Aiken, South Carolina, September 8, 2025

News Summary

Aiken, South Carolina is set to host the 49th annual Aiken’s Makin’ festival in its downtown area. The event, managed by the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, will feature around 219 crafters and 24 food vendors, drawing thousands of visitors. With free admission, attendees can enjoy an array of handmade goods, art, and culinary delights. The festival aims to support local artists and provide a lively atmosphere, making it a must-visit event in the community.

Aiken, South Carolina will host the 49th annual Aiken’s Makin’ festival from September 5 to 6, 2025, in its downtown area. Organized by the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, the festival is set to feature approximately 219 crafters and is expected to draw thousands of visitors eager to explore a diverse selection of handmade goods and culinary delights.

The festival will commence at 9 a.m. on both days, with activities concluding at 6 p.m. on Friday and 5 p.m. on Saturday. Attendees will be delighted by a variety of creations such as art, ceramics, glasswork, jewelry, toys, woodcraft, metalwork, and needlework, along with offerings from 24 food vendors. Admission to the festival is free for all attendees.

About 25% of the participating crafters are from Aiken County, while the remainder hail from several states, including Georgia, the Carolinas, Alabama, Florida, Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and even as distant as Arizona. Notably, approximately 33% of this year’s crafters did not participate in the previous year’s event, adding a fresh perspective to the festival’s offerings. Local artist Pornnapa von Buedingen, known as “Nong,” will showcase her paintings, ornaments, and cards, noting that Friday typically results in her highest sales.

Another participant, Amanda Hendren, will offer her diverse product range that includes everything from earrings to large wooden benches. This year, festival activities will primarily take place on Park Avenue, where several intersections will be restricted to pedestrian traffic only throughout the duration of the event.

The inaugural Aiken’s Makin’ took place in 1977, initiated by Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Luther Bigby as a platform to highlight local industries. Over the years, it has grown into a prominent arts and crafts festival, allowing many crafters without storefronts to showcase their work. The only year the festival was canceled was in 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns, making 2025 a significant milestone for the long-standing event.

Festival Features

• Dates: September 5-6, 2025
• Location: Downtown Aiken, SC on Park Avenue
• Crafters: Approximately 219, with around 25% from Aiken County
• Food Vendors: 24
• Opening Hours: 9 a.m. each day, 6 p.m. on Friday, 5 p.m. on Saturday
• Entry Fee: Free

What to Expect

The festival is a vibrant celebration of creativity and craftsmanship, featuring an impressive variety of handmade items that cater to a wide range of tastes. Attendees are encouraged to support local artists and vendors, providing them with a vital platform for showcasing their work.

Transportation and Accessibility

As the festival approaches, attendees are advised to consider parking options and arrive early to make the most of the day’s activities. With multiple intersections closed off to vehicle traffic, the festival promises a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Additional Resources

• WRDW: Aiken’s Makin’ Festival 2025
• WRDW: Aiken’s Makin’ Festival Preview Video
• Post and Courier: Aiken’s Makin’ Festival Coverage
• WJBF: Aiken Fest Overview
• Wikipedia: 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.