Summertime in Athens is a fun vibe. Many of the students are gone, and many of the permanent residents – who look forward to these quieter seasons – retake Court Street and host different events that are special to Athens. One well-loved festival that had to take a couple years’ hiatus because of the 2020 pandemic is Boogie on the Bricks. But they’re finally back this year!
Boogie on the Bricks is a community-thrown music festival where Court Street is closed to auto traffic. Everything happens in the streets – including drinking – open container is chill. Actually, pro-tip: uptown is a DORA from May to August.
What’s So Cool About Boogie on the Bricks?
Boogie’s got regional musicians, including Brother Hill, who are big around here for their modern Appalachian folk style. There’s street food galore. There are local art vendors. Beer, wine and cider right on the street. It’s awesome.
Plus, Boogie on the Bricks is totally family-friendly! There’s a whole kids’ zone with a bounce house. And the festival is free to anyone – walk in and out at any time. Another one of the many perks to choosing to rent an apartment uptown! Remember not to take that drink past the DORA boundaries, though.
Another reason we love Boogie is the Community Education Stage – it’s so on-brand for Athens, right? The community ed stage is a place to find interesting TED-ish talks on all things Appalachia – from ecological subjects to social causes, local history, and more.
As a town, Athens tries to be a place where there is a place for everybody, and that’s why Boogie on the Bricks is such an invigorating and unique Appalachian experience. Saturday, June 24 – don’t miss out!