5 things to do this weekend: Roller derby, holiday market, Motown concert and more

Andrew Shearer, Athens Banner-Herald
·2 min read
The Classic City Rollergirls enter the jam for their June 18, 2023 bout against Greensboro (N.C.) Roller Derby at Fun Galaxy in Athens, Ga.
The Classic City Rollergirls enter the jam for their June 18, 2023 bout against Greensboro (N.C.) Roller Derby at Fun Galaxy in Athens, Ga.

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 Dec. 1-3.

Each week, the Banner-Herald will publish a list of five options for things to do in the Athens area.

Classic City Rollergirls

WHERE: Fun Galaxy Athens (3030 Cherokee Rd.)

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 3 at 10 a.m. ($12, free for kids ages 5 and under)

DETAILS: Classic City Rollergirls (CCRG) second annual Aggro at the Acropolis event promises a full day of derby action that pits four teams against one another in a series of eight half-hour scrimmages to see which one emerges as the winner. The doors will open at 9:30 a.m. and spectators are encouraged to bring their own chairs.

(L-R) Benny and Jack Roberts of HotCo Explosions sell their hot cocoa bombs and gift sets at the Beechwood Holiday Market in Athens, Ga. on Dec. 12, 2021.
(L-R) Benny and Jack Roberts of HotCo Explosions sell their hot cocoa bombs and gift sets at the Beechwood Holiday Market in Athens, Ga. on Dec. 12, 2021.

Beechwood Holiday Market

WHERE: Beechwood Shopping Center (196 Alps Rd.)

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 1 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Free admission)

DETAILS: In addition to food trucks, hayrides, s'mores and a chance to meet Santa Claus, this week's Beechwood Holiday Market is scheduled to feature a free screening of the 2004 animated movie "Polar Express," which is rated G and runs 1 hour and 40 minutes. Attendees are welcome to bring blankets and chairs.

Visitors walk through an archway of lights during Deck the Hollow at Bear Hollow Zoo in Athens, Ga., on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019.
Visitors walk through an archway of lights during Deck the Hollow at Bear Hollow Zoo in Athens, Ga., on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019.

Deck the Hollow

WHERE: Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Zoo (293 Gran Ellen Drive)

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 1 through Sunday, Dec. 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ($5 admission, free for kids under age 2)

DETAILS: One of Athens' most beloved family attractions invites visitors to come by for some after-hours entertainment and education featuring Bear Hollow Zoo decked out in holiday lights, vendor booths featuring work by local artists, concessions, photo opportunities in the zoo and animal encounters.

Locally made stuffed animals at Treehouse Kid & Craft in Athens, Ga., on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023.
Locally made stuffed animals at Treehouse Kid & Craft in Athens, Ga., on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023.

Handmade Hollyday

WHERE: Treehouse Kid & Craft (585 Barber St.)

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3 (Free admission)

DETAILS: Folks looking to shop locally for vintage, handmade and unique toys and gifts won't want to miss Treehouse's 14th annual market event, which comes complete with a food truck and will feature vendor booths with dozens of Athens area artists selling handcrafted items. This is a "rain or shine" event.

Sensational Sounds of Motown

WHERE: The Foundry at Graduate Athens (295 E. Dougherty St.)

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. ($20 admission, $15 advance tickets available)

DETAILS: This seven-piece cover band has been performing their note-perfect renditions of classic Detroit-era Motown R&B hits for audiences across the Southeast for nearly two decades. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/evening-with-sensational-sounds-of-motown-at-the-foundry-graduate-athens-tickets-734994296727.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Five things to do in the Athens area this weekend (Dec. 1-3)