarist of Widespread Panic Michael Houser. A B-side music fact about this historic spot: R.E.M.’s song “Stumble” was written about one of their late-night/early morning rambles through the cemetery grounds when all the downtown hot spots had closed for the night.
The Grit
Eat where the musicians eat – and where some of them used to perform. The Grit has been serving up vegetarian and vegan meals for 30-plus years; Michael Stipe (R.E.M.) and Jennifer Nettles (Sugarland) are among the many repeat customers. From their sought-after Sunday brunch to their famed Golden Bowl, the Grit has perfected meatless soul food in a boho setting – and the artsy feel is steeped into the walls. In the early 1980s, the location was known as the Night Gallery, an art space that did double duty as a venue for theatrical and musical performances.
The World Famous
The World Famous is located on what’s known as Hot Corner – the corner of Washington and Hull, stumbling distance from some of downtown’s liveliest bars and restaurants. The B-52's Cindy Wilson cites it as one of her favorite hangouts; the band even sang about Hot Corner on its 2008 album "FunPlex." Order one of their signature Mason jar cocktails (we suggest the “Gardening at Night,” to complete your Athens experience) alongside one of their inspired, creative bistro-style dishes, like the chicken ‘n waffle club or the Cuban sandwich egg roll.
AthFest
AthFest, a three-day music, art and film festival held in various venues across Downtown Athens, is a cornerstone event held each June. You’ll find something for all ages – from KidsFest performances and activities to the varied vendors in the Artists’ Market to the evening Club Crawl. Just be sure to wear comfy shoes and stay hydrated in the summer heat so you’ll be at your best to enjoy this immersive arts experience whose mission is to generate funding for music and arts education for Athens’ youth.
State Botanical Gardens
Georgia’s official state botanical garden is one of Athens’ most-visited locations, and with good reason – its 313 acres are meticulously maintained and filled with unique, captivating plant life. Green thumb or not, you’re sure to learn something new after exploring the grounds for an afternoon. The new Childrens’ Garden is adored by kids and adults alike. There are walking trails available, and, if you visit on the right day, you might be treated to live music from such diverse acts as indie rockers Elf Power, Randall Bramblett or the Athens Flute Choir.
