Things To Do in Augusta This Weekend: May 1-May 3
The Augusta area has a full weekend ahead, with live music on the water, a night of stand-up comedy, and a two-day country music fundraiser headlining the calendar.

Actor/comedian Aries Spears inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesThe Augusta area has a full weekend ahead, with live music on the water, a night of stand-up comedy, and a two-day country music fundraiser headlining the calendar. Gwen Hughes takes the stage aboard the Augusta Canal Moonlight Music Cruises, Aries Spears brings his unfiltered humor to Miller Theater, and Augusta Country Jam celebrates community and country music at Camping World in Martinez.
Augusta Canal Moonlight Music Cruises Spring 2026: Gwen Hughes
- What: Singer Gwen Hughes takes the stage on the Augusta Canal
- When: Friday, May 1, 2026, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Where: Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, 1450 Greene St., Suite 400, Augusta
- Cost: Adults $27; senior (60+), military, and students $25
The Augusta Canal Moonlight Music Cruises Spring 2026 season welcomes Gwen Hughes. Cruises run rain or shine; if weather forces a cancellation, the musician will perform inside, or guests may reschedule for another boat. No refunds are issued. RSVP and payment are required. To book, call 706-823-0440, ext. 502.
Aries Spears
- What: Comedian Aries Spears
- When: Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 8 p.m.
- Where: Miller Theater, 708 Broad St., Augusta
- Cost: Tickets start at $31.89
Aries Spears is a comedian and actor with more than three decades of stand-up experience, best known for his eight-season run on the sketch series "MADtv" and his spot-on celebrity impressions, including Jay-Z, Denzel Washington, and Shaquille O'Neal. His comedy spans pop culture, race, and relationships, earning him appearances on "Def Comedy Jam,""The Tonight Show," and Comedy Central. A New York City native, Spears also co-hosts the podcast "Spears & Steinberg: The Jew And The Jerk." His unfiltered, high-energy performances have made him one of comedy's most versatile performers.
Augusta Country Jam: Smokey & the Bandit
- What: Country music and community
- When: Friday, May 1, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Where: Camping World, 145 Mason McKnight Jr. Parkway, Martinez
- Cost: General admission $33.85; raffle ticket $12.51
Augusta Country Jam is a two-day outdoor country music fundraiser held at Camping World in Martinez. The event opens Friday with a showing of "Smokey and the Bandit," followed on Saturday by a live reenactment chase inspired by the film and a country concert featuring multiple artists. The event also raffles a 2026 Polaris 4-wheeler, with proceeds benefiting Elijah Grey, a local child living with bladder exstrophy, a rare congenital condition. The family-friendly event is presented by Heart to Heart Foundation.
Other Events
The Augusta area offers a varied mix of events this weekend, covering art, food, culture, and live entertainment. Whether you're exploring the local arts scene or sampling international flavors, there's plenty to do this weekend.
- First Friday at Westobou: Friday, May 1, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Westobou Gallery, 1129 Broad St., Augusta
- WA6 Geter Foundation Flavor Street Festival "Latin Fiesta" Edition: Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 4103 Madeline Drive, Augusta
- Theresa Caputo: Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 4 p.m. at Miller Theater, 708 Broad St., Augusta
More To Explore This Week
Augusta has a packed week ahead, with options ranging from live music and outdoor exploration to local shopping. Here's a look at some upcoming events worth adding to your calendar this week.
- Brit Floyd: The Moon, The Wall and Beyond: Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at Bell Auditorium, 712 Telfair St., Augusta
- Brews & Boards. Monday, May 4, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (recurring event) at Savannah River Brewing Company, 813 5th St., Augusta
- South Augusta Flea Market: Auction: Thursday, May 7, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m. at South Augusta Flea Market, 1562 Doug Barnard Parkway, Augusta
![augustatoday.com logo@4x[324] augusta today logo](https://augustatoday.com/uploads/2024/08/augustatoday.com-logo@4x324.png?format=auto&width=3840&optimize=high)



