September in Aiken and nearby communities is buzzing with an exciting lineup of festivals, concerts, family activities, and cultural events. Here’s your definitive guide to what went down and what you can still catch through the end of the month.
Weekly and Ongoing Highlights
- Bound to Sing Boys Choir Auditions & Practices: Every Monday through September at Aiken’s First Baptist Church, boys grades 3-8 took part in open auditions and rehearsals.
- Fresh After 5 Farmers Market: Launched September 9, running weekly through November 25—your prime spot for local produce and crafts.
Concerts & Live Music
- Amp The Alley Series (Sept. 11, 18, 25): Downtown Aiken’s Alley hosted Savannah Sunday, Country Road 49, and Zombo Jazz Band on consecutive Fridays, drawing music lovers to lively outdoor sets.
- Aiken Symphony Season Opener (Sept. 19-20): Featuring pianist Daniel Adam Maltz kicking off the new season in style.
- North Mississippi Allstars (Sept. 27): Packed the Newberry Opera House with their electrifying roots rock.
- Soweto Gospel Choir (Sept. 28): Gave a stirring performance closing the month at Newberry Opera House.
Festivals & Family Events
- Fried Green Tomato Festival (Sept. 13): A full day of live music, crafts, and kids’ activities delighted local families and visitors alike.
- Touch-A-Truck (Sept. 13): Held at H. Odell Weeks Center, this family favorite let kids explore and climb on a variety of trucks.
- Aiken Seafood Festival (Sept. 26-28): Fresh seafood, live entertainment, and family fun transformed Newberry Street Festival Area into a weekend hotspot.
- Music and Mocktails 2025 (Sept. 27): At Generations Park, a chill event with food trucks, live tunes, mocktails, and activities for all ages.
- Oktoberfest (Sept. 20): Downtown Aiken celebrated with authentic German food, drinks, and music.
- Pickleball & Donuts (Sept. 20): Community gathering at Harrison-Caver Park mixed sport and sweet treats.
Special Cultural & Theatre Highlights
- “Stoker on Stoker” Dracula Research Talk (Sept. 9): Author Dacre Stoker drew a curious crowd exploring the legacy of Dracula lore.
- Theatre Performances (Sept. 20): Local productions of Cinderella and Heart Show Encore added theatrical flair to the calendar.
From community music nights to rich cultural offerings and family fun, Aiken’s late summer calendar showed a vibrant pulse across the region. For past events that happened earlier in the month, check with local venues for photos and future dates.
Stay tuned for updates and next month’s previews on Extra Chill Festival Wire!
Source: Today’s events for Sept. 8