| Connecting the ACCGov Leisure Servces Department with Local School Children
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Winter Program Online Registration Continues
The Leisure Services Department announces its winter program opportunities for 2026-2027
A diverse selection highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports, and holiday events are planned for adults and children including:
Before registering, individuals who have not already done so must establish a free online account at www.accgov.com/myrec. Payment may be rendered using an American Express, debit card, Discover Card, MasterCard, Visa, or a MasterCard or Visa gift card.
Registration will continue until programs are at full enrollment or they begin.
New scholarship applicants and individuals with expired scholarships must visit a Leisure Services Department facility office to apply for a scholarship or to renew an expired one at least five business days prior to registering for a program. Scholarships may not be applied for online. Information regarding scholarship program changes, including required documentation, is available at www.accgov.com/scholarship.
Individuals who do not have access to a computer or smart phone may register online using the computer labs at Heard Park at 400 McKinley Dr., Lay Park at 297 Hoyt St., or Howard Park at 291 Henderson Ext. during regular hours of operation.
For more information, call 706- 613-3800.
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"The SpongeBob Musical" on stage!
Based on the beloved animated series, this vibrant and hilarious musical follows SpongeBob and his friends as they band together to save their home from impending disaster. Filled with heart, humor, and an unforgettable score featuring songs by legendary artists from across the music industry, this exciting production celebrates friendship, optimism, and the power of community.
The performance takes place at the Morton Theatre in downtown Athens on Friday, November 6 Sunday, November 8. Friday’s show is at 7:00 p.m., Saturday performances at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and Sunday matinee is at 1:00 p.m.
Tickets are now on sale online at www.mortontheatre.com or at the Morton Theatre Box Office, Monday-Friday from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Call 706-613-3771 to reach the box office. Tickets are $15 for adults and all students w/ ID as well as all children 17 and admitted free of charge. Discounted rates are available for groups of 5 or more. Please call the Morton for details.
For more information, please call 706-613-3771.
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Downtown Parade of Lights - Call for Entries
The deadline for entries is Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Late applications are not accepted. This is a firm deadline.
The online application is available at www.accgov.com/parade. The parade application fee is $40.
Annually, more than 80 entries including floats and performing units, compete for such prizes as “Most Original Float,” “Best Use of Theme,“ “Best Performance,” and “Best Use of Lights.” The best overall float receives the “Mayor’s Award.” This year’s theme is “Holiday Party."
The parade begins on the corner of Hancock Avenue and Pulaski Street ending in front of the stage at City Hall for the traditional tree lighting ceremony.
The Athens-Clarke County Downtown Parade of Lights is coordinated by the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department. It is sponsored by the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government and the Athens Downtown Development Authority.
Parade information and application forms can be found at
www.accgov.com/parade or by contacting Leisure Services at 706-613-3800 or paradeoflights@accgov.com
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"Naturalist's Walk" at Sandy Creek Nature Center
Join naturalists as we discover the beauty of the season. Bring binoculars, a camera, and a sense of adventure.
"Naturalist's Walk" is open to all ages, however children must be accompanied by an adult. This free program is schedued for Saturday, November 7 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at Sandy Creek Nature Center.
For more information, please call 706-613-3615.
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Clarke County School District Artworks on Display
The Lyndon House Arts Center will present the "Rooted: Artworks by Students of the Clarke County School District" exhibition.
This special show is on view October 1, 2026 - January 23, 2027. The opening reception is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
This CCSD exhibition explores what it means to be rooted. Perhaps the mind goes to plants, vegetables, and trees, or to family roots, family trees, and the people and places one comes from. As viewers look through these artworks, they are invited to think about roots in a bigger way: histories, collaborations, friendships, communities, and the ways ideas connect and spread.
Rooted is accompanied by a beautiful publication documenting all the students' artwork. This complimentary catalog is available to each child in the show and, as quantities last, family, friends, and visitors. Thank you to the supporters and sponsors who make this publication possible.
Exhibitions are on view during regular gallery hours Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., and Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All exhibitions are free of charge. The Lyndon House Arts Center is closed on Saturdays when there is a University of Georgia home football game.
For more information, please call 706-613-3623.
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Rescheduled!
The Leisure Services Department will host an Open House and a Movies by Moonlight presentation at Sandy Creek Park located at 400 Bob Holman Road.
The Open House scheduled for Saturday, November 7 begins at 1:30 p.m. and includes crafts, field games, inflatables, and photo booth.
The event culminates with a Movies by Moonlight event featuring the film “Harry and the Hendersons” at 5:30 p.m.
Park admission, and all activities and the movie presentation, are free beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 7.
For more information, please call 706-613-3631.
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Holiday Programs
Get ready to have fun!
The Department will host a variety of holiday events for elves of all ages.
Please review the list of upcoming holiday activities.
For more information, please call 706-613-3800.
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In the Stars!
Register for the November planetarium program "Jason and the Argonauts" in the Sky Center at Sandy Creek Nature Center. Attendees will journey through the night sky, exploring the great beyond.
This program is for ages five years and older. Anyone younger than five will not be admitted. Children must be able to sit in the dark through the program portion. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
This planetarium program is scheduled Saturday, November 21 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. The fee is $5 for ACC residents and $8 for non-residents. Online registration is required.
For more information, please call 706-613-3615.
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Annual Maintenance Work
The Heard Park Community Center located at 400 McKinley Drive, and Lay Park, located at 297 Hoyt St, will temporarily close for annual maintenance to the gymnasium floors.
The centers will close starting Saturday, November 21 and will re-open Monday, November 30 at 8:00 a.m.. The centers will be closed to the public due to the dust and heavy chemical odors generated while the floors are sanded and new finish is applied
For more information, please call 706-613-3800.
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ACCGov Activities and Online RegistrationThe Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department offers a diverse selection of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports, and holiday events for adults and children. All registration takes place online at www.accgov.com/myrec
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ACCGov Leisure Services ScholarshipsThe Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department offers scholarship to qualifying Athens-Clarke County children. Scholarships allow participants to pay less than the program fee.
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