Things To Do in Augusta This Weekend: June 26-June 28

This week's Augusta event lineup includes something for everyone, from large-scale festivals to intimate community gatherings. The 16th annual Augusta Pride Festival kicks off Pride Weekend with music and vendors at its new fairgrounds home. Music lovers can catch the third annual Build the Band, a charity showdown benefiting Habitat for Humanity, while toy and comic enthusiasts will want to check out JoeFest's massive convention. Round out the weekend with a faith gathering, storytelling, and nightlife, then enjoy food, games, and family-friendly fun in the week heading into July.

Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity presents the third annual Build the Band, a musical battle of the CSRA's top musicians and singers competing for the title of champion. Hosted by Cliff Bennett, the showdown features band leaders Ethan Balducci, AE the Cool, John Kelley, and Patrick Reagan, with Amy Patton, Ed Turner, and David Watts judging. Audience voting will help determine the winner, with proceeds benefiting Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity.

JoeFest brings its toy and comic convention back to Augusta, transforming over 65,000 square feet of the convention center into a marketplace for collectors of new and vintage action figures, comics, and pop culture memorabilia. The show features more than 250 vendors alongside celebrity guests, including G.I. Joe voice actors and comic creators such as Larry Hama, Sgt. Slaughter, and Samantha Newark. Highlights include a custom toy class, a G.I. Joe trivia showdown, podcast recordings, a toy photography contest, and the Aaron Detrick Memorial Lobby Swap Nights, a free after-hours trading event open to vendors and the public.

The 16th annual Augusta Pride Festival will be held at the Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds after a venue change prompted by downtown construction on Broad Street and the Augusta Common. The traditional parade with floats is canceled this year, though organizers are planning something different on Saturday morning before the festival. Festivities include Beats Off of Broad on June 26 with headliners David Archuleta and girli!, the free festival on June 27, and poolside after-parties on June 28.

This weekend offers something for nearly every interest across Augusta. A faith-based gathering, live storytelling, and nightlife events are all on tap, giving you plenty of ways to connect with your community. Whether you're drawn to spiritual reflection, the art of a well-told tale, or a night out celebrating Pride Weekend, the lineup has it covered.

Augusta's calendar is heating up with a mix of food, fun, and community gatherings to round out June and kick off July. Whether you're in the mood for craft beer and friendly competition, hands-on cooking, patriotic festivities, or creative family time, there's something for everyone.