The Kids and Pets Issue
Cedar Creek Church
Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM
We’re a gospel-centered church where people gather each week to worship, grow in faith, and learn to walk with Jesus in the everyday rhythms of life.
Whether you’re new to the area, searching for community, or ready to grow deeper in your faith — we’d love to walk with you.
There’s no better way to start the week than with friends. NewSpring Church is a multi-generational church that gathers every Sunday in Aiken and online.
We come from all over and have something for everyone. No matter where you settle in South Carolina, you'll find a friend or neighbor at one of our 13 campus locations.
Find out more about our beliefs and see the exciting things available for children, teens, and adults at www.NewSpring.cc.
NewSpring Church Aiken Campus www NewSpring cc Sundays at 9:15am & 11:15am
@newspringchurch /NewSpring
LIFESTYLE LETTER
Kids & Pets!
When my children were young, life revolved around school schedules, family vacations and whatever adventure they wanted to pursue next. These days, they're grown and independent, but somehow I've ended up with even more dogs in my life. Between Roxie and a growing collection of granddogs, this month's Kids & Pets issue felt especially fitting, serving as a reminder that the relationships we cherish most continue to shape our lives long after the kids are grown.
Some of Aiken's most photogenic residents recently gathered at Hopelands Gardens for a celebration of the dogs who bring so much joy to our lives. From playful pups to seasoned camera hams, each four-legged participant brought plenty of personality to the morning. The resulting photos captured not only adorable faces but also the special bond between pets, their people and the community they call home.
Behind every pirouette, jazz routine and standing ovation is a story of dedication, encouragement and growth. For nearly 40 years, Burns Dance Studio has been helping Aiken children discover confidence, build lifelong skills and find joy through dance. In this issue, we explore the legacy, leadership and lasting impact behind one of Aiken's most beloved performing arts programs.
No parent likes to think about the unthinkable, but having a plan in place can provide invaluable peace of mind. Estate planning attorney Anna Rittgers explains why wills, trusts and guardianship decisions are among the most important steps parents can take to protect their children and their future.
Just 40 miles from Myrtle Beach, North Carolina's Brunswick Islands turned out to be nothing like what I expected. Instead of crowds and high-rises, I found wide-open beaches, ice cream shops, fishing piers, wildlife and the kind of laid-back coastal charm that feels increasingly hard to find. Join me as I explore a destination that brought back memories of the classic family beach vacations many of us grew up loving.
Whether you're cheering from the audience at a dance recital, taking your dog for a stroll through Hopelands Gardens, planning for your family's future or making memories on a summer getaway, we hope this issue inspires you to appreciate the relationships that matter most. Thank you for inviting us into your home each month and for supporting the local businesses and organizations that help our community thrive. GAYLE BRYAN, PUBLISHER
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Gayle Bryan | gayle.bryan@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Nikita Hanif | nikita.hanif@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Carolyn McAvoy | carolyn.mcavoy@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Nikita Hanif, Jessica Crandall Lawrence, Gayle Bryan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Whitney Ray, Gayle Bryan
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marnia Campbell
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Detailing Excellence Recognized
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Team Growth Continues
Wiland-Foley Advisory Group is pleased to welcome Donna Able to the team. Based in Columbia, Able brings nearly 35 years of industry experience, including the past decade with Janney. Known for her professionalism, attention to detail and commitment to service, she is fully licensed with Series 7 and Series 66 credentials. Her addition strengthens the firm’s client support capabilities and expands its presence in the Columbia market, enhancing service for clients throughout the region.
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Mortgage Lending Honor
Congratulations to Matthew Hunter! Assurance Financial’s Aiken Branch Manager and Loan Officer has been recognized among the Top 100 Loan Officers in the nation for Customer Satisfaction by Experience.com. This prestigious honor reflects Matthew’s unwavering commitment to exceptional client service, trusted guidance and delivering an outstanding mortgage experience. His dedication to helping families achieve homeownership continues to make a lasting impact throughout the Aiken community.
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Paws in the Gardens
LOCAL DOGS AND THEIR OWNERS SHINE DURING A SPECIAL HOPELANDS PHOTOSHOOT
ARTICLE
NIKITA
BY
HANIF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WHITNEY RAY
Moose
Franny Weaver and Lulu Lemon
Hobson, Rachel and Hobbie Fulcher and Ralphie
Few things capture the spirit of Aiken quite like a morning spent with dogs and their people at Hopelands Gardens. For a recent Aiken City Lifestyle photoshoot, we gathered a wonderful group of canine companions and their owners for a celebration of the four-legged friends who bring so much joy to our community.
From tiny lap dogs to large breeds, every pup arrived with a unique personality and a shared devotion to the humans by their side. Some trotted proudly along the pathways while others paused to soak in the attention. A few seemed to know exactly why they were there, striking poses for the camera and happily hamming it up whenever a lens appeared nearby.
Their enthusiasm was impossible to resist. Tails wagged nonstop as they explored the gardens, greeted new friends and strolled around the beautiful reflecting pools. The energy they brought transformed an already stunning setting into something even more memorable. Watching the bond between each dog and owner was a reminder of why our pets hold such a special place in our hearts.
Hopelands Gardens provided the perfect backdrop. The property was gifted to the City of Aiken in 1969 by Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin
and has become one of the area’s most treasured landmarks. Known for its winding paths, stately live oaks, serene ponds and colorful seasonal blooms, the gardens offer a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors alike.
As the cameras clicked and treats were handed out, one thing became clear. Dogs are woven into the fabric of life in Aiken. They accompany us on our adventures, brighten our days and offer unconditional love without asking for anything in return.
“Aiken is such a special place because people here truly love their dogs,” says Franny Weaver. “You see them everywhere, from downtown shops to the trails and gardens. Dogs are part of our families and part of our community. That’s one of the many reasons I love Aiken so much.”
This photoshoot was more than a collection of adorable images. It was a celebration of companionship, community and the special connection that makes every dog a cherished member of the family.
You can visit Hopelands Gardens between 10:00 AM to sunset at 135 Dupree Place in Aiken, SC.
“Aiken is such a special place because people here truly love their dogs,” says Franny Weaver.
Aaliyah and Logan Ford and Tilly
Matt and Kristi Hunter and Loki and Bowie
Ashley Burkhart and Ace
Gossip
Amelia and Lulu Hamilton
Lulu Lemon
Nikki Mulder and Charlie Sheen
Franny Weaver and Lulu Lemon
Justin Pitts, Jenny Harris and Kai
Gabrielle and Moose
Justin Pitts, Jenny Harris and Kai
Hobson, Rachel and Hobbie Fulcher and Ralphie
Kai
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Aaliyah and Logan Ford and Tilly
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Built to Move
How Burns Dance Studio Continues Shaping Dancers, Confidence and Community in Aiken
ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WHITNEY RAY
For more than four decades, Burns Dance Studio has been woven into the rhythm of Aiken. What began in 1987 with Corey Burns’ mother, Rhoda Burns, a gifted instructor who saw a need for dance instruction in her new hometown, has grown into one of the area’s most recognized names in performing arts. After teaching for seven years at a large dance studio in Sumter, SC, she moved to Aiken with her family and found few opportunities. So, she created her own.
The first Burns Dance Studio opened in downtown Aiken before moving to the south side in 1985. Years later, Corey Burns stepped into a larger leadership role after a career in education, as a teacher, then as an elementary school principal. What started as a plan to help his mother for a year became a calling. By 2016, he knew the studio needed room to grow and a fresh vision. He built the studio off Hamilton Drive and began shaping Burns Dance Studio into the program families know today.
That history matters, but Burns is quick to point out that legacy alone is not enough. In a world where families have endless options for their children’s time, Burns Dance Studio has stayed strong by offering more than classes. It offers quality, consistency and a culture where students grow as dancers and people.
“We consistently offered the most and the best for a long time,” Burns says. For him, that means making sure students are learning technique, whether they are in a recreational class, a competition program, or a more advanced track. The studio offers recreational dance, leveled competition
Corey Burns
Corey Burns
teams, an elite competition group, musical theater, adult classes and ballroom instruction. The leveled competition model is especially important because it allows students to experience competition without requiring every dancer to commit to the most demanding schedule.
He understands that not every child who walks through the door dreams of Broadway. That is not the mission. His goal is to help students build lifelong skills: discipline, commitment, confidence, resilience, time management and the ability to receive feedback. He compares dance to sports, where growth sometimes comes through challenge. Students learn to show up prepared, take direction, work alongside peers and push through moments that feel difficult.
That approach is connected to Corey’s background in education. After years of leading classrooms and a school, he brings the same hands-on mindset to the studio. He teaches classes, observes teachers, watches technique and listens closely to what is happening in each room. He knows expectations should differ between a recreational class and a company team preparing for competition, and he works to ensure every student is in the right place to succeed.
What makes Burns Dance Studio different is not pressure for the sake of pressure. It is the belief that children are capable of more than they often realize when they are supported, challenged and encouraged. He wants students to leave the studio with stronger self-esteem and the courage to face whatever comes next. He often talks about filling their lives with positive energy, turning away from negativity and giving them something joyful to belong to.
Corey Burns
Corey Burns
“I like the culture of smiles and energy and fun in the building, no matter what level they’re at.”
Still, the joy matters most. When Burns describes what makes him proud, he does not start with trophies. He talks about walking through the studio and seeing a room full of six-year-olds in jazz class smiling, giggling and loving what they are doing while their parents watch from the window. “I like the culture of smiles and energy and fun in the building, no matter what level they’re at,” he says. That balance of excellence and enjoyment is the staying power of Burns Dance Studio. It is a place where beginners feel welcome, serious dancers are challenged and families trust that their
children are being taught by people who care. As Aiken grows and welcomes new families, he hopes more people will discover the story behind the name.
Burns Dance Studio is not just a local institution because it has been here a long time. It has lasted because, class after class and generation after generation, it keeps helping students stand taller, smile bigger and believe more in themselves.
Burns Dance Studio is located at 1560 Hamilton Drive in Aiken, SC and their phone number is 803-599-9253.
ARTICLE BY JESSICA CRANDALL LAWRENCE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WHITNEY RAY
PROTECTING THEIR
Tomorrow
ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY ANNA RITGER’S SHARES HOW FAMILIES CAN SAFEGUARD THEIR CHILDREN’S FUTURE
No parent enjoys imagining a future where they are no longer there to care for their children. Yet according to estate planning attorney Anna Rittgers, preparing for the unexpected is one of the greatest gifts a parent can provide.
"It’s not fun to think about," says Rittgers, co-owner of Rittgers Law Firm in Aiken with her husband David. We have four children ourselves. Doing a will is not the most exciting way to spend your money. But it's a way to ensure that your family will be taken care of if something happens."
Rittgers specializes in estate planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate matters and special needs trusts. While many people assume estate planning is primarily about dividing assets, she says parents should focus first on protecting their children.
"The will is very important because you can nominate a guardian for your children," she explains. "Otherwise, the court will decide for you."
“People change, circumstances change and your documents should reflect that.”
Many parents are surprised to learn that if both parents pass away without a will, a judge ultimately determines who will care for their children. A thoughtfully prepared estate plan allows parents to make that decision themselves and clearly document their wishes.
Rittgers encourages families to think carefully about who would be best suited for different responsibilities.
"You may have someone who would be wonderful taking care of your children, but who would be a disaster if they had any responsibility for funds," she says. "You can make different people responsible for different roles."
For families with younger children, another important consideration is how and when an inheritance is distributed. Without proper planning, a child may gain unfettered access to inherited assets at age 18.
"Many 18-year-olds aren't able to handle large sums of money," Rittgers says.
Trust provisions can allow parents to stagger distributions over time or tie them to milestones such as completing school, reaching a certain age or demonstrating financial maturity.
Families caring for children with disabilities face additional considerations. Rittgers often helps parents establish special needs trusts, which allow assets to be set aside for a child's benefit without jeopardizing eligibility for certain government programs and services.
Beyond wills and trusts, she also encourages parents to review beneficiary designations, consider life insurance needs and revisit estate plans regularly.
"Life happens," she says. "People change, circumstances change and your documents should reflect that."
Her recommendation? Review estate planning documents every three to five years or after major life events such as a move, marriage, divorce, birth or death in the family.
Ultimately, estate planning is about creating peace of mind.
"It makes things easier for the people left behind," Rittgers says. "And that's really what planning is all about."
The team at Rittgers Law Firm, LLC offers personalized estate planning services tailored to each family's unique needs. To schedule a consultation, visit rittgersfirm.com or call 803-961-4529.
David and Anna Rittgers
Building Tomorrow Together
HELPING SHAPE AIKEN’S FUTURE THROUGH INNOVATION, EDUCATION AND OPPORTUNITY TOGETHER
ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WHITNEY RAY
For generations, Aiken has been known for its Southern charm, equestrian heritage and close-knit community. Today, another story is quietly unfolding, one that has the potential to influence the region for decades to come.
The Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative, known as the AMC, is a Savannah River National Laboratory facility located on the USC Aiken campus, and it represents far more than a new building. It is an investment in people, partnerships and possibility. Designed as a collaborative hub between SRNL, other universities including USC Aiken, industry leaders and researchers, the facility creates an environment where innovation moves beyond the laboratory.
“The vision for this facility was really over a decade in the making,” said Johney Green, SRNL Director. “The vision was to have an open front door for science, innovation and economic development.”
That vision became reality with the opening of the 63,000 square foot, $65 million facility. While SRNL occupies the building, dedicated classroom and laboratory space allows USC Aiken students and faculty to learn alongside world class researchers in new ways.
Unlike the laboratory’s primary campus inside the Savannah River Site, the AMC was intentionally built to be more accessible.
“Our main campus has security requirements because of the work that takes place there,” Green explained. “This facility makes it much easier to engage with visitors, businesses, universities and collaborators. It’s really our open front door.”
Jacqueline Brigido, AMC Program Manager and Dr. G. Jermey Leong, AMC Director
That accessibility is one of the building’s greatest strengths. Researchers can partner with private industry, universities can collaborate on emerging technologies and students can gain exposure to careers that once felt out of reach.
Inside the AMC, work focuses on additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, robotics, environmental cleanup and next generation nuclear technologies. These partnerships help move discoveries from research into practical applications.
One recent example is Savannah River National Laboratory’s partnership with Silica X, which earned an R&D 100 Award for developing innovative materials capable of safely absorbing and storing nuclear waste.
Often called the “Oscars of Innovation,” the award recognizes the world’s most significant technological breakthroughs.
“The long-term vision is how do we attract other businesses, other investors and create an ecosystem around this facility,” Green said. “That’s what creates jobs and opportunities.”
Rather than simply housing researchers, the AMC is designed to become a catalyst for economic growth throughout Aiken and the surrounding region by encouraging investment, attracting companies and strengthening the workforce.
Savannah River National Laboratory is one of only 17 Department of Energy national laboratories in the nation and one of just two in the Southeast. Those laboratories serve as national engines for research, scientific discovery and technological advancement, placing Aiken in an extraordinary position.
“There are people here who are the foremost global experts in their fields, and they’re right here in our community.”
“I think it’s a great opportunity to inspire people,”
Located on the university campus, the AMC creates opportunities for college students and local high school students to interact with cutting edge research, explore STEM careers and work alongside experienced scientists.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to inspire people,” Green said. “Potentially provide opportunities to work side by side with researchers.”
As Aiken continues to grow, the AMC stands as a reminder that innovation and small town living can thrive together.
More than a research facility, the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative represents confidence in Aiken’s future. It reflects a belief that world changing ideas can begin here, partnerships can strengthen an entire region and today’s students may become tomorrow’s innovators without leaving the community they call home.
For Aiken, the AMC is not simply a new address on campus. It is an open invitation to imagine what comes next for everyone.
Johney Green, SRNL Director
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY GAYLE BRYAN
NO HIGH-RISES IN SIGHT
I Arrived Skeptical and Left Wondering Why it Took Me so Long to Discover North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands.
One look at The Islander Inn and my fears of a Myrtle Beach-style experience quickly faded. Low-rise accommodations, sea oats and wide-open beaches set the tone for the rest of my visit.
When I was invited to explore North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands for an article for the magazine, I was excited. Then I looked at a map and noticed how close they are to Myrtle Beach, just 40 miles away. I became a little less excited.
I am not a Myrtle Beach kind of girl. The thought of high-rise hotels spilling crowds onto packed beaches, bumper-to-bumper traffic and a seemingly endless lineup of pricey attractions competing for my time and wallet makes me a little twitchy. So while I was still looking forward to a beach getaway, I arrived with a bit of trepidation.
Then I rolled into Ocean Isle Beach. There wasn’t a high-rise hotel in sight.
My home base for the trip was The Islander Inn, a small beachfront hotel tucked behind the dunes. It was the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. One of my favorite rituals was ending each evening on my balcony, listening to the waves and watching the last light fade over the beach.
I spent most of my time between Ocean Isle Beach and neighboring Sunset Beach, and the experience
Strolling the pier and watching fishermen reel in their catches transported me back to the beach vacations of my childhood, when the day’s biggest decision was whether to head for mini golf or ice cream.
The dolphins refused to pose, the bald eagles stayed just out of range of my lens and I didn’t mind one bit. The sunset alone made the evening cruise out of Little River worthwhile.
After picking up a bicycle, I headed to Sunset Beach to explore. The island’s wide, hard-packed sand and laid-back pace made bicycling a favorite pastime for visitors and locals alike.
After pedaling to the western end of Sunset Beach, I made the pilgrimage to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox. Tucked among the dunes, the beloved landmark invites visitors to leave letters, hopes, prayers and memories for strangers to discover, creating connections between people who may never meet.
On my first visit to Ocean Isle Creamery, I met two young Brunswick Islands experts. Between bites of ice cream, they shared their favorite places, activities and traditions, proving that longtime visitors are often the best tour guides.
One of the things I appreciated most about the Brunswick Islands was the community’s commitment to protecting its natural resources. At Sunset Beach, visitors can borrow a basket, collect litter during their walk and leave the beach a little better than they found it.
I stopped to admire this sandy masterpiece on Sunset Beach. Sandcastle building may be a childhood tradition, but these gentlemen proved you’re never too old to play in the sand.
I arrived at Jinks Creek Waterfront Grille for the crab cakes and stayed for the sunset. As the sun dipped below the horizon beyond the marsh, the view proved every bit as memorable as the meal.
One of my favorite things about the Brunswick Islands was the pace. On the pier, people lingered, swapped stories and watched the ocean without constantly checking the time.
No white tablecloths. No reservations. Just fresh seafood, waterfront views and a menu built around the day’s catch. Waterfront Seafood Shack embodied everything I hoped to find in Calabash.
Would it really be a Gayle travel story without a wildlife photo? I spent my final hours on Sunset Beach enjoying the shorebirds, including this Least Tern, one of many species that call the Brunswick Islands home.
Every good trip deserves one unexpected discovery. Mine was Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens, where boardwalks meander through marshes and maritime forests teeming with wildlife. It was the perfect way to end my time in the Brunswick Islands.
transported me back to the beach vacations of my childhood and later to those my husband and I shared with our children.
Fisherman were hauling in catches from the pier, families casting nets for shrimp in the inlet at low tide, bicyclists pedaling along the shoreline, miniature golf excursions and evenings capped off with homemade ice cream. It felt like a return to the classic beach vacations many of us grew up with.
There seemed to be an ice cream shop on every other corner. I happily became a regular at Ocean Isle Creamery, and as a self-appointed ice cream connoisseur, I give it my highest recommendation.
One of the area’s most famous communities is Calabash, widely known as the birthplace of Calabash-style seafood. If you’ve spent any time along the Carolina coast, you’ve likely enjoyed this local specialty: fresh seafood lightly battered, perfectly fried and served golden brown. In a word, it’s delicious, and you’ll find no shortage of opportunities to sample it throughout the Brunswick Islands.
The Brunswick Islands checked every box on my beach-vacation wish list: beautiful, uncrowded beaches, easy public access, abundant opportunities to enjoy nature and outdoor recreation and a community-wide commitment to conservation.
And here’s the best part. If Myrtle Beach does appeal to you or someone in your travel party, it’s close enough for a day trip to visit Broadway at the Beach, catch a show or enjoy the attractions before retreating to the quieter pace of the Brunswick Islands.
One of the sights that transported me back to classic beach vacations was watching people cast nets for shrimp in the inlet between Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach. It’s a tradition that remains very much alive in the Brunswick Islands
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
AUGUST 2026
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 7TH
SC Tax Free Weekend Sidewalk Sale
Downtown Aiken | 10:00 AM
Shop local during ADDA’s Sidewalk Sale, happening during South Carolina’s Tax Free Weekend. Explore Downtown Aiken businesses offering great finds for back-to-school shopping, college essentials and new favorites while supporting local shops.
AUGUST 7TH
First Friday in Downtown Aiken
Downtown Aiken | 5:00 PM
Experience Downtown Aiken’s First Friday, a monthly evening event featuring live music, extended shopping hours, local food and family-friendly activities. Explore downtown businesses, enjoy pop-up offerings, and take in the vibrant atmosphere of Aiken after hours.
AUGUST 8TH
Dinks & Donuts
Harrison-Caver Park | 8:00 AM
Start your Saturday with Dinks & Donuts hosted by Southern Pickleball Academy at Harrison Caver Park. This welcoming event invites players of all levels to enjoy pickleball, community connection and free donuts in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
AUGUST 8TH
Aiken Music Fest: The Band Feel
Highfields Event Center | 7:00 PM
Catch The Band Feel live as they bring their raw, blues-driven rock sound to the stage. Inspired by classic rock legends while creating a modern edge, this St. Louis band delivers an energetic performance filled with powerful vocals, unforgettable riffs and authentic rock spirit.
AUGUST 22ND
Campfire Chronicles Art Show
The Village Café | 6:00 PM
Step into the warmth of Campfire Chronicles, an art show inspired by late summer nights, storytelling and connection. The opening reception invites guests to explore featured artwork and experience a creative showcase on display through October 1st.
AUGUST 27TH
FREE Yoga in Hopelands
Hopelands Gardens | 9:00 AM
Reconnect with yourself during Yoga at Hopelands, a free outdoor yoga series held in the peaceful setting of Hopelands Gardens. Open to all skill levels, these guided sessions offer a relaxing way to enjoy gentle movement and mindfulness surrounded by nature.
