5 things to do this weekend: Grand Slam, LuQI Nights, free kids movie screening and more

Andrew Shearer, Athens Banner-Herald
·2 min read
FILE - The Sophisticated Steppers perform during a step workshop at Grand Slam summer camp at Lay Park Community Center in Athens, Ga., on Friday, June 30, 2023. The next Grand Slam is scheduled for July 7, 2023.
FILE - The Sophisticated Steppers perform during a step workshop at Grand Slam summer camp at Lay Park Community Center in Athens, Ga., on Friday, June 30, 2023. The next Grand Slam is scheduled for July 7, 2023.

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 festivals, markets and other cultural happenings in the Classic City, we've chosen to spotlight these events for the weekend of July 7-9.

Grand Slam 2023

WHERE: Lay Park (297 Hoyt St.)

WHEN: Friday, June 7 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Free admission)

DETAILS: This summer program for Athens-Clarke County Middle and High School students includes sports, games, refreshments, a DJ, guest speakers and a "glow party." There will also be Grand Slam events on July 14 and 21. To register your students online, visit accgov.com/grandslam.

LuQI Nights Athens

WHERE: Terrapin Beer Co. (265 Newton Bridge Rd.)

WHEN: Friday, June 7 at 9 p.m. ($15 admission, ages 18+ only)

DETAILS: Variety show featuring performances from several Athens artists including burlesque, drag kings, aerial dance and more. Proceeds from this event are donated to Athens Queer and Pride Collective's Trans Healthcare Scholarship. For $10 advance tickets, visit luqi-nights-athens.ticketleap.com/luqi-nights-july.

A free outdoor screening of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" is scheduled to take place at the Clarke County Sheriff's Office Training Center in Athens, Ga. on July 8.
A free outdoor screening of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" is scheduled to take place at the Clarke County Sheriff's Office Training Center in Athens, Ga. on July 8.

Showtime with the Sheriff

WHERE: Clarke County Sheriff's Office Training Center (2900 County Farm Rd.)

WHEN: Saturday, July 8 at 7:30 p.m. (Free admission)

DETAILS: Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to watch the 2023 hit "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" at nightfall (around 8:45 p.m.). Get there early for free hot dogs and popcorn. This all-ages community event will be hosted by Clarke County Sheriff John Q. Williams.

Star Wars Day

WHERE: Athens-Clarke County Library (2025 Baxter St.)

WHEN: Saturday, July 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Free admission)

DETAILS: Athens-Clarke County Library Children's Department welcomes guests of all ages for this special event with opportunities to meet characters from the "Star Wars" galaxy, make crafts related to the franchise and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring cameras to document the fun.

Athens-based band Klezmer Local 42 is scheduled to perform live orchestration for a screening of the silent film "Sherlock Jr." at the Winterville Auditorium on July 8.
Athens-based band Klezmer Local 42 is scheduled to perform live orchestration for a screening of the silent film "Sherlock Jr." at the Winterville Auditorium on July 8.

Silent Film with Live Orchestration

WHERE: Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture (373 North Church St. in Winterville)

WHEN: Saturday, July 8 at 6 p.m. ($15 admission)

DETAILS: Athens-based band Klezmer Local 42 will provide live musical orchestration for the 1924 silent film "Sherlock Jr." starring Buster Keaton, Kathryn McGuire and Ward Crane. Doors are set to open at 5:30 p.m. with refreshments available in the lobby including soft drinks, wine and Athentic Brewing Company beer.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Five things to do in the Athens area this weekend (July 7-9)