Home > Top 20 Events
Southeast Tourism Society's TOP 20 EVENTS in the Southeast USA
APRIL, MAY & JUNE 2004
APRIL 2004
Mar. 30 - Apr. 11 - Annual Spring Pilgrimage - Columbus, MS - 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 the Chattanooga Star Riverboat, an authentic paddle-wheeler offering daily tours, and a "tales from the crypt" graveyard tour by candlelight. 800-920-3533;
Nancy Carpenter; www.columbus-ms.org ; ccvb@columbus-ms.org.
Apr. 1 - 4 - North Carolina Azalea Festival - Wilmington, NC - In its 57th year, this festival celebrates Wilmington's artwork, gardens, history and culture with concerts, parades, street fairs, and of course, stunning azalea blossoms everywhere. 910-794-4650; Beth White; www.ncazaleafestival.org ; info@ncazaleafestival.org.
Apr. 1 - 10 - Come-See-Me Festival - Rock Hill, SC - The state's largest all-volunteer festival is a many-faceted jewel with more than 50 events, including a parade, Beach Bash, Marketplace on Main Street, entertainment in Rock Hill's Glencairn Garden and sporting events. 800-681-7635/803-324-7500; Sonja Rawlinson Burris; www.comeseeme.rockhill.net ; comeseeme@yorkcountychamber.com.
Apr. 2-4 - Summerville Family YMCA Flowertown Festival - Summerville, SC - Located in Summerville's Azalea Park, home to one of the area's largest collections of blooming spring flowers and shrubs, this event offers entertainment for the whole family. Feast at the Taste of Summerville, browse over 200 arts and crafts vendors, hear live entertainment and maybe even compete in the tennis tournament. And it all benefits the local YMCA! 843-871-9622, ext. 119; Linda McCoy; www.flowertownfestival.com .
Apr. 15-17 - Hillbilly Days - Pikeville, KY - Begun in 1976 by the Shriners to raise money for the Shriners' Children's Hospitals, 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.
Apr. 15-18 - 12th Annual Country Cajun Crawfish Festival - Biloxi, MS - Over 10,000 pounds of the spiciest, juiciest deep-water crawfish are served up at this entertainment-filled festival, held on the beachfront grounds of the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. The festival is famous for its non-stop entertainment, including authentic Cajun music, and concerts by local and national country artists. Enjoy thrilling rides, boating exhibits, a Family Fest and the AllTell interactive sports trailer. 228-594-3700; Vicki Miller; www.mscoastcoliseum.com .
Apr. 16-25 - Holiday in Dixie - Shreveport/Bossier, LA - This ten-day annual festival celebrates the Louisiana Purchase with black tie balls, street dances, parades, treasure hunts, carnival rides and food galore. Plenty of activity for the whole family in the middle of the Ark-La-Tex area! 318-865-5555; Susan Loftus; www.holidayindixie.com ; sloftus55@aol.com.
Apr. 17-18 - 20th Annual Bloomin' Festival Arts & Crafts Fair - Cullman, AL - The picturesque landscape of stone cut building on 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. 256-739-6682/800-722-0999; Joyce Nix; www.bloominfestival.com ; nix2715@bellsouth.net.
Apr. 17-18 - 4th Annual Tallahassee Chain of Parks Art Festival - Tallahassee, FL - Beautiful downtown Tallahassee blooms with dogwoods, azaleas and Southern hospitality as it welcomes more than 80 top artists from all over the country specializing in a variety of media including ceramics, clay, fiber, graphics, pastel, glass, metal, photography, sculpture, wood and watercolor. The event also includes live music, food and a beer/wine garden. 850-222-8800;
Karen Encizo; www.lemoyne.org ; art@lemoyne.org.
Apr. 18-24 - World's Biggest Fish Fry - Paris, TN - Over five tons of catfish plus all the fixin's - hushpuppies, cole slaw and French fries - will be served to the thousands of visitors at this year's fish fry. After you've had your fill of fish, enjoy the IPRA Rodeo and the Grand Parade, which drew a crowd of 81,000 last year. 731-644-1143; Toni Bowden.
Apr. 19-25 - Norfolk's International Azalea Festival - Norfolk, VA - The festival celebrates the beauty of spring and an appreciation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Each year one NATO country is honored. The host of events includes a Parade of Nations, a NATOFest, an annual Strong Man Challenge, art exhibits and a spectacular air show. 757-282-2801; Ronda Baucom; www.azaleafestival.org .
Apr. 21-24 - 20th Annual American Quilter's Society Quilt Show & Contest - Paducah, KY - In its 20th year, this event showcases more than 400 quilts and wall hangings in the annual competition. $100,000 is awarded in prizes for outstanding quilts in various categories. Workshops, lectures, and fashion shows are included as well as beautiful window displays and other quilt-related events. 1-800-PADUCAH; Bonnie Browning; www.aqsquilt.com ; info@aqsquilt.com.
Apr. 21-25; Festival International de Louisiane - Lafayette, LA - This is the largest Francophone (French speaking) festival in the U.S. Let this festival transport you 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. 800-346-1958/337-232-8086; Dana Canedo; www.festivalinternational.com ; info@festivalinternational.com.
Apr. 22-25 - RiverRun International Film Festival - Winston-Salem, NC - During the course of this event, more than 65 feature films, documentaries and short films will have been shown in this beautiful North Carolina town. Superior screening facilities offer independent filmmakers and film buffs one of the best showcases of independent films in the country. Includes an opening street celebration, panel discussions and Q and A sessions. 336-724-1502; Butter Birkas; www.riverrunfilm.com ; festival@riverrunfilm.com.
Apr. 23-25 - Historic Columbus Foundation's Riverfest Weekend - Columbus, GA - Riverfest abounds with entertainment for all ages, showcasing variety and quality of music, food, art and fun, including the Salisbury Fair, Pig Jig barbecue contest, whitewater kayaking and slalom kayaking on the Chattanoochee River, river cruises, road races and spectacular fireworks. 706-324-7417/706-323-7979; Frances Quick; www.columbusriverfest.com ; hcf.inc@mindspring.com.
Apr. 23-25 - Panoply Arts Festival - Huntsville, AL - Panoply has evolved into one of the Southeast's largest arts festivals with a wide variety of dance, theatre, music and visual arts. Five stages highlight regional and national talent in dance, music and theater. Visual artists compete in the Art Marketplace. Fireworks close the festival on Sunday. 256-519-ARTS; Shannon Magers; www.panoply.org ; smagers@panoply.org.
Apr. 24-25 - Franklin's Main Street Festival - Franklin, TN - Restored downtown Franklin becomes an arts and crafts center with more than 250 vendors, four states of entertainment, a carnival, children's rides, an international food court and more. 615-595-1239; Shelly Spragins; www.historicfranklin.com ; sspragins@historicfranklin.com.
Apr. 30-May 2 - Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival - Fernandina Beach, FL - Celebrating Amelia Island's Fernandina Beach as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry, this festival features delicious shrimp dishes in 32 food booths. The festival also features a fully juried fine arts and crafts show with over 300 booths vying for over $50,000 in prize money. Also includes a shrimp cook-off, Blessing of the Fleet and Best Decorated Shrimp Boat Contest. 866-4-AMELIA/904-261-3248; Sandy Price; www.shrimpfestival.com ; info@shrimpfestival.com.
Apr. 30-May 2 - Pensacola Crawfish Creole Fiesta - Pensacola, FL - This fest celebrates the Cajun influence in Northwest Florida and is considered one of the best crawfish boils in the state. The event also features live, authentic Cajun music, a children and families' area, and the "Nascraw Races," where contestants choose a live crawfish and race for prizes. 850-433-6512; Angie Irvin; www.fiestaoffiveflags.org ; info@fiestaoffiveflags.org.
Apr. 30-May 2 - Macon Gardens, Mansions & Moonlight - Macon, GA - What could be better on a beautiful spring day than discovering secret gardens and historic homes in the charming city of Macon with its eleven National Historic Districts? View the hidden gardens at stunning homes along the beautiful winding, wooded lanes; enjoy a candlelight tour of homes; and take part in a garden expo that features master gardeners on hand to share their secrets. 478-742-8155; Suzanne Harper; www.hayhouse.org .
MAY 2004
May 1 - Market Street Festival - Columbus, MS - This music and art festival features six music stages, a children's stage, over 265 arts and crafts booths, antique arena and good Southern food. Enjoy trains rides, the World Record Fish Exhibit, helicopter rides, a car show, bike tour and the feature talent at Market Street After Dark. 662-328-6305/800-327-2686; Jan Miller; www.columbus-ms.org; ccvb@columbus-ms.org.
May 1 - 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; www.vagoldcup.com.
May 1-2 - Steam & Gas Engine Show - Point Pleasant, WV - Members of the Antique Steam & Gas Engine Club join with others from throughout the state to show off their engines that were used to power locomotives, water pumps, concrete mixers and corn shellers. Close to 100 engines will be on display along with gospel music, home-cooked food and arts and crafts. 304-675-2366; Keri Derenberger; www.pointpleasantwv.org; tourism@masoncounty.org.
May 1-2 - Old Timers Day - Dickson, TN - Take a journey back to the good old days at this event where parades will roll, story tellers will compete, arts, crafts and handmade quilts will be displayed, bluegrass and gospel musicians will croon and hearty country food will be served - with a heavy dose of nostalgia for the simpler times of the past. 615-446-2349/877-718-4967; Lacy Beasley; www.dicksoncountychamber.com.
May 1-2 - 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 Gay McEwen; www.cpfair.com; info@cpfair.com.
May 1 - West Tennessee Strawberry Festival - Humboldt, TN - At this 66-year old festival you'll find much more than strawberries as the whole community comes together to celebrate spring in west Tennessee. Activities include a car show, bike show, art show, arts and crafts fair, pet parade, horse show, 5K and 10K run and a checker tournament where you can test your skills against the area's best strategists. 731-784-1842; Cleo Mack; www.humboldttnchamber.org.
May 7-8 - Carthage Buggy Festival - Carthage, NC - For over half a century, Carthage, North Carolina was the largest buggy factory in the nation during a time when carriages were essential to life in rural areas. The town celebrates its rich heritage with this festival that draws thousands to sample food, live entertainment and fun for all ages. 910-947-2331; Carol Sparks Cleetwood; ccleetwood@nc.rr.com.
May 7-8 - 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 Gumbo 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; comments@jazzandgumbo.com.
May 7-8 - International Bar-B-Q Festival - Owensboro, KY - Barbeque at its best! Two days of food and fun for all. 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; Vickie Filbin; www.bbqfest.com; vfilbin@visitowensboro.com.
May 8-9 - Cotee River Seafood Festival & Boat Show - New Port Richey, FL - This event is a seafood festival and boat show in one weekend, which includes activities for the entire family to enjoy along the waterfront. Over 100 new boats will be displayed around picturesque Orange Lake and personal watercrafts and marine products will be on display at Sims Park on the bank of the Cotee River. Don't miss the boat tours up the Cotee River in charming New Port Richey. 727-842-8066; Laura Turner; www.newportricheymainstreet.com.
May 14-16 - 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.
May 15 - 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.
May 21-23 - Cuba Nostalgia - Miami, FL - The premier Cuban event outside of Cuba is a journey back in time for those who remember the island's glamorous times. It showcases Cuban life, culture and heritage through exhibits, art, memorabilia, food and music. You'll dance to the rhythms of habanera, bolero, guaracha and mambo and enjoy the finest Cuban cuisine from the Mambo Café, while quenching your thirst with the Cuban soft drinks Cawy and Materva. 305-856-7595; Emilio Calleja; www.cubanostalgia.org; info@cubanostalgia.org.
May 23 - 29 - Decatur Arts Festival & Gardens Tour - Decatur, GA - This weeklong celebration in historic downtown Decatur, Georgia brings the whole community together with a choral concert, film festival, fine arts exhibition, children's arts festival, literary arts festival and more. Practically every facet of the arts community is represented by this festival, which attracts visitors from far and wide. 404-371-9583; Cheryl Burnette; www.decaturga.com.
May 27-29 - Food Lion Speed Street - Charlotte, NC - Charlotte, North Carolina is the focus of NASCAR racing during the month of May each year and this weekend adds to the experience of visiting fans with a 3-day festival with major entertainment, a kids' area, interactive exhibits and NASCAR drivers on hand for autographs. 704-455-6814; Jacqueline Gafrarar; www.600festival.com.
May 27 - 30 - Sumter Iris Festival - Sumter, SC - Nestled around the swan-filled waters of Swan Lake Iris Gardens, guests will enjoy beautiful flowers and nature trails, along with a healthy dose of Southern charm. Cultural events and performances abound as well as arts and crafts, a flower show, and the Sumter Sportsman display. 800-688-4748/803-436-2640; Ginny Yonson; www.irisfestival.org.
May 27-30 - 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. Authentic Louisiana crafts and a huge children's area complement the event. Interactive contests include crawfish eating, crawfish calling and Cajun dancing. 318-222-7403; Melanie Bacon; www.mudbugmadness.com; mbacon@downtownshreveport.com.
May 28-29 - Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic - Decatur, AL - More than 55 hot air balloon pilots bring their colorful crafts from around the country to compete in four races over the two-day period. Between the races spectators attend an arts and crafts show antique and classic car show and live concerts. 256-350-2028/800-524-6181; Lee Johnson; www.decaturcvb.org; info@decaturcvb.org.
May 28-31 - Freedom Weekend Aloft - Anderson, SC - 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, the U.S. Disc Dog Freedom Weekend Nationals and much more; 864-222-0051; Keri Hall; www.freedomweekend.org; fwastaff@aol.com.
May 28-June 13 - Spoleto Festival U.S.A. - Charleston, SC - 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. More than 100 performances are offered! 843-722-2764; Marie Jacinto; www.spoletousa.org; kchapman@charlestoncvb.com.
JUNE 2004
May 30-June 19 - Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival - Fernandina Beach, FL - 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; info@ameliaislandchambermusic.org.
June 3-7 - 53rd Annual Sun Fun Festival - A Celebration of Summer - Myrtle Beach Area, SC - Spanning 60 miles of beaches, this event offers something for everyone with beach games for young and old, Miss Sun Fun 2005 pageant, Miss Bikini Wahine 2005 contest, sporting events, kids' fair and an over the beach air show. 843-916-7239; Holly Tanner; www.myrtlebeachinfo.com.
June 4-6 - A Taste of Pinellas - St. Petersburg, FL - This is the largest "taste" festival on the west coast of Florida. Fifty restaurants serve up their specialties and fifty cents of every dollar spent goes to All Children's Hospital. Top national acts perform on the mainstage. Last year's headliners included Chicago, Aaron Neville and the B-52's. 727-892-4193; Joel Momberg; www.allkids.org.
June 4-7 - Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival - Ft. Walton Beach, FL - A celebration of the exploits of pirate Billy Bowlegs, founder of the Independent State of Muskegee, scourge of the Gulf of Mexico. Features include the Billy Bowlegs Armada landing and a mock battle with the city militia and torchlight parade with krewes in full pirate regalia. 850-244-8191; Mark Zaffrann.
June 5-6 - Vintage Virginia Wine Festival - Long Branch/Millwood, VA - A great opportunity to sample the finest Virginia wines, taste delicious gourmet food, shop for fine arts and crafts and enjoy the continuous sounds of live reggae, blues, big band and rock. Also includes hourly wine tasting seminars. 800-277-CORK; www.vintagevirginia.com.
June 5-July 17 - National Catfish Derby - Pickwick Dam, TN - A fishing rodeo celebrating Hardin County as the Catfish Capital of the World. Events include a catfish and hush-puppy cook-off, weekly "big fish" competitions and the World Championships Catfishing Tournament. 731-689-3800/800-552-3866; Diana Barker; teamhardin@centurytel.net
June 10-12 - Grenada Lake's "Thunder on Water" Safe Boating Festival - Grenada, MS - Whether you're a sports enthusiast or a music fan, there's something for you here. The first sound of thunder is heard on the first night with a fireworks show that brightens the sky over the lake for miles. For the rest of the weekend, bring your sunscreen and walking shoes and enjoy over 150 arts and crafts booths and over 100 entries in the car, truck and Harley show along with a Poker Run, softball tournament, rodeo, carnival and children's fishing rodeo. 800-373-2571; Brandi Brown; www.thunderonwater.com.
June 10-13 - National Off-Road Biking Association Championship Series - Snowshoe, WV - This four-day event includes professional and amateur mountain bikers competing in four disciplines: cross country, downhill, short track and mountain cross. Competitors of all ages will compete vying for a spot in the National Finals in Colorado. This year's racers also compete for a chance to be on the United States 2004 Olympic team. 304-572-5603; Bob Koontz; www.usacycling.org.
June 10-20 - Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum Summer Fair - Biloxi, MS - This is the official kickoff for summer on the Mississippi gulf coast. The perfect family event includes a Corvette/Mustang car show, John Madden Football video tournament, Paint-a-Pan Contest and the Miller Rocks tent with entertainment every night. 228-594-3700; Vicki Miller; www.mscoastcoliseum.com.
June 10-July 23 - American Dance Festival - Durham, NC - 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 modern and contemporary dance to North Carolina each summer. The American Dance Festival has a world-wide reputation for discovering much of modern dance's finest talent and has featured over 550 premieres throughout its 70-year history. 919-684-6402; Cindy Carlson; www.americandancefestival.org; adf@americandancefestival.org.
June 11-12 - Gadsden Area Riverfest Festival, Inc. - Gadsden, AL - Held along the Coosa River, the southeast's hottest music festival includes a weekend of fun and excitement 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 Bailey.
June 11-19 - Riverbend Festival - Chattanooga, TN - This fest brings thousands of people to the banks of the Tennessee River to enjoy performances by a variety of entertainers. Each night of the nine-day festival features a distinct style of music, from country and classical to blues, jazz, rock and gospel. 423-756-2212; Sally Beckes; www.friendsofthefestival.com.
June 12-14 - 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 plus a Chautauqua tea and hot air balloon race. 800-755-0076; Kay Berggren; www.gabbf.com; tourbc@bellsouth.net.
June 13 - 25th Anniversary "Sunday Mornin' Country" Concert - Nashville, TN - Numerous top country artists appear each year in this event which concludes Fan Fair in Nashville. Past performers include Roy Clark, Brenda Lee, Connie Smith, Ricky Skaggs, Skeeter Davis, Larry Gatlin, Lulu Roman, Eddie Stubbs and many more. 615-960-1234; Lorrie Babcock Hendrickson; www.musiccitychristianfellowship.com.
June 17-20 - Boardwalk Art Show & Festival - Virginia Beach, VA - This event brings working artists from around the country to the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Enjoy browsing original works of art while you meet and talk to the artists. Also includes live entertainment, homemade food and the sun and surf of the Virginia Beach boardwalk. 757-425-0000, ext. 26; Denise Wynn Olsen; www.cacv.org.
June 18-July 31 - 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. 706-878-3300; Sara Wilkinson; www.snca.org; theatersnca@alltel.net.
June 21-27 - Helen Keller Festival - Tuscumbia, AL - This celebration of America's First Lady of Courage - she overcame being blind and deaf from birth to inspire a nation - includes an art competition for the impaired, parade, stage entertainment, arts and crafts, tour of historic sites, puppet shows, sports tournaments, and the highlight, the annual outdoor performances of William Gibson's "The Miracle Worker." 800-344-0783; Sue Pilkilton; www.helenkellerfestival.com.
June 24-26 - Louisiana Peach Festival - Ruston, LA - Enough fun events to get the whole family involved, including entertainment in Railroad Park, a rodeo, fishing tournament, softball and tennis tournaments, cookery contest, fine arts reception, peach hunt, parade, diaper derby and more. 800-392-9032; Becky O'Nan; www.rustonlincoln.org.
June 25-26 - Mountain Top Rodeo at R-Ranch in the Mountains - Dahlonega, GA - The Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association's best cowboys and cowgirls compete in traditional events like bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, bull riding and more - all against the backdrop of the beautiful north Georgia mountains. 706-864-3711/800-231-5543;
www.r-ranchinthemountains@alltel.net.
June 25-26 - Two Days Round the Fourth - Conway, SC - The county sea of "The Independent Republic of Horry" hosts a two-day gala that features live bands and entertainers on three stages plus arts and crafts exhibits, a tribute to America exhibit, riverboat tours, train rides and movies under the stars. 843-248-2273/866-566-9336; Dee Nesbit; www.roundthefourth.com; dnesbit@conwayscchamber.com
