Aiken is a haven for music-lovers! Imagine a constant and steady beat of live music streaming from one place to the next or camping under the stars listening to bluegrass music. Even better, watch a dazzling performance of Broadway songs or picnicking by a concert in the midst of beautiful gardens...the choices are endless. Aiken is tuned into all kinds of music expressions and will be a-playing from sun up until the city lights turn on. Here are the top 13 music venues that will inspire you! |  Photo Credit: Mark Raker | Aiken Bluegrass Festival Featured on LIVEFORLIVEMUSIC.COM "Aiken Bluegrass Festival Announces 2019 Lineup: Del McCoury Band, Billy Strings, and More! The 15th annual Aiken Bluegrass Festival has announced their initial 2019 lineup, set to take place at Aiken, SC’s Western Carolina State Fairgrounds on Friday, May 10th, and Saturday, May 11th, 2019. Del McCoury Band, Keller & The Keels, Billy Strings, Larry Keel Experience, and Horseshoes & Hand Grenades (x2) will perform at the 15th annual edition of the festival. Other artists on the bill include Cris Jacobs Band; Terrapin Mountain “Old & In The Way” Tribute; Billy Strings Psychedelic Circus ft. Cris Jacobs Band; Lindsay Lou (x2); Town Mountain; Brad Parsons & Starbird; Kitchen Dwellers; Tenth Mountain Division, Kyle Tuttle; Benny Galloway; Zebulom Bowles; DJ Bontzilla; and Doug & The Henrys" - Sam Berenson. Full article here. | What's New FREELOADER
Freeloader has launched! It's the no tab cab - a free shuttle service with a mapped out route through downtown Aiken. The vehicle is 100 percent electric. All one has to do is download the Freeloader app directly onto their phone at no charge. Text "freeload" to 555-888, to get a free ride from wherever you park in the downtown area, to your destination downtown. It's as simple as that, and tipping the driver will be appreciated! For more information, click here. | Aiken Charity Horse Show
The Aiken Charity Horse Show, May 1st - 12th, will provide an old-fashioned venue with character and integrity, held on an intimate field in the center of the celebrated Horse District. Riders of all skill levels will compete on the best quality surfaces, with more than 600 exhibitors! For more information, click here. | Aiken Symphony Orchestra Goes to Broadway
This concert features some of the best Broadway songs of all time and will be an evening of nostalgic favorites on May 11th. Les Misérables follows the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean & his redemption. Fiddler on the Roof is based on Jewish life in turn of the 20th-century Russia and more... For a full description and tickets, click here. | The Aiken Bluegrass Festival
The Aiken Bluegrass Festival returns to the Western Carolina State Fairgrounds in Aiken, SC on May 10th and 11th. This 15th annual event will host some of the biggest names in Bluegrass presented with one-of-a-kind collaborations and the newest in rising Bluegrass and Newgrass stars. For tickets, click here. | National Train Day
Join us at the Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum on Saturday, May 11th for National Train Day! There will be live music, train rides for kids, bounce house, games, balloon and face paint artists, a photo booth, and concessions. Stop by the caboose and meet Conductor Don. Don't forget to check out the train museum and the Drive-A-Train exhibit! *Admission is free. Tickets for train ride and bounce house will be available ($5 for unlimited wristband, $3 for individual tickets). For more information, click here. | Aiken Garden Show
Nine beautiful private gardens await your visit to The Aiken Garden Show in historic Aiken, South Carolina on May 17th and 18th. Hop on the tour bus at Banksia, (the Aiken County Historical Museum and central Show site) or drive just a few miles, and discover uniquely beautiful gardens displaying both creativity of design and interesting combinations of plant selections for year-round interest. These tour gardens are well-kept Aiken secrets ranging from whimsical to formal, small to large. Members of the Aiken Camellia Society, Aiken and Augusta Orchid Society, Augusta Rose Society, Day Lily Society, Aiken Master Gardeners, and SC Bluebird Society, will have information tables in various tour gardens to answer questions with their regional garden expertise! For more information and tickets, click here. |  Photo Credit: ADDA | Hops N' Hogs
Join the festivities on Friday, May 17th for the 5th annual Hops N' Hogs in beautiful Downtown Aiken. There will be beer from 20+ regional craft breweries, various BBQ vendors, and live music from 6:00 - 10:30 p.m. For more information, click here. | *This is not a complete list of events. Please visit our Festivals and Events page or our calendar for a full list. | Hungry for More? Get the scoop with new stories in our Digital Magazine, follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER, and YOUTUBE! | Wondering where to start on your trip to Aiken? Call or stop by the Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum and let us share with you what makes Aiken a place like no other! Jump on the Historic Trolley Tour offered every Saturday from 10am until 12pm (reservations strongly recommended) and catch some live music at the depot every Saturday as well! | Mary Rosbach
Tourism Supervisor
mrosbach@cityofaikensc.gov City of Aiken Tourism Division
PO Box 1177
Aiken, SC 29802
803-293-7846
1-888-AikenSC
www.visitaikensc.com | |
