The Greater Augusta Arts Council is excited to announce that the 2026 Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival will take place September 18-20 at the Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds, amid downtown improvements taking place. While the festival will have a new home this year, attendees can expect the same vibrant celebration of art, music, food, culture, and creativity that has made Arts in the Heart a beloved Augusta tradition for more than four decades.

This year's theme, "One Big Festival to Support One Small Non-Profit," is a reminder that Arts in the Heart is much more than a festival. It is the Greater Augusta Arts Council's largest annual fundraiser, helping sustain the nonprofit's work in supporting artists, public art, arts education, cultural programming, and creative opportunities throughout the CSRA.

"We are incredibly excited about this year's festival," said Denise Tucker, Executive Director of the Greater Augusta Arts Council. "Although we're in a new location, our mission remains the same. We're creating a beautiful, welcoming, and inspiring festival experience while raising the funds that allow us to serve the arts year-round."

The 2026 festival is proudly Powered by Amazon as the Presenting Sponsor for the second year in a row. Additional sponsors include Destination Augusta, Xfinity, Doctors Hospital, Coca-Cola, AB Beverage, Georgialina.net, QTS, Generac, Urban Pro Weekly, Perry Broadcasting, WJBF, Second City Distillery, Maryland's Fried Chicken, and many more community partners whose investment helps make the festival possible.

An outstanding entertainment lineup on five stages includes featured national headliners Weedie Braimah & the Hands of Time, Whiskey Run, and Avery*Sunshine. Festivalgoers can also look forward to several exciting additions this year, including the addition of Ghana and Nigeria to the Global Village, further expanding the festival's international cultural experience. 120 Fine Artist with 30 new Fine Artists exhibiting at Arts in the Heart for the very first time and a large inter-active Family Area are also featured this year. 

Festival badges will go on sale in mid-July and will be available for purchase at:

• All Richmond County Tag Offices
• Augusta & Co.
• Sacred Heart Cultural Center
• 4P Studios
• The Treehouse
• Relic Coffee

Additional badge sale locations, entertainment schedules, and festival programming will be announced throughout the summer.

The Greater Augusta Arts Council is also seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help bring this year's festival to life. Individuals interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact the Arts Council office to learn more about available opportunities.

"This year's festival is shaping up to be one for the books," Tucker said. "From incredible music and international cultures to amazing visual artists and family experiences, we're building something special for our community. We can't wait to welcome everyone this September."

For festival updates, volunteer opportunities, sponsorship information, and badge sales, visit www.artsintheheartofaugusta.com or follow the Greater Augusta Arts Council on social media.