Today's events for Sept. 9

WEDNESDAY The Aiken Philharmonic will perform in concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the Aiken High School Performing Arts Theater, 449 Rutland Drive. Vadim Gluzman will perform under the direction of guest conductor Dr. Donald Portnoy. Tickets are $40. Students are admitted free. For more information, visit aikenphilharmonic.org. Yappy Hour will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare, 199 Willow Run Road. For more information, visit letlovelive.org. An opening reception for the Devine Creations by Curtis exhibit will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the Center for African American History, Art & Culture, 120 York St. N.E. An opening reception for the exhibit Devine Creations by Curtis will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the Center for African American History, Art & Culture, 120 York St. N.E. Storytime will be held Wednesdays Sept. 2, 9, 16 and 23 at the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. Stories for babies will be at 10:15 a.m., toddler time will be at 11 a.m. and pre-school time will be at 11:45 a.m. Space is limited. For more information, visit abbe-lib.org. An ACBL Bridge Game is held at 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Lessie B. Price Aiken Senior and Youth Center, 841 Edgefield Ave. For more information, email AikenBridgeClub@gmail.com. The Savannah River Site Museum, 224 Laurens St. S.W., is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The museum features exhibits and resources related to the Savannah River Site and the Cold War. Admission is free. For more information, call 803-648-1437 or visit srsheritagemuseum.org. THURSDAY The Aiken Arts Commission will hold a mural unveiling at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, in The Alley in downtown Aiken. The Aiken-Barnwell Suicide Prevention Coalition will hold its 19th annual Healing Keys Suicide Summit from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at the Aiken County Government Center, 1930 University Parkway. Attendance is free. Lunch will be provided. For more information, email bonnie@mha-aiken.org. A Dementia 201: Positive Interactions program will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. The 90-minute program class is designed for caregivers and supporters of individuals living with dementia. Participants will learn practical communication techniques and problem-solving strategies to help foster positive interactions, reduce stress and improve daily caregiving experiences. Shaneka Brown of the S.C. Department on Aging will be the presenter. For more information or to register, visit abbe-lib.libcal.com. A Crochet and Knitting group will meet from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. Work on a current project, chat with other yarn crafters and get peer support and inspiration. This is not an instructional program though all skill levels are welcome. Waka Flocka Flame will perform in concert Thursday, Sept. 10, at the USC Aiken Convocation Center, 2049 Champion Way, Graniteville. Doors open at 6 p.m. General admission tickets are $20. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit etix.com. Amp the Alley 2026 will be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursdays in The Alley in downtown Aiken. CountyRoad49 will perform Sept. 10. Concerts run through October. 4 Cats in the Doghouse play jazz from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays at The Willcox, 100 Colleton Ave. FRIDAY The 50th annual Aiken's Makin' Arts & Crafts Show will be held Friday, Sept. 11, and Saturday, Sept. 12, along Park Avenue between Chesterfield and Union streets. Vendors will open each day at 9 a.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit aikenchamber.net. The 56th annual South Carolina State Ceramics and Fired Arts Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the Western Carolina State Fairgrounds, 561 May Royal Drive. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children. Luke Moore will perform from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, on the terrace behind the Cromwell Building and the Gregg Park Civic Center, 1001 A Ave., Graniteville. Admission is free. For more information, visit greggparkonline.com. STEM Club for grades K-5 will meet at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept., 11, at the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. Students will explore the fundamentals of computer networking through a hands-on STEM activity using Makey Makey invention kits. For more information or to register, visit abbe-lib.libcal.com. Swamp Rabbit Yard Sale, a 46-mile, Salley-based event along roadsides from Batesburg-Leesville to Springfield, is set for Sept. 11-12, with sales to run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Details are at 803-507-4277 and 803-258-3485. SATURDAY The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Etherredge Center on the campus of USC Aiken, 471 University Parkway. A VIP reception will be held prior to the concert to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Etherredge Center Cultural Series. Reception tickets are $100 and include admission to the concert. Concert-only tickets are $50 for adults and $45 for seniors, military personnel and USCA faculty and staff. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit etherredgecenter.universitytickets.com. A Career Day, the Historic Way event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Aiken County Historical Museum, 433 Newberry St. S.W. Discover the important roles of teachers, scientists, librarians and more in Aiken County history. For more information, visit aikencountymuseum.org. El Rincón, a Spanish conversation group, will meet from 3-4 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 12, 26 and Oct. 10, at the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. Practice Spanish skills with passionate and kind individuals. There is no fee and conversations include a wide range of learning activities like games, readings, cultural projects and more. Register for each date you plan to attend. To register, visit abbe-lib.libcal.com. Beginning Spanish will be offered from 4:15-5:15 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 12 and 26, at the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. The informal sessions aim to get speakers to the conversational level. Space is limited and registration is required. Please register for each date you plan to attend. Emails will be sent before class detailing what topics will be covered. To register, visit abbe-lib.libcal.com. A Tree ID Hike will be held from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, in Hitchcock Woods. Participants should meet at the Tea Cottage Entrance, 1770 Dibble Road. Erin Grande, assistant superintendent of the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, will lead a guided hike to ID the diversity of trees in the woods. The hike will be about 2 miles. For more information or to register, visit hithcockwoodsfoundation.org. The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department will hold Touch-A-Truck from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, on the soccer field at the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center, 1700 Whiskey Road. A sensory hour will be held from 9-10 a.m. A Power Wheels Derby will be held at 10 a.m. The cost is $5 per entry, and is for ages 8 and younger. All racers must be accompanied by an adult. Admission to Touch A Truck is free. For more information, visit coa.page/64r1. Aiken Music Fest will be held from 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Highfields Event Center, 118 Gaston Road N.E. Ace Monroe will perform. Tickets are $20. For more information, visit aikenmusicfest.com. The Back to Basics Alcoholics Anonymous group will meet in-person at 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 961 Trail Ridge Road. Masks are encouraged for those who are not vaccinated. SUNDAY The Old Edgefield District Genealogical Society will meet at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Johnston Genealogical Research Center, 405 Calhoun St., Johnston. Joe Long, curator of education at the S.C. Confederate Relic Room, will be the guest speaker. His topic will be Three Captains in the Carolinas, and will focus on Capts. Lawrence Taylor, Samuel Byers and William Parker. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call Tonya at 803-991-0492 or email oedgs85@gmail.com. MONDAY The Aiken Artist Guild will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, at the Aiken Center for the Arts, 122 Laurens St. S.W. The meeting will be the annual kick-off potluck. Last names beginning A-R should bring a favorite savory dessert. Last names S-Z should bring a dessert. While dining, the board will share improvements made to the AAG website, the AAG show and membership. Let's Go Bingo will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays at the Aiken Senior Life Services, 1310 E. Pine Log Road. There is a $5 cover charge. Game cards are $1 each or $15 to $25. For more information, visit facebook.com/letsgobingoaiken. TUESDAY The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department will hold a 4L: Living, Loving, Lifelong Learning Seniors lecture from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the Lessie B. Price Aiken Senior & Youth Center, 841 Edgefield Ave. N.W. The topic will be Diabetes Care Without Stress or Confusion. The cost is $5 and registration is required. For more information or to register, call 803-643-2181. Aiken Prays, an inter-denominational women's prayer group affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries, will meet at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at Red Lobster, 6071 Braided Mane Pass. Prayers may either be audible or silent, and will focus on praying for the nation, state and community as well as personal concerns. Lunch and fellowship will follow prayer time. Reservations are required and lunch is self-pay. To reserve a seat or for more information, call Susan at 803-648-8126. Reservations are dew by by Sunday, Sept. 13. A Let's Talk About It: The Pat Conroy Connoisseur Series will be held in September and October at the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. The Water is Wide will be shown at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1. The book discussion will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, and will be led by Dr. Tom Mack. The Great Santini will be shown at noon Saturday, Sept. 12, and 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15. The book discussion will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, and will be led by Dr. Andrew Geyer. The Prince of Tides will be shown at noon Saturday, Oct. 10, and 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13. The book discussion will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, and will be led by Dr. Matt Miller. A day trip to Beaufort will be held Saturday, Sept. 12. The cost is $25. For more information or to register for the day trip, visit abbe-libcal.com/calendar/aiken/daytrip. A book club will meet from 2:30-3:45 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. "The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue" by V.E. Schwab will be discussed. For more information or to register, stop by the second floor information desk or call 803-642-2020 ext. 3. Fall Story Time will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesdays on the lawn of the Rye Patch, 100 Berrie Road. Storytime is free. Participants should bring a lawn chair or blanket. Snacks are welcome. In case of inclement weather, Story Time will be held inside the Rye Patch. For more information, call 803-642-7631. For weather information, call 803-643-4661. The Awesome Aiken Al-Anon group meets from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at First Christian Church, 900 Kerr Drive. Nar-Anon, a support group for families and friends of those with drug addiction, will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at St. John's Methodist Church, 104 Newberry St. S.W. Meet at the door by the fountain. For more information, email aikennaranon@outlook.com. Celebrate Recovery, a 12-step group for men and women, meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Cedar Creek Church, 3001 Banks Mill Road. The Depression Anxiety Bipolar Support Group of Aiken and Surrounding States will meet from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays online via the GoToMeeting App. For more information contact Mindy Harmon at 803-507-2214 or email manicgh@yahoo.com. SEPT. 16 The Senior Men's Club of Aiken will meet at noon Wednesday, Sept. 16, at the Woodside Country Club, 100 Woodside Drive. The speaker will be Don Hutchins who will give a presentation titled NATO: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Hutchins is a retired U.S. Navy captain and engineer construction manager who served as a senior civilian executive with NATO international staff in Brussels, Belgium. The cost is $28 without dessert and $32 with dessert. Reservations are required. Membership is open to men age 50 and older. For more information, call Rick Endler at 803-640-1289 or email afendler@bellsouth.net. The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bank of America, 150 Aiken Mall Drive S.W. For more information or to register in advance, call 800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org. Storytime will be held Wednesdays Sept. 2, 9, 16 and 23 at the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. Stories for babies will be at 10:15 a.m., toddler time will be at 11 a.m. and pre-school time will be at 11:45 a.m. Space is limited. For more information, visit abbe-lib.org. An ACBL Bridge Game is held at 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Lessie B. Price Aiken Senior and Youth Center, 841 Edgefield Ave. For more information, email AikenBridgeClub@gmail.com. The Savannah River Site Museum, 224 Laurens St. S.W., is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The museum features exhibits and resources related to the Savannah River Site and the Cold War. Admission is free. For more information, call 803-648-1437 or visit srsheritagemuseum.org. SEPT. 17 Coloring for Grownups will be held from 2-4 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 3 and 17, in the creative lab on the first floor of the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. Those attending should bring colored pencils and felt pens. To sign up or for more information, call the reference desk at 803-642-2020 ext. 3. An Open Mic event will be held from 5:45-7:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, in the meeting room at the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. Adults, teens and young adults will have the opportunity to practice performance skills in front of a small audience, receive feedback and get inspiration. Featured performer will be Big Bailey. The theme is Looking Back to Push Forward. Open mic sign up begins at 5:30 p.m. Performances are limited to 3 minutes and may be on any "radio friendly" topic. The featured performer will begin at 6 p.m. The evening will be co-hosted by Tamell "Big" Bailey and Cathy Benedetto. To sign up for open mic, visit abbe-lib-libcal.com. A reception for Fresh Paint, a contemporary exhibition highlighting emerging artists, new bodies of work and what's next in the CSRA creative community across all artistic mediums, will be held from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at the Arts and Heritage Center, 100 Georgia Ave., North Augusta. The exhibit runs Sept. 4-30. Amp the Alley 2026 will be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursdays in The Alley in downtown Aiken. King Size will perform on Sept. 17. Concerts run through October. A pop-up free seed library event will be held from 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3 and 17, at the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. The Aiken Soil and Water Conservation District will host a pop-up seed event to distribute free vegetable, herb and flower seeds to residents. Packets are limited to 3 per patrons. 4 Cats in the Doghouse play jazz from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays at The Willcox, 100 Colleton Ave. SEPT. 18 The Aiken Master Gardeners will hold a Lunchbox Lecture at noon Friday, Sept. 18, at Millbrook Baptist Church, 223 S. Aiken Blvd. The program will be a Master Gardener panel. A Tween and Teen Tabletop RPG Club will meet from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. Kids ages 11-18 are invited to hang out with and get to know other tabletop game enthusiasts. For more information, visit abbe-lib.org. SEPT. 19 Vendor Street will celebrate its seventh anniversary from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at the store, 154 Fabian Drive. There will be an outdoor vendor market, local authors signing copies of their books, Lynnie & Lane iced coffee and more. The 41st annual SEED STEM Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Ruth Patrick Science and Education Center on the campus of USC Aiken, 471 University Parkway. The Atomic City Kids Reunion, for students who attended elementary and middle school from 1950-1979, will be held from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, in the Family Life Center of St. Paul Methodist Church, 600 Main St., New Ellenton. Those planning to attend should email Carolyn Carithers Cook at Carolyn21pc@gmail.com by Sept. 5. "The Devil Wears Prada," rated PG-13 will be shown from noon to 1:50 p.m. and "The Devil Wears Prada 2," rated PG-13, will be shown from 2:30-4:30 Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. Bring a cushion and a snack and enjoy the movie. For more information, visit abbe-lib.org. The Back to Basics Alcoholics Anonymous group will meet in-person at 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 961 Trail Ridge Road. Masks are encouraged for those who are not vaccinated. SEPT. 20 A Community Evening of Worship will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Johnston Pentecostal Holiness Church, 95 Edisto St., Johnston. Jody Padgett will be the guest speaker. He will share is journey of faith from health battles and healing and how God brought him through. The Aiken County Historical Society will hold its 2026 fall general meeting at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Aiken County Historical Museum, 433 Newberry St. S.W. Linda Johnson will be the guest speaker. Her topic will be the history of The Alley. Quakers (Religious Society of Friends) will hold virtual service on Sunday, Sept. 20. Meeting is open to all and visitors are warmly welcomed. Worship in silence begins at 10 a.m., followed by online fellowship at 11 a.m. For more information and the Zoom link, email Brenda at bgconway2@gmail.com or call 803-648-6020. SEPT. 21 Aiken Women In Black and Moms Demand Action will hold a Vigil for Peace and Non-violence from 5-6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, on Whiskey Road across from The Fresh Market. Join us in seeking an end to war and all violence, and peace for all. Everyone is welcome — men, women and children. Bring a nonpartisan sign or use one of ours. If you can't stand, bring a chair. For more information, call Brenda at 803-648-6020 or Victoria at 803-265-5243. The inaugural Fall Hopelands Concert Series will be held Mondays through Oct. 12. The Keith Clark Band will perform at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage at Hopelands Gardens, 135 Dupree Place. Lawn chairs and blankets may be brought, as well as picnic dinners and non-alcoholic beverages. Parking is at the Green Boundary Club, 780 Whiskey Road. Handicap parking is available at the Rye Patch parking lot on Berrie Road and the Hopelands Gardens parking lot. In case of inclement weather, performances will be moved to the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center, 1700 Whiskey Road. The rain-out hotline is 803-643-4661. The concerts are free. For more information, visit hopelandsconcertseries.com. Let's Go Bingo will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays at the Aiken Senior Life Services, 1310 E. Pine Log Road. There is a $5 cover charge. Game cards are $1 each or $15 to $25. For more information, visit facebook.com/letsgobingoaiken. SEPT. 22 Fall Story Time will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesdays on the lawn of the Rye Patch, 100 Berrie Road. Storytime is free. Participants should bring a lawn chair or blanket. Snacks are welcome. In case of inclement weather, Story Time will be held inside the Rye Patch. For more information, call 803-642-7631. For weather information, call 803-643-4661. A Let's Talk About It: The Pat Conroy Connoisseur Series will be held in September and October at the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. The Water is Wide will be shown at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1. The book discussion will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, and will be led by Dr. Tom Mack. The Great Santini will be shown at noon Saturday, Sept. 12, and 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15. The book discussion will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, and will be led by Dr. Andrew Geyer. The Prince of Tides will be shown at noon Saturday, Oct. 10, and 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13. The book discussion will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, and will be led by Dr. Matt Miller. A day trip to Beaufort will be held Saturday, Sept. 12. The cost is $25. For more information or to register for the day trip, visit abbe-libcal.com/calendar/aiken/daytrip. An SCDNR Archaeology for Kids program will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. Students K-5 can learn about techniques used by archaeologists in the lab with an interactive activity. To register, visit abbe-lib.libcal.com. The Awesome Aiken Al-Anon group meets from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at First Christian Church, 900 Kerr Drive. Nar-Anon, a support group for families and friends of those with drug addiction, will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at St. John's Methodist Church, 104 Newberry St. S.W. Meet at the door by the fountain. For more information, email aikennaranon@outlook.com. Celebrate Recovery, a 12-step group for men and women, meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Cedar Creek Church, 3001 Banks Mill Road. The Depression Anxiety Bipolar Support Group of Aiken and Surrounding States will meet from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays online via the GoToMeeting App. For more information contact Mindy Harmon at 803-507-2214 or email manicgh@yahoo.com. SEPT. 23 Storytime will be held Wednesdays Sept. 2, 9, 16 and 23 at the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. Stories for babies will be at 10:15 a.m., toddler time will be at 11 a.m. and pre-school time will be at 11:45 a.m. Space is limited. For more information, visit abbe-lib.org. An ACBL Bridge Game is held at 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Lessie B. Price Aiken Senior and Youth Center, 841 Edgefield Ave. For more information, email AikenBridgeClub@gmail.com. The Savannah River Site Museum, 224 Laurens St. S.W., is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The museum features exhibits and resources related to the Savannah River Site and the Cold War. Admission is free. For more information, call 803-648-1437 or visit srsheritagemuseum.org. SEPT. 24 Amp the Alley 2026 will be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursdays in The Alley in downtown Aiken. Zombo will perform on Sept. 24. Concerts run through October. A Coffee With A Cop event will be held from 9-11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Lessie B. Price Aiken Senior and Youth Center, 841 Edgefield Ave. N.W. Join members of Aiken Public Safety for coffee and conversation. For more information, call 803-642-7600 option 3. A Tween Book Club will meet from 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. Tweens ages 9-12 can meet and discuss "The One and Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate, enjoy snacks and do an activity based on the book. To register, visit the first floor circulation desk. 4 Cats in the Doghouse play jazz from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays at The Willcox, 100 Colleton Ave. SEPT. 25 "Project Hail Mary," rated PG-13, will be shown from 3-6:45 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. Bring a cushion and a snack and enjoy the movie. For more information, visit abbe-lib.org. The 45th annual Freedom Fundraising Campaign and 108th Branch Anniversary Celebration will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, in the USC Aiken Convocation Center, 2049 Champion Way, Graniteville. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The theme will be We The People. Bishop Eric J. Freeman, founder and senior pastor of The Meeting Place Church of Greater Columbia, will be the guest speaker. Tickets are $100 for general admission and $50 for students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com. A Read, Rattle and Roll program for ages 0 to 5 will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. The program will feature a story and ocean-themed activities. Following storytime, Help Me Grow S.C. will offer tips on how to get started with free developmental screenings. For more information, visit abbe-lib.org. SEPT. 26 The Aiken Downtown Development Association will hold Oktoberfest from 4-9 p.m. in the Newberry Street Festival Center in downtown Aiken. The event will feature craft and German beer, food trucks, live music a stein hoisting challenge and more. For more information, downtownaiken.com. The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department will hold a Take-A-Hike event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Redcliffe Plantation, 181 Redcliffe Road, Beech Island. Two hiking distances are available. A 2-mile hike for those who enjoy walking with a slight incline will begin at 9 a.m. A 4-mile hike for those who want a challenge with steeper inclines. The cost is free. Children ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. To register, visit coa.page/pfaa. The Aiken Women's Heart Board will present its encore performance of I Heart NOLA: Love in New Orleans at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at the Etherredge Center on the campus of USC Aiken, 471 University Parkway. Tickets are $20. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit etherredgecenter.universitytickets.com. El Rincón, a Spanish conversation group, will meet from 3-4 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 12, 26 and Oct. 10, at the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. Practice Spanish skills with passionate and kind individuals. There is no fee and conversations include a wide range of learning activities like games, readings, cultural projects and more. Register for each date you plan to attend. To register, visit abbe-lib.libcal.com. Beginning Spanish will be offered from 4:15-5:15 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 12 and 26, at the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. The informal sessions aim to get speakers to the conversational level. Space is limited and registration is required. Please register for each date you plan to attend. Emails will be sent before class detailing what topics will be covered. To register, visit abbe-lib.libcal.com. The Back to Basics Alcoholics Anonymous group will meet in-person at 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 961 Trail Ridge Road. Masks are encouraged for those who are not vaccinated. SEPT. 27 A homecoming celebration will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at St. Mary Baptist CHurch, 474 Highway 125 Martin. The Rev. Lester Smalls, son of the house of Friendship Baptist Church, will be the guest speaker. For more information, call 803-584-4254. SEPT. 28 The inaugural Fall Hopelands Concert Series will be held Mondays through Oct. 12. Brooke Lundy & John Vaugh will perform at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage at Hopelands Gardens, 135 Dupree Place. Lawn chairs and blankets may be brought, as well as picnic dinners and non-alcoholic beverages. Parking is at the Green Boundary Club, 780 Whiskey Road. Handicap parking is available at the Rye Patch parking lot on Berrie Road and the Hopelands Gardens parking lot. In case of inclement weather, performances will be moved to the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center, 1700 Whiskey Road. The rain-out hotline is 803-643-4661. The concerts are free. For more information, visit hopelandsconcertseries.com. Let's Go Bingo will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays at the Aiken Senior Life Services, 1310 E. Pine Log Road. There is a $5 cover charge. Game cards are $1 each or $15 to $25. For more information, visit facebook.com/letsgobingoaiken. SEPT. 29 A Beginner Birdwalk will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, in Hitchcock Woods. Participants should meet at the Tea Cottage Entrance, 1770 Dibble Road. Heather Levy, education and grants coordinator for the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, will lead a guided walk that will focus on both visual and sound ID. The hike will be about 1.5 miles.. For more information or to register, visit hithcockwoodsfoundation.org. Fall Story Time will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesdays on the lawn of the Rye Patch, 100 Berrie Road. Storytime is free. Participants should bring a lawn chair or blanket. Snacks are welcome. In case of inclement weather, Story Time will be held inside the Rye Patch. For more information, call 803-642-7631. For weather information, call 803-643-4661. A Story Explorers program will be held from 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. Students K-2 will discuss Doggo and Pupper by Katherine Applegate, enjoy a snack and do an activity based on the book. To register and pick up a copy of the book, stop by the circulation desk. The Awesome Aiken Al-Anon group meets from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at First Christian Church, 900 Kerr Drive. Nar-Anon, a support group for families and friends of those with drug addiction, will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at St. John's Methodist Church, 104 Newberry St. S.W. Meet at the door by the fountain. For more information, email aikennaranon@outlook.com. Celebrate Recovery, a 12-step group for men and women, meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Cedar Creek Church, 3001 Banks Mill Road. The Depression Anxiety Bipolar Support Group of Aiken and Surrounding States will meet from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays online via the GoToMeeting App. For more information contact Mindy Harmon at 803-507-2214 or email manicgh@yahoo.com. SEPT. 30 An ACBL Bridge Game is held at 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Lessie B. Price Aiken Senior and Youth Center, 841 Edgefield Ave. For more information, email AikenBridgeClub@gmail.com. The Savannah River Site Museum, 224 Laurens St. S.W., is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The museum features exhibits and resources related to the Savannah River Site and the Cold War. Admission is free. For more information, call 803-648-1437 or visit srsheritagemuseum.org.