Columbia County will hold its inaugural Cultural Festival on Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2 at Evans Towne Center Park.
The event will be held from 3 p.m. t 7 p.m. each day and give festival-goers an opportunity to experience different cultures through food, song, dance, arts and clothing. For more information, visit columbiacountyga.gov.
County Manager Scott Johnson says he hopes the state legislature will take up Columbia County’s incorporation/consolidation proposal in the legislative session that begins in January.
In the meantime, the county has created a hub site, which is an extension of the county website, where residents can find information pertaining to the proposal from Q&As to the announcement of open forums and public meetings.
“The hub site will be a one-stop shop for people to get all the information they need about incorporation and consolidation,” Johnson says.
Under the proposal, the county’s unincorporated land area, which excludes Grovetown and Harlem, would be incorporated into a city. The new city then immediately would consolidate with the county government.
A feasibility study that was completed earlier this year found that incorporation and consolidation would be fiscally feasible.
However, it did not address the social, political or governance aspects of the proposal. In addition, if it becomes reality, Grovetown and Harlem would be landlocked with no possibility of further growth through annexation.
Voters will have the final say in the matter, which could take two more years to decide.
“Everyone will have the opportunity to vote,” says Johnson. “That includes Columbia County and the cities of Harlem and Grovetown.”
LOCAL
October 11-20
Western Carolina State Fair
AikenAiken’s fair features two midways and more than 40 rides along with family shows, horticulture exhibits and arts and crafts. Entertainment includes Pretty Bird Paradise, K9s in Flight, demolition derby, magician and more. children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 25 or older to enter. There is a clear bag policy. Free parking. westerncarolinastatefair.com
October 12
Evans Beer Fest
The Plaza
Sample more than 150 beers from local, regional and national breweries, breweries. Event features food, a souvenir glass and live music by Ryan Trotti. 2-5 p.m. $35-$65. evansbeerfest.com
October 18-27
Georgia-Carolina State Fair
Downtown Augusta
Augusta Exchange Club’s fair on Hale Street includes midway rides, carnival shows, livestock, artisan exhibits and attractions from Strates Shows. Admission is $7-$10; unlimited rides $30. Ages 17 or under must be accompanied by an adult. georgiacarolinastatefair.com
October 19
Fall Fest & Flea Market
Barton Field
All-day festival features food, drinks, hay maze, pony rides, arts and crafts, Vendor Village, Jeep Meet, flea market, live bands, college football tent and more. Begins at 9 a.m. Admission is free and open to the public. No pets, coolers or large bags. eisenhower.armymwr.com
October 26
Camellia City Festival
Downtown Thomson
Family friendly festival features more than 100 vendors. Includes food, live music, crafters,
artists, health and wellness services, jewelry, book signings and more. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. Bring chairs or blankets. thomsonmcduffiechamber.com
October 31-November 10
Columbia County Fair
Columbia County Fairgrounds
The area’s favorite fair, founded and run by the Merchants Association of Columbia County, features midway rides and attractions from Drew Expositions, demolition derbies, Sea Lion Splash, Banana Derby, magician, petting zoo, master chainsaw artist, nightly concerts and more. $10 admission; ages 5 and under admitted free with an adult.. Unlimited rides $25-$30. After 7 p.m., ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent. No backpacks. Proper attire is required. Parking is free. columbiacountyfair.net
November 1-2
Columbia County Cultural Festival
Evans Towne Center Park
Inaugural festival will showcase a variety of cultures through food, performances, arts and crafts and more. 3-7 p.m. each day. Free admission. columbiacountyga.gov
Out-of-Town Festivals
September 14-November 3
Pumpkin Festival
Stone Mountain
Play by day, glow by night at this festival includes pumpkin patch, games, shows, dance party parade, trick-or-treat scavenger hunt, pie-eating contest, storybook characters, outdoor lights display, pumpkin laser show and after-dark parade. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri., Sat. and Sun. Laser show begins 9:30 p.m. Sat. stonemountainpark.com
September 26-October 6
MOJA Arts Festival
Charleston
Celebration of African American and Caribbean arts includes classical music, dance, gospel concert, jazz concert, poetry, R&B, storytelling, theater, visual arts and ethnic food. mojafestival.com
September 26-October 27
Oktoberfest in Alpine Helen
Helen
America’s longest-running Oktoberfest features German music, food, polka dancing, horse-drawn carriage rides, homemade fudge and more in a Bavarian-style village. German-style bands from around the world perform in the Helen Festhalle. Open seven days a week. helenga.org
September 27-October 6
Georgia State Fair
Atlanta
Fair includes midway rides, petting zoo, camel and pony rides, pig races and family activities. Admission $5-$10; children 4 and under free. Ride wristbands $20-$30. Atlanta Motor Speedway. georgiastatefair.org
October 1-20
Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival
Bluffton
Event features locally harvested seafood, Lowcountry cuisine and area art. Streetfest on Oct. 19 and 20 includes a juried fine art show featuring more than 100 artists from 10 different states, food from premier restaurants and caterers and live music and entertainment. blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org
October 2-5
Albino Skunk Music Festival
Greer
Bluegrass, Americana, folk, roots and rock music festival in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains features more than 25 bands, food vendors, craft beers, handmade crafts, farmers market, Kiddieland and DeTour de Skunk charity bicycle ride. Bring chairs and coolers. Tent and RV camping available. The Skunk Farm. albinoskunk.com
October 3-5
Moonshiners Reunion & Mountain Music Festival
Campobello
Authentic Appalachian folk festival in South Carolina includes live bands, arts and crafts, camping and all-night picking sessions. Bring lawn seating, tents, RVs and musical instruments. No pets or glass containers. Plum Hollow Farm. moonshiners.com.
October 3-13
Georgia National Fair
Perry
The largest fair in the Southeast is designated a Top 50 Fair in North America by Amusement Business magazine and one of the Best 202 Things About the South by Southern Living. Includes midway rides, live entertainment and nightly fireworks. Concerts include the Bellamy Brothers, Josh Turner, Ginuwine and more. Admission is $10-$15; ages 10 and under are free. Georgia National Fairgrounds. georgianationalfair.com
October 4-5
Beaufort Shrimp Festival
Beaufort
Festival features shrimp dishes from local and regional restaurants, food and beverage vendors, contests, live music, Run Forrest Run 5K Run/Walk, arts and crafts market and children’s area. Fri. 5-10 p.m. and Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. beaufortshrimpfestival.com
October 5
EGGtoberfest
Lawrenceville
Annual cookout features a baseball stadium filled with 450 cooks and more than 250 EGGs cranking out food. Includes food sampling, cooking demos, live music, kid zone, craft beer tastings, marching band and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $75; children 12 and under are free. Advance tickets required. Coolray Field. biggreenegg.com
October 5-6
Fall Cotton Fair
Gay, Georgia
Designated a Top 20 Event from Southeast Tourism Society, this craft fair features works from more than 350 artists, live music and entertainment, homemade Southern food and wares, antiques, magic theater, children’s activities and more. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $8-$15; children 10 and under are free. thecottonfair.com
October 6
Latin American Festival
Charleston
Celebrate the sights and sounds of the Latin and Caribbean cultures through merengue, reggaeton, bachata and salsa music; folkloric artwork and crafts; and authentic Latin American and Caribbean foods. Noon-5 p.m. North Charleston Wannamaker County Park. $25 per vehicle (up to 15 people per vehicle). No coolers or pets. ccprc.com
October 9-20
South Carolina State Fair
Columbia
Entertainment includes midway games, nearly 70 fair rides, stage shows, flower shows, equine show, petting zoo, concerts and more. Admission $5-$20; ages 5 and under are free. $10 parking (credit card only). Stroller, wagon, wheelchair and scooter rentals available at the South Gate. scstatefair.org
October 10-12
Savannah Greek Festival
Savannah
Three-day celebration of Greek food, music and heritage features homemade Greek foods and desserts, Greek dancing and music, church tours, marketplace and more. St. Paul’s Hellenic Center. Admission is $5 after 4 p.m.; military and children under 12 are free. savannahgreekfest.com
October 10-13
Tybee Island Pirate Fest
Tybee Island
Tybee transforms into a lively pirate village, celebrating the colorful seafaring history of the Georgia coast. Festival kicks off Thurs. with the Buccaneer Ball featuring grub, grog, pirates, wenches, music and dancing. Entertainment Fri. and Sat. includes live music, petting zoo, kids’ zone, carnival, parade, fireworks, market and costume contests. tybeepiratefest.com
October 11-13
Fall for Greenville
Greenville
Three-day food-tasting event spread over 8 blocks in downtown Greenville includes cuisine from more than 50 restaurants, more than 80 entertainers on eight stages, contests, challenges and kids’ area. Free admission; tasting tickets available. fallforgreenville.net
October 11-19
Georgia Mountain Fall Festival
Hiawassee
Two weekends of arts and crafts, country music, gospel music, mountain arts demonstrations, Pioneer Village, midway rides and more. Concert lineup includes Three Dog Night, Tracy Lawrence, The Malpass Brothers, Joe Nichols, Dylan Scott and more. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Parking is free. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com
October 12-13, 19-20
Georgia Apple Festival
Ellijay Fairgrounds
Festival features more than 300 arts vendors, craft demonstrations, classic auto show, 5K road race and parade. No pets. $10 adults; children 12 and under free. Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds. georgiaapplefestival.org
October 18-20
South Carolina Jazz Festival
Cheraw
The hometown of jazz king Dizzy Gillespie celebrates his 107th birthday with dozens of diverse jazz performances. Multiple venues. scjazzfestival.com
Highland Games & Scottish Festival
Stone Mountain
Scottish heritage festival includes traditional highland games, Scottish music and dancing, sheepdog and falconry shows, Tartan museum and more at Stone Mountain Park. stonemountainpark.com
October 19
Italian Heritage Festival
Hilton Head
Festival includes Italian food and wine, cooking demonstrations, grape stomping, pizza-eating contest, games, live entertainment and more. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Bring lawn chairs. No pets. Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. iachh.org
October 19-20
Gold Rush Days Festival
Dahlonega
Festival in the town square includes kid activities, fashion show, gold panning contest, wheelbarrow race, wrist wrestling, King and Queen coronation, live music, parade and more than 300 exhibitors and food vendors. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat.; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Free admission. goldrushdaysfestival.com
Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens
Beaufort
Visitors can explore a selection of private homes, gardens and plantations normally not open to the public. Sat. tour features homes on the Point and in historic downtown Beaufort. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $65-$75. Sun. tour and Southern brunch at Tombee. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. $200-$225. historicbeaufort.org
October 25-26
Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival
Jekyll Island
Festival features samples of shrimp and grits, shrimp boat tours, live entertainment, cook-off, craft brew tasting, cooking demonstrations, book signings, artist market and kids’ zone. Historic District. jekyllisland.com
Great Ogeechee Music & Seafood Festival
Richmond Hill
One of the largest seafood festivals in the Southeast includes seafood, arts and crafts, amusement rides, fireworks and live music from Clint Black, Sara Evans, The Marshall Tucker Band and more. Admission $15-$50; children 8 and under free. J.F. Gregory Park Pavilion. goseafoodfestival.com.
October 26-November 2
SCAD Savannah Film Festival
Savannah
Savannah College of Art and Design showcases cinematic excellence through competition film screenings, gala premieres, receptions, special screenings, workshops and more with lauded industry guests, award-winning professionals and emerging student filmmakers. Various venues and prices. filmfest.scad.edu
October 31-November 3
Hilton Head Motoring Festival & Concours d’Elegance
Hilton Head and Savannah
Automotive and motorsports festival features vintage cars and racecars and major international names in automotive collecting and racing. Port Royal Golf Club. hhiconcours.com
November 1-2
Pat Conroy Literary Festival
Beaufort
Festival features a series of free and ticketed events including author discussions, writer workshops, acclaimed presenters and more. patconroyliteraryfestival.org
November 3
South Carolina Oyster Festival
Columbia
South Carolina’s largest outdoor oyster roast features steamed oysters, food vendors, beer and wine gardens, arts and craft vendors and live music. Bring chairs, blankets and oyster knives and gloves. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission $10. Cost excludes oysters, food and beverages. Hampton-Preston Mansion. scoysterfest.com
Local Halloween Fun
September 28-November 24
Corn Maze
Steed’s Dairy
Have old-fashioned family fun and explore a secret world of twists, turns and dead ends. Admission includes pony cart rides, hayride, petting zoo, cow-milking demonstration, pumpkin patch, games and more. Concessions are available. Open Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sun. 1-7 p.m. $9-$12; ages 2 and under are free. Free Military Appreciation Weekend is Nov. 9-10 for all active and retired military members with an ID. steedsdairy.com
October 17
Trick-or-Treat at Evans Towne Center Park
Evans Towne Center Park
Bring costumed children to the park for fun and safe trick-or-treating from local businesses. The park will be transformed into a Halloween wonderland, featuring not-so-spooky decorations, more than 100 candy stations, food vendors and ghoulishly good fun for visitors of all ages. Admission is free. 6-9 p.m. columbiacountyga.gov
Candlelight Concert: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Sacred Heart Cultural Center
The Listeso String Quartet performs Halloween-inspired music from movies and the classics under the glow of candlelight. Two performances are available: 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. Audience members must be at least 8 years old. sacredheartaugusta.org
October 18
Dracula – Ballet with a Bite
CCPAC
Slip some garlic in your pocket as the South Carolina Ballet presents blood, fangs and death in this Halloween cult classic based on the novel by Bram Stoker. The production includes a rock/jazz musical score and otherworldly special effects. Parental guidance is suggested (PG-13). 7:30 p.m. thecenterofcc.com
October 19-20
Walk with the Spirits
Westover Cemetery
Hear fascinating stories and learn about Augusta’s past and some of its notable citizens. You will be guided through the tour by “spirits” dressed in period costumes who come to life. Tours begin every 20 minutes from 2-5 p.m. Not recommended for children under 5. Call (706) 724-0436 for costs and reservations. historicaugusta.org.
October 24
Murder Mystery Dinner
Sacred Heart Great Hall
Dress in masquerade or cocktail attire for Murder at the Sacred Heart Masquerade Ball. Along with dinner and tantalizing conversation, party guests can try to figure out whodunit. 6-10 p.m. $65. sacredheartaugusta.org
Trick-or-Treat on Main Street
Downtown Harlem
Bring canned goods for It’s Spooky to Be Hungry and enjoy vendors and children’s games from 5-7 p.m. Kids are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat at Harlem merchants from 6-7 p.m. harlemmuseumandwelcomecenter.com
Harlem Halloween Movie Night
Harlem Library Plaza
Bring your chairs and blankets and watch the family friendly film Hocus Pocus on the library lawn. The movie is free and begins after Trick-or-Treat on Main Street. harlemmuseumandwelcomecenter.com
October 25
Spooktacular Trunk or Treat
Liberty Park
The City of Grovetown presents old-fashioned Halloween fun for families with trunk or treating, a DJ, food and craft vendors, games, a costume contest, trunk decorating contest and more. 6-9 p.m. Bring your own candy buckets. cityofgrovetown.com
Halloween Screen on the Green
Gateway Park
Bring your chairs and blankets and watch Haunted Mansion (PG-13) under the stars in Grovetown. Admission is free, and food vendors will be available. 6 p.m. columbiacountyga.gov
October 25-26
Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee
Downtown North Augusta
Join the fun at this family friendly festival on Georgia Avenue. Entertainment includes live performances, rides, arts and crafts, car show, children’s activities, food and beverage vendors and free concerts. Big Daddy Weave performs Oct. 25 with special guests Hannah Kerr and The Young Escape. Everclear performs Oct. 26 with The Guardians of the Jukebox. Free admission. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. northaugustasc.gov
October 26
Scarecrow Archery
Mistletoe State Park
Ages 8 years old and up can learn beginning archery with a compound bow and arrow. Once the art of shooting is mastered, scarecrows will be added to the target area. 10:15-11:15 a.m. Pre-registration is required at (706) 541-0321. $15. Parking is $5 per vehicle. gastateparks.org
Kids’ Fall Fun Celebration
Mistletoe State Park
During this outdoor program, kids will create a fall craft, play pumpkin and outdoor games, go on a scarecrow scavenger hunt and take a hayride by the lake. Each child will receive a small treat bag once they complete all the activities. Two sessions are offered, and pre-registration is required. 1-2:30 p.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. $10 per child. $5 parking. (706) 541-0321, gastateparks.org
Brew Ha-Ha Craft Beer and Comedy
Miller Theater
Halloween celebration for adults features a craft beer garden on Broad Street outside of the theater at 4 p.m. and a comedy show with headliners Brent Blakeney and Shaun Jones inside at 7 p.m. Wear a funny costume and you could win a special prize. millertheateraugusta.com
October 26-27
Halloween Family Camping
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park
Bring pre-packaged candy for tent-or-treaters and camp under the stars. Weekend includes a costume contest, pumpkin and tent decorating contests, campfire with s’mores, family activities and guided nature hike. 1 p.m. Sat.-noon Sun. $52 per group of up to 6 campers. $11 per additional camper. Registration required. (706) 396-1418, phinizycenter.org
October 27
Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest
Clarks Hill Park
Bubbling waters. Carving knives. Sinister grinning gourds. There’s something spooky going on under the lake when scuba divers slip below the surface and compete in this annual underwater pumpkin carving contest (bring your own pumpkin). Pumpkins must be carved with a diver’s tool. Free food and drinks afterward while supplies last. Noon. neptunediveandski.com
Artrageous! Family Sunday: Boo Bash
Morris Museum of Art
Enjoy a frightfully fun day with free activities like face painting, decorating mini pumpkins, coloring treat bags, trick-or-treating in the galleries and taking selfies in the photo corner. Free. Costumes are welcome, but not required. 2-4 p.m. themorris.org
Halloween at the Symphony
Jabez Auditorium
Guests are encouraged to wear costumes to the Family Concerts at Columbia County Series to hear spooky favorites performed by Augusta Symphony. 4 p.m. $10-$33. augustasymphony.com
October 29
Spookduckular Halloween
Phinizy Swamp Nature Park
Bring little ones up to age 5 for Halloween-themed fun that includes a costume contest, stories, crafts and hands-on activities in nature. Bring a trick-or-treat bag and wear a costume. 10-11:30 a.m. $15.74 per child. Registration is required. (706) 396-1418, phinizycenter.org
October 31
Funk You & Friends Halloween
Imperial Theatre
Adults can have a hair-raising good time at this musical Halloween party headlined by the contemporary funk band with Gavin Hamilton. Special guests include Yeet and DJ Coco. 7-11 p.m. imperialtheatre.com
There’s something mystical in the air. Maybe it’s the ghostly remnants of summer nights long past, or perhaps it’s the waft of a cinnamon broom or echoes of a lost radio frequency carrying the soul of a forgotten tune.
Whatever it is, Futurebirds has captured lightening in a bottle and unleashed it with its fifth and latest studio album, Easy Company.
From note one, Easy Company doesn’t just play — it conjures. It’s as if the band has tapped into a secret stash of sound, where the past and future collide with a wingspan of Southern rock, cosmic country and secret sauce.
The opener, “Movin’ On,” is a sticky-stomp journey about leaving things behind with the knowledge that they’ll always be a part of you. In a nod to Waynesboro, Georgia’s iconic landmark, this song hits close to home — “There is a huntin’ dawg painted up high on the water tower, and he’s pointin’ somewhere — and I’m gonna find out.”
The rest of Easy Company stitches together a beautiful tapestry of songwriting through the chemistry of the Bird’s lead members with songs like “Solitaires,” “Colorados” and the title track, “Easy Company.”
This isn’t just an album — it’s a journey, and the trip is worth taking, again and again.
– Chris Rucker
The right guy, the right place, the wrong time.
It’s 1995, and Alex Dean has it all: a spot at Cambridge University next year, the love of an amazing woman named Holly and all the time in the world ahead of him. That is until a brutal encounter with a ghost from his past sees him beaten, battered and almost drowning in the Thames.
He wakes the next day in a derelict room he’s never seen before, in grimy clothes he doesn’t recognize, with no idea how he got there. A glimpse in the mirror tells him he’s older—much older. He snatches a newspaper and finds it’s 2010 — fifteen years since the fight.
After finally drifting off to sleep, Alex wakes the following morning to find it’s now 2019, another nine years later. But the next day, it’s 1999. Never knowing which day is coming, he begins to piece together what happened in his life after that fateful night by the river.
But what exactly is going on? Why does his life look nothing like he thought it would? What about Cambridge, and Holly? In this thrilling adventure, Alex must navigate his way through the years to learn that small actions have untold impact. And that might be all he needs to save the people he loves and, equally importantly, himself.
Evans recently was named one of the top five cities in Georgia by USA Today.
Using 16 different metrics, the publication’s Homefront research team ranked Evans second overall out of 32 cities for having the lowest crime rate of the 32 cities, one of the state’s lowest unemployment rates at 2.5%, top-rated schools and amenities such as Evans Towne Center Park and Savannah River access.
With a typical home value of more than three times the median household income, Evans also ranked third for home affordability.
Jones Creek Golf Course is slated to re-open in August 2025, the Jones Creek HOA recently announced.
The property reached an agreement with Bond Global of Aiken, which opened a driving range there in April 2023, to renovate and reopen the golf course.
Jones Creek originally was designed by Rees Jones and redone by Tom Fazio, and the design will not change.
Because of an unresolved lawsuit against Columbia County about stormwater runoff that flooded parts of the layout, the golf course has been closed since September 2018. (Sally Kolar photo)
