Aiken, South Carolina, September 5, 2025
News Summary
The 49th annual Aiken’s Makin’ event is set to draw tens of thousands of visitors to downtown Aiken, South Carolina this weekend. Featuring nearly 250 artists and crafters showcasing a wide array of handmade goods, the event highlights the city’s blossoming arts scene. Attendees can enjoy local foods and crafts while appreciating the economic benefits that come with increased sales for local merchants. This free-to-attend cultural celebration has evolved into a significant arts destination over nearly five decades.
Aiken, South Carolina
The 49th annual Aiken’s Makin’ event will be held this weekend, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to downtown Aiken, South Carolina. Scheduled for Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the event spans Park Avenue from Chesterfield to Union Streets, featuring nearly 250 artists and crafters showcasing their work.
Aiken’s Makin’ is a juried art show where vendors are selected by impartial judges, ensuring a high standard of quality and variety among the exhibitors. This year, attendees can expect a diverse range of handmade items, including custom-crafted products, sweetgrass baskets, and delicious local foods, such as gyros.
According to local merchants, the economic impact of Aiken’s Makin’ is significant, with sales increases reported between 18 to 25% during the event. This surge reflects the influx of both vendors and visitors, underlining Aiken’s growing reputation as an arts destination.
John McMichael, the co-chair of the event, highlights the evolution of Aiken’s Makin’ from a small community gathering to a prominent cultural celebration that attracts attendees from across the nation. This transformation over its nearly five-decade history demonstrates the event’s importance within both the local community and the broader artistry landscape.
Vendor Amanda Hendren from Rockin H Wood Design shared her personal connection to Aiken’s Makin’, as it coincides with her birthday month. Hendren has been a vendor for five years, reflecting a commitment to family-crafted artistic products. She, along with others, expresses excitement about participating in the event and supporting fellow artists.
The wide array of offerings at Aiken’s Makin’ promises to appeal to diverse tastes, making it an enjoyable experience for all visitors. Food and arts are combined seamlessly, with several local vendors presenting a wide culinary selection available for festival-goers. As with past years, the event remains free to attend, making it accessible for everyone interested in experiencing the vibrant art and craftsmanship of the region.
In summary, Aiken’s Makin’ is poised to deliver an engaging and economically beneficial weekend to the city of Aiken, once again reinforcing its position as a notable venue for arts and crafts.
FAQ
What are the dates and hours for Aiken’s Makin’?
Aiken’s Makin’ will take place on Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where is Aiken’s Makin’ located?
The event is located along Park Avenue from Chesterfield to Union Streets in downtown Aiken, South Carolina.
Is there an admission fee for Aiken’s Makin’?
No, Aiken’s Makin’ is free to attend.
What types of vendors can I expect at Aiken’s Makin’?
The event will feature nearly 250 artists and crafters offering a wide variety of handmade goods, including crafts, foods, and more.
Key Features of Aiken’s Makin’
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Aiken’s Makin’ |
| Year Established | 49th Annual Event |
| Location | Park Avenue, Downtown Aiken, SC |
| Dates | September 29-30, 2023 |
| Hours | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Friday); 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Saturday) |
| Number of Vendors | Nearly 250 |
| Expected Attendance | Tens of thousands |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Local Merchant Sales Increase | 18-25% |
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Aiken Masters Prep
- Southern Living: Aiken SC Christmas Traditions
- WJBF: Aiken Regional Eyes Expansion
- Post and Courier: Today’s Events for May 24
- Post and Courier: Aiken County SRP Back to School
- Wikipedia: Aiken, South Carolina
- Google Search: Aiken South Carolina events
- Google Scholar: Aiken South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aiken
- Google News: Aiken South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
