Home > Top 20 Events
Southeast Tourism Society's TOP 20 EVENTS in the Southeast USA
APRIL / MAY / JUNE 2006
APRIL 2006
Mar. 30 - Apr. 2
Mule Day Great family entertainment includes arts and crafts, flea markets and everything from roasted corn to funnel cakes. Columbia, TN, 931-381-9557 muleday.com
Mar. 31 - Apr. 1, 7, 8
Florida State University Flying High Circus Homeshows Presenting nearly 100 flying, swinging, balancing and juggling student performers. Tallahassee, FL 850-644-4874 circus.fsu.edu
mfpeters@admin.fsu.edu
Mar 31 - Apr. 1
Springtime Tallahassee A community event featuring regional artisans, entertainment acts and food from around the world. Tallahassee, FL 850-224-5012 springtimetallahassee.com
director@springtimetallahassee.com
Apr. 1 – 30
Biltmore Estate’s Festival of Flowers Welcome spring as thousands of tulips, daffodils, azaleas and dogwoods explode with color. Attend unique seminars on gardening, cooking and more. Ashville, NC 800-543-2961, biltmore.com
happenings@biltmore.com
Apr. 1 – 30
29th Annual Cooper River Bridge Run 10K run/walk that brings together every walk of life. Entire families plan their reunions around this event, which promotes physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. Charleston, SC 843-792-2533 bridgerun.com
mithjul@musc.com
Apr. 5 – 9
59th Annual North Carolina Azalea Festival Enjoy great concert entertainment, circus, street fair, parade and home and garden tours, Wilmington, NC 910-794-4650 ncazaleafestival.org
azaleafestival@hotmail.com
Apr. 7 – 9
The Eufaula Pilgrimage Alabama’s oldest tour of historic homes displays family heirlooms and history. Candlelight tours, garden and church tours, needlework show and more. Eufaula, AL 888-eufaula eufaulapilgrimage.com
info@eufaulapilgrimage.com
Apr. 7 – 9
Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival Activities combined with the pleasure of visiting the many unique antique and collectible shops in a place known as “ America’s Antique City”. Ponchatoula, LA 800-917-7045 lastrawberryfestival.com
sarah@tangitourism.com
Apr. 15 – Jun. 4
21st Annual Georgia Renaissance Festival, Thousands of colorfully costumed performers, 150 elaborately adorned shops, craft demonstrations, period activities including rope walking, juggling, music dancing and delectable food delights, Fairburn, GA 770-964-8575 georgiarenaissancefestival.com
info@garenfest.com
Apr. 15 – May 6
Kentucky Derby Festival, Activities begin with the annual fireworks extravaganza and continue with sports activities, music concerts, just- for-kids activities, Pegasus Parade and culinary adventures, Louisville, KY 502-584-6383 kdf.orginfo@kdf.org
Apr. 20 – 22
Hillbilly Days Festival The city park is filled with artisans and crafters displaying handmade products as mountain music fills the air. Enjoy bluegrass and country music, square dancing, clogging and flat footing, Pikeville, KY 606-432-5063/800-844-7453 tourpikecounty.com
tourpikeco@se-tel.com
Apr. 20 – 22
Rivers & Spires Festival, Inc. A patriotic event celebrating community spirit honors our heroes. Six stages of entertainment, art & craft shows, car shows, a children’s parade and much more, Clarksville, TN 931-552-9006, ext. 23 riversandspires.com
dbarber@clarksville.tn.us
Apr. 24 – 30
Norfolk’s International Azalea Festival Celebrate NATO with parades, Queen’s Dinner and Ball, fashion show, etc., in the only NATO command outside of Europe, connecting with Canada this year to share the culture of our neighbor to the north. Norfolk, VA 757-282-2801 azaleafestival.org
amcleod@azaleafestival.org
Apr. 26 – 30
Vidalia Onion Festival This family fun event offers a street dance, rodeo, arts & crafts, air show, Onion Fun Run, children’s parade, onion eating contest and more in celebration of the harvest of Georgia’s official state vegetable – the Vidalia sweet onion. Vidalia, GA 912-538-8687 vidaliaarea.com
vacvb@bellsouth.net
Apr. 27 – 30
Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event The most challenging level of the sport of Eventing, open only to experienced horses and riders at the international level. Dressage, cross-country and jumping portions of the competition are highlighted, along with an International Trade Fair. Lexington, KY 859-254-8123 rk3de.org
rktickets@alltel.net
Apr. 28 – 30
The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Something for everyone including sporting events, midway rides, live music, beach music street dance and classic car shows. Fayetteville, NC 910-323-1934 fayettevilledogwoodfestival.com
dogwoodfestival@earthlink.net
Apr. 28 – 30
Historic Columbus Foundation’s Riverfest Weekend Fine arts and crafts show, living history demonstrations, ‘Teen’ Battle of the Bands, fireworks, national entertainment and food, demonstrations by local and regional chefs and more. Columbus, GA 706-324-7417 columbusriverfest.com
riverfest@historiccolumbus.com
Apr. 28 – 30
Panoply Arts Festival Offering an abundant array of music, dance theatre and visual arts. Visual artists and choreographers from around the country compete for top honors in their respective competitions. Huntsville, AL 256-519-2787 panoply.org
tac@panoply.org
Apr. 28 – May 6
Townsend in the Smokies Spring Festival Traditional bluegrass music at the heart of the event, which features more than 30 local and regional blue grass bands on stage, arts and crafts, barbeque cook-off, demonstrations of Appalachian culture, and wildflower walk. Townsend, TN 865-448-6134 smokymountains.org
dnye@smokymountains.org
Apr. 29
Double Decker Arts Festival The festival named after the town’s authentic Double Decker bus is a celebration of food, music and art capturing the cultural atmosphere of Oxford which highlights local restaurants, great music and handmade artwork, Oxford, MS 800-758-9177 doubledeckerfestival.com
tourism@touroxfordms.com
Apr. 29 – 30
Circus Days in Ridgeland An old-fashioned circus that families and people of all ages can enjoy and participate in Ridgeland, MS 800-468-6078 visitridgeland.org/circusdays.php
info@visitridgeland.org
MAY 2006
May 2 – 14
Contraband Days Pirate Festival Return to the swashbuckling days of the pirates and buccaneers with a sailboat regatta, carnival rides, food, contests and events. Lake Charles, LA 800-456-7952 contrabanddays.com
info@contrabanddays.com
May 5 – 7
Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival Celebrate the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry with an annual pirate parade, featuring a fine arts and crafts show, delicious shrimp dishes, live entertainment. Fernandina Beach, FL 866-426-3542 shrimpfestival.com
4info@shrimpfestival.com
May 5 – 6
Market Street Festival Offering a variety of fun and family activities. Artists from around the state show off their crafts. Features include a children's woodworking workshop, glass blowing, a drum maker, caricature drawer, potter, basket weaver and more. Columbus, MS 662-328-6305 marketstreetfestival.com
jmiller@columbusmainstreet.com
May 5 – 27
Memphis in May International Festival Three signature events presented throughout the month include four mega stages, with Rock & Roll, Alternative, R&B, New Rock and Soul music; World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest and the SunTrust Sunset Symphony. Nemphis, TN 901-525-4611 memphisinmay.org
mim@memphisinmay.org
May 5 - 7
Scottish Festival & Celtic Gathering A kilted golf outing opens the event which showcases Scottish music and dancing, a Scottish breed dog exhibit, living history presentations, storytelling, craft venders and much more. Bridgeport, WV 304-842-3457 scots-westvirginia.org
annwatson@smco.us
May 5 – 6
Whistle Stop Festival & Rocket City BBQ Cook-Off Over 100 BBQ cooking teams gather to compete. Two days of great food, live music and fantastic children's activities. A truly unique family event. Huntsville, AL 256-564-8100 rocketcitybbq.com
May 6 – 7
The Cotton Pickin’ Fair Family and community oriented event featuring antiques, arts and crafts festival. Delicious country food and desserts. Gay, GA 706-538-6814 cpfair.org
info@cpfair.com
May 6 – 7
McDonald’s 2006 Air & Sea Show Top military and civilian performances along four miles of beautiful Fort Lauderdale Beach, saluting America's sailors in an extravagant way. Fort Lauderdale, FL 954-467-3555 nationalsalute.com
williamsjo@mdmgroup.com
May 6 – 7
North Carolina Strawberry Festival & Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Enjoy the festivities in this small, rural community, including a parade, street vendors, a strawberry cooking contest and more. Chadbourn, NC 910-654-3518 ncstrawberryfestival.com
dworthington@weblnk.net
May 6
Virginia Gold Cup Experience fine tailgate displays, steeplechase racing and more in Virginia's Blue Ridge foothills. Warrenton, VA 540-347-2612 vagoldcup.com
May 12 – 13
Carthage Buggy Festival A family oriented event involving all the communities in the county, offering the best in gospel, country and rock music, along with children's entertainment. Carthage, NC 910-947-2331 townofcarthage.org
ccleetwood@nc.rr.com
May 12 – 13
International Bar-B-Q Festival Enjoy food, entertainment, shopping, sporting and special events and Owensboro's world-famous barbecue down at the river Owensboro, KY 270-926-1100/800-489-1131 owensboromuseum.com
info@visitowensboro.com
May 18 – 20
Starks Mayhaw Festival Celebration of the mayhaw berry with lots of family fun, including a queen's pageant, a talent show, a bicycle parade, jelly-cooking demo and country night. Saturday Gospel night. Starks, LA 800-456-7952 info@visitlakecharles.org
May 19 – 21
MainStrasse Village Maifest Celebrate the arrival of spring, the first spring wines and the German heritage of MainStrasse Village and the northern Kentucky region. See the works of nearly 100 artists/crafters from around the world. Covington, KY 859-491-0458 mainstrasse.org
dkremer@mainstrasse.org
May 20
Warrenton Spring Festival More than 200 artisans display and sell their handcrafted wares. Food, live music and children's activities complete the day's experience. Warrenton, VA 540-347-4414 fauquierchamber.org
May 26 – 28
Decatur Arts Festival & Garden Tour Juried fine art exhibit and competitive juried artists market, literary Arts Festival, featuring local playwrights, book signings and more, along with the Decatur Garden Tour. Decatur, GA 404-371-9583 decaturartsalliance.org
info@decaturartsalliance.org
May26 – 29
Freedom Weekend Aloft Hot Air Balloons, Concerts, Disc Dog Competition and Beach Blast. Family Friendly! Greenville, SC 864-232-3700 freedomweekend.org
fwastaff@aol.com
May 26 – Jun. 11
Spoleto Festival USA Flock to Charleston to experience the art, music, dance and culture that mesmerize the city during these 17 magical days and nights. Charleston, SC 843-722-2764 spoletousa.org
ticket@spoletousa.org
May 27 – 28
Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic Balloonists from the southeast and all over the U.S. participate. See the unbelievable sight of the two-hour balloon glow planned for Saturday night. Decatur, AL 256-340-1534 alabamajubilee.net
JUNE 2006
Jun. 1 – 5
55th Annual Sun Fun Festival Featured events spanning 60 miles of beaches include beach games, parade, Miss Sun Fun USA, a variety of sporting events, Kids Fair and an air show. Myrtle Beach, SC 843-916-7221 sunfunfestival.com
Jun. 1 – 10
Fiesta Days Celebration and Boat Parade Commemorate the founding of Pensacola by celebrating the history and culture of the area with a boat parade, colorful street parade, treasure hunts and more. Pensacola, FL 850-433-6512 fiestaoffiveflags.org
info@fiestaoffiveflags.org
Jun. 2 – 3
Yellowbanks Dulcimer Festival The banks of the Ohio River are teaming with excitement with professional performers, workshops, handmade crafts and food. Owensboro, KY 270-926-1100/800-489-1131 visitowensboro.com
info@visitowensboro.com
Jun. 5
Native American Dance Theatre Educational musical presentations featuring American Indian Art Reach programs and authentic expression of all genre's of music including traditional flute and native drum. Nashville, TN 615-889-9636 nativeamericandance.net
cherokeemangus@juno.com
Jun. 8 – Jul. 22
American Dance Festival One of the most prestigious dance festivals brings the best American and international modern and contemporary dance to North Carolina. Durham, NC 919-684-6402 americandancefestival.org
adf@americandancefestival.org or lnjones@duke.edu
Jun. 9 – 11
Celebrate Fairfax! The largest community wide festival in Northern Virginia showcases live concerts, performing arts, science and technology activities, culinary delights and more. Fairfax, VA 703-324-3247 celebratefairfax.org
emily@celebratefairfax.org
Jun. 9 – 10
Gadsden Area Riverfest Festival, Inc. This festival features nationally known artists in country, classic rock & pop music, entertainment for children, and the region's tastiest culinary creations held along the beautiful Coosa River. Gadsden, AL 256-543-3472
Jun. 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30
The Miracle Worker Play Period costumes, authentic sets and absorbing acting in the presentation of this inspiring play performed at the actual location where Helen first spoke the word W-A-T-E-R. Tuscumbia, AL 888-329-2124/256-383-4066 helenkellerbirthplace.org
hkeller@hiway.net
Jun. 9 – 11
North American Sand Soccer Championships The world's largest amateur beach soccer festival held in one of the top ocean resorts on the Atlantic seaboard. Youth and adult amateur beach soccer competition from novice through advanced. Virginia Beach, VA 757-368-4600 www.sandsoccer.com
sandsoccervb@aol.com
Jun. 10
Dickson County Fiddlers Contest Everything from Fiddlers, Cloggers, Buck Dancers, Mandolin players, Square Dancers and Old Time String Bands. Bar-B-Que and homemade crafts round off the fun! Dickson, TN 615-446-2349 dicksonfiddlers.com
rhonda@dicksoncountychamber.com
Jun. 16
Decatur Beach Party A beach party in downtown Decatur. Sixty tons of sand dumped on the city streets. Come play, sing and dance to "beach music". Decatur, GA 404-371-9583 wdecaturga.com
events@decaturga.com
Jun. 16 – Jul. 29
Sautee Nacoochee Summer Fest A six week celebration of the arts featuring chorale concerts, community events, story performances and workshops, children's programs, musical events and more. Sautee Nacoochee, GA 706-878-3300 snca.orgsnca@alltel.net
Jun. 17 – Jul. 28
Quadrennial U.S.A. International Ballet Competition Olympic Style Competition where tomorrow's ballet stars vie for gold, silver and bronze medals, cash awards, scholarships and jobs. Dancers from around the world present some of the world's best dance performances. Jackson, MS 601-355-9853 usaibc.com
usaibc@netdoor.com
Jun. 17 – 18
MainStrasse Village “Original” Goettafest & River Raid Renaissance Festival Known as a favorite comfort food in northern Kentucky and the greater Cincinnati area, Goetta is celebrated with a unique festival fare including arts and crafts and non-stop entertainment. Covington, KY 859-491-0458 mainstrasse.org
dkremer@mainstrasse.org
Jun. 21 – 25
AthFest Music & Arts Festival Highlighting the internationally recognized local and regional music and arts, AthFest features music stages, a nighttime Club Crawl, a Juried Artists' Market, KidsFest, the Flagpole Athens Music Awards, screening of films by local teens and more. Athens, GA 706-548-1973 athfest.cominfo@athfest.com
Jun. 21 – 25
Helen Keller Festival Festival honors the life, achievements and influence of "America's First Lady of Courage". Features include juried arts and crafts show, athletic events, a parade and musical entertainment. Tuscumbia, AL 800-344-0783/256-383-0783 wraygraphics.com/hkfest/
colberttourism@comcast.net
Jun. 22 – 25
ROMP – River of Music Party Celebrate all things bluegrass! See new museum exhibits, instrument trade shows, workshops, educational forums, guided tours and viewings of "Bluegrass Masters Film Festival." Owensboro, KY 888-mybanjo riverofmusic.org
mike@bluegrassmuseum.org
Jun. 23 – 25
Beaufort Old Homes Tour and Antiques Show Featuring tours of private historic homes and gardens, local churches and inns, tours of the National Register Old Burying ground, concerts and more in the small town coastal charm of Beaufort. Beaufort, NC 252-728-5225/800-575-7483 beauforthistoricsite.org
beauforthistoricsite@earthlink.net
Jun. 24
Round the Fourth Live entertainment on three stages, arts and crafts show, business expo, train rides, children’s activities, fishing and tennis tournaments and a tribute to America. This event provides activities for all ages for celebrating the fourth of July. Conway, SC 843-248-2273 roundthefourth.com
bjohnson@conwayscchamber.com
Jun. 30 – Jul 4
Southeast Old Threshers’ Reunion The largest steam, gas and antique farm machinery show in the southeastern U.S. Steam train rides, antique farm machinery demonstrations, gristmill, radio museum and much more. Denton, NC 800-458-2755 threshers.com
manage@threshers.com
