Taking in island culture, touring a swamp among events this weekend

Jennifer MillerAugusta Chronicle
Sept. 4, 2026, 4:04 a.m. ET

Looking for something to do this weekend? We’ve rounded up some of the concerts, markets, and events happening in the Augusta area Sept. 4-6

Each week, The Augusta Chronicle will publish a list of options for things to do in the Augusta area. Please note that the events in this list are subject to rescheduling, cancellation, or selling out.

Take in the island culture

What: The first South Pacific Festival celebration organized by the South Pacific Festival Committee of the CSRA to honor and share Pacific Island cultures through food, music, dance, art, and fellowship.

Where & When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday at the Lady A Pavilion at 7016 Evans Town Center Blvd. in Evans

Details: The festival brings the traditions of the islands together to share the beauty and traditions of the island cultures. There will be cultural exhibits, performances, island-inspired food, a market place, music, entertainment, and more. There is no admission charge.

9/11 Annual Run and Benefit

What: Augusta University and the City of Augusta will remember victims of 9/11 with a 10th annual memorial and 5K run benefiting the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Where & When: Events begin at 8 a.m. Saturday at the D. Douglas Barnard Jr. Amphitheatre on the Summerville campus. Musicians from Augusta Drum & Pipe will play their bagpipes at 9:03 a.m. to mark the time the second plane struck the South Tower in 2001. The run begins at 8:46 a.m.

Details: The foundation’s mission is to honor and support first responders and military service members and is dedicated to the memory of Siller, a fallen firefighter and father of five who was off-duty when the first plane struck. He drove to his Brooklyn fire station to retrieve his gear, then ran about 3 miles to the Twin Towers with 60 pounds of gear on his back.

Catch the film ‘Paper Moon’ on Friday

What: Free screening of the 1973 hit film “Paper Moon”

Where & When: Noon-2 p.m. Friday at the Morris Museum of Art at 1 10th St. in downtown Augusta

Details: This award-winning film stars the real-life father-daughter pairing of Ryan and Tatum O’Neal as con artists who attempt to swindle their way across rural Kansas and Missouri. Tatum won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance, making her the youngest winner of a competitive Academy Award.

Become an Eco Explorer

What: Learn about the work being done at Phinizy Swamp to ensure Augusta’s water is safe. Then participants don waders to collect, assess, and analyze the quality of the water.

Where & When: 9-11 a.m., Saturday at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, 1858 Lock and Dam Road, Augusta

Details: This event is for adults only. Space is limited and reservations are required. For information and registration, visit https://phinizycenter.org/. Tickets are $26 and can be ordered online.

College volleyball tournament

What: USC Aiken/Augusta University Invitational Volleyball Tournament

Where & When: Friday and Saturday at Christenberry Fieldhouse at 3109 Wrightsboro Road, Augusta.

Details: Women’s volleyball teams from Augusta University, USC-Aiken, and six other colleges will participate in the tournament. Tickets start at $10. For a detailed program with team and schedule information, visit https://augustajags.com/sports/2023/5/29/pbc-gulf-south-crossover.aspx

Jennifer Miller covers food and business for The Augusta Chronicle. She can be reached at  JMiller@usatodayco.com.