APRIL 2008
Apr. 1-30, Huntsville Botanical Garden’s Spring Festival of Flowers. Banish the “Brr” of winter during this month-long salute to spring! Garden tours, horticultural classes, fashion shows, children’s workshops and a gigantic “Bunny Bonanza” Easter egg hunt. Huntsville, Ala., 256-830-4447. (www.hsvbg.org)
Apr. 4-6, Beulah Sausage Festival. Nashville headliners bring 40,000 toe-tapping music buffs to the beach for rides, games, a bounty of seafood treats and carnival sweets. $5/day; 11 and under free! Pensacola, Fla., 850-944-3167; beulahsausagefest@yahoo.com. (www.beulahsausagefest.com)
Apr. 4-6, Springing the Blues. Oceanfront event celebrates America's indigenous musical form. Piedmont, Texas Swing, Chicago and Delta blues bring 125,000 to jam-packed Jacksonville for this free weekend of fun. Jacksonville Beach, Fla., 904-247-6100; saveal@bellsouth.net. (www.springingtheblues.com)
Apr. 4-6, Summerville Family YMCA Flowertown Festival. 200,000 flower fans celebrate 35 years of community camaraderie during this free event benefiting YMCA programs and services. 200 artisans, sporting events, food and family entertainment. Summerville, S.C., 843-871-9622 x119; Linda.walton@knology.net. (www.summervilleymca.org)
Apr. 11-13, Strawberry Festival. Everyone’s favorite freckled fruit is celebrated at this free, family event that includes parades and pageants, live music, great food and a fabulous carnival complete with games and rides! Ponchatoula, La., 985-634-5137. (www.lastrawberryfestival.com)
Apr. 12-13, Charlotte Harbor Kayak & Wildlife Festival. Lean to kayak and hone your photography skills exploring the coastal marine wilderness. Kayak races, fishing tourneys, birding, conservation programs, tours of Charlotte Harbor Blueway Trails. Port Charlotte, Fla., 800-652-6090; info@charlotteharbortravel.com. (www.charlotteharbortravel.com)
Apr. 14-19, Norfolk’s International Azalea Festival. Queen Azalea and her Court of Princesses & Student Diplomats welcome celebrants to the 55th annual ‘Salute to NATO’ and the 2008 featured country: The Netherlands. Norfolk, Va., 757-282-2801; tfrank@azaleafestival.org. (www.azaleafestival.org)
Apr. 17-19, Hillbilly Days Festival. Over 100,000 attend this old-fashioned “Festival With A Heart” benefiting Shriners Children’s Hospitals and Burn Centers. Parade, carnival, bluegrass and gospel music, square dancing and clogging, handmade crafts and traditional foods. Pikeville, Ky., 606-432-5063; lgoff@tourpikecounty.com. (www.tourpikecounty.com)
Apr. 17-19, Rivers & Spires Festival. Celebrating Cumberland River heritage with parades, pageants, 100 entertainers, Corvette show; Kidz and Teen Zones; Streetfest. International Festival & Events Assn.’s 2008 Grand Pinnacle Award winning event! Clarksville, Tenn., 931-552-9006; dbarber@clarksville.tn.us. (www.riversandspires.com)
Apr. 17-20, 24-27, MS Coast Coliseum Crawfish Festival. Succulent foods and spicy music highlight this Cajun celebration along the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico. Carnival games, spectacular midway, sky-high rides, cook-offs, headliner music and more! Biloxi, Miss., 228-594-3700. (www.mscoastcoliseum.com)
Apr. 22-27, Vidalia Onion Festival. Big celebration with small-town appeal fills five days with cook-offs, pageants, auto and cycle shows, children’s parade, sporting tourneys, arts and crafts, rodeo, live music and street dancing. Vidalia, Ga., 912-538-TOUR; vacvb@bellsouth.net. (www.VidaliaArea.com)
Apr. 23-28, RiverRun International Film Festival. Showcase of new narrative, documentary, short, student and animated films by established and emerging filmmakers from around the world. Audience and jury prizes; retrospectives; screenings; family matinees. Winston-Salem, N.C., 336-724-1502; festival@riverrunfilm.com. (www.riverrunfilm.com)
Apr. 24-26, 87th Annual Thomasville Rose Show & Festival. Family fun among the flowers – thousands of roses of every variety! Elegant plantation ball; Sizzling 70s Street Dance; parades and pageants; art in the park; entertainment. Thomasville, Ga., 229-227-7020; feliciaB@thomasville.org. (www.downtownthomasville.com)
Apr. 24-27, Beaufort Wine & Food Weekend. Vintners, winemakers and celebrity chefs highlight this world class event featuring over 300 wines, art exhibits, concerts, bottle signings and auctions in the coastal city. Beaufort, N.C., 252-728-5225; info@beaufortwineandfood.com. (www.beaufortwineandfood.com)
Apr. 24-27, Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. One of three Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing races awarding $250K to the rider also winning England’s Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and Burghley Land Rover Horse Trials. Lexington, Ky., 859-233-2362; information@rk3de.org. (www.rk3de.org)
Apr. 25-27, ONB Magic City Art Connection. Celebrating its twenty-fifth year, contemporary arts festival draws 25,000 with interactive workshops for kids and adults; 215 juried artists; Corks & Chefs food and wine tastings; live music. Birmingham, Ala., 205-595-6306; FindArt@bham.rr.com. (www.MagicCityArt.com)
Apr. 26-27, Franklin Main Street Festival. Fifteen blocks of family fun featuring 200 artisans, four stages of music and dance, two carnivals and delectable ethnic foods on a designated “Great American Main Street.” Franklin, Tenn., 615-591-8500 x17; nwilliams@historicfranklin.com. (www.historicfranklin.com)
Apr. 26-27, Melbourne Art Festival. Over 250 artists show, sell and compete for $25K in cash awards at this outdoor event drawing an audience of 50,000 fans. Grammy-winning performers, 5K run and children’s events. Melbourne, Fla., 321-722-1964; info@melbournearts.org. (www.melbournearts.org)
Apr. 29-May 11, Contraband Days Pirate Festival. Return to the rollicking, swashbuckling days of pirates and buccaneers during this 12-day, 100-event, French-fringed extravaganza revolving around the legend of pirate, Jean Lafitte. Lake Charles, La., 800-456-7952; info@visitlakecharles.org. (www.contrabanddays.com)
Apr. 30-May 4, SunFest. Florida’s largest music, art and waterfront festival attracts nearly 300,000 fun-in-the-sun seekers with headliners in every music genre from rock to rap and hip-hop to blues. West Palm Beach, Fla., 561-659-5980; info@sunfest.com. (www.sunfest.com)
MAY 2008
May 1-4, Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair. America’s oldest and largest volunteer fire department fair begins with a parade led by a horse-drawn, 1915 steam fire engine! Headliner music; Cajun delicacies; carnival and midway. Thibodaux, La., 985-446-FAIR; thibfiredept@charter.net. (www.thibfiredept.org)
May 1-August 31, Huntsville Botanical Garden’s Wings, Warts and Wonder. Tour the nation’s largest butterfly house and nature center filled with winged wonders, frogs, turtles, lizards – even snakes! Concerts; educational programs and special events. Huntsville, Ala., 256-830-4447. (www.hsvbg.org)
May 2-3, Market Street Festival. Over 40,000 revelers enjoy 200 arts and crafts vendors and food booths; live music; petting zoo and pony rides; 5K run and the popular Hands-on Market of fine artisans. Columbus, Miss., 662-328-6305; amberm@columbusmainstreet.com. (www.marketstreetfestival.com)
May 2-4, 24th Annual Pensacola Crawfish Creole Fiesta. Cajun fun in the beachside city’s historic Bartram Park includes bayou country entertainment, expanded children and family areas and the largest crawfish boil in the state! Pensacola, Fla., 850-433-6512; info@fiestaoffiveflags.org. (www.fiestaoffiveflags.org)
May 2-10, North Charleston Arts Festival. Over 30,000 enjoy free performances on four stages: Cultural Heritage; Children’s Entertainment; Bands and General Audience. Juried crafts; art workshops; Outdoor Sculpture Competition & Exhibition. North Charleston, S.C., 843-308-4784; culturalarts@northcharleston.org. (www.northcharleston.org)
May 3, Cameron Antiques Fair. Over 350 dealers, 12 antiques shops and historic sites draw 5,000 visitors looking for treasures while enjoying a day of American history in this picturesque railroad town. Cameron, N.C., 910-245-3055; resmkt@alltel.net. (www.antiquesofcameron.com)
May 3, Governor’s Kentucky Derby Celebration. Celebrate Kentucky’s unique culture! Chefs prepare country ham, biscuits and cheese grits at the 35th annual breakfast. Entertainment; hot air balloon rides; tours and kids’ events. Frankfort, Ky., 502-564-4930 x146; patti.porter@ky.gov. (www.kentuckytourism.com)
May 3, Mississippi Gulf Coast Kite Festival. Oh, go fly a kite! But first, learn how to make one at this fun festival that features children’s games, sandcastle building; waterfront stages and fresh seafood. Long Beach, Miss., 228-604-0014; millie@mscoastchamber.com. (www.mscoastchamber.com)
May 3-4, Fair on the Square. For 32 years, this family festival has turned up the fun with one-of-a-kind arts and handmade crafts, a petting zoo, kids’ activities, music and delicious southern foods. Collierville, Tenn., 901-861-3229; pgary1@bellsouth.net. (www.geocities.com/faironthesquare)
May 9-10, International Bar-B-Q Festival. Follow the sweet, smoky clouds to barbecue heaven on the riverfront for chicken, mutton and burgoo cook-offs, music, dancing, pageants, arts, crafts and children’s activities. Owensboro, Ky., 800-489-1131; info@visitowensboro.com. (www.bbqfest.com)
May 9-11, Carthage Buggy Festival. Celebrate the rich heritage of Carthage and carriages that were so essential to life in rural North Carolina. Classic cars; arts, crafts and antiques; live bands and traditional foods. Carthage, N.C., 910-947-2331. (www.thebuggyfestival.com)
May 10, Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival. Honors the Thomson native, a Georgia Music Hall of Fame songwriter and 12-string guitar master, with concerts, southern foods and special events benefiting music programs in local schools. Thomson, Ga., 706-597-1000; evance@thomson-mcduffie.net. (www.blindwillie.com)
May 10, Salute! The North Carolina Wine Celebration. Tasty event brings together 37 wineries in a unique, urban setting to promote NC vineyards. Bistro dining; chef-owned restaurants; art galleries and eclectic shopping. Winston-Salem, N.C., 336-354-1500; Justin@dwsp.org. (www.salutencwine.com)
May 10, Strawberry Jam-N-Toast to the Arts. The Little Jazzy Fest on the Northshore! Fun-filled day of jamming in the streets; dancing; art and antiques sale. Bring your blankets and chairs! Ponchatoula, La., 985-969-2820; chamber@ponchatoulachamber.com. (strawberryjam.org)
May 10-11, Mayfest. Mother’s Day weekend welcomes juried literary, performing and visual arts activities on the beautiful grounds of Gratz Park and Transylvania University. Street performers, music and handcrafted items by young and emerging artists. Lexington, Ky., 859-425-2593; shanna@downtownlex.com. (www.downtownlex.com)
May 15-17, Starks Mayhaw Festival. A little berry that’s cause for a big celebration brings friends together for a fun-filled weekend in this charming small town at the crossroads of Highways 12 and 109. Starks, La., 800-456-7952; info@visitlakecharles.org. (www.visitlakecharles.org)
May 17, Founder’s Day at Rock City. See Rock City during this 75th anniversary celebration that honors the historic amusement village’s beginnings with Big Band music, ballroom dance lessons and children’s events. Lookout Mountain, Ga., 706-820-2531 x 213; meagan@rockruby.com. (www.seerockcity.com)
May 22-26, Abbey Road on the River. America’s biggest Beatles tribute offers a free ticket to ride for ‘Under 21’ Fab Four fans accompanying a paid admission. Fifty bands from 12 countries! Louisville, Ky., 216-378-1980; info@ abbeyroadontheriver.com. (abbeyroadontheriver.com)
May 23-26, Freedom Weekend Aloft. Up, up, up go over 100 rainbows of hot air balloons, sky-high fireworks – even Frisbees! Beach blast complete with sand; Kidzone; rides; vintage car show and live music. Simpsonville, S.C., 864-399-9481; fwastaff@aol.com. (www.freedomweekend.org)
May 23-June 8, Spoleto Festival USA 2008. Over 120 performances in historic theatres, churches and outdoor spaces range from dance and visual arts to theatre, opera, chamber, symphonic, choral and jazz music. Charleston, S.C., 843-579-3100; paulaedwards@spoletousa.org. (www.spoletousa.org)
Summer will be here before you know it. The deadline to apply to be a Summer (July, August, September) 2008 event is January 11, 2008. For an application, visit the STS Top 20 page.
JUNE 2008
Jun. 1-14, “Savor Sarasota” Restaurant Week. Sarasota and Her Islands are a treat for your eyes – and your appetite – when eateries from lively Longboat Key to vibrant Venice show off their culinary expertise! Sarasota, Fla., 800-522-9799; eduggan@sarasotafl.org. (www.savorsarasota.org)
Jun. 5, 12, 19 & 26, 17th Annual Sunset on the Square Summer Concert Series. This delightful slice of Americana serves up a main course of music with a side-order of small-town hospitality. Collierville, Tenn., 901-853-1666; mnstreetcv@aol.com. (www.mainstreetcollierville.org)
Jun. 5-13, Fiesta Days Celebration & Boat Parade. Celebrate the founding of historic Pensacola, beginning with a light-hearted re-enactment of the 1559 surrender of the seaside city to Spanish explorer, Don Tristan DeLuna, Pensacola, Fla., 850-433-6512; info@fiestaoffiveflags.org. (www.fiestaoffiveflags.org)
Jun. 5-15, MS Coast Coliseum Summer Fair. Twenty-two years of fun for the entire family! Rides and shows; water flume; Pirates of the Caribbean High Dive Show; Ice Carving Competition; music; seafood and carnival fare. Biloxi, Miss., 228-594-3700. (www.mscoastcoliseum.com)
Jun. 6-7, 17th Annual Shannon Street Blues & Heritage Festival. Jackson’s “Art and Soul” – Historic Downtown – comes alive with blues music, BBQ cook-off, 5K run, motorcycle races and Make A Wish Kids Zone. Jackson, Tenn., 731-427-7573; lnunnery@cityofjackson.net. (www.downtownjackson.com)
Jun. 6-7, Yellowbanks Dulcimer Festival. Free concerts in lovely English Park; folk instrument instruction; clogging workshops; handmade crafts; traditional foods. It all celebrates the beautiful music from Kentucky’s state instrument – the mountain dulcimer! Owensboro, Ky., 800-489-1131; oboro69@bellsouth.net. (www.visitowensboro.com)
Jun. 8, Crystal Rocks. Crystal City’s restaurants, stores, hotels, small businesses and residents rock with world-class entertainment at this free, day-long concert in the heart of Arlington’s most exciting hotspot! Arlington, Va., 703-412-9433; mpotts@crystalcity.org. (www.crystalcity.org)
Jun. 8, “Sunday Morning’ Country.” Presented at the conclusion of the CMA Music Festival, the uplifting event hosts gospel, country and Christian music concerts and the Candlelight and Living Faith Awards presentations. Nashville, Tenn., mccf@ musiccitychristianfellowship. org. (musiccitychristianfellowship. org)
Jun. 13-14, Blue Ridge Barbecue Festival. “Oink if you love BBQ and music!” The legendary mountains overlook top-sanctioned cook-offs and huge music festival! KiddeeLand and Teen Fun Parks; fireworks and Foothills Craft Fair. Tryon, N.C., 828-859-RIBS; info@ blueridgebbqfestival.com. (blueridgebbqfestival.com)
Jun. 13-14, Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Induction. Tenth ceremony earns six coaches, Olympic team members, international and professional players a permanent spot in the “Hall of Honor.” Weekend includes gala dinner and autograph session. Knoxville, Tenn., 865-633-9000; dhart@knoxville.org. (www.wbhof.com)
Jun. 13-15, Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival. Get carried away by tethered balloon rides, thrilling helicopter rides and motorcycle poker runs! Remote control planes; arts and crafts; Frisbee dog show; southern cuisine. Foley, Ala., 251-943-5590; Stephanie@ southbaldwinchamber.com. (gulfcoastballoonfestival. com)
Jun. 13 – July 27, SummerFest. Cultural arts festival features gallery and museum shows, music and dance, children’s activities, singer/songwriter showcase and a performance by local citizens, “Headwaters,” shares history and life in the mountains. Sautee Nacoochee, Ga., 706-878-3300; info@snca.org. (www.snca.org)
Jun. 14-15, Blairsville Scottish Festival & Highland Games. Fun for all, even if you’re not a Scot! Bagpipes; Highland dancers and athletic competitions; Kilted Mile Run and Kilted Golf Classic; genealogy info; children’s crafts. Blairsville, Ga., 877-745-5789; negamtns@windstream.net. (blairsvillescottishfestival. org)
Jun. 18-21, Honda Hoot Rally. Reunion-like atmosphere for motorcycle enthusiasts touring Roan Mountain, Cumberland Gap and the ‘Cherohala Scenic Skyway Ride’ climbing mile-high into the Blue Ridge and snaking through legendary Deals Gap. Knoxville, Tenn., 865-342-9126; smalak@knoxville.org. (www.hondahoot.com)
Jun. 20-22, SC Festival of Flowers. Over 35 fragrant festivities include famous trial gardens; private garden and railroad museum tours; safari-themed town of topiaries; sporting events; bluegrass, jazz and beach music; KidFest carnival. Greenwood, S.C., 864-223-8411; kay@ greenwoodscchamber.org. (scfestivalofflowers.org)
Jun. 21-22, Francisco’s Farm Arts Festival at Midway College. Unique venue promotes promising artists, encouraging diversity and continuous growth in a variety of medias. Make delightful discoveries at this award-winning event! Midway, Ky., 859-846-4049; artistsliaison@ franciscosfarm.org. (www.franciscosfarm.org)
Jun. 26-28, River of Music Party – ROMP. Fans from around the world attend the International Bluegrass Music Museum’s mega-celebration of all things bluegrass: Bluegrass Masters Film Festival, Bluegrass Legends Concert and Hall of Honor unveiling. Owensboro, Ky., 888-693-3656; mike@bluegrass-museum.com. (www.riverofmusic.org)
Jun. 27-28, Roswell Magnolia Storytelling Festival. Under stately magnolia trees, historic Bullock Hall backdrops enchanting tales of bygone days told by seasoned storytellers, musicians and interpreters from around the Southeast. Workshops, too! Roswell, Ga., 800-776-7935; info@cvb.roswell.ga.us. (www.cvb.roswell.ga.us)
Jun. 27-29, Beaufort Old Homes Tour & Antiques Show. Colonial Seaport Towns open private homes and gardens, churches, graveyards and inns for living history events; antiques show and sale. Beaufort and Morehead City, N.C., 800-575-7483; beauforthistoricsite@ earthlink.net. (beauforthistoricsite.org)
Jun. 28-Sep. 6, An Appalachian Evening Summer Concert Series & Authentic Appalachian Dinner. Ever-changing schedule of bluegrass, folk and old-time music concerts preceded by a community dinner of homemade mountain favorites. Robbinsville, N.C., 828-479-3364; programs@ stecoahvalleycenter.com. (stecoahvalleycenter.com)
Southeast Tourism Society
3400 Peachtree Road, Suite 725, Atlanta, GA 30326
404.364.9847 email: Neville@southeasttourism.org
Top 20 Event descriptions are written in conjunction with Lyn Fendley Foster.
3400 Peachtree Road, Suite 725, Atlanta, GA 30326
404.364.9847 email: Neville@southeasttourism.org
Top 20 Event descriptions are written in conjunction with Lyn Fendley Foster.
Southeast Tourism Society Corporate Partners
