Beyond the gates, events to get excited about!
REOCCURING EVENTS
Hopelands Concert Series
Enjoy live music in one of Aiken’s most beautiful outdoor settings during this beloved annual concert tradition.
Join us for the FREE Hopelands Concert Series, featuring a variety of local and regional performers on the Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of music under the trees.
When:
Every Monday, April–June
April: 6:30 PM
May–June: 7:00 PM
Where:
Hopelands Gardens
Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage
135 Dupree Place, Aiken, SC 29801
This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Picnics are welcome; however, alcohol is not permitted.
For weather updates, call the rain-out hotline at 803-643-4661.
Parking is available at the Green Boundary Club (780 Whiskey Road). Handicap parking is available at Rye Patch and Hopelands Gardens.
Aiken Symphony Orchestra
Enjoy performances from Aiken’s full professional symphonic orchestra throughout the year.
Yoga in Hopelands
Find your flow in one of Aiken’s most beautiful settings.
Join us for FREE Yoga in Hopelands Gardens—held every 4th Wednesday, March–October (Except May 27) at 9:00 AM. Adults only; no registration required.
When:
Every 4th Wednesday, March–October (Except May 27)
9:00 AM (EDT)
Where:
Hopelands Gardens
Amphitheater across from the Hopelands Gardens Stage
215 Dupree Pl SW, Aiken, SC 29801
Grab your mat, bring a friend, and start your morning grounded and refreshed!
Southern Pickleball Academy Presents: Pizza and Pickleball
Pizza Hut supplies the pizza—you supply the fun! Loaner paddles available; all levels welcome.
When: Every First Friday
Where: Virginia Acres Outdoor Pickleball Courts, 1745 Two Notch Rd, Aiken, SC
Hours:
October–April: 5:30–7:30 PM
May–September: 6–8 PM
Bocce Ball Spring League
Hosted by The Village at Woodside
Location:
Village at Woodside – West Pavilion & Bocce Ball Courts
230 Village Green Boulevard, Aiken, SC 29803
Dates: April 16 – May 21, 2026
Time: Thursdays at 6:00 PM
Grab your friends and join us for our Bocce Ball Spring League! Teams will compete weekly, with an end-of-season tournament on May 21.
Registration Fee: $40 per team
(All fees go toward the end-of-season tournament prize pot.)
Registration:
Please register your team by emailing bkerley@woodsidecommunities.com
MAY EVENTS
Foodees Fest is headed to Aiken!
Foodees Fest returns with an unforgettable weekend packed with mouthwatering eats, unique vendors, and nonstop good vibes for the whole family.
When: May 1–3, 2026
Where: Newberry Street, Aiken, SC
Peace Center presents: Ben Folds – A Piano Tour
Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter Ben Folds brings his genre-bending catalog to the stage for an intimate piano performance highlighting decades of innovative music.
When: Friday, May 1, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Where: Peace Center Concert Hall, 300 S. Main Street, Greenville, SC
Master Series presents: Brahms and Schumann featuring Rita Hokamura
Enjoy an elegant afternoon of classical music as the Master Series presents works by Brahms and Schumann, featuring acclaimed violinist Rita Hokamura.
When: Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Where: Etherredge Center, 340 Scholar Loop, Aiken, SC
More Info: (803) 295-0313
Hitchcock Woods – Kalmia Trail Hike
Experience Aiken’s most spectacular spring floral display on a guided hike through Hitchcock Woods’ Kalmia Trail. This seasonal walk highlights blooming mountain laurel along a scenic ridgeline.
When: Tentatively Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Meet at 8:45 AM | Hike begins at 9:00 AM
(Date may shift based on peak bloom conditions)
Where: Hitchcock Woods parking area near the Dibble Road railroad crossing
Rain cancels.
Hops & Hogs
Enjoy an evening in Downtown Aiken filled with craft beer, mouthwatering BBQ, delicious eats, and sweet desserts. This lively event also features live music, a kids zone, and a fun, family- and pet-friendly atmosphere perfect for all ages.
When: Saturday, May 16 from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: Newberry Street, Downtown Aiken, SC
David Nail – Down To The Studs Tour
Multi-platinum singer-songwriter David Nail brings his powerful storytelling and heartfelt lyrics to Greenville for an intimate evening of music.
When: Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Where: Peace Center, 300 S. Main Street, Greenville, SC
Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium presents: Tracy Lawrence – No Alibis Tour
Country music star Tracy Lawrence brings his No Alibis Tour to Spartanburg for a night of classic hits and fan favorites.
When: Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 7:45 PM
Where: Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, Spartanburg, SC
JUNE EVENTS
5th Annual Lavender Festival
Enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by the beauty and fragrance of blooming lavender fields. Browse handmade lavender products, shop unique vendors, enjoy live music, and take part in kid-friendly activities. U-pick lavender is available, along with food, beer, and wine slushies for purchase.
When: June 6 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: 490 Daisy Lane, Barnwell, SC
Admission: $5 per person; children 3 and under and adults 65+ are free
Dog Days of Summer with FOTAS
Kick off summer with a fun-filled evening supporting Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS). Enjoy live music by Acoustic Duo Nick and Cody, a silent auction with 100% of proceeds benefiting FOTAS, and a variety of beverages and treats available for purchase.
When: Saturday, June 13 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: The Village of Woodside, 110 Coach Light Way, Aiken, SC
For donation information, please contact blerley@woodsidecommunities.com
Juneteenth Augusta Festival
Celebrate freedom, culture, and community at the 10th Annual Juneteenth Festival. This vibrant event features live entertainment, local businesses, food vendors, youth performances, and cultural experiences hosted by Band of Brothers Augusta.
When: June 19 at 2:00 PM
Where: 308 Hale Street, Augusta, GA
Rick Ross: Port of Miami Orchestra Tour
Rick Ross presents Port of Miami featuring The Renaissance Orchestra in “A Black Tie Experience.” This special performance celebrates the 20th anniversary of his debut album, blending hip-hop with a full orchestra and choir for an unforgettable concert experience.
When: June 19 at 8:00 PM
Where: Bell Auditorium, 712 Telfair Street, Augusta, GA
Columbia’s 11th Annual Shrimp and Grits Fest
Sample delicious dishes from local restaurants as they compete to be named “Columbia’s Best.” Guests can be part of the judging panel while enjoying live music by Prettier Than Matt and chances to win door prizes.
When: June 20 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Seawell’s Catering, 1125 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC