Looking for fun things to do in Aiken, SC this summer? Look no further! From music festivals and art shows to farmer’s markets and nature walks, there are many ways to beat the heat in the South’s Best Small Town! Visit Aiken State Park and embark on the paddling adventure of a lifetime along the the longest free-flowing blackwater stream in North America. Enjoy morning yoga under the live oak trees at Hopelands Gardens. Go downtown and listen to the smooth sounds of jazz filling the summer air every Thursday night at the Willcox. The possibilities are endless!
Read on to discover the best things to do in Aiken, SC this summer. If you’d like more recommendations about things do in Aiken, SC, be sure to request our complimentary informational package! It’s filled with the latest real estate books, brochures, maps, and information about upcoming events, activities and festivals.
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Here Are the Best Things to Do This Summer in Aiken, SC
Aiken County Ag + Art Tour: May 10th from 9 a.m. -4 p.m.
The 2025 Tour Sites Include:
Aiken Equine Rescue | 532 Glenwood Dr, Aiken
Aiken Farmers Market | 115 Williamsburg St SE, Aiken
Boondock Farms | 755 Foreman St, Jackson
Eudora Wildlife Safari Park | 219 Salem Ln, Salley
Jenks Farmer Crinum Lily Farm | 148 Redcliffe Rd, Beech Island
Purebred Compost | 444 Augusta Rd, Warrenville
Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site | 181 Redcliffe Rd, Beech Island
Southerlee Farms | 5403 Charleston Hwy, Williston
Trusty Farm | 1020 Jackson Hwy, Jackson
Whisper Farm | 2300 Salley Rd, Salley
Woodlanders | 1128 Colleton Ave, Aiken
Visit the Facebook website for more information: www.facebook.com/agandartaiken
Aiken Audubon Field Trips – All Summer
Reconnect with nature, wildlife, and the great outdoors! From bird-watching to butterfly encounters, the Audubon has many fun field trips planned this summer for the nature-enthusiast. Pack a lunch and look for dragonflies along the beautiful trails at Aiken State Park at Wings and Things. Take a guided bird walk at Audubon’s Silver Bluff Sanctuary and learn how to identify different types of birds and best places to find them. See how many types of butterflies you can find at the CSRA North American Butterfly Association Count, one of the most unique things to do in summer in Aiken.
And be sure to mark your calendar for Storks and Corks on August 2nd from 6-9 p.m. This annual fundraiser for the Silver Bluff Audubon Sanctuary offers the rare chance to see endangered Wood Storks in their natural setting. The event includes wine, coffee, desserts, light refreshments, and a chance to win special silent raffle items. Check out the Audubon’s website to see a complete list of upcoming field trips that are free and open to the public.
Hops and Hogs – May 17th from 5-10 p.m.
Hopelands Concert Series – Mondays at 7 p.m.
The Hopelands Concert Series will continue throughout May and June. The free concerts are presented by the City of Aiken and held every Monday evening in beautiful Hopelands Gardens. Bring a lawn chair and come enjoy the show! Performances range from jazz and pop to country and Southern rock. While you’re there, make sure to take a sunset stroll through the gardens; they are especially beautiful this time of year. Parking is available at Green Boundary Club and admission is free. Check out our blog to see the current lineup.
Joye in Aiken: June 19 & June 22nd, 2025
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sounds of smooth jazz filling the summertime air. Joye of Aiken is a special event that brings some of the world’s finest musicians from Juliard and beyond to Aiken each summer. Mark your calendar now for these upcoming performances in June:
THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2025
7:00 P.M. “JAZZ EXPLOSION” CONCERT (JAZZ CAMP FACULTY)
Amentum Center for Performing Arts
Tickets: $20 per person – general admission; Students Free with ID
SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2025
3:00 P.M. “JAZZ EXPLOSION” JAZZ CAMP STUDENT PERFORMANCE
Amentum Center for the Performing Arts
FREE and Open to the public. General Admission on a first come, first served basis; doors open at 2:30 p.m.
Aiken Music Fest | Select Saturday Nights, May – October
Aiken Music Fest is a 6-Event Music Series held once a month on Saturday nights at Highfields Event Center in Aiken, SC. Whether you’re a fan of folk, rock, country, reggae, or rhythm and blues, this outdoor family-friendly music series has something for everyone. Each event features a top local talent followed by a SC based headliner band. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a wonderful evening of live music beneath the stars. Local food vendors and beer/wine are available for purchase. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the music begins at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at AikenMusicFest.com or at the gate. Admission is $15 per person.
Upcoming performances include:
May 10 – The Soulfeathers with The JW
The Soulfeathers are a band hailing from South Carolina, rooted in Clemson and associated with Greenville. Their music defies simple categorization, blending elements of roots, rock ‘n’ roll, blues, jazz, funk, and soul to create a fresh yet nostalgically resonant sound.
June 7 – Jack the Radio with Under the Sonar
July 5: The Band Feel with On the Track
August 9: Mystic Vibrations with Chip Herring
September 6: The Georgia Thuderbolts with Kenny George
October 11: SHELBY KEMP & the Galbraith Sisters with Gabriel Flores
Visit Hitchcock Woods
A benefit of living in South Carolina is that outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round here. Living in Aiken, we are even more fortunate to have one of the nation’s largest urban forests right at our doorstep. The 2,100-acre Hitchcock Woods offers over 70 miles of trails for walking, jogging, dog-walking, bird-watching, horseback riding, and carriage driving. Be sure to bring a trail map when you go. The woods are open to the public 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset.
Amp the Alley: Thursdays 6:30 p.m.
Amp the Alley is one of Aiken’s favorite summertime traditions. Head to downtown Aiken on Thursday nights for a fun-filled evening of food, drinks, art, shopping and great live music. The concert series features a different local band each week, and kicks off at 6:30 p.m.. From jazz and bluegrass to country and rock n’ roll, there is something for everyone. Bring your friends and enjoy a fabulous evening out in downtown Aiken. Visit the event’s website to see the upcoming lineup of performers.
Market in the Alley: Thursdays in June 6 – 8 p.m.
In addition to live music, you can now go shopping in Aiken, SC on Thursday nights! The Market in the Alley is every Thursday in June from 6 to 8 pm. Grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants. Then, take your time perusing the market for local artisan goods, farm-fresh produce, eggs, baked goods, and jewelry. Downtown Aiken, SC, restaurants and shops are ready to welcome you!
Pickleball and Pizza: First Fridays, 6 – 8 p.m.
Pickleball and Pizza is a free event hosted by the Southern Pickleball Academy and open to the public. No sign-ups are needed, just show up ready to play pickleball on the City’s 14 pickleball courts at Virginia Acres Park. All levels of play are welcome. There are extra paddles available for those wanting to learn as well as volunteer instructors. Come enjoy some exciting pickleball play and then have a slice or two of pizza provided by Pizza Hut. During warm months, play runs from 6:00-8:00 pm on every first Friday of the month. This event is weather-dependent so be sure to check the Southern Pickleball Academy Facebook page for up-to-date conditions.
Kayaking at Aiken State Park
Looking to have fun on the water this summer? Visit Aiken State Park and rent kayaks for the day! Take a scenic paddle along the South Fork of the Edisto River, the longest free-flowing blackwater stream in North America. It’s easy to relax and lose track of time as you glide beneath a canopy of moss-draped cypress and tupelo trees. Enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way.
Kayaks and canoes are available to rent from the park for just $20/trip, or you may bring your own watercraft. Stand up paddle boards are also available to rent. In addition to kayaking, Aiken State Park is a prime destination for hiking, fishing, canoeing, and boating.
Aiken County Farmers Market: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays
Shop local and support small business at the Aiken County Farmers Market this summer! The Aiken County Farmers Market is the oldest county farmers’ market in continuous service in the same location in S.C. Vendors sell fresh produce, baked goods, meat, honey, and dairy products, handmade crafts and beautiful fresh flowers. Goods are displayed on tables built by farmers and their families of Aiken County over 50 years ago. The Market, even now, is a place where conversation and recipes are shared with friends, old and new.
The Market is open on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 7:30 – 11:30 a.m. year-round. It is located at 115 Williamsburg Street.
Yoga in Hopelands Gardens: Every Fourth Wednesday at 9 AM
Bring your yoga mat, kick off your shoes, and enjoy a rejuvenating session in one of Aiken’s most beautiful gardens! Yoga at Hopelands takes place every fourth Wednesday from March to October at 9:00 AM at the Hopelands amphitheater, located across from the main stage. Each session lasts approximately one hour. In case of inclement weather, yoga will be relocated inside Rye Patch House. Participants must be at least 13 years old, with minors under 18 accompanied by an adult. No registration is required.
Take An Art Class
The Aiken Center for the Arts is hosting a variety of events, art classes and workshops all summer long. Learn how to paint in acrylics, pastels, and watercolors, create lifelike urban sketches, or take a spin at the pottery wheel. For kid-friendly things to do in Aiken, SC, there are even music lessons and a Summer Art Camp. Check out the full class schedule on The Aiken Center For the Arts website.
Looking to Buy? Looking to Sell? Contact Suzy Haslup Today
Now that you have added all of these activities to your summer calendar, it’s time to start thinking about your next move. Whether you’re looking to relocate to Aiken or sell your current Aiken property, Suzy Haslup can help. Suzy has been buying, renovating and selling homes and farms in Aiken for over twenty five years. With her experience as a Realtor and in-depth knowledge of this market, she can help guide you through the entire process with ease. Contact Suzy today to discuss your real estate needs!
Wrapped behind a wavy brick wall, under a canopy of ancient oaks, deodar cedars and magnolias, is Hopelands Gardens. Opened in 1970 as a public garden, this 14-acre estate was gifted to the City of Aiken by Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin. Throughout the gardens is a network of walking paths shaded by 100-year-old live oaks, beautifully maintained gardens, sparkling ponds, water features, and great places to have a picnic or simply sit a spell and enjoy nature.
This year there will also be live entertainment provided on the Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage at 7:00 p.m. Spectators should bring a blanket or use the natural amphitheater seating to enjoy the shows. The 33rd Annual Christmas in Hopelands will take place December 14-23 from 6 – 9:30 p.m. Admission is free. 
Spring polo is back, and there’s no better way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon in Aiken, SC. The first Sunday match of Aiken Polo Club’s spring season will kick off April 28th at 2 p.m. Enjoy a wonderful day of horses, friends, fashion, and food. Whether you mingle beneath the pavilion or tailgate beside the field, this is bound to be your new Sunday afternoon tradition. Please visit the 
New Bridge Country Club is another fabulous venue hosting 8-goal polo matches this spring. The 
Pickleball and pizza: could there be a better combination? Come out to beautiful Virginia Acres Park every first Friday of the month for this free event hosted by the Southern Pickleball Academy. Between the City’s 14 pickleball courts, there is plenty of room for everyone to play. No sign-ups are needed and all levels of play are welcome. There will be extra paddles available for those wanting to learn, as well as volunteer instructors. Pizza is ordered based on the number of players. The pizza is free but donations are accepted.
Don your best Derby day attire, grab a Mint Julep, and come celebrate the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby at Bruce’s Field! Party in style in the VIP tent, enjoy specialty cocktails, watch the $50k Chesterfield Cup GP, then place your bets for the greatest 2 mins in sports. The party begins at 4 p.m. with the Chesterfield Cup GP. The KY Derby Race Post Time is approximately 6:45 p.m. 
Spring is in full bloom in Aiken, SC, and there is no better way to experience the beauty of the season than at the 
Are you thinking about relocating to Aiken, SC? We’d love to welcome you to the South’s Best Small Town! If you’re considering a move to the area, contact Suzy Haslup today. 
The Aiken Center for the Arts’ Aiken Antique Show is celebrating its 24th year. This fantastic annual 3-day event features the best antique dealers from around the region! Come, experience, and celebrate one of the Southeast’s most distinctive events. The show and sale will feature vintage pieces for gardens as well as high quality antique furniture, paintings, lighting, jewelry and rugs. The show and sale will be held from 10 – 6 on February 2nd and 3rd, and from 11 – 4 on February 4th. Tickets are $20 per person for the duration of the show.
One of the great things about living in Aiken is that there is always something blooming – even in winter! The mild climate provides the ideal habitat for flowering camellias this time of year. Come see the colorful blooms for yourself at Cold Creek Nurseries for a day devoted to Camellias. This free, family-friendly event features live music by The Gavin Reilly Band, Hometown Grounds Coffee truck, and complimentary food samples from the Market. Don’t miss the highlight of the event – Sharon Stillwell’s Camellia Seminar starting at 11 am. Learn the essentials about Camellias, Sasanquas, and hybrids, including planting, pruning, and addressing disease or insect issues. 
Come out to Bruce’s Field for Tuesdays in the Park! Tuesday schooling days provide an excellent opportunity for riders to prepare for all of their upcoming competitions in world-class arenas. Tuesdays in the Park occur weekly from January 9 to March 12 from 7:45 a.m. – 4 p.m. (please note there is no Tuesday schooling on February 27th). The event is free and open to the public.
Incorporating four hunts and social events every evening, Hunt Week is an annual festival of foxhunting held during February. Hunt Week 2024 is scheduled for February 7 to February 13. The annual Hunt Ball, gourmet breakfasts, tailgates and cocktail parties all contribute to a festive celebration of horse and hound. Guests come from as far as Canada, New England, Florida and numerous points west. The hunts are all in thousands of acres of beautiful countryside. There is ample room for everyone and a place for every horse and rider in one of our three fields. First, Second and Hill toppers.
Mark your calendar for Breeze Days at the Aiken Training Track! Come join us at the Clockers’ Stand to watch the young Thoroughbreds learn to become racehorses. The early morning scene at the Aiken Training Track is not to be missed! Young horses, often coming onto the track in groups of 2 or 3, train with enthusiasm, while trainers watch closely and time their work. Breeze Days begin at 7:30 AM, held by the Aiken Training Track and The City of Aiken. Mark your calendars now; this is one event you won’t want to miss!
Put on your dancing shoes and come celebrate Valentine’s Day with Joye in Aiken! At this “JOYEful Valentine” Swing Dance Party, you’ll be able to enjoy:
Thousands of spectators travel to Aiken each year to see soldiers and living historians recreate one of the last Confederate victories of the war: 
This annual weekend event has been awarded the SC Parks, Recreation, and Tourism’s Governor’s award for Best South Carolina Event. In addition, The Battle was also awarded the Dr. James Butler National Award for being the nation’s Best Living History Program. In addition, Reenactment Guide selected the Battle of Aiken as one of the top 10 Reenactments in America. 
Take a step back in time and hear, see, smell, and feel the thunder of cannons, muskets, and horses! Tour through numerous stations to interact and learn about Civil War music and dance, Uniforms, Confederate and Union Camps, Artillery Batteries, Saber Demonstrations, Cavalry Camps, 1861 Women’s Fashions, Blacksmithing, and other 19th Century Crafts. Spectators can tour an authentic 19th-century log cabin as well as a recreated one-room schoolhouse, jail, and country store. The highlight of the festival is the weekend’s three dramatic recreated battles. Watch as soldiers recreate the Battle that saved the Town of Aiken! This is a family-friendly event and tickets range between $5-$15 at the gate. Admission for children aged 5 and under is free.
You don’t need to travel all the way to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras. The Aiken Downtown Development Association is bringing Bourbon Street back to Downtown Aiken this February for the 6th annual Mardi Gras festival! Head to Newberry Street to enjoy live music, creole cuisine, authentic craft and Abita Beer, a second line Parade, and live music from Soda City Brass Band. Admission is free!
Here are the Best Upcoming
