Looking for things to do in Columbia County, GA, this week? From Food Truck Friday at Evans Towne Center Park to the Evans Market and the Arts in the Heart of Augusta festival, there are plenty of ways to enjoy September 14–20, 2026. Add in a Sunday movie at the Miller, a walk along the Augusta Canal, a lake day in Appling, and a little local history in Harlem, and you have a full week of family-friendly fun.
Food Truck Friday at Evans Towne Center Park
Kick off the weekend with dinner outside at Food Truck Friday in Evans. The event takes place Friday, September 18, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Evans Towne Center Park, 7016 Evans Town Center Boulevard, Evans, GA 30809. Admission is free, and visitors simply pay for the food and drinks they choose.
Bring friends, family, lawn chairs, or a blanket and settle in for an evening of local food trucks, live music, and easy community fun. It is one of the simplest ways to enjoy a Friday night in Evans without needing reservations or a big plan.
The Evans Market
Saturday morning is a great time to visit the Evans Market, open Saturday, September 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The market is held at The Market, 1005 Market Street, Evans, GA 30809, and admission is free.
The Fall Evans Market season began September 5 and continues every Saturday through November 28. Local artisans, farmers, producers, and vendors bring fresh items, handmade goods, seasonal treats, and locally made products to the market.
Go early if you want the widest selection, then take your time browsing and catching up with friends and neighbors. It is an easy family outing and one of the best recurring weekend events in Evans.
Arts in the Heart
The biggest arts weekend in the Augusta area is back September 18–20. Arts in the Heart of Augusta will be held at the Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds, 308 Hale Street in Augusta, a short drive from Columbia County.
Festival hours are:
- Friday, September 18: 5:00–9:00 p.m.
- Saturday, September 19: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
- Sunday, September 20: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Arts in the Heart brings together more than 100 juried fine-art and fine-craft artists, live performances on four stages, a Family Area, a Young Artists Market, and Global Village food representing 20 countries.
It is a great pick for families, couples, and anyone looking for a full afternoon or evening of art, food, music, dance, and local culture. Check the official festival website before attending for the latest badge prices, ticket details, parking information, and any schedule updates.
Movies at the Miller
Want an air-conditioned Sunday outing? Head to the historic Miller Theater, 708 Broad Street in downtown Augusta, on Sunday, September 20, for a free showing of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Doors open at 1:00 p.m., and the movie begins at 2:00 p.m.
The screening is part of the Queensborough National Bank & Trust Movies at the Miller series. Tickets are free, but they should be reserved in advance. Seating is general admission and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
It is an easy way to spend a Sunday afternoon with the family, especially after a busy weekend of outdoor events.
Savannah Rapids Park
For a slower-paced outdoor option, spend some time at Savannah Rapids Park in Martinez. The park is located at 3300 Evans-to-Locks Road, Martinez, GA 30907, near the Augusta Canal headgates.
Savannah Rapids Park is a 33-acre passive recreation area with access to the Augusta Canal Trail and the historic canal headgates. It is a popular destination for walking, running, biking, photography, and simply enjoying the water and wooded scenery.
The Augusta Canal towpath is open from the headgates at Savannah Rapids Park to the I-20 Bridge, offering a wide, mostly level path for hikers, runners, and cyclists.
Plan a morning or early-evening visit when temperatures are more comfortable. The park is generally open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., although visitors should check current access information before heading out.
Mistletoe State Park
Out in Appling, Mistletoe State Park offers one of the best lake-day options near Columbia County. The park is located at 3725 Mistletoe Road, Appling, GA 30802, on 71,100-acre Clarks Hill Lake.
Spend the day swimming at the lakeside beach, fishing, hiking, having a picnic, or enjoying the shoreline. Georgia State Parks notes that Mistletoe is known for its bass fishing and offers a range of outdoor recreation opportunities on Clarks Hill Lake.
A $10 daily ParkPass is required for vehicles entering Georgia State Parks.
If you plan to paddle, bring your own approved watercraft and check current conditions first. Mistletoe’s seasonal kayak rentals are limited to overnight guests.
Visit the Laurel & Hardy Museum
Take a short drive to Harlem for local history, classic comedy, and a family-friendly museum visit. The Harlem Museum and Welcome Center, home of the Laurel & Hardy Museum of Georgia, is located at 135 N. Louisville Street, Harlem, GA 30814.
Comedy legend Oliver Hardy was born in Harlem, Georgia, in 1892. The museum celebrates Hardy and his famous comedy partnership with Stan Laurel through memorabilia, artifacts, posters, and a theater room where visitors can watch Laurel and Hardy films.
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free, although donations are appreciated.
During September, children can also enjoy a Solar System-themed grab-and-go craft while supplies last.
Pair the visit with a walk through downtown Harlem, where you can enjoy the town’s small-town character, historic atmosphere, and local shops.
Thinking About Calling Columbia County Home?
Weeks like this are a reminder of what makes Columbia County special: food trucks in Evans, market mornings with local vendors, arts festivals nearby, lake days in Appling, canal walks in Martinez, and small-town history in Harlem.
If you are thinking about buying or selling a home in Columbia County, the Ehrin Fairey Team would love to help. We live here, serve here, and give back here, with special care for military families relocating to the Augusta area.
Visit ehrinfairey.com to start the conversation and find your place in the community we are proud to call home.
FAQ: This Week in Columbia County
What is there to do in Evans, GA, this weekend?
Food Truck Friday takes place at Evans Towne Center Park on Friday, September 18, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. On Saturday, September 19, shop the Evans Market from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 1005 Market Street. Arts in the Heart of Augusta also runs all weekend, September 18–20, at the Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds.
Is the Evans Market open in September?
Yes. The Fall Evans Market is open every Saturday from September 5 through November 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Market, 1005 Market Street in Evans. Admission is free.
What are fun free things to do in Columbia County, GA?
Food Truck Friday and the Evans Market are free to attend. The Laurel & Hardy Museum in Harlem also offers free admission, though donations are appreciated. Savannah Rapids Park is another low-cost way to get outside, walk, bike, and enjoy the Augusta Canal area.
What is happening in Augusta on September 20, 2026?
Arts in the Heart of Augusta continues through Sunday, September 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds. At 2:00 p.m., the Miller Theater will host a free screening of Raiders of the Lost Ark, with doors opening at 1:00 p.m.
