Where to Enjoy Live Music in Aiken and Western South Carolina

Andy Brown

It’s easy to find live music in Aiken and Western South Carolina. No matter what genre or crowd size you gravitate toward, you’ll be able to find exactly what suits you. Read on for a list of local venues and events that offer unique listening experiences for all who attend.

1. Amp the Alley

Everyone in Aiken is familiar with The Alley, a row of historic buildings that have been lovingly restored and house a selection of businesses. This local hot spot roars to life every Thursday evening, thanks to Amp the Alley, a free weekly concert series that takes place at the back of the municipal building across from The Alley.

Each week, community members gather to mix and mingle, enjoy good music and consume delicious food and drinks. It’s a bring-your-own-chair situation, but the acoustics are impressive, and the energy is high. It’s a great place to discover and support local and regional artists, while simultaneously building community with other regulars who attend every week. The music starts at 6:30 p.m., but get there early to grab a good spot.

2. Sharon Jones Amphitheater

Previously known as the Riverside Village Amphitheater, this beautiful venue in North Augusta was renamed to honor Sharon Jones, an R&B artist who passed away in 2016 who had deep family roots in North Augusta.

The amphitheater is actually a government-run facility, and it can be rented for ticketed and non-ticketed events. A more intimate amphitheater, it boasts a capacity of roughly 100. Although there are not permanent chairs installed, there is space for chairs to be set up as well as abundant lawn seating on an incline, making for perfect viewing.

The City of North Augusta recently announced a project to expand the facility to add more seats, bathrooms and even a boat dock. This will increase capacity to 450, making it an even more appealing venue for larger acts and bigger crowds.

Andy Brown

3. Aiken Music Fest

An equestrian center called Highfields Event Center in Aiken is also the site of the annual Aiken Music Fest, an event that’s been running for six years. Aiken Music Fest is a six-series concert that takes place once a month from May through October. Featured artists tend to be up-and-coming (no cover bands allowed), and for only $15 a ticket, it’s a great value for four hours of top-notch performances. With food and drink vendors set up and a makers market, it’s a great place to eat, drink and be merry.

4. Gaston Unplugged

Gaston Unplugged in Aiken is sure to be a recurring staple, one that caters to music buffs who prefer small, intimate performances. This new three-show series is part of the Aiken Music Fest’s winter music series. Gaston Unplugged is a listening room experience set in the historic Gaston Livery Stable.

A recognized historic landmark, the Gaston Livery Stable is a charming spot that has been restored with great love and care. Gaston Unplugged is a fundraising event to help cover the costs of running and maintaining the property.

5. Three Star Vineyard and Orchard

If you like to listen to live music in a relaxing atmosphere, you couldn’t ask for a better place than Three Star Vineyard and Orchard in Johnston. Plus, you’ll love the drive, as it offers gorgeous views of peach orchards. The vineyard serves a wide selection of delectable wines, including popular fan-favorite wine slushies in addition to good food and retail. When musicians perform at Three Star, it’s a great time for all in attendance. Open air, a beautiful covered pavilion with plenty of seating and views of the vineyard – what more could you ask for?