Home > Top 20 Events
January/February/March
January 2006
Jan. 1 – Shanghai Parade – With animal drawn floats, antique cars, fife and drum corps, there is something for everyone at the parade that has been held for over 160 years. Lewisburg, WV. 304-645-1000/800-833-2068 www.greenbrierwv.com ktucker@greenbrierwv.com
Jan. 5 – 8 – Professional Cowboy Finals Rodeo – T he Grand Finale of the Rodeo Year for the Professional Cowboy Association. Philadelphia, MS. 251-947-4650 www.pcarodeo.com pcarodeo@gulftel.com
Jan. 6 – Feb. 28 - Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana – The season begins January 6 with the Twelfth Night celebration. The day that honors the Three Kings' presentation to the Christ Child in a parade that features nearly 2000 Mardi Gras royalty members and dancers. Lake Charles, LA. 800-456-7952 www.visitlakecharles.org
Jan 7 – 15 – 16th Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week – Nine days featuring more than 100 experts devoted to the past, present and future of the Great Smokey Mountains . Pigeon Forge, TN. 800-251-9100 www.mypigeonforge.com events@cityofpigeonforge.com
Jan. 13 – 21 – Tampa Bay Black Heritage Cultural Festival – A celebration of art, music, dance and literature offering ethnic foods and performances. Tampa, FL. 888-224-1733 Ext. 143 www.tampablackheritage.org ken.anthony.bxps@statefarm.com
Jan. 19 –28 – Augusta Futurity – The largest and richest cutting horse event east of the Mississippi and also one of the top six in the world. Augusta, GA. 706-823-3417 www.augustafuturity.com janice.pelcher@augustafuturity.com
Jan 21 - 29 – Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo – Livestock show featuring 4H and FFA members throughout Louisiana; Rodeo Bull fighters and other special animal acts; wild west gun fights and a live cattle drive. Lake Charles, LA. 800-456-7952 www.ssrodeo.com debraharper@centurytel.net
Jan. 28 – 29 – Cape Fear Model Railroad Club – The annual fundraiser held to promote model railroading features vendors offering trains, scenic supplies and railroading memorabilia – Free clinics offered both days. Wilmington, NC. 910-270-2696 www.capefearmodelrailroadclub.org Ben.Jackson@charter.net
Jan. 28 - Feb. 11, 12, 17-19 - Edison Festival of Light – Jan. 28, Edison Day of Discovery presented by Florida Power & Light Feb. 11, City of Palms Turn on the Town, Feb. 12, Junior Events presented by Sprint Yellow Pages, Feb 17-19 – Crafts on the River, Feb. 18, Run for the Light 5K; Stadium & Fireworks show; Grand Parade. Fort Myers, FL. 239-334-2999 www.edisonfestival.org Edison@edisonfestival.org
February 2006
Feb. 1 – 26 - Native Islander Gullah Celebration – The month long celebration showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah people and their history on Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island, SC. 877-650-0676 www.gullahcelebration.com nibcaa@aol.com
Feb. 2 - 4 - 15th Annual Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival – Storytelling by a variety of featured artists; festival activities include storytelling and rides aboard the Pigeon Forge Trolley. Pigeon Forge, TN. 800-251-9100 www.mypigeonforge.com events@cityofpigeonforge.com
Feb 4 – 28 – Mardi Gras on Mississippi's Gulf Coast – Features parades, parties and balls. Celebrations on Mississippi 's Gulf Coast began 1699. In recent years, the area has been the host to more than 100,000 visitors for the weeks of parades leading up to Fat Tuesday. Biloxi, Gulfport, d'Iberville, Long Beach, Pass Christian, Ocean Springs, Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Gautier, Pascagoula, MS. www.gulfcoast.org tourism@gulfcoast.org
Feb. 11 – Mar. 12 – Florida Renaissance Festival – Twelve stages of continuous entertainment, educational demonstrations of period trades and crafts, delicacies of the middle ages, and knights in full armor make 15th century history come alive in a five week recreation of a medieval village. Deerfield Beach, FL. 954-776-1642 www.Ren-Fest.com info@ren-fest.com
Feb. 18 – Casanova Hunt Point to Point Races – The opening steeplechase of the season features 10 events including thoroughbreds racing over barriers, brush and water. Elaborate tailgate parties compete for prizes. Warrenton, VA. 540-788-4806/540-788-4116
Feb. 18 – Krewe of Centaur Parade – In what has become the 5th largest Mardi Gras parade in Louisiana, costumed riders throw beads, doubloons and commemorative cups to the crowds celebrating the unique history of North Louisiana Mardi Gras. Shreveport, LA. 318-560-8318/318-868-9541 www.kreweofcentaur.org
Feb. 23 – 26 – 6th Annual Saddle Up! – One of the few cowboy poetry/western music events to take place east of the Mississippi . Pigeon Forge, TN. 800-251-9100 www.mypigeonforge.com events@cityofpigeonforge.com
Feb. 23 – 25 – Georgia National Rodeo – Rodeo includes 6 major rodeo events and specialty acts including saddle bronc riding, calf roping, steer wrestling and more! Perry, GA. 478-987-3247/800-987-3247(GA only) www.gnfa.com mtreptow@gnfa.com
Feb. 24 – Krewe of Lafitte Mardi Gras Parade – Marching bands and lighted floats entertain crowds in Pensacola 's only illuminated nighttime parade. Pensacola, FL. 850-436-7638 www.pensacolamardigras.com dannyzuf@aol.com
Feb. 25 - Opry at the Ryman – The historic Ryman Auditorium is home to the exciting winter run of the Opry. Nashville, TN. 615-871-OPRY/800-SEE-OPRY www.opry.com
Feb. 25 – Pensacola 's Grand Mardi Gras Parade – Pensacola hosts this family oriented Mardi Gras parade in the historic downtown area with lots of crowd involvement as beads, doubloons and moon pies are thrown from floats. Pensacola, FL. 850-436-7638 www.pensacolamardigras.com dannyzuf@aol.com
March 2006
Mar. 2 – 12 – Florida Strawberry Festival® – Family oriented event, with heritage dating back to 1930, includes performances each day by world-renowned music entertainers, competitions and contests for youth and adults, and exhibits of agriculture, commerce, horticulture, fine arts, livestock, homemade goods, crafts and parades. Plant City, FL. 813-752-9194 www.flstrawberryfestival.com berrypr@flstrawberryfestival.com
Mar. 3 – 5 – Black Heritage Festival – Highlights achievements of African-Americans through cultural and performing arts events. Activities include live music (Gospel, Zydeco and R&B), visual arts exhibits, pageants, contests, cheer and dance competitions, performing arts, a marketplace, and more. Lake Charles, LA. 800-456-7952 www.bhflc.org
Mar. 3 – 5 – Longhorn World Championship Rodeo – Bareback Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Saddle Bronc Riding, Cowgirl Barrel Racing, and Tie-Down Roping competitions with over 20 professional cowboys and cowgirls. Huntsville, TN. 615-876-1016 www.longhornrodeo.com info@longhornrodeo.com
Mar. 3 (school day), Mar 4 & 5 (public days) – MTSU American Indian Festival – All Nations festival dedicated to the American Indians and the celebration of their culture and heritage. The Indian Traders Market is the largest and most comprehensive Native arts and crafts presentation in the area. Murfreesboro, TN. 615-898-5645 www.mtsu.edu/powwow powwow@mtsu.edu
Mar. 4 – 5 – Kentucky Crafted: The Market – Kentucky’s finest traditional, folk & contemporary crafts, two-dimensional visual art, music recordings, books and food products. This award-winning event continues to expand as Kentucky’s treasured cultural showcase. Louisville, KY. 888-592-7238/502-564-8076 www.kycraft.ky.gov kycraft@ky.gov
Mar. 8 – 12 – 12th Annual A Mountain Quiltfest – Quilting classes, seminars and quilt shows featuring beautiful quilting workmanship and techniques as well as vendors featuring new and unique quilting patterns, supplies and materials. Pigeon Forge, TN. 800-251-9100 www.mypigeonforge.com events@cityofpigeonforge.com
Mar. 10 –December 31, 2007 – I Can't Stop Loving You: Ray Charles and Country Music – The Country Music Hall of fame and Museum's exhibition will trace a lifelong love affair with country music. Presented at the invitation of Ray Charles Enterprises, the biographical exhibition will provide an overview of Ray Charles' remarkable career. Nashville, TN. www.countrymusichalloffame.com lthiels@countrymusichalloffame
.com
Mar. 11 – 19 – 45th Annual Canadian-American Days Festival – Celebrate the 45th anniversary of Can-Am Days with musical performances by Canadian and American bands, military ensembles, school bands and community groups. This event was the first international festival organized in South Carolina and has won numerous awards. Myrtle Beach Area, SC. 843-626-7444 www.myrtlebeachinfo.com
Mar. 16 & 17 – Amite Oyster Festival – A tribute to the local oyster industry offering entertainment, celebrity participation, concessions and a midway. Amite, LA. 985-748-7156 atdnews@bellsouth.net
Mar. 16 -19 – Mal's St. Paddy's Parade & Festival – 4th largest St. Pat's Parde in the nation: A cross between Mardi Gras, St. Patty's Day and Spring Break. Jackson, MS. 601-948-0888/601-984-1972 www.halandmals.com info@halandsmals.com
Mar. 17 - 19 – Iowa Rabbit Festival – Live music, carnival rides, a parade and rabbit cook off – petting zoo, pony rides, carnival rides and a Miss Bunny Pageant. Iowa, LA. 800-456-7952 iowarabbitfestival@yahoo.com
Mar. 17 – 26 – Macon, GA's International Cherry Blossom Festival – Featuring over 500 events including parades, concerts, fireworks, amusement rides, dances, arts & crafts and much more. The festival takes place while the town's 275,000 Yoshino Cherry Trees are in bloom. Macon, GA. 478-751-7429 www.cherryblossom.com cbf@cherryblossom.com
Mar. 18 – 14th Annual Lighthouse Festival – Visitors can climb 219 stairs to the top of the tower, learn about the lives of the keepers and their families in the museum, enjoy living history activities, live entertainment, pony rides, children's games and crafts and a variety of refreshments. St. Augustine, FL. 904-829-0745 www.staugustinelighthouse.com stauglh@aug.com
Mar. 18 – Strawberry Jam'n Toast to the Arts – Hear musicians “jam” in the streets of historic downtown Ponchatoula, watch dance performances, browse and collect works of art. Donations benefit the education of musicians/artists and advance of the arts. Ponchatoula, LA. 800-617-4502 www.strawberryjam.org
Mar. 18 – Warrenton Hunt Point to Point Races – A family event featuring Timber races over wood fences, steeplechases, brush fences and flat races. Warrenton, VA. 540-347-1888
Mar. 22 – 26 – Providence Hospital Foundation Festival of Flowers – This nationally acclaimed event was held under the magnificent canopy of the Avenue of the Oaks on the historic campus of Spring Hill College . Lovely, life-sized “secret” gardens will be showcased in this year's event. Mobile, AL. 251-639-2050/877-777-0529 www.festivalofflowers.com dseamon@providencehospital.org
Mar. 23 – Apr. 2 – Chasco Fiesta™ - With eleven days of entertainment and activity, eight nights of free music, and a Christian, Rhythm and bluesmasters and Country Concert featuring national recording artist. Chasco now benefits more than thirty not-for-profit organizations. New Port Richey, FL. 727-842-7651 http://chascofiesta.com Chasco@westpasco.com
Mar. 23 – 26 – Robert Osborne's Classic Film Festival – The festival, featuring classic movies introduced by Turner Classic Movies' Robert Osborne, gives film-goers the opportunity to see classic films the way they were meant to be seen - on a really big screen in a theater atmosphere! Athens, GA. 706-542-5038 www.grady.uga.edu/osbornefest murrayd@uga.edu
Mar. 28 – Apr. 9 – Columbus, Mississippi Annual Spring Pilgrimage – 2006 – Homes, churches, and gardens will be highlighted as well as “Tales from the Crypt”, which are vignettes performed in historic Friendship Cemetery. Performances last year received the “Governors Award for Excellence in the Arts”. Columbus, MS. 800-920-3533 www.historic-columbus.org
Mar. 31 – Apr. 2 – Summerville Family YMCA Flowertown Festival – This festival offers a feast for all the senses – all set against a backdrop of blooming azaleas, dogwoods and wisteria. More than 200 craft vendors and artisans have booths set up throughout the park. Food vendors, live entertainment and much more to make this a “something to do, see or eat. . . all week long” event. Summerville, SC. 843-871-9622, ext. 119 www.summervilleymca.org linda.mccoy@knology.net
