Home > Top 20 Events
Southeast Tourism Society's TOP 20 EVENTS in the Southeast USA
October / November / December
OCTOBER 2005
Oct. 2-9, Cruisin’ The Coast, Biloxi, D’Iberville, Gulfport, Long Beach, Pass Christian, Ocean Springs, Bay St. Louis, Miss. - Car enthusiasts from over 37 states and Canada drive to the Mississippi gulf coast to showcast their custom vehicles, cruise a variety of antique, classic and hot rod exhibits and hear live bands playing favorites from the 50’s and 60’s. 228-385-3847, www.cruisinthecoast.com, janicej@gulfcoast.org
Oct. 2, Chefs of the Coast Food & Wine Festival, Biloxi, Miss. - Features a culinary extravaganza with over 50 restaurants serving samples of specialty dishes. Also includes the “food as art” competition, where more than 25 of the gulf coast’s finest chefs will showcase their creativity and compete for prize money and medals. 228-388-5162, ext 9, www.chefsofthecoast.com, chefs@cableone.net
Oct. 2, UAW-Ford 500 Nascar Nextel Cup Series Race, Talladega, Ala. - Fans arrive from all across the country and beyond for the final event of the racing season at Talladega and Race Three in NASCAR’s chase for NEXTEL Cup 10-race championship format. 877-462-3342, www.talladegasuperspeedway.com
Oct. 7-8, Unicoi County Apple Festival, Erwin, Tenn. - 80,000 locals and visitors fill the streets of downtown Erwin to enjoy live entertainment, gospel and popular music, watch apple butter and cider making, browse more than 300 arts and crafts exhibits and enjoy good southern food. 423-743-3000, www.unicoicounty.org, chris@unicoicounty.org
Oct. 7-8, 11th Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival, Beaufort, S. C. - Enjoy over 20 shrimp dishes prepared by local chefs and watch the shrimp cook-off among local participants. Then browse the arts and crafts booths, check out the kid’s area and maybe even work off that shrimp dinner in the 5K walk & run. 800-638-3525, www.beaufortshrimpfestival.com, events@beaufortsc.org
Oct. 7-9, Gretna Heritage Festival, Gretna, La. - The largest music and food festival on the west bank of the Mississipi River offers national headliners, a fabulous array of local food, a children’s carnival area, a 5K walk/run and more. 504-361-7748, www.gretnafest.com, info@gretnafest.com
Oct. 7-16, Georgia Mountain Fall Festival, Hiawassee, Ga. - Ten days and nights of enterainment, including gospel, clogging, country music and Georgia’s Official State Fiddlers Convention. Also enjoy Pioneer Village with demonstrations of soap, grits and moonshine making, plus over 60 arts and crafts booths. 706-896-4191, www.georgia-mountain-fair.com, gamtfair@alltel.net
Oct. 7-16, Georgia National Fair, Perry, Ga. - A celebration of Georgia’s youth, agriculture and heritage with competitive and educational exhibits---horse, livestock, horticultural, youth, home and fine arts categories---midway rides, games, free circus and nightly fireworks at Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter. 478-987-3247, www.georgianationalfair.com, mtreptow@gnfa.com
Oct. 8-9, MUMfest, New Bern, N.C. - In its 25th year, this award-winning fall celebration attracts more than 80,000 to a weekend filled with attractions such as the Chevy Racing Tour II, the Coca Cola Family Festival, vendors and festival foods, plus activities to thrill the kids such as the Carolina Puppet Threater and roving magicians, jugglers and stilt-walkers. 252-638-5781, www.mumfest.com, swissbear@swissbear.org
Oct. 13-16, Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Clearwater, Fla. - For over a quarter of a century, jazz lovers have hip-hopped and be-bopped their way to Clearwater for one of the single-most prominent jazz events in the Southeast. This year promises an entertainment line-up of the most celebrated jazz artists of our time. 727-461-5200, www.clearwaterjazz.com, evelyn@clearwaterjazz.com
Oct. 14-16, Autumn Leaves Festival, Mount Airy, N.C. - As the leaves turn their richest hues, people flood the small community of Mount Airy (hometown of Andy Griffith and inspiration for Mayberry) to sample the rich traditions of mountain folks. Crowds clap their hands to bluegrass and gospel music, while browsing the huge craft show of over 150 juried craftsmen. 336-786-6116, ext 5, www.visitmayberry.com, admin@mtairyncchamber.org
Oct. 14-16, Foothills Fall Festival, Maryville, Tenn. - National headliners like John Michael Montgomery, Patty Loveless, Bo Diddley, Trace Atkins and Lonestar will be performing at this great festival in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, plus a free arts and crafts festival and a Children’s Adventure Land. 865-981-1359, www.foothillsfallfestival.com, fall_festival@ci.maryville.tn.us
Oct. 15, The International Gold Cup Races, The Plains, Va. - Scheduled for the peak of fall colors in Fauquier County, crisp atmosphere, country tweeds and an elegant Hunt Country backdrop sets an outdoor stage for 30,000-plus to enjoy the excitement of top steeplechase jockeys competing for prizes. 540-347-2612, www.vagoldcup.com
Oct. 15, New River Gorge Bridge Day, Fayetteville, W. Va. - This is the only day that you can legally walk out on the bridge that spans the spectacular New River Gorge. Take advantage of the breathtaking views and watch BASE jumpers from around the globe (who use a parachute to jump from fixed objects) make their amazing leaps. 800-927-0263, www.officialbridgeday.com, fayette@wvdsl.net
Oct. 15-16, Reid’s Orchard Apple Festival, Owensboro, Ky. - This celebration of the fall apple harvest promises fun for the whole family including great food, carnival rides, arts and crafts, a petting zoo and hay rides. 270-685-2444, www.visitowensboro.com, info@visitowensboro.com
Oct 18-23, Cal-Cam Fair, Sulphur, La. - Livestock shows, cotton candy, glowing carnival rides against the starry sky...the Cal-Cam Fair creates memories for all who visit to experience one of the few remaining “old time country fairs” where almost anything baked, grown, or crafted will be judged and awarded prizes. 800-456-7952, info@visitlakecharles.org
Oct. 20-30, Pensacola Interstate Fair, Pensacola, Fla. - This festival is a Florida gulf coast tradition that recently celebrated its 71st anniversary. It features live performances by national headliners, a midway with rides and games and agricultural, educational, scientific, commericial and industrial exhibits from surrounding states and other countries. 850-944-4500, www.pensacolafair.com, tlewis@pensacolachamber.com
Oct. 22-23, Alabama Renaissance Faire, Florence, Ala. - Step back in time 600 years into medieval Europe where wandering minstrels, magicians and chamber singers stroll by in authentic costumes. Watch a live chess match with real people as chess pieces, play medieval games and participate in the dancing and drama of the renaissance period. 256-768-3031, www.alrenfaire.org
Oct. 28-30, Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 Event Weekend, Hampton, Ga. - This race is the fourth to last event on the NEXTEL Cup Series and is critical in determining the season’s NASCAR champion. 770-946-4211, www.atlantamotorspeedway.com, amstix@atlantamotorspeedway.com
Oct. 30-Nov. 6, West Virginia University Mountaineer Week, Morgantown, W. Va. - This is a celebration of the state of West Virginia’s culture and heritage. It commemorates Applachian life with music, food, crafts and programs that are attended by over 70,000. Highlights include the Mountaineer Idol competition, craft fair and quilt show, fiddler’s contest, clogging competition, beard shaving competition and more. 304-293-2702, www.wvu.edu/mountaineer_week, sonja.wilson@mail.wvu.edu
NOVEMBER 2005
Nov. 1-Jan. 1, Old Salem Holiday Season, Winston-Salem, N.C. - Old Salem comes to life during the holidays in celebration of its cultural heritage which focuses on the Salem Moravians and early Southerners. Activities include holiday interpreters, themed weekends highlighting food and music and candlelight evening tours. 336-721-7300, www.oldsalem.org, info@oldsalem.org
Nov. 3, 16th Annual Winterfest Kickoff, Pigeon Forge, Tenn. - A special tribute to Pigeon Forge performer Louise Mandrell will highlight this year’s event which kicks off Winterfest. Plenty of food, plus performers from Pigeon Forge theaters entertain with tunes from their holiday shows. 800-251-9100, www.mypigeonforge.com, inquire@mypigeonforge.com
Nov. 3-5, Mistletoe Marketplace 2005, Jackson, Miss. - Sponsored by the Junior League of Jackson, this three-day event enthusiastically kicks off the holiday season with an exciting variety of shopping, dining, special events and entertainment. More than 155 merchants gather to offer a wonderful assortment of unique gifts and holiday merchandise to over 35,000 shoppers. 601-948-2357, www.jljackson.org, info@jljackson.org
Nov. 3-13, Frank Brown International Songwriter’s Festival, Pensacola, Fla. - Seasoned and aspiring songwriters and musicians gather at this event to share music, ideas and experiences in an atmosphere that encourages collaboration and inspiration. Approximately 23 venues will feature gospel, bluegrass, country and pop. 850-492-7664, www.fbisf.com, reneda@fbisf.com
Nov. 4-6, Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival, Pensacola, Fla. - Seville Square in downtown Pensacola hosts more than 200 fine art and craft exhibitors from around the country . Also features a children’s arts festival and exceptional food. 850-432-9906, www.artsnwfl.org, hholloway@artsnwfl.org
Nov. 4-Jan 1, Christmas at Biltmore Estate, Ashville, N.C. - Christmas at Biltmore Estate is a larger-than-life Yuletide celebration in America’s largest home. The largest Christmas tree (one of many) is a 35-foot Fraser fir. St. Nicholas makes an appearance at the historic Horse Barn every Saturday and Sunday afternoon. 800-543-2961, www.biltmore.com, happenings@biltmore.com
Nov. 5-6, Peter Anderson Memorial Arts, Crafts & Food Festival, Ocean Springs, Miss. - The works of 300 regional artists - oil painting and watercolors, raku pottery and metal works - cover historic, tree-lined downtown Ocean Springs in a tribute to master potter Peter Anderson. Also enjoy live music, coastal and ethnic foods and the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. 228-875-4424, www.oceanspringschamber.com, mail@oceanspringschamber.com
Nov. 9-13, 19th Annual American Sandsculpting Championship Festival, Fort Myers Beach, Fla. - The experts say Fort Myers Beach has the finest sand in the country, something master sand sculptors can’t resist as they compete to see who can create the most brilliant masterpiece from a 20x20 foot pile of sand. Includes workshops where spectators can learn sand scultping. 239-454-7500, www.sandfestival.com, info@fmbchamber.com
Nov. 11-13, Christmas Holiday Homecoming, Owensboro, Ky. - One of the biggest arts and crafts shows around is held at the Executive Inn Rivermont Exhibition Center just in time for the Christmas season. You won’t be able to resist the Christmas spirit as you browse booth after booth of authentic crafts and sample holiday food with Christmas music in the background. 270-926-3661, www.visitowensboro.com, info@visitowensboro.com
Nov. 11-13, Tullahoma Intertribal Powwow, Tullahoma, TN. - November is American Indian Heritage Month and what better way to celebrate than to attend this powwow where top name entertainers, demonstrators, jewelers and craft persons will give you a taste of Native American culture. 931-455-5321, www.nativewayproductions.com, nativeway@mindspring.com
Nov. 12-13, Covington Three Rivers Art Festival, Covington, La. - Features original works of art handmade by 150 artists in 15 separate categories. Visitors can watch live demonstrations and hear live music. Children can enjoy hands-on art activities and participate in song, dance and theater. 985-871-4141, www.threeriversartfestival.com, threeriversart@gallinghouse.com
Nov. 12 - Jan. 1, Tanglewood’s Festival of Lights, Clemmons, N.C. - Tanglewood’s rolling countryside becomes a winter wonderland of giant snowflakes and whimsical scenes through the magic of nearly a million lights. Enjoy the magic and splendor of the Southeast’s largest holiday light show. 336-778-6300, www.tanglewoodpark.org, jaykf@co.forsyth.nc.us
Weekends Nov. 12-Dec. 11 - Nightly December 16-30 (closed 12/24 & 25), A Stone Mountain Christmas, Stone Mountain, Ga. - The magic of a small town Christmas comes alive at this event in Stone Mountain Park. The 1870’s town of Crossroads is filled with entertainers and skilled crafters and families will enjoy seeing the nightly snowfall, as a well as a new laser show for 05. 770-498-5690, www.stonemountainpark.com, generalinfo@stonemountainpark.com
Nov. 12-13, Destrehan Plantation 34th Annual Fall Festival, Destrehan, La. - This restored antebellum plantation celebrates its annual fall festival with arts and crafts vendors, a Cajun and Creole food park, and an antique area inside the unique 1840’s mule barn. 985-764-9315, www.DestrehanPlantation.org, DestPlan@aol.com
Nov. 17-Dec. 26, St. Francis Hospital Festival of Trees, Greenville, S.C. - This holiday event draws thousands of visitors to downtown Greenville where a tree lighting ceremony will officially kick off the lighting of over 70 decorated trees. Also includes a teddy bear tea for kids and the Sugarplum Creativity Village where kids can make gifts for family members of patients in the hospital. 864-255-1199, www.stfrancishealth.org, ccarlisle@stfrancishealth.org
Nov. 18-Dec. 31, Fantasy In Lights at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Ga. - This incredible ride-through event includes larger-than-life holiday scenes nestled in the beautiful Callaway Gardens woodlands. 800-225-5292, www.callawaygardens.com, info@callawaygardens.com
Nov. 19, Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade, Owensboro, Ky. - This is the largest Christmas parade in the tri-state area. This year’s theme is “Christmas International” and will feature floats, clowns, high school bands, beauty queens and more. 270-691-1288, www.ChristmasParade.net, info@ChristmasParade.net
Nov. 20-Jan. 2, Holiday Lights Safari Benefit@Hollywild Animal Park, Inman, S.C. - This wildlife park is home to hundreds of animals, many of which roam freely inside natural enclosures. Enjoy the breathtaking holiday lighting displays while strolling throught the enchanted deer forest, viewing the nativity scene with live animals, or have your photo taken with “Thunder,” one of the magnificent bison. 864-472-2038, www.hollywild.org, hapguestbook@hollywild.com
Nov. 24-Dec. 31, Galaxy of Lights, Huntsville, Ala. - Enter through a poinsettia wreath into the biggest holiday light extravaganza in the Tennessee Valley, a twinkling fantasy world where lamp posts are shooting stars and Santa flies high through the night sky. Features more than 150 exhibits in five major theme areas. 256-830-4447, www.hsvbg.org, wmaster@hsvbg.org
Nov. 27 - Dec. 3, Christmas on the River, Demopolis, Ala. - People travel from coast to coast for this event where floats really float! The week begins with concerts, play performances and antebellum candlelight tours and culminates with a fireworks show and main event river parade. 334-289-0270, www.demopolischamber.com, dacc@demopoliscatv.com
DECEMBER 2005
Dec. 1 - 31, Christmas in the Park, Arab, Ala. - This charming town celebrates Christmas past by relocating local historic buildings including a church, school, general store and operation grist mill to the local park, all restored to their orginal state and decorated in period holiday finery. Also includes live entertainment. 256-586-8128, www.arabcity.org, bhawkins@arabcity.org
Dec. 1-31, Santa’s Village, Huntsville, Ala. - Alabama Constitution Village is converted into a holiday Fantasy Land with live reindeer, elves, dancing teddy bears and the main man himself, Santa Claus. 256-564-8120, www.earlyworks.com
Dec. 1-31, Southwest Louisiana Christmas Lighting Festival, Calcasieu Parish, La. - Southwest Louisiana mascot Gumbeaux Gator heads up a schedule of events with a spiced-up “Cajun night before Christmas.” Highlights include the lighting ceremony and a lighted boat parade, plus Cajun and Creole cuisine. 800-456-7952, info@visitlakecharles.org
Dec. 1-31, Christmas New Orleans Style, New Orleans, La. - Amidst twinkling lights and garland-draped lacework of French Quarter balconies, strolling carolers herald the season while historical characters share tales, chefs share culinary secrets in free demonstrations and majestic St. Louis Cathedral hosts concerts. 504-522-5730, www.christmasneworleans.com
Dec. 2-3, Decatur Holiday Candlelight Tour of Homes, Decatur, Ga. - The theme for this year’s tour of homes is “Neighborhoods,” and will feature several homes in different areas of this charming city with shuttle service to take visitors from one neighborhood to the next. 404-371-9583, www.decaturga.com, events@decaturga.com
Dec. 2-3, Belhaven Singing Christmas Tree, Jackson, Miss. - Each December for nearly 75 years, the Belhaven College choir treats the public to a free outdoor candlelight Christmas concert on their beautiful campus in Jackson’s historic Belhaven neighborhood. The performance begins with a candlelight procession around the college’s lake and ends with 100 voices forming a lighted “human” Christmas tree. 601-968-5930, www.belhaven.edu, belhaven@belhaven.edu
Dec. 2-4, Chimneyville Crafts Festival, Jackson, Miss. - In its 29th year, this event is considered one of the finest craft shows in the southeast. Among the works for sale are wood, leather, metal, fiber, glass, clay, gourds, paper, quilts, jewelry, blown and stained glass and more. 601-981-0019, www.mscraftsmensguild.com, kitmscrafts@bellsouth.net
Dec. 2-4, Christmas Candlelight Tour, McConnells, S.C. - See over 70 costumed inerpreters re-enact a multitude of holiday scenarios, including a slave wedding, 19th century dance lessons, gift preparation, carolers, and storytelling. 803-684-2327, www.chmuseums.org, hbratton@chmuseums.org
Dec. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, Christmas Shop at Gumdrop Square, Warrenton, Va. - Old Town Warrenton rolls out the red carpet for Santa, who greets children and listens to their Christmas wishes. After chatting with Santa, you can take a wagon ride, shop in the Secret Shop and listen to live entertaiment. 540-349-8606, www.historicwarrenton.org
Dec. 2, Christmas on Main Street, Dickson, Tenn. - Always wanted to experience the Christmases of the “good ole days” in small-town America? Then head to Dickson, Tenn. for a community celebration that features Santa with live reindeer, horse and carriage rides, carolers and karaoke, live bands and lots of good food. 615-446-2349, www.dicksoncountychamber.com, rhonda@dicksoncountychamber.com
Dec. 3-31(closed 12/24-25), Holiday House at the Edison & Fort Winter Estates, Fort Myers, Fla. - Each year the estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford host more than 30,000 visitors during the holiday season. More than one million lights transform the grounds into a holiday wonderland, along with nightly entertainment and holiday refreshments. 239-334-7419, www.edison-ford-estate.com/hh.asp, estatesinfo@cityftmyers.com
Dec. 3-4, Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour, Marietta, Ga. - Go behind closed doors into Marietta’s historic homes for a tour of six private homes, lovingly restored and decorated for the season, plus eight heritage public buildings. 770-429-1115, www.mariettasquare.com, tjenkins@mariettaga.gov
Dec. 3-4, Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour, Wilmington, N.C. - Tour a dozen of Wilmington’s finest historic homes and churches decorated for the holidays, connected by streets lined with luminaries and resounding with festive music. 910-762-0492, www.latimerhouse.org, latimer@latimerhouse.org
Dec. 5-10, Trees of Christmas “Puttin” on the Ritz, Manchester, Tenn. - The Dig ‘N Dream Garden Club presents beautifully decorated trees on display. A special treat for the kids are the reading corners, where local volunteers read holiday classics to groups of kids. 931-728-2330, jhwright@edge.net
Dec. 10-11, Holiday Tour of Historic Inns, St. Augustine, Fla. - St. Augustine’s 26 bed and breakfast inns, each paired with one of the city’s top restaurants, invite you for a merry taste of hospitality where visitors can sample specialty treats and enjoy seasonal entertainment. 904-940-0902, www.staugustineinns.com, leighc@aug.com
Dec. 10-17, Tryon Palace Christmas Candlelight Tours, New Bern, N.C. - Visitors to Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens will step back in time for an unforgettable evening in colonial New Bern. The palace is illuminated and filled with elegant dancers and fascinating characters. Children of all ages will enjoy the puppet show and visitors will meet the governor’s militia as they prepare for battle with western rebels. 800-767-1560, www.tryonpalace.org, info@tryonpalace.org
Dec. 10, Christmas on the Coosa, Wetumpka, Ala. - As dusk falls, Wetumpka welcomes the holiday as only a river town can. A flotilla of brightly lighted, beautifully decorated boats parade down the dark waters of the Coosa River, followed by a spectacular fireworks show. Also features a street parade and fireworks. 334-567-1313, wetumpkaevents@bellsouth.net
Dec. 15 - Apr. 23, King Tut Exhibition, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. - The Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale is the only place in the southeast where you can see this extraordinary exhibit of more than 130 treasures from the tomb of the “boy king Tutankhamun” and other celebrated pharoahs. Highlights from King Tut’s tomb include a golden crown inlaid with colored glass and semi-precious stones, one of four miniature viscera coffins, and a painted wooden mannequin of the young king. 954-525-5500, http://kingtut.org/tickets, info@moafl.com
Dec. 17, The 102nd Anniversary of Powered Flight, Kitty Hawk, N.C. - It lasted 12 seconds and covered 120 feet. Yet, it changed the course of history and reshaped the future. The first powered flight by Wilbur and Orville Wright is celebrated 102 years later with a precision parachute jump by the U.S. Army Golden Knights, a replica of the Wright brothers’ 1903 encampment, and military and civilian fly-bys at the exact moment when the Wrights made their first flight. 252-441-1903, www.firstflight.org, firstflight1903@earthlink.net
Dec. 17, Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. - More than 100 decorated yachts parade along a decorated shoreline from Fort Lauderdale to Pompano Beach, creativing a holiday spectacular on and off the water. Festivities include a golf tournament, black tie ball, decorating extravaganza and family fun days. 954-767-0686, www.winterfestparade.com, info@winterfestparade.com
