Home > Top 20 Events
Southeast Tourism Society's TOP 20 EVENTS in the Southeast USA
July / August / September 2006
July
Jun. 30 – Jul. 1, The Official State National Championship Fiddlers Jamboree and Craft Festival Family oriented fun and entertainment with old hand-made crafts found only in the Appalachian area of the U.S., Smithville, TN 615-597-8500, www.dekalbtn.com
Jun. 3 – Aug. 11 except Wednesdays, Summer at Callaway Gardens Bring the whole family to see the “Flying High” circus performances. Enjoy biking and swimming. See Iceberg Island, a floating water playground for guests of all ages. Pine Mountain, GA 800-225-5292 www.callawaygardens.com info@callawaygardens.com
Jul. 1 – 5, Summer Motion 10K Race, live entertainment, car show, games for children, petting zoo, riverfront activities and much more. Ashland, KY 606-929-9700, www.summermotion.com ccharles@townsquarebank.com
Jul. 1 – 29, An Appalachian Summer Festival Four week festival held on the Appalachian State University campus featuring music, dance, theatre and visual arts. Boone, NC 800-841-2787, www.appsummer.org boxoffice@appstate.edu
Jul. 1 – 2, Jonesborough Days A living historic town – Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town and the storytelling capital of the world, offering family fun and events. Jonesborough, TN 423-753-1010, www.jonesboroughtn.org lisamvc@earthlink.net
Jul. 1, Sights and Sounds at Kerr Lake – Independence Day Weekend Celebration Family event celebrating our nation’s independence featuring live entertainment, food vendors and fireworks. Henderson, NC 866-438-4565, www.kerrlake-nc.com vctourism@gloryroad.net
Jul. 3 – 4, Freedom, Fanfare and Fireworks 4th of July Celebration Brings national, regional and local performances to the First Coast, features Tall Ship tours, fun children’s activities and more. Jacksonville, FL 904-630-3690, www.coj.net events@coj.net
Jul. 4, 16th Annual Patriot Festival Outstanding entertainment, free admission, fun for the entire family. Pigeon Forge. TN 800-251-9100, www.mypigeonforge.com inquire@mypigeonforge.com
Jul. 4 – Sep. every Tuesday night, Blues on the Beach Visitors bring their food, families and friends to enjoy a picnic on the beach with great music. Pensacola Beach, FL 800-635-4803, www.visitpensacolabeach.com penbeach@bellsouth.net
Jul. 4, Music City Independence Day Concert Spectacular An evening of free entertainment, fun and fireworks. Nashville, TN 800-657-6910, www.visitmusiccity.com
nashcvb@musiccityusa.com
Jul. 10 – 15, 70th Annual Lexington Junior League Horse Show The world’s largest outdoor saddle bred horse show providing an opportunity for spectators and exhibitors to relish in the beauty of saddle bred horses. Show is the primary fundraiser for the Junior League of Lexington. Lexington, KY 859-252-1893, www.lexjrleague.com gen@lexjrleague.com
Jul. 14 – 23, Beaufort Water Festival Family oriented fun featuring a variety of free or low cost nightly events and weekend activities from sporting matches to musical entertainment. Beaufort, SC 843-524-0600, www.bftwaterfestival.com info@btwaterfestival.com
Jul. 14 – 15, Blue Angels Air Show The Navy’s world-famous Blue Angels perform supported by civilian and other military performers. Pensacola Beach, FL, 800-635-4803, www.visitpensacolabeach.com blitchfield@visitpensacola.com
Jul. 14 – 22, Daviess County Lions Club Fair This annual county fair features carnival rides, animals, beauty pageants, truck & tractor pulls, and much more. Owensboro, KY 270-729-4594, www.daviesscountyfair.com info@visitowensboro.com
Jul. 14 – 22, Fun Fest Visitors come for the Crazy 8’s 8-K run, the Tour de Possum Creek bike rides, the concerts and the hot air balloon launches. Kingsport, TN 423-392-8800, www.funfest.net funfest@funfest.net
Jul. 14, Gallery Night: Mid Summer Nights Eve Experience the essence of downtown Pensacola with street performers, beautiful art galleries and more. Trolleys running. Pensacola, FL 850-432-9906, www.artsnwfl.org hholloway@artsnwfl.org
Jul. 15 – 16, 19th Annual Cajun Music and Food Festival A true celebration of the Cajun heritage, highlighting all aspects of Cajun life including food, music and culture. Lake Charles, LA 800-456-7952, www.visitlakecharles.org info@visitlakecharles.org
Jul 19 – 30, Georgia Mountain Fair. Twelve days of fun-filled activities. “Old Ways” demonstrations, flower show, photo exhibit, music daily. Hiawassee, GA 706-896-4191, www.georgia-mountain-fair.com gamtfair@alltel.net
Jul. 23 – 29, W.C. Handy Music Festival - Festival honoring William Christopher Handy, “Father of the Blues” celebrates the blues and jazz, soul, rhythm and blues, gospel and contemporary music. Florence, AL 256-766-9719, www.wchandymusicfestival.org ngonce@bellsouth.net
Jul. 28 – 29, Marshland Festival This festival is hopping with hot Cajun Bands, featuring exhibits, games, arts and crafts booths, food, and more. Lake Charles, LA, 800-456-7952, www.visitlakecharles.org info@visitlakecharles.org
August
Aug. 2 – 5, North Carolina Watermelon Festival A wonderful family oriented heritage tourism event. Enjoy entertainment, amusement rides, fireworks, watermelon contests and NC’s largest agricultural parade. Murfreesboro, NC 252-398-5922, www.murfreesboronc.com ncheritage@earthlink.net
Aug. 3 – 5, 51st Annual Robbins Farmers Day Enjoy live entertainment, including blue grass bands, street dances, clogging and square dancing, pottery auction, lawn tractor pull, petting zoos, food and more. Robbins, NC 910-464-1290, www.robbinsfarmersday.com contact@robbinsfarmersday.com
Aug. 3, 2006 – June 2007, For the Good Times: The Ray Price Story A tribute to American music architect Ray Price with exhibit running through June 2007. Nashville, TN 615-416-2001 www.countrymusichalloffame.com lthiels@countrymusichalloffame.com
Aug. 3 – 6, Satchmo Summerfest Celebrate the lasting influence of jazz icon, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong through live music, Louisiana cuisine, jazz, lectures and seminars. New Orleans, LA 800-673-5725, www.satchmosummerfest.com feedback@fqfi.org
Aug. 4 – 6, Mississippi Wildlife Extravaganza Wildlife enthusiasts can see demonstrations of the bounty and diversity of natural fauna found in Mississippi through fishing, photography, hunting and camping programs Jackson, MS 601-206-5703, www.mswildlife.org
Aug. 4 – 5, Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair – 50th Anniversary Live music, craft and food vendors, helicopter rides, street dances all in the town square. Burnsville, NC 828-682-7413, www.yanceychamber.com info@yanceychamber.com
Aug. 4, 5, 11, 12, Summer Evening Concerts at Biltmore Estate The brightest musical stars, the most stunning sunsets and the most breath-taking views are highlighted by sensational performances at the Biltmore House. Ashville, NC 800-543-2961, www.biltmore.com happenings@biltmore.com
Aug. 12 – 13, 4th Annual StringTime in the Smokies A gathering of top bluegrass musicians share one stage for two days of concerts, offered free of charge, in Patriot Park. Pigeon Forge, TN 800-251-9100, www.mypigeonforge.com inquire@mypigeonforge.com
Aug. 12 – 19, 7th Annual Celebrate Freedom An eight-day salute to America’s veterans, patriots and heroes with a musical, theatrical journey through America’s military history. Pigeon Forge, TN, 800-251-9100, www.mypigeonforge.com inquire@mypigeonforge.com
Aug. 17 – 20, Two State Rodders VI Anniversary Nationals Largest Street Rod show in LA featuring over 400 pre-1949 custom autos, with food, entertainment and more. Hammond, LA 985-878-9221
Aug. 18, Hot August Night Take in the charming ambiance of downtown Hammond while enjoying an evening of art, food, music, wine tasting and shopping. Hammond, LA 985-542-3471, ddd@hammond.org
Aug. 18 – 26, Wilson County Fair Nine days of fun for the entire family includes entertainment, rides, pageants, agricultural exhibits and much more. Lebanon, TN 615-443-2626, www.wilsoncountyfair.net wilsoncountyfair@wilsoncounty.com
Aug. 19 – 20, First Security Bank Woodland Art Fair A juried art fair with 200 artists from across the US. One main stage, featuring music from some of the regions best musicians from bluegrass to contemporary. Family friendly activities add to the list of fun. Lexington, KY 859-254-7024, www.lexingtonartleague.org info@lexingtonartleague.org
Aug. 19, Multi-Cultural Festival A day long festival highlighting different customs from different countries with music, dance, ethnic costumes and food Owensboro, KY 270-684-1467, www.visitowensboro.com info@visitowensboro.com
Aug. 23 – Sep. 2, 68th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration The oldest continually-running event in the state. Champions in 29 different divisions will be crowned. Also featured: a trade fair, stable decorating, BBQ cookout and much more. Shelbyville, TN 931-684-5915, www.twhnc.com twhnc@twhnc.com
Aug. 23 – 27, East Coast Surfing Championships North America’s oldest surfing contest, over 100 professional surfers compete. Also includes a 5K run, beach volleyball competitions, live entertainment and more. Virginia Beach, VA 888-787-3272, www.surfecsc.com publicrelations@surfcsc.com
Aug. 26 – 27, The Aiken Soccer Cup One of the southeast’s largest soccer tournaments for players ages 9 - 19 held at the Polo Fields and Aiken’s beautiful Citizen’s Park. Aiken, SC 803-643-3481, www.aikensoccerclub.org afsmills@bellsouth.net
Aug. 26 – 27, 9th Annual San Sebastian Harvest & Grape Stomp Grape stomping competitions run throughout the entire weekend. Visitors can participate in tours of the winery; learn the wine making process and more. St. Augustine, FL 888-352-9463, www.sansebastianwinery.com
Aug. 31 – Sep. 4, Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival Event honors two industries that have been the economic lifeblood of the community with music, food, arts and crafts and children’s events. Morgan City, LA 985-385-0703, www.shrimp-petrofest.org info@shrimp-petrofest.org
Aug. 31 – Sep. 3, Warrenton Horse Show Horse & Rider combinations in classes for hunters, jumpers, junior jumpers and more along with the always popular terrier races. Warrenton, VA 540-347-9442, www.warrentonhorseshow.com
September
Sep. 1 – Oct. 31, Scarecrow Trail & Enchanted Forest 100’s of scarecrows from all over the community are represented here at what has become a “must see” event in the Valley. Huntsville, AL 256-830-4447, www.hsvbg.org
Sep. 2, City of St. Augustine 441st Birthday A celebration of the 441st Birthday of the City of St. Augustine with a reenactment of the landing of the city’s founder, and Spanish colonists. St. Augustine, FL 904-825-1004, www.staugustinegovernment.com WBRAY@ci.st-augustine.fl.us
Sep. 2 – 3, Music City Jazz, Blues & Heritage Festival Outstanding national and international talent will take the stage, along with some of Nashville’s finest local talent. Nashville, TN 800-657-6910 www.visitmusiccity.com nashcvb@musiccityusa.com
Sep. 3, BoomsDay Known as the nation’s largest Labor Day fireworks show. Enjoy live music, all American food, and the “Goody’s Family Fun Zone. Knoxville, TN 800-727-8045, www.knoxville.org tourism@knoxville.org
Sep. 8 – 10, Mainstrasse Village Association Oktoberfest A festival with something for everyone – crafts vendors, food and beverage booths featuring international cuisine and favorite festival foods, musical entertainment and more. Covington, KY 859-491-0458, www.mainstrasse.org dkremer@mainstrasse.org
Sep. 9 – Oct. 30, The Enchanted MAiZE by See Rock City, Inc. This enchanted Maze winds through the Blowing Springs Farm corn field at the foot of Lookout Mountain. Special events include the antique tractor & engine show, dock dog jumping and more. Flintstone, GA 706-820-2531, www.enchantedmaze.com maize@seerockcity.com
Sep. 15 – 18, Trail of Tears Commemoration & Motorcycle Ride The largest organized motorcycle ride in the Country features 100,000 motorcycles riding 150 miles. Special welcome events and concerts held for participants. Florence, AL 877-868-8747, www.al-tn-trailoftears.org alisons@flo-tour.org
Sep. 16 – 17, Burlington Carousel Fine artists and craft exhibitors display their work. Visit the children’s area, featuring family friendly attractions and rides all to celebrate the Dentzel Menagerie Carousel built in 1910 Burlington, NC 336-222-5030, www.burlingtonnc.gov/recreation recreation@ci.burlington.nc.us
Sep. 16, Fauquier County Fall Farm Tour Local farmers open their farms to the public to explore Virginia’s rich agricultural heritage through self-driven tours. Enjoy animal care demonstrations, milking exhibit, antique car display and more. Fauquier County, VA 540-349-5351, www.fauquierag.com agdevelopment@fauquiercounty.gov
Sep. 16 – 17, Ocmulgee Indian Celebration Visitors have the opportunity to join in traditional dances, hear handed-down stories, observe the making of craft items and learn from period encampments. This celebration brings together representatives from all the original Southeastern Indian Nations. Macon, GA 478-752-8257, www.nps.gov/ocmu stephen_rudolph@nps.gov
Sep. 16, Suwanee Day Festival Two stages with a variety of entertainment, featuring bluegrass, country and rock ‘n roll with ten acres of artists, crafters, rides and food for a family festival for all. Suwanee, GA 770-945-8996, www.suwaneeday.org
Sep. 21 – Oct. 28, Annual Fall Candlelight Tour of Homes and Gardens 21 tours showcasing Charleston’s renowned architecture and the hospitality and charm of the city. Charleston, SC 843-722-4630, www.preservationsociety.org preserve@preservationsociety.org
Sep. 22 – 24, Carlyss Cajun Bons Temps Festival, A tradition at St. Theresa Catholic Church since 1969. This festival offers carnival rides, games, a petting zoo, live music, food and an emphasis on family fun. Carlyss, LA 800-456-7952, www.visitlakecharles.org info@visitlakecharles.org
Sep. 22 – 23, Pellissippi State Hot Air Balloon Festival This one of a kind event features more than 20 high flying hot air balloons, a balloon “glow”, tethered balloon rides, arts and crafts and entertainment by local and national talent. Knoxville, TN 865-694-6528, www.pstcc.edu pmyers@pstcc.edu
Sep. 23 – 24, 25th Annual Mt. Juliet Pow Wow/Don Yahola Memorial Experience the beauty and passion of an American Indian Pow Wow – a time of gathering and celebration with friends and family. Mt. Juliet, TN 615-443-1537 cindy.yahola@ihs.gov
Sep. 24, 28th Annual International Folk Festival Experience the well known Parade of Nations as thirty countries come together to celebrate diversity in America. Enjoy live music, arts and crafts and vendors. Fayetteville, NC 910-323-1776, www.theartscouncil.com lyndar@theartscouncil.com
Sep. 29 – Oct. 31, 10th Annual Pigeon Forge Harvest Festival A celebration of the harvest season, complete with colorful decorations and craft festivals. Pigeon Forge, TN 800-251-9100, www.mypigeonforge.com inquire@mypigeonforge.com
Sep. 29 – Oct. 8, MOJA Arts Festival A celebration of the African-American and Caribbean Arts featuring an international juried art exhibition, along with an exciting display of music and dance. Charleston, SC 843-724-7305, www.mojafestival.com
Sep. 30, Celebrate the Environment Day Family oriented fun with an event that focuses on environmental education. Learn about water quality, recycling, native plants and animals and much more. Flomaton, AL 251-296-3401, www.escambiak12.net/schools.htm jword@escambiak12.net
Sep. 30 – Oct. 1, Duluth Fall Festival The event kicks off with a big parade and opening ceremony and continues with over 300 arts and crafts and food booths. Duluth, GA 770-476-0240, www.duluthfallfestival.org info@duluthfallfestival.org
