Home > Top 20 Events
Southeast Tourism Society's TOP 20 EVENTS in the Southeast USA
APRIL / MAY / JUNE 2005
APRIL 2005
March 29 - April 10, Columbus, Mississippi Annual Spring Pilgrimage 2005, Columbus, Miss. - The antebellum mansions of Columbus are more resplendent than ever as these private homes open their doors for tours, living history re-creations, period costumes and entertainment. Adding to the experience is a candlelight “tales from the crypt” graveyard tour. 800-920-3533; Nancy Carpenter; www.historic-columbus.org; nlc@historic-columbus.org
March 31 - April 3, Mule Day, Columbia, Tenn. - This is a celebration of the world’s most important hybrid - the mule! Mule Day has been a tradition since 1840 when the first Monday in April brought huge crowds to the livestock show and mule market. Now thousands of visitors come to take part in activities ranging from working mule demonstrations, best of breed events, arts and crafts, a parade and flea market. 931-381-9557; Harvey Spain; www.muleday.com; bpierce@maurycounty-tn.gov
April 1 - 2, Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee, Fla. - This community event features regional artisans and entertainment. Street parties, parades, 250 arts and crafts vendors and a children’s park are all part of the fun, plus food from around the world. 850-224-5012; Susan Hall; www.springtimetallahassee.com; director@springtimetallahassee.com
April 1 - 3, Summerville Family YMCA Flowertown Festival, Summerville, S.C. - Located in Summerville’s Azalea Park, home to one of the area’s largest collections of blooming spring flowers and shrubs, this event invites you to feast at the Taste of Summerville, browse arts and crafts vendors, hear live entertainment and maybe compete in the tennis tournament. 843-871-9622, ext. 119; Linda McCoy; www.flowertownfestival.com; linda.mccoy@knology.net
April 1 - 10, Come See Me Festival, Rock Hill, S.C. - The largest all-volunteer festival in South Carolina has more than 50 events for all ages, including the beach bash, festival parade, moonlight jazz, food and art expo, and a huge tailgate party and fireworks extravaganza. 800-681-7635/803-329-7625; Ann Terry; www.comeseeme.rockhill.net; comeseeme@comporium.net
April 2 - 9, 58th Annual Gulf Coast Spring Pilgrimage, Diamondhead, Pascagoula, Moss Point, Gautier, Pass Christian, Bay St. Louis, Long Beach, Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, Miss. - Towns from all over the gulf coast welcome visitors to the area’s magnificent homes, gardens and historical sites. 228-872-7738; Marge Shaughnessy; janicej@gulfcoast.org
April 2 - May 1, Biltmore Estate’s Festival of Flowers, Asheville, N.C. - The Biltmore Estate celebrates its 75th anniversary of being open to the public with more than ten acres of formal gardens exploding with color, elaborate floral arrangements in Biltmore House, and entertainment throughout the house and grounds. 800-543-2961; Priscilla Rhoades; www.biltmore.com; happenings@biltmore.com
April 6 - 10, North Carolina Azalea Festival, Wilmington, N.C. - This festival celebrates Wilmington’s artwork, gardens, history and culture with concerts, a circus, parades, street fairs, a triathlon ansd of course, stunning azalea blossoms everywhere.910-794-4650; Beth White; www.ncazaleafestival.org; azaleafestival@ec.rr.com
April 7 - 10, Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Jacksonville, Fla. - Jazz music will be heard all over the city at multiple venues, including the Great American Jazz Piano Competition featuring five amateur pianists. Also includes a juried art show, wine tasting event, jazz brunches at local restaurants and complimentary trolley transportation between each venue. 904-630-3690; Christina Langston; www.jaxjazzfest.com; events@coj.net
April 8 - 10, French Quarter Festival, New Orleans, La. - Often referred to as “the local’s festival,” this event embodies all the facets of New Orleans - delectable cuisine, soulful music, great people and the characteristic attitude that makes New Orleans the most unique city in America. 504-522-5730; Laurie Toups; www.fqfi.org; feedback@fqfi.org
April 8 - 24, 45th Annual Dogwood Arts Festival, Knoxville, Tenn. - Over 60 miles of dogwood trails in seven of Knoxville’s most prestigious neighborhoods is one reason to experience this festival. But there are also arts and crafts, live entertainment, children’s activities and sports events. 865-637-4561; Ruthie Kuhlman; www.dogwoodarts.com; pr@dogwoodarts.com
April 16 - 17, 21st Annual Bloomin’ Festival Arts and Crafts Fair, Cullman, Ala. - The grounds of Ave Maria Grotto, Alabama’s only Abbey, provides a lovely backdrop for more than 150 artists and craftsmen, live demonstrations such as blacksmithing, glass blowing, oil painting, caning and carving. Sip a glass of fresh lemonade and taste the monk’s bread as you stroll through the beautiful abbey grounds and church. 256-739-6682, ext. 112/800-722-0999; Joyce Nix; www.bloominfestival.com; nix2715@bellsouth.net
April 14 - 16, Hillbilly Days Festival, Pikeville, Ky. - This festival provides a taste of Appalachian culture with bluegrass and country music, square dancing and clogging. As you’re tapping your toes to the tunes, you can also sample authentic southern cooking and find treasures from local artisans and crafters. 606-432-5063/800-844-7453; Phyllis Hunt; www.tourpikecounty.com; tourpikeco@se-tel.com
April 20 - 24, Festival International de Louisiane, Lafayette, La. - This is the largest Francophone (French speaking) festival in the U.S. You’ll be transported to faraway lands through music, dancing, world-class cuisine, theater, cooking demonstrations, storytelling and arts and crafts. You’ll experience the richness and diversity of cultures around the world plus a whole lot of fun. 800-346-1958; Dana Canedo; www.festivalinternational.com; info@festivalinternational.com
April 22 - 24, Historic Columbus Foundation’s Riverfest Weekend, Columbus, Ga. - This event features fine arts and crafts, folk art, a children’s interactive area, tours of five historic homes, living history demonstrations, Native American skills demonstrations and more. 706-324-7417/706-323-7979; Frances Quick; www.columbusriverfest.com; riverfest@bellsouth.com
April 22 - 24, Panoply Arts Festival, Huntsville, Ala. - Panoply offers audiences an abundant array of music, dance, theater, and visual arts. This year’s festival will feature regional and national talent as visual artists and choreographers compete for top honors in their respective competitions. The kids even have an opportunity to show off their creativity in the Kids Art Yard. 256-519-2787; Shannon Magers; www.panoply.org; tac@panoply.org
April 22 - 24, ONB Magic City Art Connection, Birmingham, Ala. - Gorge yourself on everything “art” at this event held in downtown Birmingham. 215 juried artists will be on hand to display their creations, plus there are over 40 interactive workshops for kids and adults, a food and wine event, and live entertainment. 205-595-6306/205-324-8797; Eileen Kunzman; www.magiccityart.com; findart@bham.rr.com
April 23 - May 8, Kentucky Derby Festival, Louisville, Ky. - The Derby festival consists of more than 70 events over a two-week period leading up to the legendary annual running of the Kentucky Derby “run for the roses.” Includes the Pegasus Parade, the Great Steamboat Race, the Great Balloon Race, Thunder Over Louisville and more. 800-928-FEST/502-584-6383; Matt Gibson; www.kdf.org; mgibson@kdf.org
April 28 - May 1, Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Lexington, Ky. - One of the top equestrian sporting events in the world, this competition is a complete test of horse and rider. Dressage, cross-country and jumping competitions and more are featured at this event that is the only four-star equestrian event held in America. 859-233-2362; Jane Atkinson; www.rk3de.org; information@rk3de.org
April 29 - May 1, Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, Fernandina Beach, Fla. - Held in the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry, this festival features delicious shrimp dishes in 32 food booths. Also features a fully juried fine arts and crafts show, a shrimp cook-off, Blessing of the Fleet and Best Decorated Shrimp Boat Contest. 866-426-3542/904-261-3248; Sandy Price; www.shrimpfestival.com; 4info@shrimpfestival.com
MAY 2005
May 6 - 7, Market Street Festival, Columbus, Miss. - This music and art festival features multiple music stages, a children’s stage, over 250 arts and crafts booths, antique arena and good Southern food. Enjoy trains rides, helicopter rides, a car show and a 5K run. 662-328-6305; Jan Miller; www.marketstreetfestival.com; jmiller@columbusmainstreet.com
May 6 - 8, TACA Spring Craft Fair, Nashville, Tenn. - This is Tennessee’s premier outdoor showcase for craft artists. Held at Nashville’s Centennial Park, the fair annually attracts over 50,000 people to view the works of over 175 selected artists. 615-385-1904; Alice Merritt; www.tennesseecrafts.org; taca@mindspring.com
May 6 - 8, MCAS Cherry Point Air Show, MCAS Cherry Point, N.C. - Time to “gear up” and “strap in” for this spectacular air show highlighting the elite capabilities of today’s Marine Corps. Shows will include aerobatic demonstrations, a spectacular “night show” with jet-assisted takeoffs, skydiving demonstrations, a rocket truck shooting down the tarmac and a fireworks finale. 866-WINGS-NC; Bob Kenward; www.cherrypointairshow.com; bob.kenward@usmc-mccs.org
May 6 - 8, Pensacola Crawfish Creole Fiesta, Pensacola, Fla. - Considered one of the finest crawfish boils in the state, this festival features Cajun and Creole food specialties along with live Cajun and Zydeco music - all in celebration of the Cajun influence in Northwest Florida. 850-433-6512; Angie Irvin; www.fiestaoffiveflags.org; info@fiestaoffiveflags.org
May 7, Railroad Rendezvous SpringFest, Cookeville, Tenn. - A celebration of bygone days when the entire nation rode the rails. The celebration begins when an authentic historic train arrives from Nashville with 500 passengers. Special trains rides are available, along with strolling musicians, clowns, musicians and food. 800-264-5541; Ellene Duncan; www.cookevillechamber.com; ellene@cookeville.com
May 7, Virginia Gold Cup, The Plains, Va. - A spring tradition in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Foothills, the four-mile timber classic over 23 fences is believed to be one of America’s most prestigious races. Also includes six other races, Jack Russell Terrier and pony races and luxurious tailgate parties. 540-347-2612/800-69-RACES; Virginia Gold Cup Association; www.vagoldcup.com; visitorcenter@warrentonva.gov
May 7 - 8, The Cotton Pickin’ Fair, Gay, Ga. - A festival in a rural setting of rustic sheds and warehouses of another era with live musicians, dancers, puppeteers and magicians. Under tin roofed sheds, visitors browse rows of antique housewares, furniture, linens, country quilts and artwork and sample “Grandma-made” country food. 706-538-6814; Ellen McEwen; www.cpfair.com; info@cpfair.com
May 13 - 14, International Bar-B-Q Festival, Owensboro, Ky. - Barbeque at its best! Cooking teams compete in this world famous festival with its more than 10 tons of mutton, 5,000 chickens and 1,500 gallons of burgoo, plus live concerts, arts and crafts, games and rides. 800-489-1131/270-926-1100; Owensboro-Daviess Co. Tourist Commission; www.bbqfest.com; info@visitowensboro.com
May 13 - 14, Jazz & Gumbo Music Festival, Shreveport, La. - This year’s party during Mother’s Day weekend features a swing dance workshop, the Fireman’s Taste of Fire Cook-off and the Famous Gumbo Eating Contest. Also features Louisiana cuisine, unique shopping and outstanding musical performances. 318-226-4552; Robert Jackson; www.jazzandgumbo.com; ldavis@SBCTB.org
May 13 - 15, Mainstrasse Village Maifest, Covington, Ky. - Maifest is based on the German tradition of welcoming the first spring wines, but visitors also feel welcomed as they stroll down cobblestone walkways in this restored 19th century German neighborhood. You’ll find vintage items, handcrafted gifts, collectibles, German food and evening entertainment. 859-491-0458; Donna Kremer; www.mainstrasse.org; dkremer@mainstrasse.org
May 21 - 22, 11th Annual Iris Festival, Greeneville, Tenn. - This event offers juried arts and crafts and so much more! From storytelling at the Andrew Johnson historic site, to the Miss Iris Festival Pageant, to the entertainment stage which offers everything from Bluegrass to Jazz to Country, there is something for everyone at this great event. 423-638-4111; Tammy Kinser; www.greenecountypartnership.com; kinser@xtn.net
May 21, Warrenton Spring Festival, Warrenton, Va. - An eight-block section of historic Old Town Warrenton’s main street is the stage for more than 200 artisans and crafters. Great food, live entertainment and children’s activities complete the day’s experience. 540-347-4414; Karen Henderson; visitorcenter@warrentonva.gov
May 24 - 30, Decatur Arts Festival & Garden Tour, Decatur, Ga. - This week long celebration in downtown Decatur offers a juried fine arts exhibition, a film festival, a children’s festival with a children’s parade and an ArtWalk, which features the city’s many unique shops and restaurants. 404-371-9583; Cheryl Burnette; www.decaturartsalliance.org; decaturartsalliance@earthlink.net
May 26 - 28, Food Lion Speed Street, Charlotte, N.C. - During the May races at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, the streets of Charlotte are transformed into a showcase of motor sports with non-stop entertainment, appearances by drivers, NASCAR exhibits and simulators. 704-455-6814; Jacqueline Gafrarar; www.600festival.com; jacq@600festival.com
May 26 - 29, Mudbug Madness, Shreveport, La. - A celebration of Louisiana’s Cajun culture and the ever-popular crawfish. The fest features the finest in Cajun and Zydeco music and Creole cuisine. Interactive contests include crawfish eating, crawfish calling and Cajun dancing. 318-222-7403; Melanie Bacon; www.mudbugmadness.com; mbacon@downtownshreveport.com
May 27 - 29, The Masters Water-ski & Wakeboard Tournament at Callaway, Pine Mountain, Ga. - This televised tournament on Robin Lake is the longest-running water skiing competition in the world, and you can get an up close and personal chance to see it live on the beautiful grounds of Callaway Gardens. 888-806-2783; Rachel Crumbley; www.callawayonline.com; info@callawayonline.com; masters@correctcraft.com
May 27 - 30, Freedom Weekend Aloft, Anderson, S.C. - One of America’s greatest Memorial Day celebrations is a non-stop, four-day extravaganza with 100 hot air balloons flying in competitive events as well as nightly balloon glows, live entertainment, and the U.S. Disc Dog Freedom Weekend Nationals. 864-232-3700; Keri Hall; www.freedomweekend.org; fwastaff@aol.com
May 27 - June 12, Spoleto Festival U.S.A., Charleston, S.C. - For seventeen days each year, the arts become the most important activity in Charleston. This world-renowned festival treats audience members to a broad range of artistic styles and forms such as classical ballet, modern dance, opera, chamber, symphonic and choral music, jazz, theater and the literary and visual arts. 843-722-2764; Marie Jacinto; www.spoletousa.org; kchapman@charlestoncvb.com
May 28 - 29, Biltmore Estate Winery’s Alfresco Jazz Weekend, Asheville, N.C. - A weekend of live jazz, cooking presentations and wine tasting at the Biltmore Estate Winery. Includes a grape stomp, cork toss, and wine and food seminars. 800-543-2961; Priscilla Rhoades; www.biltmore.com; happenings@biltmore.com
May 28 - 29, Delaplane Strawberry Festival, Delaplane, Va. - Enjoy delectable strawberries in every form imaginable - strawberry sundaes, pies, cobblers, shortcakes and more and then walk off those calories by perusing arts and crafts vendors, antique automobiles, petting zoos and entertainment stages. 540-592-3556/540-364-2772; www.delaplanestrawberryfestival.com
JUNE 2005
May 29 - June 19, Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, Fernandina Beach, Fla. - Many of the world’s elite classical musicians perform centuries-old music in intimate and unique settings including the oldest tavern in Florida, a Civil War fort and a county courthouse dating back to 1893. 904-261-1779; Margaret Howard; www.ameliaislandchambermusic.org; mhhoward12@aol.com
June 2 - 6, 54th Annual Sun Fun Festival, Myrtle Beach Area, S.C. - This event spans over 60 miles of beaches and includes beach games, a parade, the Miss Sun Fun USA/Miss Sun Fun Teen USA pageants, Miss Bikini Wahine pageant, sporting events, a kid’s fair and a beach air show. 843-916-7221; Stephen Greene; www.sunfunfestival.com; mcmillanh@mbchamber.org
June 2 - 11, Fiesta of Five Flags Celebration, Pensacola, Fla. - This event commemorates the founding of Pensacola in 1559. Since its founding, Pensacola has been governed by five nations - Spain, France, England, the Confederacy and United States, thus the five flags. Each is represented in this colorful, international festival that includes treasure hunts, parades, re-enactments of the founding on Pensacola Beach and more. 850-433-6512; Angie Irvin; www.fiestaoffiveflags.org; info@fiestaoffiveflags.org
June 5 - 6, SCCA National, Braselton, Ga. - The Sports Car Club of America is the backbone of American road racing and the best competitors from 30 states will be on hand at Road Atlanta for two days of exciting races. 800-849-RACE; Joey Greene; www.roadatlanta.com; info@roadatlanta.com
June 6, 8th Native American Dance Theatre, Nashville, Tenn. - The historic Ryman auditorium hosts this event which celebrates the art of Native American dance and spiritual tribal songs. CMA artist Marcus Hummon will make his 4th appearance, singing some of his top hits, as well as songs from the musical “Warrior.” 615-889-9636; Cherokee Mangus; www.nativeamericandance.net; cherokeemangus@juno.com
June 6 - 12, Upperville Colt and Horse Show, Upperville, Va. - This is the oldest horse show in the U.S. for hunters and jumpers. The week long show features competitions for horse and rider for children and adults. 540-592-3858; visitorcenter@warrentonva.gov
June 6 - 25, MidSummer Macon Music and Arts Festival, Macon, Ga. - Held on the campus of Macon’s beautiful Wesleyan College, this event offers a summer arts education experience for children and adults and has grown to include an extensive concert series, visual arts shows and live theater. 478-757-5174; Jo Ann Greene; www.midsummermacon.org; jogreen@wesleyancollege.edu
June 9 - Jul. 23, American Dance Festival, Durham, N.C. - This event has been hailed by the Wall Street Journal as “unquestionably one of the most important institutions in the history of American dance.” It brings the best American and international dance to North Carolina each summer. This event has a world-wide reputation for discovering modern dance’s finest talent and has featured over 550 premieres throughout its 70-year history. 919-684-6402; Lori Jones; www.americandancefestival.org; adf@americandancefestival.org; lnjones@duke.edu
June 9 - 11, Hatfield-McCoy Reunion Festival, Pikeville, Ky. - More than 100 years ago, the Hatfield & McCoy families took up arms against each other in one of the most publicized feuds of all times. In 2000, the two families came together for a reunion and this gathering has evolved into a festival bringing visitors from 28 states. Visitors enjoy interpretive tours to feud sites, genealogy research, craft demonstrations, entertainment, and more. 606-432-5063; Phyllis Hunt; www.tourpikecounty.com; tourpikeco@se-tel.com
June 10 - 12, 12th Annual North American Sand Soccer Championships, Virginia Beach, Va. - This event draws soccer enthusiasts from 15 states and several foreign countries, and everyone from young amateurs, to adult pros. It’s the largest beach soccer festival in existence and the seaside fields provide and exciting oceanfront atmosphere for the players and the spectators. 757-368-4600; Dick Whalen; www.sandsoccer.com; sandsoccervb@aol.com
June 10 - 11, Gadsden Area Riverfest Festival, Inc., Gadsden, Ala. - Held along the Coosa River, the southeast’s hottest music festival includes a weekend of fun featuring the best country and adult contemporary stars in the nation. Past performers include Travis Tritt, Lori Morgan, Collin Raye, Sawyer Brown, Kansas and others. 256-543-3472; Leslie Stephens; www.northalabama.org; info@northalabama.org
June 11, Dickson’s Old Time Fiddlers Contest, Dickson, Tenn. - You’ll hear everything from fiddling, to bluegrass banjo, to guitar, to mandolin, to harmonica and much more. Plus, witness some of the best buck dancing, square dancing and clogging from across the state. 615-446-2349; Rhonda Adams; www.dicksoncountychamber.com; rhonda@dicksoncountychamber.com
June 11 - 12, Great American Brass Band Festival, Danville, Ky. - An old-time brass band concert in the park that recaptures the nostalgia of peaceful, turn-of-the-century America. Features military, ragtime, Civil War and international bands, a band history conference and decorator picnic. 800-755-0076/859-236-7794; Kay Berggren; www.gabbf.com; tourbc@bellsouth.net
June 17 - Jul. 30, ECHOTA Cultural Arts Festival, Sautee-Nacoochee, Ga. - A six-week celebration of the arts, including a mainstage theater production, choral concert, children’s programs, and gallery and museum exhibits focusing on local artists and workshops. 706-878-3300; Donna Brous; www.snca.org; snca@alltel.net
June 17 - 19, South Carolina Festival of Flowers, Greenwood, S.C. - A celebration of spring with tours of gardens and showcase homes, church tours, bicycle tour, 5K road race, softball tournaments, gospel fest, beach dance, BMX bike races and more. 864-223-8411; Frank Cuda; www.scfestivalofflowers.org; frank@greenwoodscchamber.org
June 17 - 19, Jubilee Jam, Jackson, Miss. - The city’s biggest outdoor music and arts festival features performances by great local, regional and national artists. Past performers have been Bob Dylan, James Brown, Little Richard, Aaron Neville and Greg Allman. 601-960-2008/601-948-0888; Malcolm White; www.jubileejam.com; rharris@visitjackson.com
June 18 - 19, Riverwalk Festival, Jacksonville, N.C. - This festival celebrates Jacksonville’s unique cultural heritage, highlighting the special role of the military in this community with its proximity to two military bases. Activities abound for the whole family including a cardboard boat race, movies in the park, USO 5K run, military expo, car and boat shows and children’s area. 910-937-7222; Lindsay Gentry; www.jacksonvilleriverwalk.com; riverwalkinfo@bold2000.com
June 18 - 19, Mainstrasse Original Goetta Festival & River Raid Renaissance Festival, Covington, Ky. - Based on a regional dish from Germany, the “Goetta” festival combines the area’s German heritage with the River Raid Renaissance event. Both traditions are celebrated with costumed artisans and performers, arts and crafts and of course, great ethnic food. 859-491-0458; Donna Kremer; www.mainstrasse.org; dkremer@mainstrasse.org
June 23 - 26, AthFest Music & Arts Festival, Athens, Ga. - The music scene that brought the world REM, and is called the #1 college music town in the country, showcases current local musicians and artists. It features day and night states, a “club crawl,” a juried artists’ market and a kid’s fest. 706-548-1973; Jeff Montgomery; www.athfest.com; info@athfest.com
June 30 - Jul. 4, Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, Gulfport, Miss. - This is the only fishing rodeo in the state to offer fresh water, saltwater and blue water categories. Competitive fishing combines with almost continuous entertainment to create and thrilling atmosphere. 228-863-2713; Chuck Dedeaux; www.fishrodeo.com; mdsfr1947@yahoo.com
