Family events in Aiken, SC

The Aiken Horse Park Summer Premier brings a multi-day lineup of Hunter/Jumper competitions, featuring USEF National A-rated events in Level 2 and Level 3 Jumper categories. Exhibitors are welcome from across the country, and spectators can attend the shows at Bruce’s Field.

Each month, the center of Downtown Aiken hosts a welcoming community gathering where residents and visitors can enjoy live performances, browse pop-up vendor booths, and take advantage of shops staying open later than usual. The atmosphere is family friendly and highlights the unique charm of the downtown district.

First Friday offers a lively evening for students in grades 5 to 8, presented by the Aiken County Family YMCA in partnership with Fearless Church. The night features themed games, pizza for dinner, and a chance to win a door prize, along with other activities.

Shop local at the Aiken County Farmers Market for fresh produce like corn, tomatoes, beans, and fruit, plus baked goods and local meats and cheeses. Vendors set up on tables built by Aiken County farmers and families with a long history, and it is also a great place to chat, swap recipes, and meet neighbors. The market is open year-round and is described as open-air/covered. Note that vendors may not always be at the market during listed hours depending on season and product availability, and it may run until the farmers sell out.

Spend a Saturday with the Aiken County Historical Museum at their Family Fun Days, featuring different history-themed activities each month. For August 8, the program includes a Teddy Bear Tea Time at 10:00 AM and a Hot Take on Tea at 11:00 AM. It’s free and family-friendly, but reservations are required for these August 8 sessions.

An offsite pet adoption event at Tractor Supply in Aiken brings shelter pets directly to attendees. The day includes favorite brews and ample opportunities to meet animals that could become a future companion. It is suited to those interested in adopting and to anyone who simply wants to spend time with friendly pets.

Radioactive Pinball Arcade teams up with the Stern Army to unveil Stern Pinball’s new Transformers machine with a launch party filled with competition, prizes, and unlimited play. A $20 all-day pass includes free play on more than 125 arcade and pinball games, and there is no separate tournament entry fee. The tournament runs through six rounds of group match play, then the field narrows to either the top 16 or top 8 based on attendance for the playoffs. Two elimination stages follow, and the final four face off in a two-round championship to determine the winner. The competition is IFPA ranked. Prizes are awarded to the top four finishers, with official Stern Pinball items and random drawings throughout the day offering additional chances to win. Players of all experience levels can enjoy an early look at the latest Transformers pinball release at South Carolina’s largest pinball arcade.

At Good Girl Brewing Co, an offsite adoption event brings shelter pets to a relaxed brewery setting. Guests can meet adoptable dogs, learn about the shelter and its programs, and support a local business that cares about animals. Friends and families are welcome, and well behaved personal dogs can come too. Expect a friendly community vibe, plenty of tail wags, and the chance to find a new best friend alongside refreshing brews.

A meet and greet at Odell Weeks spotlights Hope in Action’s support for youth, veterans, families with limited incomes, and other underserved community members. The organization leads community outreach, connects people with resources, provides mentorship, and is working toward upcoming affordable housing initiatives, guided by the belief that every person deserves dignity and stability. Pelican snoballs will be in the parking lot.

Join the DuPont Planetarium for “Backyard Wilderness,” a one-hour planetarium show that highlights fascinating wildlife living right around home. The program features seasonal footage captured from inside dens and nests, plus views from the forest floor and pond bottom, and it includes a live “sky tonight” segment. The show is appropriate for all ages.

Celebrate the launch of Stern Pinball’s new Transformers machine with a youth IFPA tournament at Radioactive Pinball Arcade. This event is designed for young players ages 4 to 17, welcoming all skill levels from first-time competitors to seasoned point chasers. Youth participants can enter by purchasing a $20 all-day play pass, and one parent or guardian receives complimentary admission to support their player. There is no separate tournament entry fee. The competition is IFPA sanctioned and features four rounds of head-to-head play, focusing on friendly competition and good sportsmanship. Prizes await the top finishers. Between rounds, players can explore more than 125 pinball machines and arcade games. Themed as Optimus Prime’s Pinball Academy, the day offers a chance to build flipper skills, make new friends, and enjoy plenty of smiles and high fives.

Shop the Aiken County Farmers Market for fresh produce, including corn, tomatoes, beans, fruit, baked goods, and local meats and cheeses. Vendors display their goods on tables built by farmers and families from Aiken County, and it is a friendly place to chat, swap recipes, and connect with neighbors. The market is open-air/covered and runs year-round during the posted morning hours, but availability can vary by season.