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.
April 8, 6:30 PM – Josh Martin & Edward Phillips. Sponsored by the Willcox. A funky blues group who, in 2018, performed in the #1 blues club in the world, owned by actor Morgan Freeman.
April 15, 6:30 PM – Preston & Weston. An Aiken favorite, Preston & Weston offer spirited renditions of R&B classics, shag, beach and pop music. Their mix also includes jazz standards, reggae, blues and even some country. Preston and Weston have lots of vocals, lots of laughs, and lots of fun.
April 22, 6:30 PM - East Aiken School of the Arts. Sponsored by Aiken Performing Arts. East Aiken School of the Arts strives for academic excellence through the arts. Over 100 students who participate in the After School Arts Program will showcase their talents in orchestra, guitar, jazz, boys’ choir, tap, and ballet.
April 29, 6:30 PM – Southern Thunder Cloggers. Sponsored by Daybreak Adult Care Services. Five-time national titleholders from Aiken, SC. This high-energy performance puts a modern twist on the traditional folk dance.
May 6, 7:00 PM – Harmony River Chorus. Sponsored by Cumberland Village. A chapter of Sweet Adelines International, Harmony River Chorus is a women’s a Capella chorus dedicated to performing music in the barbershop style. A fun-loving group that welcomes singers of all ages and backgrounds, striving for excellence through education and performance.
May 13, 7:00 PM – Aiken Brass. Sponsored by Hearing Associates of South Carolina. Aiken Brass is made up of six members and has been performing for over 20 years at church services, weddings, festivals, and parties. Members of the group often perform with many other organizations throughout the community.
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.
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The Aiken Bluegrass Festival returns to the Western Carolina State Fairgrounds in Aiken, SC on May 10th and 11th, 2019. This 15th annual event will host some of the biggest names in Bluegrass presented with one-of-a-kind collaborations and the newest in rising Bluegrass and Newgrass stars. The festival promises to be a weekend full of amazing music, unique craft and food vendors, on site camping, activities for the little ones
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The Aiken Spring Classic draws participants from all over the country, Canada, and several foreign countries to compete at the Premier Level. The events take place daily from 8am-5pm at the Highfields Event Center. Aiken has been the proud host of this event since 1998 and welcomes the variety of talented individuals that come to Aiken to compete year after year. Welcome to Aiken! The event is held at the Highfields Event Center which is located at: 118 Gaston Street Aiken, SC.
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