This week: See James Gregory or Nike Peach Jam; go to a festival or school supply giveaway

Miguel Legoas, Augusta Chronicle
·6 min read

Looking for something to do this week? Staged shows include a laugh-filled night with stand-up comedian James Gregory and a creepy, kooky musical theater showing of “The Addams Family,” while action-packed shows include the “Battle on the River” boxing and more of the Nike Peach Jam. Plus, for anyone needing backpacks and other school supplies, several churches and community organizations are hosting giveaways across the area. There are also a range of fun-filled festivals centered on sneakers, food trucks, Christmas and more. Here are more details on these and other upcoming festivities in the Augusta area:

Performances

Stand-up comedian James Gregory will perform at Augusta's Miller Theater on Friday, July 22.
Stand-up comedian James Gregory will perform at Augusta's Miller Theater on Friday, July 22.

Stand-up comedian James Gregory from Lithonia, Georgia, will be bringing a laugh a minute to the Miller Theater on Broad Street at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 22. Gregory has appeared on stage with country stars like Reba McEntire, Randy Travis and The Judds. Tickets can be bought by calling (706) 842-4080 and online at millertheateraugusta.com.

Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre is presenting a musical-comedy rendition of "The Addams Family." There are evening shows Fridays and Saturdays, July 22, 23, 29 and 30 with dinner served at 6:45 and the show at 8. Two Sunday matinees on July 24 and 31 offer lunch at 1:45 p.m. with the show at 3 p.m. For more information, go to gordon.armymwr.com.

Sporting events

Augusta's TSF Katayvon Jefferies (4) looks to the ball during their game against the Florida Rebels on the first day of the Peach Jam at Riverview Park Activities Center in North Augusta, S.C., on Sunday, July 17, 2022. The Florida Rebels defeated The Skill Factory 72-57.
Augusta's TSF Katayvon Jefferies (4) looks to the ball during their game against the Florida Rebels on the first day of the Peach Jam at Riverview Park Activities Center in North Augusta, S.C., on Sunday, July 17, 2022. The Florida Rebels defeated The Skill Factory 72-57.

The Nike Peach Jam AAU basketball tournament is back for its 26th year, and it's in-person for the first time since 2019. Games run all day Monday, July 18, through Sunday, July 24, at the Riverview Park Activities Center in North Augusta at 100 Riverview Park Dr. Tickets can be bought at the door and games can be streamed online.

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Augusta Boxing Club is throwing down a Battle on the River from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at the Jessye Norman Amphitheater, Eighth Street at the Riverwalk. In addition to watching amateur boxers duking it out for the belt, guests can enjoy food, drinks and the Riverwalk's amenities. Tickets start at $20. For more information, go to augustaboxingclub.ticketleap.com.

Project Lifting Spirits' 5K/10K Fundraiser is Saturday, July 23, at the end of Milledge Road at the Lake Olmstead Trailhead on the Augusta Canal. Registration starts at 6 a.m., the 10K is at 7 a.m., and the 5K is at 7:15 a.m. Admission is $10, and all of the proceeds will help Project Lifting Spirits' community-support efforts. For more information, go to projectliftingspirits5k10k.itsyourrace.com.

School supplies giveaways

Before the Battle on the River ignites, Augusta Boxing Club will host its 4th annual Knock Out the Need drive from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 23, at the gym at 1929 Walton Way in Augusta. They will be giving away free backpacks and school supplies.

Cornerstone Apostolic Church is bringing back its 6th annual Back-to-School Bash from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at the North Augusta church at 836 Edgefield Road. School-aged attendees will receive backpacks, school supplies and be entered into a bicycle giveaway.

Pine View Baptist Church will be giving out school supplies from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 23, at the Augusta church at 119 Pleasant Home Road. Families can also enjoy inflatables, games and food.

Burke County Recreation Department is also pairing a giveaway with family fun with its 2nd annual Back-to-School Bash from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at the Waynesboro Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership at 480 US-25 in Waynesboro. There will be 500 backpacks distributed as well as bounce houses, face painting, dunk tanks, food and more.

Augusta Worship Center is giving away backpacks filled with supplies to the first 200 school-age children at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 23, at the church at 3840 Mike Padgett Hwy.

Festivals

Augusta Handmade Fair's Night Market is 7:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at the Doris Building at 930 Broad St. A dozen vendors will be there selling their creations plus there will be live music. All of the proceeds will benefit the Redemption Church Youth Group.

The Augusta Handmade Fair returns with a Night Market from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at The Doris Building, 930 Broad St. This fundraiser will benefit the Redemption Church Youth Group and offers a showcase of local creatives with jewelry, pottery, clothing, paper goods, and more.
The Augusta Handmade Fair returns with a Night Market from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at The Doris Building, 930 Broad St. This fundraiser will benefit the Redemption Church Youth Group and offers a showcase of local creatives with jewelry, pottery, clothing, paper goods, and more.

SoleFest Sneaker Festival is noon to 8 p.m. Friday, July 22, at the North Augusta Community Center at 495 Brookside Ave. Guests will be immersed in sneaker-themed culture, plus there will be clothing and jewelry vendors, food trucks and other activities. Admission is free.

Columbia County's Food Truck Friday is back at Evans Towne Center Park off Washington Road with trucks ready to serve at 6 p.m., music at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

Levels Baptist Church is hosting a summer festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at the Aiken church at 2546 Levels Church Road. Chili dogs, snow cones and popcorn will be paired with music, games, an inflatable waterslide and other activities. There will also be gas card drawings. Admission is free.

Christmas in July

Scott Family Farm is organizing a "Christmas in July" festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at the farm at 500 Barnhart Dr. in Waynesboro. Families can shop at the arts and farmers market, eat food and visit Santa Claus.

Aiken Community Theatre is showcasing "A Doublewide, Texas Christmas" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, July 21-23, at the theater at 126 Newberry St. SW in downtown Aiken. Tickets can be bought by calling (803) 648-1438 or online at aikencommunitytheatre.org.

Planetarium shows

The DuPont Planetarium at USC Aiken has a variety of shows scheduled for this weekend:

  • Big Bird's Adventure: One World, One Sky: This "Sesame Street"-themed look at the night sky and the moon is for ages 4-10 and starts 10 a.m. Friday, July 22.

  • Grossology and You: A look at all of the "gross" aspects of the human body; 11 a.m. Friday, July 22

  • Habitat Earth: A deep-dive into the ecological networks of Planet Earth; 7 p.m. Saturday, July 23

  • Ancient Sky Lore: A look at the stars, constellations and the legends they are named for; 8 p.m. Saturday, July 23

  • Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon: The band's hit music is paired with artistic visuals; 9 p.m. Saturday, July 23.

The planetarium at the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center is located off University Parkway in Aiken. Saturday evening shows also offer access to the rooftop Bechtel telescope, weather permitting. Reservations are encouraged. Learn more at https://www.usca.edu/rpsec.

Border Bash tickets on sale

Hairy Dawg and Cocky cheer with their respective fans at the 2019 Border Bash at SRP Park in North Augusta.
Hairy Dawg and Cocky cheer with their respective fans at the 2019 Border Bash at SRP Park in North Augusta.

Tickets are on sale now for Border Bash – the 29th annual celebration of the football rivalry between the University of South Carolina and University of Georgia. The event returns to SRP Park in North Augusta for the third year on Friday, Sept. 16.

In addition to live music, cheerleaders and mascots, this year will include a Fan Fest of activities and and fireworks.

Tickets are $15 advance online at BorderBash.net and GreenJacketsBaseball.com or $20 the day of. Ages 12 and younger are admitted free with an adult and VIP tickets are also available.

The event, put on by the Border Bash Foundation, has contributed $941,000 to children's charities in its 29-year history, according to Border Bash Foundation President Joel Simmons.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta events: James Gregory, Nike Peach Jam, school supply drives