Villa Europa will be closing its doors, on Deans Bridge Road in Augusta, in the coming months. No exact date has been given. But they have confirmed this will be the last Oktoberfest celebration held there.
One of the many things Villa Europa was known for was having a huge celebration for Oktoberfest. The celebration will be taking place on October 15, 2023.
They have stated via Facebook that part of the reason for leaving the current location is “the city seems to have forgotten about that side of town and it has gotten to be run down.”
While this is goodbye, they are hoping to find a new location for a fresh hello and return.
They also have a food truck called the Villa Wagen that they’ve had for over a year.
While closing isn't such good news for Villa Europa, there is some good news for the near future. Villa Europa will be bringing the Germany Tent back at the Arts in the Hearts Festival after 6 years.
Arts in the Hearts is a multicultural event that takes place in Downtown Augusta. It showcases cultural music, dance, storytelling, and much more. They also have international food booths. This includes booths like Greece, India, Samoa, and now Germany!
Here is a list of some of the things to expect at the Germany tent:
- Grilled Bratwurst Plate
- Schnitzel Plate
- Fried Breaded Pork Cutlet
- Jager schnitzel1 pm Plate
- Schnitzel topped with Mushroom Sauce
The plates above include a side of German Potato Salad, Sauerkraut & Roll.
Villa Europa is still searching for a new home but hopes to find a new one sooner rather than later, for a smooth transition.
Summer Festivals in Augusta You’re Going to Want to Be At
One of the best parts about warm weather is getting to enjoy those outside activities. Picnics, amusement parks, the list goes on. Another thing that happens during the warm summer months is outdoor festivals. Augusta and the surrounding areas have the summer festivals ready for us! Just so you don't miss out on any, we've put together a list of summer festivals going on this year in Augusta.
We've gathered festivals from this weekend all the way to the official last day of summer, which is September 23, 2023.
Check out this list of summer festivals and see which ones you might like best.
Down to the river festival
This sports and music festival will take place June 2 and June 3, in North Augusta at Riverside Village. Here is a brief schedule of what will be featured at the event.
Friday, June 2
6pm – Critical Nice Bike Ride – FREE
6:30pm – Hammond’s Ferry Mile – running
7:30 – Jordan Feliz – FREE – Sharon Jones amphitheater
Saturday, June 3
9am – Vendors and Food Trucks
9am – Urban Trail 5K & 10K
10am – Paddle Races on the Savannah River
Lavender Festival
On Saturday, June 3, King George Lavender Farm and Mercantile will host their annual Lavender Festival. The festival will feature CSRA vendors including Aiken Lady Creations, Wanda’s Whimseys, South Edisto Catering, Saltbox Creations, and live music. You will also be able to pick lavender and explore lavender-based products.
Juneteenth festival
The 7th Annual Juneteenth Augusta festival will be going on to commemorate the emancipation of the last remaining group of slaves to receive notification of their freedom in 1865. This event will be held on June 19th and is also free!
Betty's Bash 2023
The 3rd Annual Betty's Bash Paddle Race & Music Festival will be happening June 17th.
2023 Summer Jam
This event will take place at Liberty Park on Saturday, June 17th. There will be music, vendors, entertainment, and more!
The 2023 Augusta Pride Festival
On June 24th, this 13th annual festival will be taking place at the Augusta Commons. This is a free event meant to promote visibility and pride and to provide cultural unity and diversity education for the LGBTQ+ communities of the CSRA.
2023 Muzika! The Grand Music Festival
Premiering June 25th, at the Miller Theater Symphony is the #2: A Plague Journal, by acclaimed Hollywood composer J.A.C. Redford.
Roguewood 23 festival
On July 8th in Thomson, Georgia enjoy a one-day music festival, celebrating of music, art, games, DJs and camping.
9th Annual Augusta Beerfest
On August 12, over 100 beers from some of the best breweries will be at the James Brown Arena ready to serve you.
Evans Towne Center Park Festival
On September 9, a new festival will be coming to Evans, Ga at the Evans Towne Center Park. There will be music, vendors, entertainment, and more.
Arts in the Hearts
To end the summer off right, this annual festival will take place September 15- 17. The festival is all about the arts and bringing together many cultures. There will be over 100 juried Arts in the Heart Artists, five Stages of non-stop entertainment including cultural music, dance, popular music, jazz, poetry, storytelling, acoustic music, Soul, spoken word, and more. And of course the international food booths!
If I might add, this is by far my most favorite festival or event that takes place in Augusta.
