Home > Top 20 Events
Southeast Tourism Society's TOP 20 EVENTS in the Southeast USA
JANUARY / FEBRUARY / MARCH 2005
JANUARY
Jan. 1 - Feb. 28, Island Treasures, Jekyll Island, GA - Any dedicated beachcomber knows the sea’s best treasures come ashore during high tides. But during this event, secret “beach buddies” will place over 300 beautiful, handmade, glass fishing floats all over the island to be discovered by island guests. Each piece is signed and numbered and is handmade by famous glass artists. Let the treasure hunt begin! 877-4JEKYLL; www.jekyllisland.com; cdye@jekyllisland.com
Jan. 1 - Feb. 29, Gatlinburg’s 15th Annual Winterfest, Gatlinburg, TN - This Tennessee mountain city magically lights up the winter nights with over two million spectacular lights. Lighting displays include holiday themes, including a “Smoky Mountain Romance” theme in honor of Valentine’s Day. 800-568-4748; George Hawkins; www.gatlinburg.com; jone@ci.gatlinburg.tn.us
Jan. 6 - Feb. 8, Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana, Lake Charles, LA - Glamour, mystique, beauty...you’ll find it all during Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana. Throughout the season, 42 area krewes will host balls to select new royalty and cries of “throw me something’ mister!” fill the air during the many parades. 800-456-7952; Jeanne Owens; www.passagoodtime.org
Jan. 6 - 9, Professional Cowboy Final Rodeo, Biloxi, MS - This exciting rodeo is the grand finale of over 100 rodeos held throughout the year. The top 15 cowboys and cowgirls in each event will compete for the 2005 championships in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, bull riding, barrel racing and more. 251-947-4650; Bo Campbell; www.pcarodeo.com; pcarodeo@gulftel.com
Jan. 7 - Feb. 26, Opry at the Ryman, Nashville, TN - The Grand Ole Opry returns to the Ryman auditorium for this special wintertime run. Many legendary artists and Opry regulars are “returning home” to the Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Opry. 615-871-OPRY; www.opry.com; opryinfo@opry.com
Jan. 9 - 17, Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival, Tampa, FL - This eight-day event was started to help increase awareness about African heritage in the Florida community by promoting diversity, cultural sensitivity and empowerment through art, music, dance and literature. This year’s event will feature Jonathan Butler, Confunkshun and Coco Brown, plus a gospel choir competition, a poetry slam, a photography contest and more. 888-224-1733, ext. 43; Ken Anthony; www.tampablackheritage.org; emccoy@tampabay.rr.com
Jan. 14 - 30, South Florida Fair, West Palm Beach, FL - The theme of this year’s fair is “South Florida Fair Goes Hollywood” and will feature the glitz and glamour of the West Palm Beach community. Highlights will include celebrity appearances, makeover centers where visitors can look and feel like a star, opportunities to win “be a star” prize packages, a “walk of fame” and the “Faircourt of Stars” featuring tributes to local celebrities. 561-793-0333; www.southfloridafair.com; vicki@southfloridafair.com
Jan. 15 - Feb. 8, Mardi Gras on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, Biloxi, Gulfport, d-Iberville, Long Beach, Pass Christian, Ocean Springs, Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Gautier, Pasacagoula - The Carnivale season lasts for six weeks and features more than 30 parades and parties. Fat Tuesday is definitely the grand finale event when half a dozen parades roll as visitors vie for strands of beads, dubloons, flowers and other treasures tossed from floats. 228-896-6699; Janice Jones; www.gulfcoast.org; tourism@gulfcoast.org
Jan. 20 - 29, Augusta Futurity, Augusta, GA - This event is the largest and richest cutting horse event east of the Mississippi River and one of the top four in the world. The competition is complemented by a Western culture and food festival, plus a western dance, quarter horse sale, western horse and carriage parade and more. 706-823-3370; Skip Peterson; www.augustafuturity.com; janice.pelcher@augustafuturity.com
Jan. 29 - Feb. 19, 67th Annual Edison Festival of Light, Fort Myers, FL - Commemorating the birthday of Fort Myers’ most famous winter resident, Thomas Edison, this event features something for all ages including the City of Palms Block Party, the Thomas Edison Regional Science and Inventors Fair, and one of the large night-time parades in the country. 239-334-2999; www.edisonfestival.org
Jan. 29 - 30, Cape Fear Model Railroad Club’s 8th Annual Model Railroad Show & Sale, Wilmington, NC - Vendors offer trains, scenic supplies, and railroad memorabilia, plus free clinics at this event which is an annual model trains and railroads. 910-270-2696; Ben Jackson; www.capefearmodelrailroadclub.org; Joanna_Jackson@msn.com
Jan. 30, Lowcountry Oyster Festival, Charleston, SC - Beautiful Boone Hall Plantation is the setting for the world’s largest oyster roast. This one-of-a-kind festival features chili, barbecue, 65,000 pounds of oysters and more. 843-577-4030, Kathy Britzius, www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com/oysterfestival.html
FEBURARY 2005
Feb. 1 - 28, Native Islander Gullah Celebration, Hilton Head Island, SC - The term “Gullah” refers to a system of beliefs, customs, art forms, and language that is practiced among descendants of West Africans who settled along the coasts of the Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Native historians, storytellers, sweet grass basket sewers, musicians and tour guides come together to make this event a unique cultural experience. 843-689-9314, James Mitchell, www.gullahcelebration.com
Feb. 3 - 5, 14th Annual Smoky Mountain Storytelling Festival, Pigeon Forge, TN - This event brings some of the nation’s top storytellers and thousands of visitors to this east Tennessee town. Activities include concerts and workshops throughout the three-day event. 800-251-9100; Lila Wilson; www.mypigeonforge.com; events@cityofpigeonforge.com
Feb. 12 - Apr. 17, McNeese University’s BANNERS Series, Lake Charles, LA - BANNERS is an arts and humanities series that features diverse cultural performances such as world renowned classical and folk musicians, a master juggler, the Moscow Circus and a lecture series on a variety of topics. 800-456-7952; Mary Richardson; www.banners.org; maryrichardson@lightwire.net
Feb. 18 - 20, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Charleston, SC - Celebrating its 23rd year, this event is the largest show of its kind featuring wildlife and nature paintings, prints, sculptures, photography, crafts and conservation exhibits. 843-723-1748; Susan Frampton; www.sewe.com
Feb. 19, 14th Annual Native American Pow Wow, Durham, NC - This pow wow is a day of native American music, dance, food and arts and crafts. At 5:00 p.m. the public is invited to join the singers and dancers for a feast of traditional foods and dancing continues until 10:00 p.m. 919-416-2730; www.ncssm.edu/powwow; liles@ncssm.edu
Feb. 19 - 21, ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival, Jupiter, FL - ArtiGras is ranked as one of the top art shows in the country. Activities abound for the whole family, including Tiny Treasures Children’s Boutique, Culinary Creations, artist showcase demonstrations and a youth art competition. 561-694-2300; Robi Jurney; www.artigras.org; info@artigras.org
Feb. 24 - 26, Georgia National Rodeo, Perry, GA - Six major rodeo events such as saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing and bull riding are featured in this rodeo. Riders earn points to qualify for the national finals rodeo in Las Vegas. 478-987-3247; Michele Treptow; www.gnfa.com; mtreptow@alltel.net
Feb. 26, Casanova Hunt Point to Point Races, Warrenton, VA - This is the opening steeplechase of the season in the heart of hunt country. Features thoroughbreds racing over barriers, brush and water along with spectators competing for prizes with elaborate tailgate parties. 540-788-4806; Diane Jones.
MARCH 2005
Mar. 1 - 31, SpringFest, Hilton Head, SC - Whatever your entertainment preferences, SpringFest abounds with choices, including a wine fest with over 1,000 wines represented, WingFest, which offers an array of wings from area restaurants, music and entertainment, KayakFest, which showcases the island’s scenic waterways, and the state’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. 800-424-3387; Jill Golden; www.hiltonheadhospitalityassociation.com
Mar. 3 - 13, Chasco Fiesta 2005, New Port Richey, FL - Offers eleven full days of entertainment and activities, featuring national recording stars. Held on the banks of the Pithlaschascotee River, the festival allows visitors to witness a traditional Native American powwow. 727-842-7651; Wendy Brenner; www.chascofiesta.com; chasco@westpasco.com
Mar. 3 - 13, Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City, FL - Strawberries in more ways than you can imagine abound at this festival, along with world-renowned entertainers, crafts, livestock shows and sales, horticulture shows, beauty pageants, food, petting zoos and more. 813-752-9194; www.flstrawberryfestival.com; berrypr@flstrawberryfestival.com
Mar. 5 - 6, Kentucky Crafted: The Market, Louisville, KY - The Market is the nation’s first state-sponsored wholesale and retail craft event. It showcases Kentucky’s finest traditional, folk and contemporary crafts, two-dimensional art, music recordings, books and food products. 888-KYCRAFT; Beau Haddock; www.kycraft.ky.gov; kycraft@ky.gov
Mar. 5 - 6, MTSU American Indian Festival, Murfreesboro, TN - Participants come from dozens of states to dance and celebrate their native cultures. The festival boasts a remarkable variety of American Indian arts and crafts, a full schedule of specialty entertainment, hundreds of dancers, cultural and educational presentations, and even audience participation in the dancing events. 615-898-5645; Georgia Dennis; www.mtsu.edu/powwow; powwow@mtsu.edu
Mar. 5 - 6, 9th Annual Wheeling Celtic Celebration, Wheeling, WV - This celebration brings the beautiful artisan center alive with Celtic music, entertainment, culture, dance and food. There’s a children’s activity area in the children’s museum and Celtic vendors offer a wide variety of clothing, family crests, tartan plaids, photography, jewelry and much more. 304-232-1810; Chris Villamagna; www.wheelingcelticsoc.tripod.com; cvillamagna@wheelingheritage.org
Mar. 9 - Jun. 10, 3rd Annual Springfest, Gatlinburg, TN - Celebrate the arrival of spring in the mountains with this county-wide celebration that includes special events such as a rib fest and flower and garden show, spring decorations and much more. 800-568-4748; George Hawkins; www.gatlinburg.com; jone@ci.gatlinburg.tn.us
Mar. 10 - Mar. 13, Providence Hospital Foundation Festival of Flowers, Mobile, AL - Whether you prefer the refined beauty of formal European gardens, or the joyous free-form of a cottage garden, this festival of flowers is sure to please. This year’s theme reflects Mobile’s English gardening tradition. 251-639-2050; Delaine Seamon; www.festivalofflowers.com; dseamon@providencehospital.org
Mar. 12, Hilton Head Wine Festival, Hilton Head, SC - The largest outdoor wine tasting on the east coast features over 1,000 wines to taste. Admission includes ticket to the event, souvenir wine glass, all wine tastings and live entertainment. 800-424-3387; Jill Golden; www.hiltonheadhospitalityassociation.com
Mar. 17 - Apr. 16, 58th Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens, Charleston, SC - This event provides a rare opportunity to explore the interiors and gardens of some of the most beautiful private homes in America. Proceeds from this festival go toward supporting preservation and restoration projects throughout the Charleston area. 843-722-3405; Leigh Handal; www.historiccharleston.org
Mar. 18 - 27, International Cherry Blossom Festival, Macon, GA - Each March, Macon becomes a pink cotton spun paradise of delight as over 285,000 Yoshino Cherry trees bloom in all their glory. Festival favorites include the balloon fest and air show, a fireworks showcase, street party, parade and the cherry blossom marathon. 478-751-7429; Wright Tilley; www.cherryblossom.com; wtilley@cherryblossom.com
Mar. 18 - 20, Iowa Rabbit Festival, Iowa, LA - This fest includes live music, carnival rides, a parade, a rabbit cookoff, kids’ events, pony rides and lots of food. It’s the only existing festival dedicated to the rabbit industry. 800-456-7952; Alice Cormier; iowarabbitfestival@yahoo.com
Mar. 18 - 19, Mal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival, Jackson, MS - This Irish-inspired celebration includes dances, concerts, children’s activities and a major parade that features the famous sweet potato queens and their wannabe’s and attracts thousands of participants and spectators from around the globe. 601-355-7685; Malcolm White; www.halandmals.com; parade@halandmals.com
Mar. 18 - 20, Arts & Crafts Festival, Fairhope, AL - Beautiful downtown Fairhope offers southern hospitality and fine arts and crafts, classic festival foods and live local entertainment. 251-621-8222; Cris Smith; www.eschamber.com; csmith@eschamber.com
Mar. 19 - 20, Herb & Garden Festival, Ocean Springs, MS - Stop and smell the flowers and walk among the ancient live oaks at this celebration featuring the cultivation, culinary and medicinal use of flowers and herbs. 228-875-4424; Margaret Miller; www.herbfest.gulfcoast-gardening.com; mail@oceanspringschamber.com
Mar. 19 - Apr. 17, Spring Celebration at Callaway, Pine Mountain, GA - After months of cold, gray winter, the beauty of Callaway Gardens is exhilarating with more than 5,000 azaleas along with dogwoods, redbuds, daffodils and more in bloom. Experience family bike day, Easter eggstravaganza egg hunts, Easter sunrise service and brunch and plant fair and sale, plus special activities each weekend. 800-CALLAWAY; www.callawayonline.com; info@callawayonline.com
Mar. 19, Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point Races, Warrenton, VA - Experience the beginning of spring in horse country by taking the family to this event featuring timber races over wood fences, four steeplechases and flat races. 540-347-1888; Will Allison
Mar. 30 - Apr. 3, 11th Annual Cucalorus Film Festival, Wilmington, NC - Get a glimpse into the exciting and eclectic art of filmmaking with this event that attracts works and audiences from all over the world, offering a healthy dose of southern hospitality and a few films to write home about. 910-343-5995; Dan Brawley; www.cucalorus.org; mail@cucalorus.org
Mar. 30 - Apr. 3, Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival, New Orleans, LA - This five-day festival honors legendary playwright Tennessee Williams with lively panel discussions, master classes with noted authors, citywide theater and musical offerings, celebrity interviews and French Quarter walking tours, wine and food tastings, and a Stanley and Stella Shouting Contest. 504-581-1144; Paul Willis; www.tennesseewilliams.net
Mar. 31 - Apr. 2, Bluegrass Returns to its Roots, Owensboro, KY - This bluegrass festival features regional bands in a showcase event, plus national and international bands and a battle of the bands in the heart of the bluegrass state. 800-626-1936; Joe Lowe; www.executiveinnrivermont.com; exeinnrivermont@cs.com
