Good morning, Augusta.

Augusta plans to open an Outdoor Urban Adventure Center at Freedom Bridge by spring 2026 pending U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approval—this $2.95M project managed by The Forge will feature an eight-story climbing tower, a zipline, a two-story climbing course and other attractions funded through SPLOST 8 and local contributions.

Jose Ibarra—convicted in 2024 for killing Georgia nursing student Laken Riley during her morning run at the College of Nursing campus—will undergo a mental evaluation after his appeal claimed he suffered from a congenital deficiency.

Edwin Anderson, a 35-year-old man, was arrested on Saturday for allegedly shooting someone on July 5 at 12:30 a.m. on the 600 block of Giddings Court during the holiday weekend & the victim, who was hit in the stomach, is in stable condition.

Tolkien-inspired art is on display at Le Chat Noir as part of the final Art of the Rings show and will remain through First Friday in August.

The reception—The Return of the Art Show—will be held on Friday, July 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Eighth Street theater and will feature new works, a film viewing of the extended version of The Return of the King, and themed dress-up options.

Augusta Technical College has partnered with Columbia County Fire Rescue to launch a five-term, 64-credit Associate of Applied Science Degree program in Fire and Emergency Services Occupation for current firefighters.

The program will combine classroom instruction, hands-on training and clinical experience to help them earn certifications — including Firefighter I, Firefighter II, EMT and AEMT— that strengthen department services.

The Columbia County Board of Education voted Tuesday evening to lower its school millage rate from 17.10 to 16.234, the lowest level since 1989.

The new rate will bring in $3.8 million less revenue for the coming fiscal year but is expected to raise property tax revenue by 2% (the board said the deficit is covered by its fund budget).

Augusta University professor Stephen Hsu unveiled FAST—Facilitated Self-Assembling Technology at the 8th World Congress on Infectious Diseases in Rome, Italy.

The new nanotechnology turns hard-to-dissolve compounds into stable nanoparticles and may lead to new disinfectants, nasal sprays and oral medications that will hit the market this fall.

Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Sacred Heart Cultural Center — Tickets required — Experience an enchanting Candlelight concert featuring the music of Queen performed by the Listeso String Quartet.

Summer Beach Party

7-11 p.m. — Miller Theater — VIP tickets available — Kick off summer with legendary Motown hits and a surprise guest performance.

Nike Jr. EYBL 7th Grade Championship

July 14-17 — Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center — Entry fees may apply — Watch young basketball talent compete for the championship title.

Signing with Sara (ASL) Storytime

10:00-10:30 a.m. — Wallace Branch Library — Free entry — Learn American Sign Language basics with ASL Certified Signer, Sara Cooks.

Crimson Hills Trail Ride

4:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m. — Crimson Hills — Cost varies — Experience thrilling trail rides, live entertainment, and a lively atmosphere with food and games for all ages.

2nd Annual Bookbag Bash

10 AM - 1 PM — Bell Auditorium — Free entry — Enjoy free school supplies, costume characters, and live DJ performances.

Mahjong Mania Camp

9 AM - 12 PM — Episcopal Day School — Supplies included — Learn the art of Mahjong with expert instruction in a fun, engaging environment.

Augusta Captains Seafood Festival

1 PM to 5 PM — Augusta Common — Free admission — Enjoy three days of fresh seafood and live music in a family-friendly atmosphere.

AugustaCon Summer 2025

10 AM – 5 PM — Columbia County Exhibition Center — Ticket details pending — Explore a variety of fandoms at Georgia’s premier comic convention.

FREE Sundays at The Morris

12-5 p.m. — Morris Museum of Art — Free entry — Enjoy a cultural experience at Augusta's art museum on this special free Sunday event.