Catch a Show

Experience the sounds of Athens at these venues

40 Watt Club

While the 40 Watt Club has changed locations several times (and upgraded its lighting — it used to only have one light bulb, giving it its name), it is a classic venue nonetheless. The current location, at the corner of Washington and Pulaski Streets, hosts both local bands and bigger acts, showcasing everyone from the B-52’s to The Strokes.

The Classic Center

The downtown Classic Center opened in 1995 and now encompasses 10 venues, including the 2,122-seat Classic Center Theatre and the center’s newest addition, the 22,000-square-foot 440 Foundry Pavilion. The center hosts over 700 events each year between its convention center and theater, ranging from performing arts to Ice Dawgs hockey games.

The Georgia Theatre

One of Athens’ most prominent music venues is the Georgia Theatre. In the heart of downtown, this stage often hosts acts to draw in Athenians, university students and visitors. Grab a drink from the bar, climb up to the second floor balcony or secure your spot in front of the stage while you wait for your show to begin.

The Morton Theatre

The Morton Theatre was built in 1910 by Monroe Bowers “Pink” Morton. Located in the historic “Hot Corner” Black business district of downtown Athens, the theater is housed in the Morton Building, which also held offices for Athens’ Black professionals in the early 1900s. Today, the theater hosts concerts, comedy, dance, plays and more. The Morton Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Smaller venues

BOAR’S HEAD LOUNGE

Huge indoor and outdoor spaces make this bar a destination for sampling local music.

FLICKER THEATRE & BAR

This townie-friendly bar has an adjoining stage that hosts music and film screenings. Bonus: a large outdoor patio.

HENDERSHOT’S

This Prince Avenue venue hosts musicians and comedians in a variety of performances and open-mic nights.

The World Famous

This intimate venue is a great place to listen to local music and sample creative cocktails.

Normal Bar

Located in the heart of historic neighborhood Normaltown on Prince Ave., Normal Bar hosts a cozy, “homey” and warm atmosphere. Guests can experience small Athens band shows live and enjoy their notable cocktails and beer.

Nowhere Bar

Nowhere Bar opened in 1994 and hosted the B-52’s and Pylon in the late 70’s and R.E.M. and Widespread Panic in the early 80’s. Guests can play a game of pool, have a local beer and catch a show. Across from the Georgia Theatre, this dive bar attracts townies and newcomers alike.

BUVEZ

Situated North of downtown Athens, Buvez is a Euro-style cafe that serves sandwiches, pastries and coffee. During the daytime, you can spot many people using the cafe space as a workplace and browse local pop-up shops that sell handmade clothes, art and jewelry outside the cafe. At night, the small stage is home to small live shows that fill the cafe with an upbeat energy.

Little Kings Shuffle Club

On the corner of North Hull Street and West Hancock Avenue sits Little Kings Shuffle Club. The bar offers a cozy atmosphere with booths, seating areas with couches and dim lighting. The outdoor venue hosts bands that can be heard down the block. This outdoor-indoor space provides a fun environment to catch a live show and to catch up with friends.