Athens Cultural Center: November 2026 Highlights

By Athens Cultural Center

10/28/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Athens NY, October 25, 2026

November brings a mix of creative workshops, live music, movement, and opportunities to connect at the Athens Cultural Center. Take in a theatrical performance, explore the annual Small Works members exhibition, join a music session, try something new in the studio, or take part in one of our many community gatherings. We look forward to welcoming you throughout the month!

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Family Studio Hour - Sunday, November 1 | 10:30 AM-11:30 AM

Join Monika Zarzeczna for an hour of family studio time inspired by Autumn’s colors and textures. This hands-on workshop invites families to experiment, imagine, and make art together! Recommended Ages 7 & under. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-studio-hour-tickets-2003528994155

What the Constitution Means to Me - Sunday Nov. 1 | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

This play explores the intricacies of being a woman and the contradictions of gender-based discrimination within the United States’ judicial system, told through the lens of a speech competition and the reflection thereafter. The New York Times called it “a tragedy told as a comedy, a work of inspired protest, a slyly crafted piece of persuasion and a tangible contribution to the change it seeks. Free. https://athensculturalcenter.org/up-next/what-the-constitution-means-to-me

Help bring the magic of the Victorian Stroll to life! Join artist Sara Pruiksma for a creative, hands-on sign-painting session to refresh and repaint the signs displayed throughout the Village of Athens in the weeks leading up to this beloved annual event. These signs welcome visitors from near and far to Athens for a day of free activities, and your creativity will help make the village feel festive and inviting! https://athensculturalcenter.org/acc-classes/holiday-sign-painting

Traditional Irish Music Session - Thursday Nov. 5, | 7-9:30 PM Athens’ beloved traditional Irish music session is coming to the ACC! We are thrilled to welcome a new monthly event that is not just for lovers and practitioners of Irish music but also for the Irish-curious. Bring your fiddle, your guitar, your Uilleann Pipes and your Bodhrán, or just come on down and find out what the heck a Bodhrán is! Every first Thursday of the month. https://athensculturalcenter.org/up-next/traditional-irish-music-session-xamk3

Small Works: ACC Members Exhibition On View From 11/6/26 - 12/13/26

First Fridays: 11/6 & 12/4 | 5 - 7 PM Gallery Hours: Sat & Sun 12 - 5 PM ACC's annual Small Works show invites us to explore the creative potential of scale, proving that great things do indeed come in small packages. Each artist embraces the challenge of working small, using the limitation of size to reveal a wide range of innovation, technique, and storytelling. This show is open to all current members! https://athensculturalcenter.org/exhibitions

QiGong Saturdays, November 7, 21, & 28 | 10-11:15 AM

With Carl Thomsen and Barbara Schofield Thomsen Developed in China thousands of years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine, Qigong uses gentle, slow-moving exercises to cultivate energy and support health of the body, mind, and spirit. Accessible to all ages, and especially beneficial for mature adults or those with physical limitations, Qigong can be practiced seated in a chair. Each session concludes with a 15-minute meditation to encourage mindfulness, self-awareness, and relaxation. https://athensculturalcenter.org/qigong

Bluegrass Slow Jam Sunday, November 8 | 2:00–4:00 PM

A slow jam is a welcoming and supportive, easy-tempo jam session aimed at beginning and intermediate players, but with plenty of room for relaxed experts. The group leader, mandolinist Peter Paden of the Wickers Creek Band, will distribute basic chord charts for well-known tunes and songs before the session, and guide all players, no matter their instrument. (Acoustic and stringed instruments only, please). https://athensculturalcenter.org/bluegrass-slow-jam

Victorian Inspired Hat Workshops Monday, November 9 | 2-4 PM Thursday, November 12 | 6-8 PM

Join Charles Bannon for a hands-on hat-making workshop exploring the art of Victorian-inspired millinery. Drawing on his professional theater experience in Albany and New York City, Charles will share techniques for transforming hats and everyday materials into unique creations inspired by a wide range of Victorian-era fashion. https://athensculturalcenter.org/acc-classes/victorian-inspired-hat-workshop-7m8nw

Drum Circle Thursday, November 19 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM

Join us for an exploration of the power of drumming to move, connect, and transform. More than simply hearing or playing rhythms, participating in a drum circle is a shared vibrational experience that can be energizing, grounding, healing, and fun. No experience is necessary, and all are welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring a hand drum, such as a frame drum, bongo, or similar percussion instrument. https://athensculturalcenter.org/drum-circle

Community Studio Sunday, November 22 | 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Join us for Community Studio. Bring your supplies and a project to work on. Pull up a chair and share a table as you create alongside fellow artists. Water-based media, fiber arts, writing, collage, and more are welcome! Sliding scale admission at the door: $5–$15. Open to all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. *Please note: oil paints and spray materials are not permitted in the building. https://athensculturalcenter.org/acc-classes/open-studio-735ew-pk7md

Holiday Window Painting Monday 11/23 | 10:00 AM -12:00 PM Saturday 11/28 |1:00 - 3:00 PM Monday 11/30 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Saturday 12/5 | 1:00-3:00 PM

Bring holiday cheer to the historic ACC storefront windows! Join artist Sara Pruiksma for a festive, hands-on painting session inspired by authentic Victorian stained glass and iconography. No drawing skills necessary, and all materials will be provided.

Queer & Trans Connection Network Wednesday, November 25 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM

The Queer & Trans Connection Network offers a welcoming peer-led space for LGBTQ+

community members and allies in Greene and Columbia Counties. Meeting monthly at the Athens Cultural Center, these gatherings provide connection, conversation, resource-sharing, and support in a substance-free environment for ages 14+. Together, we share experiences, celebrate wins, and build an affirming, inclusive community close to home. https://athensculturalcenter.org/up-next/queer-trans-connections-ld9jj-jzb73-ln6ka-6ftjc-snle5-ykgfn-98f6n-seesz-66bfp

VISIT & REGISTRATION

Unless noted, all classes and events take place at 24 Second Street, Athens, NY. Most events are free; some workshops require registration or suggest a donation. Please visit athensculturalcenter.org for details and to register.

ABOUT ATHENS CULTURAL CENTER

The Athens Cultural Center is a gathering place where art, learning, and community meet. We believe creativity is for everyone—every age, every level, every voice. Our programs are designed to inspire, connect, and cultivate belonging.

For More Info & Photos Athens Cultural Center 24 Second Street, Athens, NY 12015 📧 info@athensculturalcenter.org 🌐 athensculturalcenter.org