10 Things to Do in Valdosta Before Summer Ends
Summer may be winding down, but Valdosta still has plenty happening before September. From football and live music to family events and an easy day trip, here are 10 local experiences worth adding to your end-of-summer bucket list.
1. Enjoy Summer Splash Days at Wild Adventures
Visit Wild Adventures on August 29 or 30 for one more day at Splash Island Waterpark. Start with a float around Paradise River before the afternoon crowds arrive, then take the kids to meet Daniel Tiger at The Clubhouse. Weekend meet-and-greets are included with admission.
View Summer Splash Days details
2. Attend the VSU Blazers’ Season Opener
Valdosta State University opens its 2026 football season against Emory & Henry at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 27. The game will be played at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium and is designated as Youth Day and Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night. The official theme is “Wear Red.”
View the VSU football schedule
3. Experience Friday Night Football at Martin Stadium
Lowndes High School hosts Harris County on Friday, August 28. Arrive early to find parking, hear the Georgia Bridgemen and get settled on the home side before the stands fill. A game at Martin Stadium is one of the most authentically Valdosta ways to close out summer.
Explore upcoming Valdosta events
4. See Vegas McGraw at The Patterson
Vegas McGraw brings the music of Tim McGraw to The Patterson in Downtown Valdosta on Friday, August 28, from 7–9 p.m. General-admission tickets are $40 online but increase to $55 at the door, so purchasing ahead is the better option.
5. Take the Kids to Meet the Princesses Downtown
Downtown Valdosta’s Meet the Princesses event returns Saturday, August 29. Characters will be stationed inside participating downtown shops and restaurants for photos. Let the kids wear their favorite princess outfits and arrive near the beginning of the event to avoid the longest lines.
Check the Downtown Valdosta event calendar
6. Shop the Hahira Main Street Market
The Hahira Main Street Market will be held Saturday, August 29, at The Depot. Shop from local growers, artisans, makers and small businesses before walking through Downtown Hahira. Visit the produce vendors first for the best selection, then stop at Church Street Café and try the Hashbrown Bowl.
7. Walk the Grand Bay Boardwalk
Visit Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area off Knight’s Academy Road for a peaceful walk through South Georgia’s cypress wetlands. Follow the boardwalk and climb the lookout tower for the best view. An early-morning visit is best for wildlife, while an evening visit around 6:30 p.m. offers cooler temperatures. The automatic gate closes firmly at 8 p.m.
8. Explore the Turner Center’s New Exhibits
The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts is currently showing work by Stacey Fletcher and Steven S. Walker, along with the 2026 Ceramic Showcase and the reinstalled Jerry Tillman African Artifacts Collection. Admission is free. Make sure you visit the Tillman Gallery, which features pieces connected to Tanzania’s Makonde Tribe.
View current exhibit information
9. Build a Summer Dessert at The Mix
Stop by The Mix Valdosta on Jerry Jones Drive for frozen yogurt, hand-dipped Blue Bell ice cream or a custom sundae. Kids will love building their own creations at the toppings bar. For something different from a traditional scoop, try the Dubai Cup.
10. Take a Day Trip to Pebble Hill Plantation
Pebble Hill Plantation near Thomasville is holding a free reopening celebration Saturday, August 29, from 10 a.m.–noon. The morning includes complimentary Blue Bell ice cream while supplies last, wagon rides, the “Pebble Hill Plantation: A 200-Year Legacy” exhibition and visits with Tim the mule and King the Percheron.
View the reopening celebration
Enjoy the Final Days of Summer in South Georgia
You don’t have to travel far to squeeze in one more memorable summer experience. Valdosta and the surrounding area offer plenty of ways to enjoy the final days of August while supporting local businesses and discovering more of the community.
I’m Markesia Lucas, a Valdosta Realtor and local mom sharing what it’s really like to live, raise a family and make a home in South Georgia. If you’re considering moving to Valdosta, contact me for local guidance and a personalized home-buying plan.
