What a week to live in the CSRA. Fall weather finally arrives — Monday and Tuesday stay hot with highs in the mid-90s and heat index values near 100, then highs fall to the mid-80s Wednesday and the low 80s Thursday through the weekend, with mornings in the low 60s by Friday and Saturday. The calendar delivers, too: world-class athletes hit downtown Augusta, the symphony opens its season, and two markets soak up the first cool Saturday of fall. Here are the best things to do in the CSRA this week, September 21–27, 2026.
Cheer On IRONMAN 70.3 Augusta
This is the big one. On Sunday, September 27, thousands of triathletes swim the Savannah River, bike 56 miles, and run 13.1 miles through downtown Augusta in IRONMAN 70.3 Augusta. Watching is free — and unforgettable.
The 1.2-mile swim runs downriver from North Augusta into Augusta, the bike course loops out through south Richmond County and the Hephzibah area, and the run finishes downtown. The best spectator spots are along the Augusta Riverwalk for the swim and Broad Street for the run and finish line. Bring a sign, ring a cowbell, and cheer strangers into becoming legends. Heads up: in past years the race started around 7 a.m. with downtown closures and no-parking zones on Broad, Reynolds, and 8th Streets running roughly 4 a.m. to 6 p.m., plus rolling closures along the bike course through early afternoon. Check the official race athlete guide and city notices for this year’s exact times before you drive downtown.
Augusta Symphony Opening Night: “Raise the Roof”
The Augusta Symphony opens its 72nd season with “Raise the Roof” on Friday, September 25 — doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. — at the historic Miller Theater (708 Broad St, Augusta). It’s the first concert of the Piedmont Augusta Masterworks Series, with music by Liszt on the program.
There’s nothing like a full orchestra live. Make it a date night: dinner on Broad Street, then a night of big, joyful music in one of the South’s prettiest theaters. Single tickets run about $21 to $84 through the Miller Theater box office and the symphony’s website.
The Augusta Market at the River
Saturday morning downtown is a tradition. The Augusta Market at the River runs Saturday, September 26, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the 8th Street Plaza, at 8th and Reynolds Street beside the Riverwalk. Admission is free, and the season continues every Saturday through November 21.
Fresh produce, local honey, baked goods, art, and live music — with the Savannah River right beside you. Saturday’s forecast high near 82 with a morning low around 60 makes it the best market morning of the season so far.
The Evans Market in Columbia County
Prefer the Columbia County side? The Evans Market runs the same Saturday, September 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Market, 1005 Market Street in Evans — also free, with dozens of local farmers, artisans, and food vendors. The fall season runs Saturdays through November 28. Two great markets, one perfect Saturday. Why not hit both?
Walk the Boardwalks at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park
On the south side of Augusta, toward Hephzibah, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park (1858 Lock and Dam Rd) covers about 1,100 acres of wetlands with boardwalks and roughly 14 miles of unpaved trails. It’s free, with free parking, and open 365 days a year — 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. through September, then 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from October through March.
Cooler mornings mean the wildlife comes out: herons, otters, turtles, and alligators sunning themselves. It’s one of the CSRA’s most surprising outdoor escapes, and this week’s weather is exactly what it was made for.
Ride the North Augusta Greeneway
Across the river, North Augusta’s Greeneway is a paved rail-trail running more than seven miles through the city, with side trails adding several more miles and a southern loop through Brick Pond Park’s ponds and wildlife. It’s free and perfect for bikes, strollers, and evening walks. Most of the trail is unlit and closed at night, so plan for dawn-to-dusk outings; the riverfront section stays lit until 11 p.m.
With mornings dropping into the low 60s by Friday, this is the week to start (or restart) that walking habit. Finish at Riverside Village by SRP Park for a riverside dinner.
Catch the Last Warm Days at Mistletoe State Park
Out in Appling, Mistletoe State Park spreads across 1,920 acres on Clarks Hill Lake and has a public swimming beach with no lifeguard on duty — Monday and Tuesday highs in the mid-90s are your last hot-weather swim window, and the park turns into a fall hiking destination by the weekend. Miles of trails, quiet coves, and big lake views. A daily ParkPass is $10 per vehicle as of 2026 ($70 annual). Pack a picnic and welcome autumn properly.
Thinking About a Move in the CSRA?
From downtown Augusta lofts to North Augusta river views to family neighborhoods in Evans, Grovetown, Martinez, Harlem, Hephzibah, and Appling — the CSRA has a home for every chapter. The Ehrin Fairey Team lives here, serves here, and gives back here, with special care for military families moving to the area. Reach out anytime at ehrinfairey.com.
FAQ: This Week in the CSRA
What is happening in Augusta, GA this weekend?
The Augusta Market at the River runs Saturday morning (Sept 26), and IRONMAN 70.3 Augusta takes over downtown on Sunday, Sept 27 — free to watch. The Augusta Symphony also opens its season Friday night at the Miller Theater.
Is IRONMAN Augusta free to watch?
Yes. Spectating is free. The Augusta Riverwalk (swim) and Broad Street (run and finish line) are the best viewing spots. Expect downtown road closures and no-parking zones on race day.
What are free things to do in the CSRA this week?
Watching IRONMAN, both Saturday markets, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, the North Augusta Greeneway, and the Laurel & Hardy Museum in Harlem (free, donations accepted, open Tuesday through Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) are all free.
