The annual Hot Corner Festival, a celebration of local African American heritage and history, returns this weekend to the corner of Hull and Washington downtown with a two-day schedule of all things culture. Soak up family-friendly music, poetry and art while enjoying delicious food from street vendors and more. Gospel and prayer is the name of the game Friday, when, starting at 6 p.m. at the Morton Theatre, you can enjoy music and ministry from various locals. Saturday, the outdoor festivities go from noon–10 p.m. That afternoon and evening, for the second year in a row, local hip hop impresario Montu Miller has organized a solid lineup of rap and R&B, including Big Body, Blacknerdninja, Jet Squad, Versatyle tha Wildchyld and various other talented locals. The Athens hip hop community has grown dramatically in scope, size and recognition over the past couple years; go cheer on the folks who are working tirelessly to broaden the local music scene's horizons.

6 p.m. (Friday), 12 p.m. (Saturday). FREE!