A trip to Aiken means getting outdoors, experiencing history, meandering through beautiful parks and bustling shopping. As you explore Aiken you will notice a thriving downtown that has much to offer. Aiken hosts world-class events and festivals showcasing music, dance, outdoor concerts, food, history, and much more. In Aiken there's always something new to discover.
Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, an avid shopper, or a history buff Aiken has more than enough to keep you on the go. See what Aiken has to offer!
ExploreAiken festivals and events are certainly world class--from prestigious equestrian events, to street festivals, to one-of-a-kind celebrations you won't find anywhere else!
Festivals & Events
The 28th Holiday Cup, with 5 steeplechase races around the track. Tailgating and the Village of Shops round out the event.
This family friendly event also includes stick horse races for kids of all ages, the Paddock Playground with children's games, a costume contest, hat contests, and trick-or-treating along the railside spaces.
Gates open at 9:00 am and the last race begins at 3:30 pm.
All 2019 Fall Railside and Second Row spaces are available for purchase in office or by phone.
Enjoy
The annual Blessing of the Hounds is a must see for residents and visitors alike. Aiken Hounds is distinguished as having the oldest drag hunt in the nation. In a drag hunt, cloth saturated with fox scent is dragged across the terrain to create a trail for the hounds to follow. Mounted riders follow the pack. A local clergyman officiates the event each year. The ceremony pays homage to the various traditions of foxhunting, to the heritage of Aiken’s historic hunt culture, and to the skilled hounds that make this sport so engaging.There is no parking at the South Boundary entrance but attendees may park downtown. One should allow 30 minutes to walk from Laurens Street to Memorial Gate. No motorized vehicles or dogs are permitted in the Woods for this event. There is no charge
Discover
The 2019 Aiken City Limits (ACL) festival, a collaborative effort that began in 2017, continues to connect vibrant neighborhoods, diverse music genres, and music lovers throughout the city limits. This year will feature a stellar line up of events that include local and national touring musicians. We hope to see you there October 17th - 20th as we celebrate music, arts, and Aiken...TOGETHER!
Experience