Augusta's Best Weekend: Live Music, Markets, Family Fun Await

Augusta’s weekend calendar is bursting with events for all ages, including the annual Riverfront Jazz Festival and the North Augusta Summer Arts Market on Saturday and Sunday.

Music and Markets Light Up Riverside Drive

The Riverfront Jazz Festival returns this weekend to Broad Street’s Augusta Riverwalk, promising local and regional jazz ensembles from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. With a lineup featuring the Augusta Jazz Collective and special guest pianist Savannah Rivers, the festival offers free admission to all ages. Food vendors and local breweries will provide options along the scenic Savannah River, creating a lively outdoor gathering spot.

Simultaneously, the North Augusta Summer Arts Market will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Olde Town Plaza on Georgia Avenue in North Augusta. Visitors can browse handmade crafts, artisanal foods, and original artwork from over 50 vendors. Entry is free, and organizers expect upwards of 4,000 attendees throughout the weekend. The market emphasizes sustainability, with many stalls offering eco-friendly products and demonstrations on reducing waste.

Family-Friendly Activities and Outdoor Fun

For families, the Augusta Riverwalk Park on Riverfront Drive is hosting “Kids in the Park” on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring interactive science exhibits, storytelling sessions by the Augusta Public Library, and a mobile climbing wall. Admission costs $5 per child, with adults admitted free when accompanying their children. This event is part of the city’s initiative to increase recreational and educational opportunities amid rising interest in outdoor activities.

Additionally, the Augusta Botanical Gardens will hold a Garden Jazz Brunch on Sunday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, combining live jazz music with a brunch menu by local caterer Green Fork. Tickets are $40 per person, with proceeds benefiting the garden’s educational programs. The gardens, located at 350 McDowell Street, are a popular spot for both residents and visitors looking to relax in a natural setting.

The emphasis on community-driven events comes amid a broader push by Augusta’s tourism board to revive local culture following pandemic-related restrictions. Data from the Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau show a 12% increase in weekend event attendance compared to last year, highlighting a growing demand for diverse cultural activities in the downtown and Riverside neighborhoods.

Parking remains accessible with complimentary lots available near the Riverwalk and paid options at the Lot K garage on Eighth Street for $8 per day. Attendees are encouraged to use ride-sharing services or public transportation, as the city’s transit authority has extended routes and service hours through Sunday evening to accommodate festival visitors.

Looking ahead, the weekend sets the stage for the upcoming Augusta Film Festival in August, with these events providing a taste of the city’s vibrant arts scene. Visitors are advised to check weather updates as forecasts predict scattered afternoon showers on Sunday, which may prompt some activities to move indoors.

With a blend of live music, artistic showcases, and family fun, this weekend in Augusta offers something for everyone to enjoy along the river and beyond.