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How to Have a Fabulous February in Aiken, SC

How to Have a Fabulous February in Aiken, SC

Have a Fabulous February in Aiken

Winter is one of the best times to visit Aiken, SC, when the weather is mild and the social calendar is full of exciting events. Get ready for Hunt Week, Joye in Aiken Swing Dancing, Breeze Days and more. From horse shows and history walks to concerts and flower festivals, there is no shortage of fun things to do in the South’s Best Small Town. Mark your calendar now for the following events in Aiken this February.

Are you ready to escape the ice and snow? Leave the freezing temperatures behind and head south to Aiken, SC this winter. If you are considering relocating to the area, we would love to help. Contact Aikenhorserealty to begin your home search today. We hope you can plan a visit here soon!

Here Are the Best Upcoming Events in Aiken in February 2024

Winter Encore Horse Show: February 2 – 4

Equus Events presents the Winter Encore Horse Show, a free public event hosted at beautiful Bruce’s Field in the heart of Aiken, SC. Come watch these talented horses and riders compete at this wonderful USEF National A Rated Level 2 Jumper show. 

Aiken Antique Show: February 2 – 4

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.

There is also a Cocktails and Collectors’ Preview Party on Thursday evening, February 1st, 2024 from 6:30 – 9 p.m. This is an opportunity to preview and purchase your favorite pieces ahead of the show and have fun with other antique enthusiasts while enjoying cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres and fabulous desserts. Tickets for the Preview Party are $95 each ($85 for ACA members) and include Show & Sale admission for the duration of the Show. 

The Aiken Antique Show is the largest fundraising event for the Aiken Center for the Arts. Proceeds help to support access to the arts, art education, cultural activities, and art exhibits, as well as community outreach and the Center’s day to day operations. The event enables us to fund scholarships for classes, camps, programs, and art instruction allowing the Aiken Center for the Arts to offer unparalleled learning experiences to interested children and adults throughout the CSRA. We invite you to discover the many things that the Aiken Center for the Arts has to offer, including classes, concerts, lectures, and exhibits, and many volunteer opportunities.

Fashion for Compassion Gala: February 3rd, 6 p.m. – SOLD OUT

Get ready for “Aiken fashion’s biggest night out!” The Fashion for Compassion Gala is a fundraiser benefiting Aiken Equine Rescue. Suzy Haslup, Aiken Horse Realty is honored to be the Belmont Sponsor for this event. Join us for an unforgettable evening of style and compassion at The Reserve Club at Woodside. Prepare to be dazzled by the latest fashion trends, all while supporting and great cause. Indulge in a night of glamor and enjoy a showcase of the finest attire from renowned Lauren’s Street “fashion houses.” Be prepared to cheer on our very own Aiken Celebrity models featuring stunning ensembles. 

However, this event is not just about fashion. It’s about making a difference in our community. Proceeds from the gala will benefit Aiken Equine Rescue, spreading compassion and support to one of the largest equine rescues in the southeast. The evening includes dinner, a live auction and silent auction items. The cash bar will open at 6:00 and be available all evening.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event! Grab your friends, dress to impress, and join us for a night filled with fashion, compassion, and unforgettable memories. Tickets are selling fast, so be sure to reserve your spot today. (Update: This event is now sold out).

Hopelands Gardens & Rye Patch History Walk: February 2nd & February 9th: 11 – 12 p.m.

Take a walk back in time to Aiken in the age of the Winter Colony! Join Allen Riddick, local historian, for an engaging and informational history walk through beautiful Hopelands Gardens. Learn about Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch, the historic properties, and the people who owned them. History Walks take place on the first two Fridays in February.

Online registration is available or you can register in-person at the front desk of Odell Weeks Activity Center. For more information, please email info@hopelandsgardens.com or call the Weeks Center at (803) 642-7631. History Walks are sponsored by the Friends of Hopelands & Rye Patch, Inc.

Pickleball and Pizza:  February 2 – 3, 5:30 – 7:30

Pickleball and pizza: could there be a better combination? Come out to beautiful Virginia Acres Park 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.

Cold Creek Camellia Fest: February 3rd, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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. 

Aiken Symphony Presents The Crown Imperial – February 3rd from 7:30 – 9 p.m.

Here is your chance to hear a Stradivarius violin up close and personal! Violinist Lun Li performs on the Stradivarius “Samazeuilh” 1735 violin, on loan from the Nippon Music Foundation. Come to the Etherredge Center and hear this magnificent instrument played by one of today’s leading young violinists in Vaughan Williams’ spellbinding work, The Lark Ascending. Also on the program are William Walton’s coronation march Crown Imperial, Edward Elgar’s epic Symphony No. 1 and the suite from the television/film sensation Downton Abbey.

Tuesdays in the Park at Bruce’s Field: Tuesdays from January 9 – March 12

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.

Thursday Night Jazz at the Willcox: Every Thursday, 7 – 9 p.m.

Stop by the Willcox every Thursday evening from 7 – 9 p.m. for the smooth sounds of live jazz in the Living Room. From nostalgic classics to seasonal delights, indulge in a hearty meal or a tall drink to complement the musical symphony that awaits!

Whiskey Road Foxhounds Hunt Week: February 7-13, 2024

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.

Visit https://www.whiskeyroadfoxhounds.com/hunt-week for a complete schedule and event details.

See https://www.whiskeyroadfoxhounds.com/hunt-week for more details about location.

Breeze Days at the Aiken Training Track: February 9th & February 21st

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!

Cupid Classic and Carolina Classic Horse Shows: Feb 9-11, Feb 16-18

Here are two more USEF horse shows to add to your calendar. The Cupid Classic will take Place February 9 – 11, and the Carolina Classic is February 16 – 18. Both PSJ shows will be held at Highfields Event Center. 

Joye in Aiken’s Swing Dance Party: February 10th 7 – 10 p.m.

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:

  • Swing dance lessons from the professional instructors of Fusion Ballroom (7 – 8 p.m.)
  • The fun and fabulous music of the Mark Rapp Swingtet (8 – 10 p.m.)
  • A buffet of delicious treats and a cash bar
  • A selection of Valentine’s-themed raffle baskets

Get your tickets today. All proceeds will help to fund Joye in Aiken’s extensive Outreach Program, which to date has reached over 48,000 area students. So you can swing the night away, all while supporting a good cause – the perfect Valentine’s Day combination!

Gaston Unplugged Live Music: February 10th, 7 – 10 p.m.

Aiken Music Fest is pleased to present a new Winter Music Series in 2024. ‘Gaston Unplugged’ is a 3 show series that will feature a new band for each show. Head over to Gaston Livery Stable on February 10th for great live music by Josh Daniels. For more information, please visit https://www.aikenmusicfest.com/

Proceeds benefit Gaston Livery Stable.

Dressage at Bruce’s Field: February 17-18, 2024

Dressage is back at Bruce’s Field in Mid-February. This USEF/USDF Level 2 horse show is a free public event hosted at the beautiful Bruce’s Field in the heart of Aiken. Visit the event website to see the full schedule.

The 30th annual Battle of Aiken – February 23-25, 2024

Thousands of spectators travel to Aiken each year to see soldiers and living historians recreate one of the last Confederate victories of the war: The Battle of Aiken. The event commemorates battles that were typical of the engagements during Sherman’s march through Georgia and the Carolinas. The rare Confederate victory in Aiken saved the town from being burned in 1865.

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.

6th Annual Mardi Gras in Downtown Aiken: February 24th, 4 – 9 p.m.

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!

Join us This Winter in Aiken, SC

Are you ready to experience a fabulous winter season in Aiken, SC? Now is the perfect time to visit if you are planning a permanent move to Thoroughbred Country. Once you arrive to town, you won’t ever want to leave. Contact Aiken Horse Realty to begin your home search today. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Looking for more fun things to do in Aiken, SC? Check back on our blog soon for upcoming events in March 2024.

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Here are the Best Upcoming Fall Events in Aiken SC in 2023

Here are the best fall events in Aiken, SC in 2023.

Here are the best fall events in Aiken, SCHere are the Best Upcoming Fall Events in Aiken SC in 2023

Welcome to the charming town of Aiken South Carolina, where horses have the right of way and Southern hospitality is an expectation. Nestled in the heart of the Palmetto State, Aiken is a town brimming with history, elegance, and a calendar full of exciting events that cater to all tastes and interests. Whether you are a horse enthusiast, a lover of the arts seeking captivating performances, or simply someone looking for a welcoming community to explore, Aiken has something special in store for you. Read on to discover the best fall events in Aiken, SC today.

There’s nothing like autumn in Aiken, when the cooler weather and colorful changing leaves entice us to go outside and enjoy the sunshine. However, this lovely Southern town is a dynamic and captivating destination year-round. If you are thinking about relocating to the area, contact Aikenhorserealty today. We would love to help you find your place in Thoroughbred Country! 

Here are the Best Fall Events in Aiken, SC

Fall Polo in Aiken:

Polo is one of the best fall events in Aiken, SC.

Fall polo season is in full swing in Aiken, SC! Come enjoy a beautiful afternoon outdoors while you tailgate and socialize with friends. Feel the excitement as you watch the players and ponies skyrocket across the field. Admire the athleticism, endurance, speed, and skill of the polo ponies and pros from around the world. Attending a polo match is an experience you must try at least once when living in Aiken! Luckily there are many ways to watch:

  • New Bridge Polo

Matches at New Bridge are open to the public on Sundays in fall. Admission is free and spots by the sideline of Field #1 (by the Clubhouse) are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Bring your own tailgate or purchase drinks and food from the Clubhouse. New Bridge Polo’s fall season runs through November 5th. See the 2023 New Bridge Fall Polo Season schedule here. 

  • Aiken Polo Club at Whitney Field

Aiken Polo Club also has matches open to the public every Sunday in fall at 2pm & 3:30pm. These matches are held on historic Whitney Field, located at 420 Mead Avenue in Aiken’s Historic Horse District. The games usually last an hour and a half to two hours. General admission is $5 per person with free parking in the sand lot next to the field. Fieldside parking (limited availability) is $50 per car. Admission to the Alan Lyle Corey Pavilion is $75 per person and includes open bar and catered food. Always check the hotline before heading to the field, especially if conditions are wet or the weather is threatening. 803-643-3611. Aiken Polo Club’s season also runs until November 5th. See the 2023 Aiken Polo Club Fall Season schedule here. 

  • La Bourgogne Club de Polo

Located between Aiken and Wagener, La Bourgogne is one of the newest pro-am leagues in the area. David Meunier is the founder and owner of the venue at 1150 Coleman Bridge Road. Games are on Friday afternoons. Pavilion games every Saturday at 3 and 4:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend and there is no admission fee. See the 2023 La Bourgogne Club de Polo Fall Season schedule here.

Also, be sure to mark your calendar now for the AFM Give Me Wings 20 Goal Charity Polo Match on October 21st at 3 p.m. High goal, professional Polo returns to Aiken for the first time in nearly 20 years with a $30,000 prize. This special event is catered by the Wilcox and tickets are available for purchase online. 

Amp the Alley: Every Thursday Night

 Did you know that you can enjoy live music every single Thursday night in downtown Aiken? Amp the Alley is a concert series featuring a local band every week. From country to rock and roll, there is something for everyone. Bring your friends, have dinner and drinks at one of the local restaurants and enjoy a fabulous night of great music. The stage is set in the Alley, at the rear of the municipal building directly across from the Taproom. 

Here is a list of the upcoming performances:

October 12th at 4 p.m.: Tim Cadiere

October 19th at 6:30: Bodega Cat

October 26th at 6:30 Whiskey Run

Hopelands Gardens & Rye Patch History Walk: October 13th

Calling all nature lovers and history buffs! You can experience the best of both worlds at beautiful Hopelands Gardens this fall. Join Allen Riddick, Aiken’s own local historian, for a walk back in time to Aiken in the age of the Winter Colony (late 1800s). Learn about Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch, the historic properties, and the families (Rogerses and Iselins) who owned them. The History Walk will take place on Friday, October 13th. Please meet in front of the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum.

Please visit the website to register, and to view more upcoming events at Hopelands Gardens.

Aiken Music Fest: October 13th 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

You can also enjoy great concerts in Aiken, SC at the Aiken Music Fest! Big Sky Revival is set to take the stage on October 13th, accompanied by special guest, She n She. A local South Carolina band, Big Sky Revival is known for blending genres of bluegrass, rock, funk, and reggae. You won’t want to miss this high energy performance! 

The Aiken Music Fest is a 6-event music series held on select Saturday nights from 6 – 10 p.m. at Highfields Event Center. Each event features a top local talent followed by a headliner band that is currently touring the Southeast. Admission is just $15 per person and the concert is family friendly. Refreshments and food are available from local vendors.

Western Carolina State Fair: October 13 – 22, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

When it comes to fall events in Aiken, SC, this is one you won’t want to miss! The Western Carolina State Fair is full of family fun with rides and tasty fair food. Entertainment includes ground acts, competitive exhibits and competitions, a rodeo, and a demolition derby. The fair is located at 561 May Royal Drive Aiken, SC.

Mane and Shell Oyster Roast & Lowcountry Boil at Aiken Equine Rescue: October 19th 6 – 9 p.m.

Roast, shuck, eat, repeat! The Aiken Equine Rescue is proud to host the annual Mane and Shell Oyster Roast and Lowcountry Boil. Come on out for all-you-can-eat oysters, a delicious Lowcountry boil, beer and wine, live music by MP4, a raffle silent auction, and live auction. Tickets are available online at Eventbrite or at Aiken Saddlery, Equine Divine, White Rose Eclectic, JC’s Seafood and the Rescue.  This is the 4th annual Mane & Shell event celebrating 17 years of transitioning horses to adoptive homes. Tickets are all-inclusive and 100% of proceeds benefit the Equine Rescue of Aiken.

AFM Give Me Wings 20 Goal Charity Polo Match: October 21st at 3 p.m.

Mark your calendar now for the AFM Give Me Wings 20 Goal Charity Polo Match on October 21st at 3 p.m. – late night. High goal, professional Polo returns to Aiken for the first time in nearly 20 years with a $30,000 prize. Usually, 20+ goal polo is reserved for venues like Wellington, Florida, home of the US Open. Come enjoy this incredible sport, fantastic hospitality, and the weather and culture of one of America’s most incredible ‘horse towns’.

This special event is catered by the Wilcox and tickets are available for purchase online. 

Sister Hazel at Jack-o-lantern Jubilee: October 28th at 7 p.m.

Sister Hazel is an American alternative rock band, best known for their 1997 hit single ‘All For You” which reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Originating from Gainesville, Florida, the band’s style blends elements of jangle pop, folk rock, classic rock, and southern rock. See them live this October in North Augusta at the Jack-o-Lantern Jubilee!

Fall Steeplechase Championship: November 18th 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Fall 2023 is especially exciting because The National Steeplechase Association’s final race of the season takes place right here in Aiken, SC, this year. Not your average horse race, The Aiken Fall Steeplechase Championship will determine the top trainer, rider, and horse of the year. This is one event you do not want to miss!

The sport of steeplechase racing will be celebrated for the entire week leading up to the Fall Steeplechase race. Dignitaries from every steeplechase race in the country will be in attendance for the National Steeplechase Association’s annual meeting held in Aiken earlier in the week. There will be a gala on the evening of the race on Saturday, November 18, 2023. The gala is open to the public and recognizes the nation’s best in Steeplechase. Don’t wait; Get your tickets now to the 30th running of the Aiken Fall Steeplechase!

The Blessing of the Hounds:  November 23 at 9am

Photo Credit: Bill Richert

The Blessing of the Hounds is a Thanksgiving Day tradition in Aiken, SC. Every year, residents and visitors alike gather by Memorial Gate in Hitchcock Woods to watch the timeless ceremony, which pays homage to the various traditions of foxhunting, the heritage of Aiken’s historic hunt culture, and the skilled hounds that make this sport so engaging. Observe the Blessing, officiated by a local clergyman dressed in ceremonial white robes. Then, share in the excitement as the Aiken Hounds officially kick off their hunt season. When the horn blows, all that can be heard is the sound of baying hounds and thundering hooves as horses and riders take off into the forest. Wish them well!

There is no parking at the South Boundary entrance but attendees may park downtown. Plan a 15 – 30 minute walk from downtown into the Woods. No motorized vehicles or dogs are permitted for this event. The event is free.

Bloodies and Bagels: November 23rd

Directly after the Blessing of the Hounds, walk over to Banksia for a cup of holiday cheer! The annual “Bloodies and Bagels” event takes place on the grounds of one of Aiken’s famed Winter Colony cottages. Now home to the Aiken County Historical Museum, it is a wonderful place to gather for a delicious Thanksgiving Day breakfast. Come mingle with friends and enjoy complimentary Bloody Marys, assorted bagels and cream cheese, coffee, and cider.

Historic Aiken Trolley Tour: Every Saturday at 10 a.m.

One of the best ways to get to know historic Aiken is by taking a trolley tour. See and hear about historic homes and churches, equestrian sites, the Civil War’s Battle of Aiken, the live oak canopy on South Boundary Avenue,  a guided walk through Hopelands Gardens and the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum (weather permitting), and much more.The Historic Aiken Trolley Tour departs the City of Aiken Visitors Center & Train Museum (406 Park Ave SE, Aiken), at 10 am each Saturday. Reservations are strongly encouraged, as tickets often sell out two to three weeks in advance. Please arrive by 9:45 a.m.

Join Us this Autumn in Aiken, SC

You can enjoy all of these fall events in Aiken, SC, when you live in the heart of it all. If you have been thinking of relocating to The Palmetto State, fall is an amazing time to come and check it out. The weather is great, new listings are now hitting the market daily, and there are so many fun events to attend. Contact Suzy Haslup (803) 215-0153 or Kathryn Siders (843) 803-8827 to set up a consultation and find your place in Thoroughbred Country. We can’t wait to welcome you!

P.S. Keep checking our blog updates for upcoming Aiken Thanksgiving events, Christmas celebrations, New Years Eve events in Aiken, SC and more!