Aiken rocks into 2026 with live music for New Year’s Eve

AIKEN — A small crowd gathered in The Alley on New Year’s Eve where they were carried into 2026 by live music and a ball drop at midnight.

For Lena Metzler, who had attended musical events in The Alley before but never a New Year’s event, it was nice to see the people of Aiken come out to celebrate. 

“It’s been good. It’s been cold, but I’m hoping that a whole new season just brings a better year… I think this community is kind of small, so it’s nice to see people kind of warm up and come out and do these things.” 

Just under an hour before the big moment, community member Cynthia South said that she makes an effort to celebrate the holiday each year by watching the ball drop. 

For her, being able to participate in the iconic tradition in her own community makes it even more special. 

“It’s in our hometown and it’s a part of our neighborhood and it’s just a part of being in our community,” South said. “It’s looking forward to the new year here in Aiken.”

Music from The Skeleton Crew, a band led by former Aiken City Council member Edward Girardeau, filled The Alley with renditions of songs by The Beatles, Cheap Trick and Led Zeppelin. 

Lawson Greer, 10, was enjoying the live performance when she said that what she’s looking forward to most in 2026 is joining a softball team. 

As for the event, Greer said she likes “how there’s music, and just the tradition of how we celebrate the new year.”

Sitting outside Woodchuckers Axe Throwing were friends Asia Wright, Brianna Collins and Amelia Hamilton. 

According to Wright, she had initially considered staying in for New Year’s until Hamilton convinced her and Collins to go to the event. “It’s actually a pretty good experience,” Wright said, adding that she was glad she decided to come. 

Minutes before the clock struck midnight, Collins gave a piece of advice to any Aiken Standard readers who are looking forward to what the next year has in store: “Don’t worry about what other people think of you. Just keep looking forward.”