Arts in the Heart of Augusta, Border Bash return. Here's what to know
The Augusta-area will see plenty of fun festivities this weekend. After a two-year hiatus created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Arts in the Heart is back in full force. Plus, University of Georgia and University of South Carolina's football teams are facing off, and with it comes the 29th annual Border Bash to pump up fans from both schools. Here is what residents need to know about these events:
When and where is Arts in the Heart?
The 40th annual festival returns to downtown Augusta and will, once again, span four blocks. The festival will run
Friday, Sept. 16, 5 - 9 p.m.
Saturday Sept. 17, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 18, 12 - 7 p.m.
Entrances start at 10th Street and Broad, and the activities span its 600, 700, 800 and 900 blocks as well as the Augusta Common.
What can guests expect at the festival?
Arts in the Heart kicks off with an opening ceremony. Guests can enjoy the hand-made creations of 130 fine arts and crafters, food from 17 different international vendors in the "Global Village" plus a hotdog stand, beer and lemonade stands and live entertainment at five different stages.
Read more: Behind-the-scenes of Arts in the Heart of Augusta's international booths
Now Opening: Another Broken Egg cracking Augusta market; Salata serving up salads
There is also a family area, including activities, a young artists market, and youth live entertainment.
Where are tickets available?
Guests buy badges, which grant admission for the entire weekend.
Advance badges can be bought online and in person for $12 at the following locations:
Richmond County Tax Commission Office at 535 Telfair St.
Richmond County Tag Offices at 2816 Washington Rd. and 3463 Peach Orchard Rd.
Vintage Ooollee at 1121 Broad St. in Augusta
Augusta and Co. at 1010 Broad St.
New Moon Cafe at 116 Laurens St. SW in Aiken.
Printed online tickets can be exchanged for a badge at the ticket gates.
During the festival's weekend, badge prices rise to $15. Buyers getting day-of tickets have two options: online or at the ticket gates. Cash and card are accepted.
Children ages 10 and under get in free. Also, any volunteer who work at Arts in the Heart gets a free badge.
Volunteer sign-ups and online ticket purchases are available at artsintheheartofaugusta.com.
Where does the money go?
The proceeds from the event go toward the arts council's efforts to advocate for the arts, employ artists and fund projects and artists around the region. From beautifying sewer covers and utility boxes to helping artists write grant applications and bringing a sculpture trail to the city, Arts in the Heart entrance's fees gets spread around.
Plus, each booth consists of local artists and activists that are raising money to continue their businesses and work in the community.
What's new at Arts in the Heart 2022?
Football for one.
The art council's executive director Brenda Durant said they are also looking to provide some fun for sports fans, so there will be a TV with live football games at the Augusta Common beer tent, when UGA plays USC on Saturday, fans can watch the game for free inside the Miller Theater at 708 Broad Street.
There have traditionally been four stages featuring various live entertainment: the family stage, global stage, jazz stage, and community stage. But this year, there is a fifth addition. The new "Soul Suite Stage" will be inside the Dorris Building at 930 Broad Street and will feature poetry, storytelling, acoustic music, soul, spoken word, and improv.
Wicked Weed Brewing from Asheville, NC, will be back to sell some of its craft beer at 9th Street and the local 2nd City Brewers will be offering tastings of its vodka and bourbon drinks at the Augusta Common.
When is the UGA v. USC football game?
Georgia Bulldogs will play at the South Carolina Gamecock's Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, on Saturday, Sept. 17 at noon.
What is Border Bash?
Border Bash is organized by the Augusta GreenJackets and the Border Bash Foundation to serve as a tailgate party for fans ahead of the UGA v. USC game. The 29th annual bash will start, rain or shine, at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, at SRP Park in North Augusta's Riverside Village at 187 Railroad Ave.
What can guests expect?
Fans can enjoy live entertainment all day with local bands plus cheerleader performances and team mascots available for photos. There will also be plenty of food, drinks and activities. The fun will end with a fireworks show at 10:45 p.m.
Where are tickets available?
General admission tickets cost $15 in advance and $20 the day of the event. Military and students will receive $15 admission at the gate with proper ID.
All children 12 and under receive free general admission with a ticketed adult.
A limited number of VIP tickets are available. Ages 21 costs $100 in advance, $125 day of. Those under 21 cost $25 and children under 3 will receive free VIP admission with a VIP ticketed adult. VIP's get access to beer, wine and plenty of food provided by WifeSaver.
Tickets are available online at BorderBash.net and greenjacketsbaseball.com.
Where does the money go?
Proceeds from the event benefit the Border Bash Foundation, which works to promote children's charities in the Augusta-area. The foundation's president Joel Simmons said they have raised nearly $1 million for charity over the years.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Arts in the Heart, Border Bash return this weekend. Here's what to know
