Looking for something to do this week? Staged shows include a night full of laughs with comedian James Gregory and a spooky and weird musical show from “The Addams Family,” while action-packed shows include “Battle on the River” boxing and more Nike Peach . Jam. Also, for anyone in need of backpacks and other school supplies, various churches and community organizations are hosting giveaways throughout the area. There’s also a series of fun-filled festivals centered around sneakers, food trucks, Christmas and more. Here are more details on these and other nearby festivals in the Augusta area:
Performances
stand up comedian James Gregori from Lithonia, Georgia will be doing a laugh a minute at the Miller Theater on Broad Street at 7:30pm on Friday, July 22nd. Gregory has appeared on stage with country stars such as Reba McEntire, Randy Travis and The Judds. Tickets can be purchased by calling (706) 842-4080 and online at millertheateraugusta.com.
Dinner Theater Fort Gordon is presenting a musical comedy performance “The Addams Family.” There are evening performances on Friday and Saturday 22nd, 23rd, 29th and 30th July with dinner at 6.45pm and the show at 8. Two Sunday matinees on 24th and 31st July offer lunch at 1pm: 45 and the show at 3:00 p.m. For more information, go to gordon.armymwr.com.
Sports events
The Nike Peach Jam The AAU basketball tournament returns for its 26th year, and is in-person for the first time since 2019. Games are played throughout the day Monday, July 18, Through Sunday, July 24 at the Riverview Park Activity 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 is throwing down a Battle on the river 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at the Jessye Norman Amphitheater, Eighth Street on the Riverwalk. In addition to watching amateur boxers battle it out for the belt, guests can enjoy food, drinks and the amenities of the Riverwalk. Tickets start at $20. For more information, go to augustaboxingclub.ticketleap.com.
Project Lifting Spirits 5K/10K Fundraiser is Saturday, July 23, at the end of Milledge Road at the Lake Olmstead Trailhead on the Augusta Canal. Registration begins at 6am, the 10K is at 7am and the 5K is at 7:15am. Admission is $10, and all proceeds will help Project Lifting Spirits’ community support efforts. For more information, go to projectliftingspirits5k10k.itsyourrace.com.
Gifts of school supplies
Before the battle breaks out in the river, Augusta Boxing Club will host its fourth annual Knock Out the Need drive from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 23 at the gym at 1929 Walton Way in Augusta. They will be giving away free backpacks and school supplies.
Cornerstone Apostolic Church is holding its sixth annual back-to-school party from 10 am to 1 pm Saturday, July 23 at the North Augusta church at 836 Edgefield Road. Attendees of school age will receive backpacks, school supplies and participate in a bicycle giveaway.
Pine View Baptist Church will be handing out school supplies from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 23 at the Augusta church at 119 Pleasant Home Road. Families can also enjoy inflatables, games and food.
The Burke County Recreation Department is also combining a giveaway with family fun with its second annual Back to School Party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at the Waynesboro Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership at 480 US-25 in Waynesboro. 500 backpacks will be given away, as well as bounce houses, face painting, escape tanks, food and more.
Augusta Worship Center is giving away backpacks full of supplies to the first 200 school-aged children at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 23 at the church at 3840 Mike Padgett Hwy.
festivals
Augusta Craft Fair Night Market is from 7:30pm to 10:30pm Saturday, July 23rd at the Doris Building at 930 Broad St. There will be a dozen vendors selling their creations and there will be live music. All proceeds will benefit the Redemption Church Youth Group.
SoleFest sneaker festival Friday, July 22, from noon to 8 p.m., 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. Entry is free.
Columbia County Food Truck Friday back to Evans Towne Center Park off Washington Road with trucks ready to serve at 6pm, music at 7pm Admission is free.
Nivelles Baptist Church is hosting a summer festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 23 at Aiken Church at 2546 Levels Church Road. Chili dogs, snow cones and popcorn will be paired with music, games, an inflatable slide and other activities. There will also be raffles for gas cards. Entry is free.
Christmas in July
Scott Family Farm is hosting a “Christmas in July” festival from 9 am to 3 pm 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 with Santa.
Showing Aiken Community Theater “A Double Christmas in Texas” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, July 21-23, at the theater at 126 Newberry St. SW to downtown Aiken. Tickets can be purchased by calling (803) 648-1438 or online at aikencommunitytheatre.org.
Planetarium shows
USC Aiken’s DuPont Planetarium has several 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 for kids ages 4-10 and starts Friday, July 22 at 10am.Grossology and you: A look at all the “dirty” aspects of the human body; Friday, July 22 at 11 a.mHabitat Earth: A deep dive into the ecological networks of planet Earth; Saturday, July 23 at 7 p.mKnowledge of the ancient sky: A look at the stars, constellations and legends for which they are named; 8 p.m. Saturday, July 23Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon: The band’s hit music is combined with artistic visuals; 9pm Saturday 23 July.
The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center Planetarium is located off University Parkway in Aiken. Saturday evening shows also offer access to the rooftop Bechtel telescope, weather permitting. Reservations are recommended. More information at https://www.usca.edu/rpsec.
Border Bash tickets on sale
Tickets are now on sale for Border Bash, the 29th annual celebration of the University of South Carolina-University of Georgia football rivalry. The event returns to SRP Park in North Augusta for a 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 in advance online at BorderBash.net i GreenJacketsBaseball.com or $20 the day of. Children under 12 are admitted free with an adult, and VIP tickets are also available.
The event, hosted by the Border Bash Foundation, has raised $941,000 for children’s charities in its 29-year history, according to Border Bash Foundation President Joel Simmons.
