Aiken SC – Arts and Entertainment

Aiken is rich in southern culture including Gullah tradition, which is reflected in a significant portion of its local art.

There are plenty of galleries in Aiken SC including The Jackson Gallery and Sculpture Garden claiming 3 floors of rich history and southern culture. The University of South Carolina Aiken also hosts the Du Pont Planetarium where star gazers can get an eye full of the heavens for a nominal fee. The South Side gallery is home to hundreds of pieces of original art and is located in the heart of downtown Aiken.

Aiken is also host to over 20 annual festivals including the Aiken Bluegrass Festival held in May, whose lineup includes both local and nationally renowned artists. Kids Earth Day is another event that the City of Aiken hosts annually not only to raise awareness about ecological issues but to also collect items for recycling. The Greater Aiken County and North Augusta areas also host the Hammin’ and Jammin’ Festival, a barbeque cook off and music festival that finds participants showing of their Barbequing skills in a variety of categories to the tune of local musicians. In addition, every October visitors and residents by the 100’s attend the annual Western Carolina State Fair which is held in North Aiken. The fair is true to its southern roots and is complete with a demolition derby, beauty pageant, and arts and crafts show.