Aiken, visited many times by Editor, Mary Gallagher, and Photographer, Will Davis……
Aiken, SC is one of our favorite towns to visit in the spring with its 100 year plus horse show and related traditions. Meanwhile, the rest of the year features other entertaining events as well as the “built-in” features and attractions of this beautiful southern town year round.
Lots of history, fun shopping, and fine dining plus outstanding places to stay whether you like a standard hotel, historic inn or B&B. Plus this is not only horse country but another national favorite GOLF!
Contact the amazing Aiken Visitors Bureau for assistance in planning your visit plus don’t miss their office in the historic train station and the fascinating historic exhibit on the second floor. This is also the location to pick up the town’s super trolley tour.
803 293 7846–
THE GREAT AMERICAN SOLAR ECLIPSE
August 21, 2017 http://www.visitaikensc.com/calendar/event/christmas_in_hopelands6
On August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse will be visible along a thin, roughly 100 mile-wide path that runs diagonally across America from Oregon to South Carolina. Viewing spots on the outskirts of Aiken will be in the path of totality and prime locations to witness a spectacle that has not been seen in the continental United States since 1979 when a total solar eclipse was visible from five Northwestern states. Even more compelling, a transcontinental, total eclipse of the sun that passes from coast to coast has not occurred in the U.S. since 1918.
Contact: The Ruth Patrick Science and Education Center http://rpsec.usca.edu/Events/Eclipse/SolarEclipse2017.html
More event information to come
AIKEN’S MAKIN’
Location: Downtown, Aiken, SC 29801
Date and Time: September 8-9, 2017, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
A two-day arts and crafts event in beautiful downtown Aiken featuring handmade craft exhibits, food and performing artists.
Contact: Aiken Chamber of Commerce http://www.aikenchamber.net
(803) 649-1200
OKTOBERFEST
Location: Newberry Street, Downtown Aiken
Date: September 30, 2017, 6:00 pm
A Cultural event celebrating Oktoberfest with German-inspired food and beer vendors, an authentic Oompah Band performing on the main stage and local music as well.
Contact: Aiken Downtown Development Association
(803) 649-2221 adda@atlantic.net http://aikendda.us/
FALL STEEPLECHASE
Location: Ford Conger Field, 931 Powder House Road, Aiken, SC 29801
Date: October 28, 2017; gates open at 9:30 am, last race at 3:30 pm
The 26th Holiday Cup, with 6 steeplechase races around the track. Tailgating, a carriage parade, and the Village of shops round out the event.
Contact information: Aiken Steeplechase Association
(803) 648-9641 info@aikensteeplechase.com www.aikensteeplechase.com/fallevent.html
SOUTHERN CITY FILM FESTIVAL
Location: Downtown Aiken
Date: November 2-5, 2017
The Southern City Film Festival (SCFF) will celebrate its 2nd annual film festival from November 2nd-5th 2017. The SCFF is committed to providing an outstanding experience for both our filmmakers and our audiences. SCFF with industry panels, amazing prizes, VIP parties, celebrity guests and so much more is sure to have something for everyone! Last year we screened over 40 films across 5 different venues with parties every night! Join us this year to see southern hospitality epitomized.
Contact: Southern City Film Institute
hello@southerncity.org https://www.southerncity.org/festival/
BLESSING OF THE HOUNDS
Location: Hitchcock Woods, Memorial Gate
November 23, 2017
Aiken Hounds is distinguished as having the oldest drag hunt in the nation. In a drag hunt, cloth saturated with fox scent is dragged across the terrain to create a trail for the hounds to follow. Mounted riders follow the pack. A local clergyman officiates the event each year. The ceremony pays homage to the various traditions of foxhunting, to the heritage of Aiken’s historic hunt culture, and to the skilled hounds that make this sport so engaging.
Contact: The Hitchcock Woods Foundation
(803) 642.0528 info@hitchcockwoods.org http://www.hitchcockwoods.org/blessing_of_the_hounds_graces_thanksgiving_morning
NIGHT OF 1000 LIGHTS
Location: Laurens Street, Aiken, SC
Date and Time: December 7, 2017
Come downtown to experience luminaries lining the streets of downtown Aiken, as shops stay open late and offer holiday treats, drinks, and music for a festive evening out.
Contact: Aiken Downtown Development
(803) 649-2221 adda@atlantic.net www.VisitAikenSC.com
CHRISTMAS IN HOPELANDS
Location: Hopelands Gardens, 135 Dupree Place, Aiken,
Date and Time: 2 Weeks around Christmas, official dates TBD
The 25th annual Christmas in Hopelands Exhibit features gardens illuminated with over 100,000 lights during this free event. This spectacular walk-through exhibit features over 1.5 miles of lighted pathways and holiday displays along with live music and special events each evening.
Contact: The City of Aiken, Sam Radford
803-642-7650 www.visitaikensc.com