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!
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The City of Aiken Department of Parks and Recreation Presents the 45th Annual Hopelands Concert Series.
Held at Hopelands Gardens, 135 Dupree Place
The full schedule is listed below, subject to change.
May 20, 7:00 PM - Savannah River Winds. Sponsored by the Women of Woodside. Formed in 2001, SRW is composed of music teachers, high school and college band directors, professionals, and college students. They will feature pop, Broadway, big band, and marches.
May 27, 7:00 PM - The Aiken Civic Ballet. Sponsored by The Friends of Hopelands and Rye Patch, Inc. The Aiken Civic Ballet Company, South Carolina’s longest continuously-operating dance company. ACBC produces original ballets and contemporary dance works under the direction of Artistic Director Diane Toole Miller.
June 3, 7:00 PM – Maureen Simpson & The Aiken Chorale Society. A community chorus dedicated to providing the best singing experience to interested and talented singers throughout the Aiken area. Our repertoire is wide – from early music to last year’s hit movie theme. Brahms in German, Puccini in Italian, or John Williams in English – we celebrate the best in composition and we welcome you to join us.
June 10, 7:00 PM – Aiken Concert Band. Sponsored by Security Federal Bank. The Aiken Concert Band has been in existence for 42 years, and is presently composed of over 70 talented musicians from the Aiken area. The band is under the leadership of Music Director and Conductor Mr. Todd Jenkins.
June 17, 7:00 PM – Savannah River Stringband. Come hear lively, energetic, fun roots music played on hammered dulcimer, guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, fiddle, and bass.
June 24, 7:00 PM - The Parris Island Marine Band. Sponsored by The Screenprint Factory & Friends of Hopelands and Rye Patch, Inc. The Parris Island Marine Band has been a part of the Hopelands Concert Series for over 30 years, performing patriotic staples like John Philip Sousa’s "Stars and Stripes Forever". This crowd favorite completes the Hopelands Concert Series on a high note.
Enjoy
The Aiken Music Fest is a six-concert series that runs from May to October. Once a month on Saturdays, concerts will be held at the Highfields Event Center from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m., and music starts at 7 p.m. Each concert will feature an opening from a local band, followed by a headliner performance from musicians touring the Southeast.
Entry is $10 per vehicle, and leashed pets are welcome. Patrons are encouraged to bring folding chairs to the show. There will be food and drinks from local vendors. Proceeds from alcohol sales at Aiken Music Fest will benefit local nonprofits. The organizers of the festival also aim to promote music in Aiken by driving traffic from the event into town to other venues.
There will also be a Field of Dreams Makers and Creators market that will feature crafts, clothes and more from vendors across the Southeast.
The performance schedule for Aiken Music Fest 2019:
June 22 — Gaslight Street, opening by Brent Lundy
July 13 — Grove Orient, opening by Vicky Grady
Aug. 17 — Possum Jenkins, opening by Christian Ndety
Sept. 14 — A.J. Ghent, opening by Vicky Grady
Oct. 16 — Hans Wenzel and The Eighty Sixers, opening by Alec James
Highfields Event Center is located at 118 Gaston Road NE. For additional information about the event, contact Highfields at 803-649-3505 or visit the event's website, aikenmusicfest.com.
Discover
Each Thursday during the month of June, join Visit Aiken SC, Aiken Downtown Development Association, and the Aiken County Farmers Market for our annual Market in the Alley series. Enjoy live music while you grab a bite to eat at one of our local restaurants, and check some items off of your shopping lists by perusing farm-fresh produce as well as artisan goods.
Farmer's Market in The Alley Vendors
ACCEPTING VENDORS UNTIL MAY 28TH OR ALL SPACES ARE FILLED!
Upon receipt of your application, you will be receiving an email within 5 business days confirming your application's approval. The Market will be every THURSDAY in the month of June from 6:00pm - 8:00pm.
Applications may be sent to Aiken Downtown Development Association ATTN: Market in The Alley at 208 A The Alley Aiken, SC 29801 OR by email to adda_asst@atlantic.net ATTN: Market in The Alley. Payments may be taken over the phone, by mail, or in person.
Don't forget about our regular market, located at 115 Williamsburg St, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 am until noon or until farmers sell out.
Experience