The City Heartbeat

Pulsing with information about Athens

Mayor's Minute

Mayor's Minute

It's not officially summer yet, but it definitely feels like summer is here. I pray you stay safe as you travel for family vacations. You can also enjoy some staycation time here in Athens.


There are numerous activities planned in the community from our Farmers Market to Singing in the Park to Art After Hours and Fridays After Five. There are several ways to stay updated on these and other events. (And yes, the Fourth of July Fireworks Show will be on the Fourth of July.) I invite you to follow these Facebook pages for concert, event and other information:



Our recreational opportunities remain popular, and there will be fitness classes, various camps, and tournaments held throughout the summer season. Don't miss out! Follow our Rec Department on Facebook:


Our Athens-Limestone Public Library also offers a variety of activities for all ages, from book clubs to arts and crafts to yoga. The library posts a monthly calendar of events and event registration on its Facebook page:


I hope you enjoy your summer and that you'll take the opportunity to check out what Athens has to offer.


Until next time,


Mayor Marks

Mayor's Minute

Athens Activity Center Celebrates One Year Anniversary

The Athens Activity Center has operated for one year at the old Armory site on Pryor Street. There is line dancing, card games, dominoes, lunch, live music and more. Center Director Amy Golden reported on June 7 that 104 were in attendance.


To stay updated on the center, it's monthly menu and activities:

City of Athens website

Athens Activity Center Facebook

Athens hosting Olympic-style events for Masters Games of Alabama

More than 600 people throughout the state will compete this month at the district level in the Masters Games of Alabama, and Athens is hosting some of those events.

The District 2 competitions in Athens will be June 14 and June 16 at the Athens Recreation Center at the Sportsplex on U.S. 31.

Masters Games of Alabama is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles for active adults ages 50 and older. The games began in Oxford in 1989 and evolved to include an Olympic-style atmosphere. Participants do compete at the district level to qualify for the State Games in October, but the organization states the focus is more on fun and fellowship instead of competition. The goal is to promote social, mental and physical activities for this age group.

District 2 includes participants from Limestone, Cullman, DeKalb, Jackson, Lawrence, Madison, Marshall and Morgan counties. There are 10 members from the Athens Activity Center who will compete. They are:

  • Roger Beddingfield
  • Melinda Jones
  • Linda Black
  • Paul Irons
  • Helga Stover
  • Joan Brooks
  • Deborah Brewer
  • Betty Bolton
  • Tony Thornock
  • Amy Golden

“Our seniors are eager to participate and are ready to represent Athens well,” said Golden, who also serves as the Athens Activity Center director. “One of our competitors considers himself the domino king, and playing dominoes gives him something to look forward to each day. This is a wonderful opportunity to promote excitement and socialization for him and our other seniors.”

Events that will occur at the Rec Center will be domino doubles, domino singles, basketball free throw, cornhole, pickleball doubles, pickleball mixed doubles and softball throw.

Schedule of Athens Events

Big picture

HealthSource supports Relay for Life

Thank you to our Relay for Life Team partners, HealthSource Chiropractic. The staff initially set a goal of raising $500, then raised it to $1,000, and finished the challenge raising $1,450.


Several received pies in the face since HealthSource exceeded its goal. Check out those photos here: Facebook Post

Welcome Center Location in Athens

You will notice if you are traveling on I-65 South, that the Alabama Welcome Center at the Alabama state line is closed. It will be closed for the next 2 years for repairs. Their interim office is located in Athens.
Travelers can stop by the local tourism office or the temporary state office:

LOCAL: Athens-Limestone Visitors Center - 100 N. Beaty St. - M-F 8-4:30
STATE: Alabama Welcome Center - 108 Cloverleaf - M-F 8-5 pm

Angela Petrilli and Friends Concert

Thursday, June 22nd, 7pm

302 Bryan Street

Athens, AL


Feed your soul with some rock, rhythm and blues with Angela Petrilli and Friends at McCandless Hall on the campus of Athens State University on Thursday, June 22.


Doors will open at 6 pm and concert will start at 7 pm. Some of you may remember Angela Petrilli from Roses and Cigarettes who performed in Athens in June 2018 at High Cotton Arts. Petrilli who is an electrifying guitarist and superb vocalist released her EP Voices last month. Voices is available on all streaming services. Stay tune to Athens Arts League for more on Angela Petrilli

The concert is free, but donations to Athens Arts League will be accepted.



Event page
Get Directions
Council Agendas and Minutes

The City of Athens posts its upcoming meeting agendas online. This includes City Council, Planning Commission, and Zoning Board of Adjustments. Minutes are posted once approved.

City Calendars

Departments post items on various City of Athens calendars, including Recreation, Events & Happenings, City Council meetings, etc. Sign up to stay updated!

City of Athens, Alabama

City of Athens, Alabama

City of Athens, Alabama
Athens is Classic. Southern. Character.
256-233-8730 athensal.us