5 things to do this weekend: Historic Athens Celebration, skateboard art show and more

Andrew Shearer, Athens Banner-Herald
·2 min read

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 May 17-19.

Each week, the Banner-Herald will publish a list of five options for things to do in the Athens area. Please note that the events in this list are subject to rescheduling, cancelation or tickets selling out.

This promotional image from 2023 shows some of the members of Negativland and SUE-C. The Negativland documentary screening is scheduled for Friday, May 17, 2024 at Cine in Athens, Ga.
This promotional image from 2023 shows some of the members of Negativland and SUE-C. The Negativland documentary screening is scheduled for Friday, May 17, 2024 at Cine in Athens, Ga.

'Negativland' film and concert

  • WHERE: Ciné (234 W. Hancock Ave.)

  • WHEN: Friday, May 17 at 6 p.m. ($25 admission)

  • DETAILS: San Francisco Bay area noise collage band Negativland are the subject of "Stand By For Failure," a documentary film that will be screened at this multimedia event before a live performance accompanied by visuals by award-winning Bay area-based light artist SUE-C. For tickets and schedule, visit athenscine.com.

Historic Athens Preservation Celebration

  • WHERE: The Morton Theatre (195 W. Washington St.)

  • WHEN: Saturday, May 18 from 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ($35 - $65 admission)

  • DETAILS: Tickets are expected to go fast for this event that includes exclusive access to some of Athens' historic buildings, as well as a reception at the Morton Theatre with live music from the Original Splitz Band. For tickets and schedule, visit historicathens.ticketspice.com/2024-historic-athens-preservation-celebration.

Karmella Macchiato performs during the Boybutante Ball at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Karmella will return to the 40 Watt on Friday, May 17 as the host of Operation Transformation.
Karmella Macchiato performs during the Boybutante Ball at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Karmella will return to the 40 Watt on Friday, May 17 as the host of Operation Transformation.

Operation Transformation

  • WHERE: The 40 Watt Club (285 W. Washington St.)

  • WHEN: Friday, May 17 from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. ($20 - $40 admission)

  • DETAILS: "RuPauls's Drag Race" Season 2 star Nicole Paige Brooks is scheduled to headline this Athens Pride and Queer Collective (APQC) fundraising showcase hosted by Athens entertainer Karmella Macchiato and featuring live performances by Georgia-based drag artists Brigitte Bidet, Mary Lou Pearl and SHI.

Kirin Thurman poses with a Chris Hobe-designed skateboard in Hull, Ga. on APril 14, 2024. Kirin and his brother Khamisi will be co-hosting a skateboard art show with Hobe at Cine in Athens, Ga. on May 18, 2024.
Kirin Thurman poses with a Chris Hobe-designed skateboard in Hull, Ga. on APril 14, 2024. Kirin and his brother Khamisi will be co-hosting a skateboard art show with Hobe at Cine in Athens, Ga. on May 18, 2024.

Skateboard art show

  • WHERE: Ciné (234 W. Hancock Ave.)

  • WHEN: Saturday, May 18 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Free admission)

  • DETAILS: Locally owned skateboard and apparel brand Brothers Kinetic Systems will debut their latest collaboration with Braselton-based visual artist Chris Hobe's Artrevolts at this pop-up event for their "W.A.R. (Wolves and Rabbits)" skateboard deck, which will be for sale along with other items from both companies.

Anime Club

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

  • WHEN: Saturday, May 18 at 2 p.m. (Free admission, all ages)

  • DETAILS: The ACC Public Library is a great place for folks of any age to meet, socialize and make new friends through its regular schedule of pop culture-centric events. The Anime Club will watch Japanese animation together (titles not specified but are family-friendly), sample Japanese snacks and create art together.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Five things to do in the Athens area this weekend (May 17-19)