Aiken Fest 2024 And More Family Fun Coming To Aiken

The weather has been warming up. While there may still be a few cool days, everyone is itching to get out and enjoy some fresh air and family fun. And thankfully, many great Aiken events are coming up over the next few weeks, including Aiken Fest, Joye In Aiken Festival, and many great horse events too.  Get the family ready and grab your tickets for some fun in Aiken!

The Western Carolina State Fair Foundation made an announcement on Facebook yesterday about the 2024 Aiken Fest.  According to the post, the dates are March 7th through the 17th.  The event will feature all of your fair favorites: rides, food, games, and fun for the whole family.  Keep an eye on the Western Carolina State Fair Foundation's Facebook page for updates on when tickets go on sale.

Another event kicks off on March 1st and runs through March 9th. That's the Joye In Aiken Festival. Joye In Aiken is a nonprofit organization that brings the very best in performing arts to the Aiken community. The festival brings some of the world's finest musicians, dancers, and actors to the area. The 9-day event takes place at various locations with performances by Juilliard artists. Proceeds benefit the Joye in Aiken Outreach Program so they can continue bringing the arts to the citizens.

To see the full list of events, click here.

On March 16th, there's the 81st running of the Aiken Trials at the Aiken Training Track (538 Two Notch Rd SE Aiken, SC). This event began back in 1942 to give young horses a chance to experience live racing. It's the first leg of Aiken's Triple Crown, which is held for 3 Saturdays in March. The event draws a large crowd of 10,000 spectators. It's a family-friendly event with tailgating, vendors, and competitive racing.

The day will consist of four races for 2-year-olds and horses that have started in a race but never won.  They will run 1/4 mile to 4 1/2 furlongs.  There will also be a race for older horses that have already won, and pony races too.

The event is rain or shine, and ticket information can be found here.

It's Aiken's largest sporting event, the Spring Steeplechase.  The event is coming up on Saturday, March 23rd at 2020 Richland Ave E, Aiken. It's a day of tailgating, shopping, and horse racing.  The horses and riders will be competing to win over $140,000 in purse money!

Tickets can be purchased at the office (528 Two Notch Road SE, Aiken, SC) between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.  They will be closed from March 20-23.  There are also local ticket outlets for patron tickets and green gate patron parking: Aiken County Farm Supply, Unique Expressions, Lionel Smith Ltd., Aiken County Visitors Center, Hibbitts Drug Co., and all Security Federal Bank locations (SFB has Patron Tickets Only).

The 108th Aiken Horse Show is happening from March 29th through March 31st at Hitchcock Woods. This is a signature fundraising event for the Hitchcock Woods Foundation. Spectators can check out the grounds, see the horses, and watch the competitions. You can bring a picnic lunch, or purchase a ticket for a catered luncheon. There will also be a silent auction, concession truck, merchandise tent, and more. Get all the information here.

There's no shortage of events going on in Aiken over the next few weeks.  And as Spring gets underway, there will be even more to check out.  Visit Aiken has a great calendar of events to check out all of the happenings in and around town! Check out that calendar HERE.

Spring is almost here, and that also means wedding season is also on the way. If you're a bride or helping someone plan a wedding, we've asked about some unique wedding venues around the area from former brides. Whether it's a small gathering or a big affair, there are so many great places around the Augusta area to check out!

There's a lot that goes into planning a wedding. You've got to pick the date, buy the dress, choose your bridal party and their attire, catering, flowers, etc. The list goes on and on. It can be a stressful time. Maybe it's something you've dreamed of since you were a kid and you already know what you want. Or maybe you have no idea where to start.

Well first of all, if you're recently engaged... Congratulations! This is such a special time in your life and a memory you'll keep with you the rest of your life. Take a moment to enjoy it. Unless there's a pressing reason, you have time to plan the wedding!

There's one aspect that plays a big role in your wedding day, and that's the venue!

One of the first big decisions when planning a wedding can be the venue.  You might have a date in mind for the big day, but you also need to make sure the venue you want is going to be available that day.  So many venues book up way in advance, so securing yours needs to be high on your list of things to do.

What's your vision for the big day? Will you get married indoors or out? And then, what time of day? Of course, you'll want to consider the time of year and what the weather might be. If you want to get married outdoors, is there a backup space if it rains? And depending on the season, you'll want to consider air conditioning or heating options for you and your guests.

Then there's all the prep leading up to the ceremony.  Do you want to get ready on-site? Does the venue have a space for all of that?

Again, there's a lot to think about. But we asked some local brides where they got married... and they provided some ideas for venues that you might not have considered or even heard of! Check out these wedding venues for your big day. And if there's one we should add, email us!

Address: 1815 Kissingbower Road, Augusta, GA
Capacity: Up to 120 guests

Located in the historic area of Augusta near Summerville, Back To Nature Garden Center has three spaces available for weddings and events.  There's the outdoor forest space, which can accomodate up to 120 guests. Next, there's a open air pavilion for up to 75 people.  Then a small indoor space for an intimate gathering of up to 25 guests.

The areas are equipped with lighting, power, fans, heat sources, and more to accomodate events year-round, day or night.

While they do partner with various vendors, you aren't required to use those.  You are welcome to use your own photographer, caterer, florist, etc. Back To Nature Garden Center does have chairs, tables, and linens for use if needed.

Get more information HERE.

Address: 250 Boy Scout Road, Augusta, GA
Capacity: Full venue rental can host 350-400 guests, seated capacity is 250-300.

The Foundry at Rae's Creek is a scenic venue in Augusta that can accommodate your big day. They have a team of professionals to help you plan every detail of your day, along with in-house catering. The venue includes a lounge, banquet hall, a covered and heated outdoor rear patio with a bar and grill, and more.

For more information, click here.

Address: 5022 White Oak Road, Appling, GA
Capacity: Can accomodate up to 250 guests

The Barn at Sanderlin Horse Farm is a rustic setting for your wedding, reception, or other event. The site includes beautiful views, along with a cabin to get ready in, a chapel barn for the ceremony, and a walk up reception area.

This venue is ready for any weather, with fully covered or enclosed areas, along with an outside lawn area for an outdoor wedding.

They were also voted Best Wedding Venue in 2023 for Columbia County Magazine.

This venue is BYO alcohol, but beer and wine only.  There is no rice, birdseed, or confetti allowed.  Approved outside caterer allowed.

Get more information HERE.

Address: 1424 Macon Highway, Warrenton, GA
Capacity: Up to 300 guests (using outdoor tables and seating). Up to 150 seated guests inside the reception barn.

The barns on this farm were in use for over a century, but have been renovated and put to use as an event space. It's a scenic spot with an open-air, rustic chapel. You can also have your ceremony in the pecan orchard.

The two existing barns on the property were transformed into a bridal suite and a huge reception space. There's a large commercial kitchen attached to the reception space as well.  There's also a custom-decorated two-bedroom cottage on the property.

The bridal suite has a salon area, sleeps up to 8 people, and has great lighting for photos. And there's a Groomsmen house on site as well.

On their website, they have a list of preferred vendors. Get more details HERE.

Address: 2896 Highway 102, Wrens, GA
Capacity: 100+ guests

This venue is located on the restored grounds of the former Brushy Creek Golf Course in the heart of Wrens. There are great views and the owners have brought their vision of an extraordinary gathering place to life.

There's a bit of an Old World French Bistro atmosphere, along with charming street lights, and cozy elegance.

Learn more about this new event venue HERE.

Address: 453 Slide Hill Road, Johnston, SC
Capacity: Up to 200 guests

This venue is on a family farm of over 100 acres. They began hosting weddings over 10 years ago and provide a very unique wedding weekend where “Your Wedding Your Way” is taken to a whole new level.

The owners take pride in making the bride’s vision come to life. This is a very “all-inclusive” experience where they provide almost everything- keeping rentals out of the equation.

Learn more about them HERE.

Address: 4300 Fruit Hill Road, Saluda, SC
Capacity: Depending on the package, 150 guests up to 400 guests.

Tin Roof Farms is located on 75 acres and can host a wedding any time of year. They're just off Highway 121 and about 45 minutes from the Augusta area. The venue has a chapel, bridal suite, and bunkhouse. There are also outdoor areas for a ceremony and a reception barn with a patio and courtyard.

They have a few wedding packages listed on their website. They have a list of recommended and preferred vendors to use for catering and bar services.

Address: 139 Dragstrip Road, Jackson, SC
Capacity: Up to 150 guests under the barn, but additional room for party tents for larger gatherings up to 300 guests.

Address: 398 Hitchcock Parkway, Aiken, SC
Capacity: Small to large gatherings

Cold Creek Nurseries can accomodate events of various sizes.  They host intimate gatherings like garden clubs in the main greenhouse, but can also host larger events in their growing greenhouses.

Events in the greenhouse are seasonal, as summer months can bring indoor temperatures that may be less comfortable.

Recent events include the Harvest Moon Farm To Table Dinner in support of Brenda's Angels and a winter Farm To Table event to support the Aiken Symphony.

To inquire about using Cold Creek Nurseries for an event, email Nicole.Lane@coldcreek.net.