Looking for something to do this week? Staged shows include a laugh-filled evening with stand-up comedian James Gregory and creepy, goofy musical theater showing “The Addams Family,” while action-packed shows include boxing “Battle on the River and more from the Nike Peach Jam. Additionally, for anyone in need of backpacks and other school supplies, several churches and community organizations are hosting giveaways throughout the region. There’s also a range of fun festivals centered around sneakers, food trucks, Christmas and more. Here are more details on these and other upcoming festivities in the Augusta area:
Performances
Humorist James Gregoire from Lithonia, Georgia, will be laughing for a minute at the Miller Theater on Broad Street at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 22. Gregory has appeared on stage with country stars like Reba McEntire, Randy Travis and The Judds. Tickets can be purchased by calling (706) 842-4080 and online at millertheateraugusta.com.
Fort Gordon Dinner Theater presents a musical “The Addams Family”. There are evening shows on Fridays and Saturdays July 22, 23, 29 and 30 with dinner served at 6.45pm and the show at 8pm. Two Sunday matinees on July 24 and 31 feature lunch at 1:45 p.m. with the show at 3 p.m. For more information, visit gordon.armymwr.com.
Sport events
The Nike Peach Jam The AAU Basketball Tournament is back for its 26th year, and it’s in person for the first time since 2019. The games run all day Monday, July 18 through Sunday, July 24 at Riverview Park Activities Center in North Augusta at 100 Riverview Park Dr. tickets can be purchased at the door and games can be streamed online.
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Augusta Boxing Club throws a Battle on the river from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, at the Jessye Norman Amphitheater, Eighth Street at the Riverwalk. In addition to watching amateur boxers fight for the belt, patrons can enjoy food, drink and amenities at the Riverwalk. Tickets start at $20. For more information, visit augustaboxingclub.ticketleap.com.
Lifting Spirits Project 5K/10K Fundraiser is Saturday, July 23 at the end of Milledge Road at the Olmstead Lake Trailhead on the Augusta Canal. Registration begins at 6 a.m., 10K is at 7 a.m., and 5K is at 7:15 a.m. Admission is $10, and all proceeds will help Project Lifting Spirits’ community support efforts. For more information, visit projectliftingspirits5k10k.itsyourrace.com.
Distribution of school supplies
Before the battle on the river ignites, Augusta Boxing Club will host its 4th annual Knock Out the Need campaign from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 23 at the gymnasium at 1929 Walton Way in Augusta. They will provide free backpacks and school supplies.
Cornerstone Apostolic Church is bringing back its 6th Annual Back-to-School Party from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 23 at North Augusta Church at 836 Edgefield Road. School-age participants will receive backpacks, school supplies and participate in a bicycle giveaway.
Pine View Baptist Church will distribute school supplies from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 23 at Augusta Church at 119 Pleasant Home Rd. Families can also enjoy inflatables, games and food.
The Burke County Recreation Department is also pairing a giveaway with family fun with its 2nd annual Back to School from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 23 at Waynesboro Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram concession at 480 US-25 in Waynesboro. There will be 500 backpacks given out along with bouncy houses, face paint, dunk tanks, food and more.
Augusta Worship Center distributes backpacks full of supplies to the first 200 school-age children at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 23 at the church at 3840 Mike Padgett Hwy.
festivals
Augusta Handmade Fair Night Market is from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 23 at the Doris Building at 930 Broad St. A dozen vendors will be there to sell their creations and there will be live music. All proceeds will go to the Redemption Church youth group.
SoleFest Sneaker Festival is from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, July 22 at the North Augusta Community Center at 495 Brookside Ave. Guests will be immersed in sneaker-themed culture, plus there will be clothing and jewelry vendors, food trucks, and other activities. Free entry.
of Columbia County Food Truck Friday is back at Evans Towne Center Park near Washington Road with trucks ready for service at 6 p.m., music at 7 p.m. Free entry.
Tiers Baptist Church is hosting a summer festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 23 at Aiken Church at 2546 Levels Church Road. Chili dogs, snow cones and popcorn will be accompanied by music, games, an inflatable water slide and other activities. There will also be gas map drawings. Free entry.
Christmas in July
Scott Family Farm is hosting a “Christmas in July” festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 23 at the farm at 500 Barnhart Dr. in Waynesboro. Families can shop at the arts and farmers market, eat food, and visit Santa Claus.
Aiken Community Theater presents “A Double Wide Christmas, Texas” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, July 21-23, at the theater at 126 Newberry St. SW in downtown Aiken. Tickets can be purchased by calling (803) 648-1438 or online at aikencommunitytheatre.org.
Planetarium shows
The DuPont Planetarium at USC Aiken has a variety of shows scheduled for this weekend:
- Big Bird’s Adventure: One World, One Sky: This “Sesame Street”-themed look at the night sky and moon is aimed at ages 4-10 and begins at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 22.
- Grossology and you: A look at all the “gross” aspects of the human body; 11 a.m. Friday, July 22
- Habitat Earth: A deep dive into the ecological networks of planet Earth; 7 p.m. Saturday July 23
- Ancient tradition of heaven: A look at the stars, constellations and the legends that gave them their name; 8 p.m. Saturday July 23
- Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon: The band’s hit music is paired with artistic visuals; 9 p.m. Saturday, July 23.
The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center Planetarium is located off University Parkway in Aiken. Saturday night shows also offer access to the rooftop Bechtel Telescope, weather permitting. Reservations are encouraged. Learn more at https://www.usca.edu/rpsec.
Border Bash tickets on sale
Tickets are on sale now for Border Bash – the 29th annual celebration of the football rivalry between the University of South Carolina and the University of Georgia. The event returns to SRP Park in North Augusta for the third year on Friday, September 16.
In addition to live music, cheerleaders and mascots, this year will include a Fan Fest of activities and fireworks.
Tickets are $15 ahead online at BorderBash.net and GreenJacketsBaseball.com or $20 on the day. Children 12 and under are admitted free with an adult, and VIP tickets are also available.
The event, organized by the Border Bash Foundation, has donated $941,000 to children’s charities over its 29-year history, according to Border Bash Foundation President Joel Simmons.
