Spring is the perfect time of year to experience Augusta’s repertoire of Arts & Cultural events! Here are some of this week’s highlights, courtesy of GPB-Augusta’s team of interns from Augusta University: Alexandria Bennett, Haley Harris, and Jamie Sapp.

(Thu 04/21) Concerto Competition Winners’ Concert

This Thursday evening, Augusta University and GPB Augusta proudly present three of the University’s most talented musicians – the winners of the fiercely competitive Concerto Competition. Each winner will shine in the spotlight on the Maxwell Theatre stage, performing with the AU Orchestra.

The concert is at 7:30pm – and a pre-concert reception begins at 6. Tickets and info at augusta.universitytickets.com

(Fri 04/22) AU’s Got Talent!

Ready to see some great performances? This Friday evening from 6 to 8:30, The SPED Club, an organization for students pursuing careers in special education, presents the “AU’s Got Talent Show!”, featuring performances by Augusta University Faculty, staff and students. It’s in University Hall Room 170 on AU’s Summerville Campus, 2500 Walton Way. More details at calendar.augusta.edu.

(Fri 04/22) Vega String Quartet

Friday evening at 7:30, the Harry Jacobs Chamber Music Society presents the “Vega String Quartet” at the Maxwell Theatre on the Summerville campus of Augusta University. As a quartet-in-residence at Emory University, Vega String Quartet has developed a reputation as the new generation of chamber music ensembles, displaying musical magic in every song. Tickets and info at augusta.universitytickets.com

(04/22-23) Sacred Heart Garden Festival

This Friday and Saturday, the Sacred Heart Cultural Center Garden Council presents the “Sacred Heart Garden Festival”. The event features private garden tours, a garden marketplace, an opening reception and more.  The Sacred Heart Cultural Center is located at 1301 Greene Street in Augusta. More details at sacredheartgardenfestival.com

(Sat 04/23) Artist Workshop-Handmade Papermaking

A “handmade papermaking” artist workshop takes place at the Morris Museum of Art in downtown Augusta on Saturday morning at 10. Ashley Shick, an educator from the Williams Museum of Papermaking at Georgia Tech, leads participants through the process of creating handmade paper.  Additional info at themorris.org

(Sat 04/23) Augusta Craft Beer Festival

The weather is warming up, so why not enjoy it with outdoor fun and beer? “Augusta’s Craft Beer Festival” is this Saturday. There are 30 plus breweries and over 90 beers to try. You must be 21 or older to attend. The event is from 12 to 5 at Lake Olmstead Stadium on Milledge Rd . More information at augustanightlife.com

 (Sat 04/23) Country Concert

A big time country trio is making their way to Augusta this weekend for their Summer Nights Tour. “Rascal Flatts” has sold over 22.8 million albums and released 15 number 1 songs. The concert is at the James Brown Arena on  Saturday. Doors open at 6:30. More information and ticket prices at augustaentertainmentcomplex.com

(Friday-Sun 04/22-04/24) Phinizy Birding Festival

It’s a chance to come be a part of the “Phinizy Birding Festival”! It runs Friday afternoon through Sunday at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park. The park fetures cypress swamps, constructed wetlands, and wooded trails that are home to 238 different bird species, including a beautiful painted bunting at this birding hot spot! More details at phinizycenter.org

(Sun 04/24) “From ‘Most Noble River’ to ‘Wild Little Sand Heap’” Panel

This Sunday afternoon at 2, the Morris Museum of Art hosts a panel discussion called “‘From ‘Most Noble River’ to ‘Wild Little Sand Heap’”, featuring guest speakers discussing landscape and art. A reception and book signing follows. The museum is at Tenth and Reynolds Street in Augusta. More details on the calendar at themorris.org

(Sat 04/30) Benderdinker 2016

Are you a  fan of silent sports, superb food and splendid times? “Benderdinker 2016” is next Saturday, April 30 and offers boating, live music, lawn games and food. Benderdinker is a paddleboat festival and on-shore party. The event takes place all day at Riverside Park at Betty’s Branch in Evans, Ga. More information at benderdinker.com

To keep up with what's happening This Week In Augusta, just bookmark this page - and follow us on twitter @GPBradioaugusta.