This week: July 4th celebrations, where to see fireworks, live music and the Loomis Bros Circus
Update: The GreenJackets game originally scheduled for Tuesday was postponed for weather and is part of a double-header set for Wednesday, June 29. This list has been updated.
This week's opportunities for entertainment in the Augusta area are heavily focused on July 4th celebrations. Many of them don't wait for the official Independence Day to celebrate, but start as early as June 30 with the annual crowd-pleaser at Fort Gordon. In addition to the many chances to ooh and ahh over fireworks extravaganzas from Thursday through the holiday, there is also live music in store (yes! Charlie Puth is performing in Evans), a circus is in town and a museum exhibit has Augusta's landmarks re-created using LEGO bricks.
Where to watch fireworks shows before July 4th
Fort Gordon's Independence Day Celebration: 5-11 p.m. Thursday, June 30, at Barton Field. Families can enjoy food from more than 30 area vendors, carnival attractions, and live music from country artists Chris Janson, Chris Lane and Julia Cole. The night will be capped off with fireworks.
The Augusta GreenJackets are back at home against the Columbia Fireflies from June 28-July 3. The game originally scheduled for Tuesday was postponed for weather and is part of a double-header set for Wednesday, June 29. Game one will start at 5:05 p.m. with game two to follow 30 minutes after the first game ends. Both games will be seven innings. Games start at 7:05 p.m. Thursday-Friday and 6:05 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. These last two games – July 2 and July 3 – will feature post-game fireworks. The Saturday game will also include a full-out Independence Day Celebration and Picnic, including a chance to bid on a game-worn patriotic jersey with proceeds benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta. Games are at SRP Park in North Augusta's Riverside Village. For tickets, visit www.milb.com/augusta.
Freedom Blast is set for 7-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 2, at the Thomson-McDuffie Government Center, 210 Railroad St. in Thomson. Bring a picnic, cool off courtesy of the Thomson-McDuffie Fire Department's fire truck, play games and bounce in inflatables ahead of the "fireworks extravaganza."
Friends of Clarks Hill Lake Annual Fireworks Show on the Lake returns at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 2. Watch from the lake or on land with key vantage points at Raysville Marina, 6584 Lincolnton Hwy. in Thomson.
Where to watch fireworks on July 4th
City of Augusta Independence Celebration: Festivities begin at 5 p.m. Monday, July 4, at the Augusta Common off Broad Street with live bands as well as food and other merchandise from area vendors. Fireworks will launch from the Fifth Street Bridge at 9:30 p.m.
Boom in the Park: 5-11 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Evans Towne Center Park off Washington Road in Evans. There will be live music, food trucks and fireworks at the end of the night.
4th of July Celebration: From 6-10 p.m. Monday, July 4, the Village at Woodside, 230 Village Green Blvd., Aiken, will have a free community event with live music by Preston & Weston, food trucks and a fireworks show.
More events celebrating the Fourth
VFW Post 12190's July 4th Weekend BBQ. 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 1, through Monday, July 4, at the post at 4290 Triangle Industrial Road in Evans. Guests can feast on racks of ribs, pulled pork and other delicacies. In between bites, they can enjoy live music, a corn hole tournament, and more fun.
City of Grovetown’s 4th of July Celebration: Saturday, July 2, the City of Grovetown will host its annual celebration with free barbecue plates starting at 11 a.m. until they run out at Liberty Park in Grovetown.
12th annual Signers' Monument Celebration: 9 a.m. Monday, July 4, Monument and Greene streets, Augusta; this annual event is presented by members of General Oglethorpe Camp, Heroes of '76 of Clarence H. Cohen Chapter #162 and National Sojourners, Inc. in conjunction with other civic organizations. Guests will hear Historic Augusta Executive Director Eric Montgomery speak about the Signers' Monument and Rich Baker, a descendant of John Adams, will speak about the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Music will include a choir performance and the playing of taps.
Living History Park's 4th of July Celebration: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, July 4. Guests will enjoy hot dogs and watermelon while immersing themselves in historical re-enactments. There will be a parade and costume prizes for the most patriotic dog, stroller and kids. North Augusta Mayor Briton Williams will read from the U.S. Constitution. The park is located on West Spring Grove Avenue in North Augusta. Learn more at colonialtimes.us.
4th of July Celebration: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, July 2, Timms Harley-Davidson of Augusta, 4200 Belair Frontage Road, Augusta; live entertainment, food truck, waterslide, beer on tap
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Live music this week
Charlie Puth is performing at Evans Towne Center Park at 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 28. The outdoor concert will also feature Charlotte Sands and Lawrence. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $35 from thecenterofcc.com.
The Music in the Park Series at Maude Edenfield Park in North Augusta continues with performances on Saturdays at 7 p.m. Up next are: Aiken Brass on June 30, The Augusta Broadway Singers on July 7 and the Chris Ndeti Trio on July 14.
A dance competition
The EL3VATE by Fusic365 Dance Convention and Competition is in town this week with two events open to the public.
El3vate After Hours is set for 8 p.m. Thursday, June 30, at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center and includes "3 Parties 'n' One" until 11:30 p.m. Artists will include deejay Kydd Joe, jazz with Karen Gordon and Friends, as well as a comedy show with Saseddrick. Advance tickets are $30 or $40 at the door.
To culminate the Fusic365 Convention and Dance Competition, a public audience is welcome to watch the Crew Finals at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 2, at the Miller Theater. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $40 at millertheateraugusta.com.
The circus returns
The Loomis Bros. Circus makes a stop at the Columbia County Exhibition Center in Grovetown today through June 29. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Monday, with two shows on Tuesday and Wednesday at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $8 at eventbrite.com.
See Augusta brick by brick
The Great Building Showdown: Building History Brick by Brick will be on display at Augusta Museum of History from July 1-11. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, visitors can view replicas of the region's historic structures that have been created out of LEGO bricks by amateurs and professionals. Admission is $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children or free with museum membership.