Athens Main Street invites the community to beat the heat and explore Downtown Athens at Summer Sippin’, presented by Dream Key Real Estate, on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event serves as the perfect finale to the 3rd Annual Downtown Athens Culinary Month.
Modeled after Athens Main Street’s popular Sippin’ Cider event, this fun and flavorful afternoon invites visitors to explore participating shops offering unique summer-themed drinks and seasonal sales. Each stop provides an opportunity to sample creative beverages, discover great deals, and cast votes for the coveted title of Summer Sippin’ Champion.
Whether fruity, fizzy, frozen, or fun—every sip tells a story. Participants can vote for their favorite beverages throughout the afternoon, and Athens Main Street will announce the top three Summer Sippin’ Champions the following week.
“Summer Sippin’ is the perfect way to showcase our vibrant downtown businesses while giving both locals and visitors a refreshing way to experience all that Athens has to offer,” said Tere Richardson, Executive Director of Athens Main Street. “This event beautifully combines our commitment to supporting small businesses with creating memorable experiences that bring our community together. As we wrap up Downtown Athens Culinary Month, Summer Sippin’ provides the ideal opportunity for both food lovers and beverage enthusiasts to continue celebrating our local dining scene during the warm summer months.”
The event caps off a month-long celebration of Downtown Athens’ culinary scene, featuring over 15 participating restaurants offering signature dishes throughout August. Summer Sippin’ extends this culinary celebration with creative beverages that complement the diverse flavors showcased during Culinary Month.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, live entertainment will keep the energy flowing throughout the afternoon. DJ Zillion will provide music on the Courthouse Steps from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., while Nix Side Hustle will perform live in Merchants Alley from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., creating the perfect soundtrack for an afternoon of sipping and shopping.
The event is designed to appeal to both out-of-town guests seeking a charming weekend experience and local residents looking to rediscover their downtown. Over 30 participating businesses will offer unique summer beverages and special promotions, including Athens Alehouse & Cellar, BeanBeans Boutique, Bennett’s Clothing, Boutique Bliss, Broken Brush, Bridal By Morgan, Crawford’s Gifts, Coffee Off The Square, Dottie Jewel, Driftwood Dragonfly, Epiphany Boutique, Frame Gallery of Athens, Frank’s Good Stuff, Hyatt & Sims, Irons & Ales, Li’l Mazzaras, Limestone Legends, Liz & Co., Lucia’s Cocina Mexicana, Mozza Pizza, Old Black Bear Brewing, Pimentos, Rad Rags Boutique, RE/MAX Platinum, Shepherds Clothiers, Snapdragon Kids, The Renae Co., The Southern Table, Toodlebugs, Trinity’s, UG White/Hi-Plane Coffee, Village Pizza, and Wildwood Deli.
Summer Sippin’ blends small business support with summer energy, encouraging participants to shop, sip, and celebrate local flavor in historic Downtown Athens.
Athens Main Street extends special thanks to Dream Key Real Estate as the presenting sponsor for both Summer Sippin’ and Downtown Athens Culinary Month, and Listerhill Credit Union as the supporting sponsor for making these community events possible.
Submitted Specials By Merchants
- Toodlebugs will have 50% sales racks, $10, and $15 sale racks
- Frank’s Good Stuff – Select items are reduced 50-75% off. Free giveaways of Frank’s Good Stuff Merchandise
- Frame Gallery of Athens: 20% off Readymade frames. Some exclusions apply.
- Snapdragon Kids 20% off
- Shepherds Clothiers summer specials up to 50% off
- Trinity’s – Local artist Cleve Smith will be at Trinity’s, showcasing his original oil paintings. The paintings will be available for sale. Come in and register to win a door prize & we will have Additional in-store promos.
- Crawford’s Gifts – Spin the wheel for 10-20% off one item. Door prize is a Bogg Bag.
Live Music at Summer Sippin’
- DJ Zillion on the Courthouse Steps (4 PM – 7 PM)
- Nix Side Hustle live in Merchants Alley (5:30 PM – 7 PM)
