Just when you thought Athens had burned out on the idea of large-scale outdoor events, along comes this weekend’s Human Rights Festival.

The two-day event will take place in the middle of College Square and will feature a combination of speakers and a bevy of local music acts.

Politics aside, many are expected to come to hear the bands play. The bands themselves all have a different take on what the Festival means to them.

"I think it’s really cool that they’re gonna have an outdoor show that’s not gonna be as chaotic as the Widespread show," said Tim Bynart of Land Speeder. "And it’s actually about something."

Known for its metal edge, Land Speeder was pleasantly surprised to be invited to play the Festival as its last official concert before the band members go their separate ways.

Amber Valentine of Jucifer hasn’t had the opportunity to experience the Festival from a viewer’s perspective, but said, "It’s fun for people. It’s something families can do."

The Fuzzy Sprouts have played the Festival for the past five years, and bassist Dave Domizi said it’s "exposure for some of the best humanity has to offer."

"As an overall format, I think it’s great," Domizi said. "Between the radicals and the people out to just teach people, it’s a great thing."

Making a marked appearance at this year’s Festival is Guadalcanal Diary, a local band that was big in the mid and late ’80s.

Rhett Crowe, of the band, said the festival’s benefits are important.

"It’s very easy to be lethargic and not know the conditions people live in," Crowe said. "A lot of people are apathetic when they are ignorant, but when they know more they are less apathetic."

Guadalcanal Diary will play new material for this show, and the band recently recorded a live album due to be released in the near future.

The 40 Watt will have an awareness concert of sorts as well, with several acts playing a benefit show for the Athens Area Homeless Shelter. Debbie Norton of Where’s Anita set up the show, and the Vigilantes of Love are scheduled to headline.

According to Wendy Marsh, director of the shelter, the benefit comes after an already successful year and gives "a chance for people in the music scene to take part."