Looking for things to do in the CSRA this November? Here's the short answer for November 2026. In Evans and Columbia County, it's the Columbia County Fall Fair (Nov. 5–15), Jackson Dean (Nov. 6), Evans on Ice (opens Nov. 18), Lights of the South (opens Nov. 20) and the Evans Thanksgiving Market (Nov. 28). In Augusta, it's Foodees Fest (Nov. 6–8), two Augusta Symphony concerts (Nov. 6 and 12) and the Colton Ballet Nutcracker (Nov. 27–29). In North Augusta, it's the Wine Walk (Nov. 7). In Aiken, it's the Holiday Open House (Nov. 12), Pink Friday (Nov. 20) and the Blessing of the Hounds on Thanksgiving morning. Veterans Day is Wed. Nov. 11, and Columbia County schools are closed.
You've got a full calendar and limited weekends. You don't need another list of 100 events. You need the handful worth planning around, with times you can trust. That's this guide. We checked every date against the organizer's own page and linked it, so you can confirm before you load up the car.
Keep an eye on local listings for any last-minute venue or time changes. Weather and organizers can move things, especially outdoor events.
This guide covers the whole CSRA, including Evans, Martinez, Grovetown, Harlem, Appling, Augusta, North Augusta and Aiken, organized week by week. Want even more detail? See our Evans and Columbia County roundup for Nov. 2–8 and our CSRA roundup for Nov. 2–8. New weekly roundups post each Sunday.
Week 1 (Nov. 1–8): Fair, Foodees Fest and Wine Walk
Columbia County Fall Fair: Thu. Nov. 5 – Sun. Nov. 15
- Where: Columbia County Fairgrounds, 5462 Columbia Rd., Grovetown
- Good to know: Gate admission is $10, and kids 6 and under get in free. Gate hours change by day, so check the calendar. On Veterans Day (Wed. Nov. 11), active-duty and retired military get in for $2.50 with ID (gate only, one per ID).
- Details: Our Fall Fair guide · Official fair calendar
Jackson Dean at Evans Towne Center Park: Fri. Nov. 6
- When: Gates 6 p.m., music 7 p.m. It's the last show of the county's Fall Concert Series.
- Where: Evans Towne Center Park, 7016 Evans Town Center Blvd., Evans
- Tickets: Through Ticketmaster. Columbia County event page · CCPAC event page
Fort Gordon Turkey Trot 5K: Sat. Nov. 7
- When: 9 a.m.–noon. There's a 5K plus a 1K fun run and stroller walk, and every finisher gets a medal.
- Where: Brainard Avenue near the Dog Park, Fort Gordon. Visitors without base access need a gate pass, so plan ahead.
- Details: Fort Gordon MWR event page · (706) 791-1142
Evans Market: Saturdays through Nov. 28
- When: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. every Saturday (Nov. 7, 14, 21 and 28)
- Where: The Market, 1005 Market St., Evans (inside Evans Towne Center Park). Free to attend.
- Details: Columbia County Evans Market page
Foodees Fest in Downtown Augusta: Fri. Nov. 6 – Sun. Nov. 8
- When: Friday 1–7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.–7 p.m. It's rain or shine.
- What: More than 100 food vendors plus crafters and artisans. Admission is free, and organizers encourage free advance registration. Bring a lawn chair.
- Details: Visit Augusta
Augusta Symphony: American Fanfare: Fri. Nov. 6
- When: 7:30 p.m. at the Miller Theater, Augusta. Tickets are $21–$84.
- What: Copland's Symphony No. 3 (with "Fanfare for the Common Man") and Gershwin with pianist Thomas Pandolfi. Augusta Symphony calendar
North Augusta Wine Walk (21+): Sat. Nov. 7
- When: 6–10 p.m. at Sharon Jones Amphitheater, 1009 Center St., North Augusta
- What: Unlimited wine tastings, a souvenir glass and live jazz, with food and beer for purchase. November tickets are $55. It's hosted by the North Augusta Beautification Foundation. Explore North Augusta
Augusta Market at the River: Saturdays through Nov. 21
Farmers, growers and artisans on the Savannah River at 8th and Reynolds streets, downtown Augusta. The last market of the season is Nov. 21. The Augusta Market
Holiday Pop Up at the Morris Museum of Art: Sun. Nov. 8
Noon–4 p.m. at 1 Tenth St., Augusta, during the museum's free Sunday (noon–5 p.m.). Local and regional vendors bring handcrafted gifts, and there's a Vera Stewart cookbook signing and free gift wrap. See our CSRA roundup for more.
Military Ministry Veterans Day Fellowship: Sun. Nov. 8
- When: Right after both the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services
- Where: The Living Room at The Sanctuary of Augusta, 4584 Cox Rd., Evans
- What: A free meet-and-greet with light refreshments and JROTC cadets from Evans and Greenbrier high schools. It's open to veterans, active-duty military families and church members.
- Details: The Sanctuary of Augusta event page
Week 2 (Nov. 9–15): Veterans Day Week
If you're military or a military family, this is your week. And if you're PCSing to Fort Gordon, it's a great way to meet your new neighbors.
Grovetown Veterans Day Ceremony: Mon. Nov. 9
- When: 10–11 a.m.
- Where: Veterans Park, Grovetown
- Details: City of Grovetown event page · Grovetown Leisure & Recreation, (706) 860-7691
Veterans Day: Wed. Nov. 11
Columbia County schools are closed for the Veterans Day holiday (CCSD calendar).
- CSRA Veterans Day Parade, downtown Augusta, typically 10 a.m. The parade traditionally starts near 13th and Greene streets and ends at the All Wars Monument at 4th and Broad. In 2025 it ran on Greene Street because of Broad Street construction. Organizers hadn't posted the final 2026 route or veteran check-in details when we checked, so confirm before you go. Parade questions go to the organizers at [email protected].
- Augusta-CSRA Veterans Day Observance, All Wars Monument (4th and Broad). The Augusta Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars hosts this observance on Veterans Day, usually right after the parade, and it's free to attend. The 2025 observance was canceled during the federal shutdown, and the 2026 program, time and speakers weren't posted when we checked. MOWW Augusta
- Fair Military Day: $2.50 gate admission for active-duty and retired military with ID at the Columbia County Fall Fair. Fair calendar
Augusta Symphony Pops: The Great American Singer-Songwriters: Thu. Nov. 12
Michael Cavanaugh performs songs by Paul Simon, James Taylor and more, 7:30 p.m. at the Miller Theater, Augusta. Tickets are $37–$104. Augusta Symphony calendar
Aiken Downtown Holiday Open House: Thu. Nov. 12
5–8 p.m. Most downtown Aiken shops stay open late for holiday shopping. Visit Aiken
Zach Williams: Revival Nights: Fri. Nov. 13
- When: Doors 6 p.m., show 7 p.m.
- Where: Columbia County Performing Arts Center, Evans
- Details: CCPAC events
Face 2 Face: A Tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel: Sat. Nov. 14
7:30 p.m. at Sharon Jones Amphitheater, North Augusta. It's listed by Explore North Augusta, so check tickets and weather calls on their calendar before you go.
Steed's Dairy Military Appreciation Days: Sat.–Sun. Nov. 14–15
Free admission for military (per Steed's) on the last weekend of the Steed's Dairy season in Grovetown. Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sunday 1–7 p.m. Steed's Dairy
Nov. 15 is also the last day of the Fall Fair.
Week 3 (Nov. 16–22): The Holiday Season Kicks Off
Evans on Ice Opens: Wed. Nov. 18
- Where: Evans Towne Center Park, 7016 Evans Town Center Blvd., Evans (covered rink)
- Season: Nov. 18, 2026 – Jan. 18, 2027. Skate rental is included with your ticket.
- Details: Evans on Ice · Our Evans on Ice guide
Lights of the South Opens: Fri. Nov. 20
- Where: 633 Louisville Rd., Grovetown (I-20 Exit 183)
- Season: Nov. 20 – Dec. 30, 2026. Expect more than 5 million lights, hayrides, the Christmas Tree Maze and Santa. Parking is free, and lines are shorter Sunday through Thursday.
- Details: Lights of the South
Pink Friday in Downtown Aiken: Fri. Nov. 20
Shop small first, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. at downtown Aiken businesses, the Friday before Thanksgiving. Visit Aiken
Holiday Movie Night: The Polar Express in Aiken: Sat. Nov. 21
6:30 p.m. at the Amentum Center for the Performing Arts, 126 Newberry St. SW, Aiken. Tickets are $5, and every attendee needs one. Popcorn and water are free. Check the Visit Aiken holiday calendar for tickets.
Columbia County schools are out for Thanksgiving break Mon. Nov. 23 – Fri. Nov. 27.
Week 4 (Nov. 23–30): Thanksgiving Week
Thanksgiving Day: Thu. Nov. 26
- RunGiving 5K: 9 a.m. (1-mile fun run at 10 a.m.) at the Mill Village Trailhead, 109 Eve St., Augusta, out onto the Augusta Canal towpath. Bring a canned good for the Broad Street Ministry Center food pantry, and you'll get a raffle ticket for each item. Online registration stays open until 8:45 a.m. race day, and parking is at the Kroc Center, 1833 Broad St. RunGiving 5K registration
- Aiken Turkey Trot 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run: Citizens Park, 651 Old Airport Rd., Aiken. The fun run is at 8 a.m. and the 5K at 8:30 a.m. It benefits Toys for Tots, so bring a new, unwrapped toy. Online registration closes Nov. 23. Registration
- Blessing of the Hounds, Hitchcock Woods, Aiken: 10–10:30 a.m. at Memorial Gate, 444 S. Boundary Ave. SW. It's free. Park downtown and allow about 30 minutes to walk in, and leave dogs at home. Visit Aiken
- Evans on Ice: The rink has typically been open 5–9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. The 2026 holiday hours weren't posted when we checked, so check evansonice.com before you go.
- Lights of the South: It has typically been open 6–10 p.m. nightly, Thanksgiving included. The 2026 hours weren't posted when we checked, so check lightsofthesouth.com before you go.
Colton Ballet's The Nutcracker: Fri. Nov. 27 – Sun. Nov. 29
It's the 55th season of Augusta's Thanksgiving-weekend tradition at the Imperial Theatre, 745 Broad St. Shows are Friday at 3 and 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets are $20–$52. Imperial Theatre
Evans Thanksgiving Market: Sat. Nov. 28
- When: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. It's the last market of the fall season.
- Where: The Market, 1005 Market St., Evans, inside Evans Towne Center Park
- What: Local artisans, makers and food, with free admission. Evans Market page
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do in the CSRA in November 2026?
Highlights include the Columbia County Fall Fair (Nov. 5–15), Foodees Fest in downtown Augusta (Nov. 6–8), the North Augusta Wine Walk (Nov. 7), Veterans Day events Nov. 8–15, the Augusta Symphony (Nov. 6 and 12), Evans on Ice (opens Nov. 18), Lights of the South (opens Nov. 20), turkey trots in Augusta and Aiken on Thanksgiving morning and the Colton Ballet Nutcracker (Nov. 27–29).
When is Foodees Fest in Augusta in 2026?
Foodees Fest is Friday through Sunday, Nov. 6–8, 2026, in downtown Augusta: Friday 1–7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Admission is free, and it's rain or shine.
Is there a turkey trot in Aiken on Thanksgiving 2026?
Yes. The 15th annual Aiken Turkey Trot is Thursday, Nov. 26, at Citizens Park, 651 Old Airport Rd. The 1-mile fun run starts at 8 a.m. and the 5K at 8:30 a.m. It benefits Toys for Tots.
When is The Nutcracker in Augusta in 2026?
Colton Ballet presents The Nutcracker at the Imperial Theatre Nov. 27–29, 2026: Friday at 3 and 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets are $20–$52.
What is there to do in Evans and Columbia County in November 2026?
The big ones: the Columbia County Fall Fair (Nov. 5–15, Grovetown), Jackson Dean at Evans Towne Center Park (Fri. Nov. 6), the Fort Gordon Turkey Trot (Sat. Nov. 7), Veterans Day events Nov. 8–15, Evans on Ice opening (Wed. Nov. 18), Lights of the South opening (Fri. Nov. 20), the RunGiving 5K on Thanksgiving morning and the Evans Thanksgiving Market (Sat. Nov. 28).
When is the Columbia County Fair in 2026?
The Columbia County Fall Fair runs Thursday, Nov. 5 through Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026, at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, 5462 Columbia Rd., Grovetown. On Veterans Day, Wed. Nov. 11, active-duty and retired military with ID get in for $2.50 at the gate.
Is there a Veterans Day parade in Augusta in 2026?
The CSRA Veterans Day Parade traditionally steps off at 10 a.m. on Nov. 11 in downtown Augusta and ends at the All Wars Monument at 4th and Broad. Organizers had not posted the final 2026 route when we checked (in 2025 it ran on Greene Street because of Broad Street construction), so confirm with the parade organizers or VA Augusta before you go.
Are Columbia County schools closed on Veterans Day 2026?
Yes. The Columbia County School District calendar lists Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 as the Veterans Day holiday. Thanksgiving break is Monday, Nov. 23 through Friday, Nov. 27.
When does Evans on Ice open in 2026?
Evans on Ice reopens Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026 at Evans Towne Center Park, 7016 Evans Town Center Blvd., and runs through Jan. 18, 2027. Thanksgiving Day hours were 5–9 p.m. in past seasons; check the rink's site for 2026 holiday hours.
Is Lights of the South open on Thanksgiving?
Lights of the South in Grovetown opens Friday, Nov. 20, 2026 and runs through Dec. 30. In past seasons it has been open nightly, 6–10 p.m., including Thanksgiving. The 2026 hours were not posted when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Is there a turkey trot in the Augusta area on Thanksgiving 2026?
Yes. The RunGiving 5K starts at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26 at the Mill Village Trailhead, 109 Eve St., Augusta, and runs onto the Augusta Canal towpath. A fun run starts at 10 a.m. Bring a canned good for the Broad Street Ministry Center food pantry.
Is there an Evans Market on the Saturday after Thanksgiving?
Yes. The Evans Thanksgiving Market is Saturday, Nov. 28, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., at The Market, 1005 Market St., Evans, inside Evans Towne Center Park. It's the last Saturday of the fall season, and admission is free.
Love November in the CSRA? Let's Find Your Spot
Picture next Thanksgiving. The turkey's in the oven, the kids are lacing up skates ten minutes away, and your own front porch is lit for the season. The house fits, and so does the life around it.
The Fairey Team can help you get there. Whether you're relocating to Fort Gordon or just outgrowing your place, we'll listen first and then give you a clear plan. Here's your next step: explore our Columbia County neighborhood guides, see our military relocation resources, request a free home valuation, or contact the Fairey Team. We're glad you're here.
