Happy Labor Day week, neighbors! The summer heat is finally easing, and Columbia County is ready to play. This week brings a big outdoor concert in Evans, a one-of-a-kind mud run, a family event at Augusta Regional Airport, and plenty of easy ways to enjoy our parks and lakes.
Here’s your guide to things to do in Columbia County, GA, from Monday, September 7, through Sunday, September 13.
Sister Hazel Live at Evans Towne Center Park
The biggest event of the week is a good one. Sister Hazel—the band known for the ’90s hit “All for You”—brings the Columbia County fall concert series to the Lady Antebellum Pavilion at Evans Towne Center Park.
Where: Evans Towne Center Park, 7016 Evans Town Center Blvd., Evans, GA 30809
When: Friday, September 11, 2026. Gates open at 6:00 p.m.; music begins at 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $29 general admission; $100 VIP
Bring a lawn chair or blanket, grab something from the food vendors, and enjoy live music under the September sky. Shows at “the Lady A” are one of the best traditions in Evans, and this should be a popular night.
Check the official ticket listing for the latest information about opening performers, ticket availability, and VIP inclusions.
Take on the Marine Mud Challenge
Ready to get dirty for a good cause? The Marine Mud Challenge returns to Fort Eisenhower this Saturday. The four-mile off-road course features more than 30 obstacles, hills, a stream crossing, and plenty of mud. Some event and registration pages may still refer to the installation by its former name, Fort Gordon.
Where: Fort Eisenhower, near 19th Street and Barnes Avenue
When: Saturday, September 12, 2026. The event runs approximately from 8:00 a.m. to noon.
Cost: Registration required through the event registration page; fees vary by wave
Competitive and noncompetitive waves are scheduled throughout the morning, so participants should check their registration confirmation for their exact start time.
The event is open to the public, but visitors without a Department of Defense ID should check Fort Eisenhower’s current visitor-access requirements and request authorization in advance. Registration and base-access requirements may vary.
Participants must be at least 13 years old. Wear old clothes, expect to get muddy, and plan for a serious rinse afterward.
Meet a Machine at Augusta Regional Airport
Got a child who loves fire trucks, helicopters, or big construction equipment? This Saturday, families can get an up-close look at the vehicles and machines used by public-service agencies and other local organizations.
Where: Augusta Regional Airport, 1501 Aviation Way, Augusta, GA 30906
When: Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free
Meet a Machine gives children the chance to see emergency vehicles, aircraft, construction equipment, and other large machines up close. The event benefits the Children’s Miracle Network at Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital of Georgia.
Go early, when temperatures are cooler and the event may be less crowded. Check the airport’s event page for the latest details about participating machines and activities.
Walk the Canal at Savannah Rapids Park
Cooler mornings make this a great week for a walk in Martinez. Savannah Rapids Park sits along the Augusta Canal and the Savannah River, offering scenic views and easy access to the canal towpath.
Where: Savannah Rapids Park, 3300 Evans to Locks Road, Martinez, GA 30907
When: Open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Cost: Check with the park for current rental and activity pricing
Stroll along the towpath, watch the water rush over the rapids, or explore farther by bike or kayak. The park is a scenic choice for a quiet morning outdoors close to home.
Pavilion reservations are unavailable while renovation work is underway, but visitors should check current Columbia County updates for the status of specific facilities, trails, headgates, and rental operations.
Soak Up a Lake Day at Mistletoe State Park
Summer isn’t over at Clarks Hill Lake. Mistletoe State Park in Appling is an easy escape for swimming, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and relaxing near the water.
Where: Mistletoe State Park, 3725 Mistletoe Road, Appling, GA 30802
When: Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Cost: A Georgia State Parks parking fee is required; check the park’s current rate before visiting
Spend the day at the beach area, fish from the bank, or follow the shady trails along the shoreline. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it. If your family wants to stay longer, the park also offers campsites and cottages for an easy fall getaway close to home.
Play, Paddle, or Fish at Wildwood Park
Prefer a quieter corner of the lake? Wildwood Park in Appling offers access to 72,000-acre Clarks Hill Lake and plenty of space for fishing, boating, picnicking, and enjoying the outdoors.
Where: Wildwood Park, 3780 Dogwood Lane, Appling, GA 30802
When: Open daily; check current facility and office hours before visiting
Cost: $3 per vehicle; $6 with a boat
Launch a kayak or paddleboard, cast a line, or walk part of the Bartram Trail. Disc golf fans can also visit the nearby International Disc Golf Center, a major destination for the sport.
It’s a low-cost way to spend a September afternoon on the lake. The park’s office is generally listed as open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; call ahead if you need information about boat access, camping, or other facilities.
Thinking About Calling Columbia County Home?
Weeks like this are exactly why we love living here—concerts in the park, lake days close to home, and a community that shows up for each other.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Evans, Grovetown, Martinez, Harlem, or Appling, the Ehrin Fairey Team would love to help. We live here, serve here, and give back here. Reach out anytime for a friendly, no-pressure conversation about your real estate goals in Columbia County.
FAQ
What is there to do in Evans, GA, this weekend?
The main event is the Sister Hazel concert at Evans Towne Center Park on Friday, September 11. Gates open at 6:00 p.m., and music begins at 7:00 p.m. On Saturday, families can visit Meet a Machine at Augusta Regional Airport or spend the day at a nearby park or lake.
Is Savannah Rapids Park open right now?
The park is listed as open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Visitors can enjoy the canal area and outdoor spaces, but pavilion reservations are unavailable during renovations. Check with Columbia County for the latest information about specific facilities, rentals, and construction-related changes.
What are the best low-cost things to do in Columbia County, GA?
Walking and enjoying the outdoor areas at Savannah Rapids Park is a budget-friendly option. Evans Towne Center Park is also free to visit, while Mistletoe State Park and Wildwood Park require vehicle or parking fees. Families can also attend Meet a Machine, where adults pay $5 and children 12 and under are free.
