Nominate an event: Southeasttourism.org/top20

APRIL 2009

Apr. 1-30, Huntsville Botanical Garden’s Spring Festival of Flowers. Colorful event welcomes the season with 60,000 bulbs in bloom! Garden tours, horticultural classes, fashion shows, children’s workshops and a gigantic “Bunny Bonanza” Easter egg hunt. Huntsville, Ala., 256-830-4447. (hsvbg.org)

Apr. 3-5, George’s Music Springing the Blues. Oceanfront event named one of the top 50 music festivals in the world welcomes families with free blues music, arts shows and movies at the Sea Walk Pavilion. Jacksonville Beach, Fla., 904-247-6100; saveal@bellsouth.net. (springingtheblues.com)

Apr. 3-5, Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. The largest free festival in the state is a weekend of family fun with carnival games, rides, entertainment, antiquing, crafts and collectibles and freckled fruit fixed any way you fancy! Ponchatoula, La., 800-917-7045. (lastrawberryfestival.com)

Apr. 3-5, Summerville Family YMCA Flowertown Festival. More than 200,000 flower fans celebrate 36 years of community camaraderie during this free event. Taste of Summerville, Children’s Jubilee, tennis tourney; 2008 STS Shining Example Award winner. Summerville, S.C., 843-875-1649; lindaw@summervilleymca.org. (summervilleymca.org)

Apr. 3-24, Keeneland Spring Meet. More than three weeks of festival fun draws nearly 250,000 for horse racing at its finest. Plus, themed days, charity events, activities for children and trunk shows at the historic racing site. Lexington, Ky, 800-456-3412. (keeneland.com)

Apr. 11-May 1, Kentucky Derby Festival. The “Road to Fun” includes 70 events; parades, pageants, kids’ events, fireworks, the Great Steamboat Race on the Ohio River, gala balls, hot air balloons, and street parties! Louisville, Ky, 502-584-6383; info@kdf.org. (kdf.org)

Apr. 14-May 31, Virginia Arts Festival. Chesapeake, Gloucester, Hampton, James City County, Newport New, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Smithfield, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg present 80+ performances. Romeo & Juliet by Mark Morris Dance Group; contemporary glass exhibits; Debbie Reynolds emcees Simply Ballroom! 757-282-2819; dstarkey@vafest.org. (vafest.org)

Apr. 16-18, Rivers & Spires Festival. The home of the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles pays tribute to military heroes with parades, pageants, five stages, International Streetfest, Kidz Zone and Jazz’N Wine on the Cumberland River. Clarksville, Tenn., 931-245-4344; dbarber@clarksville.tn.us. (riversandspires.com)

Apr. 16-19, 23-26, MS Coast Coliseum Crawfish Festival. Hot foods and spicy music highlight this Cajun celebration overlooking the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico. Carnival games, sky-high rides, cooking competitions and headliner music on the beach. Biloxi, MS, 228-594-3700. (www.mscoastcoliseum.com)

April 16-25, Come See Me Festival. More than 50 events for all ages! Beach bash, Moonlight Jazz & Blues, Gourmet Gardens, skydiving, fireworks, Teddy Bear Tea Party, kids’ carnival, concerts, sporting events. Rock Hill, S.C., 800-681-7635; comseeme@comporium.net. (comeseeme.rockhill.net)

Apr. 16-May 2, Daytona Beach International Festival. Artists from around the globe, including jazz superstar Chris Botti, the London Symphony Orchestra (Daytona is their summer home), conductor/composer Lalo Schifrin and free educational programs to inspire year round participation. Daytona Beach, Fla., 866-849-0731; Sylvia.sabatini@dbif.com. (dbif.com)

Apr. 17-19, Lockport Food Festival. Tribute to famous Cajun foods served along the beautiful Bayou Lafourche. Cajun and Swamp Pop singing and dancing, carnival rides, beignets and café au lait. Lockport, La., 985-532-3117; dbarker@townoflockport.com. (townoflockport.com)

Apr. 18, Lewisburg Chocolate Festival. Tasty event features a chocolate theme for everything, from musical performances to children’s fun. Chocolate mousse-eating contest, bake-off, sampling offered by famous chocolatiers’ and local downtown shops. Lewisburg, W.V., 800-833-2068; lwbgchocolate@aol.com. (lewisburgchocolatefestival.com)

Apr. 18, Cotton District Arts Festival. Celebrating the arts and life with seven themed villages, Pet Parade, 5K Run, Bully Art Auction, over 100 artisans, entertainment stages and a cool Sweet Tea competition. Starkville, Miss., 663-324-3080; starkvillearts@yahoo.com. (starkvillearts.org)

Apr. 18-19, 11th Annual Bradford County Strawberry Festival. Highlighting everyone’s favorite freckled fruit with home grown fun to include games, rides, music, shopping options and a ‘Legends’ show featuring Elvis and Patsy Cline. Starke, Fla., 904-964-5278; kim@mainstreetstarke.com. (mainstreetstarke.com)

Apr. 18-June 7, 24th Annual Georgia Renaissance Festival. Medieval merriment includes kings, castles, thatch-roofed cottages, pubs, elaborately adorned shops, royal feasts, jousting, armor and weapons exhibits, visits with Da Vinci and Wives of Henry III. Fairburn, Ga., 770-964-8575; info@gardenfest.com. (georgiarenaissancefestival.com)

Apr. 23-26, Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. One of three Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing races with awards in dressage, cross-country and jumping. The highlight of any rider’s career, but horse sense isn’t required; everyone enjoys this magnificent event! Lexington, KY, 859-233-2362. (rk3de.org)

Apr. 24-26, 25th Annual Interstate Mullet Toss & Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party. America’s last great roadhouse can throw a party – and a fish – like nobody else! Silly event raises serious money for local charities. Orange Beach, Ala., 850-492-0611; info@florabama.com. (florabama.com)

Apr. 24-26, Panoply Arts Festival. This year’s theme of “Art is a blast!” surrounds a kaleidoscopic array of music, dance, theatre and visual arts competitions. Fireworks, Global Village and out of this world adventures for kids! Huntsville, Ala., 256-519-2787; tac@panoply.org. (panoply.org)

Apr. 28-May 10, Contraband Days Pirate Festival. Return to the rollicking, swashbuckling days and music-filled nights of pirates and buccaneers during this 100-event, French-fringed extravaganza revolving around the thrilling legend of Jean Lafitte. Lake Charles, La., 800-456-7952; info@visitlakecharles.org. (contrabanddays.com)

MAY 2009

May 1-2, Market Street Festival. Hundreds of arts and crafts and food booths, live music, inflatables, high-powered swings, petting zoo, train and pony rides, 5K run, Hands-on Market and Market Street After Dark concert. Columbus, Miss., 662-328-6305; amberm@columbusmainstreet.com. (marketstreetfestival.com)

May 1-2, Whistle Stop Festival & Rocket City BBQ Cook-Off. Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned cook-off attracts 35,000 hungry folks with music, kids’ fun and 130 cooking teams to sample on the historic Depot grounds. Huntsville, Ala., 256-564-8100. (thewhistlestopfestival.com)

May 1-3, 25th Annual Pensacola Crawfish Creole Fiesta. The bayou meets the beach at this gigantic mud bugs boil at historic Bartram Park. Fun in the sun includes Cajun and Zydeco music, dancing and kid’s areas. Pensacola, Fla., 850-433-6512; info@fiestaoffiveflags.org. (fiestaoffiveflags.org)

May 1-3, Beale Street Music Festival. Three huge outdoor stages and a massive blues tent – the whole town’s into tunes, with 65 acts from all music genres. Art, crafts and clothing booths, jewelry, great food! Memphis, Tenn., 901-525-4611; mim@memphisinmay.org. (memphisinmay.org)

May 1-3, International Dogwood Festival. Free event boasts two stages of entertainment, Youthfest Battle of the Bands, illuminated night parade, sports tourneys, auction, car and tractor shows, art exhibits, food and crafts booths, kids’ zone. Winchester, Tenn., 866-967-2532; dogwood@winchesterdogwoodfestival.com. (winchesterdogwoodfestival.com)

May 1-3, Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Scrumptious celebration includes sidewalk sales, live music, Blessing of the Fleet, boat decorating contest, juried arts and crafts show, walk/runs, fireworks and shrimp cooked every which way! Fernandina Beach, Fla., 866-426-3542; 4info@shrimpfestival.com. (shrimpfestival.com)

May 1-3, Scottish Festival & Celtic Gathering. Kilted golf tourney, athletics, Celtic music and dancing, Scottish breed dog show, living history presentations, storytelling, crafts, and the state’s first Pipe Band Championship Competition. Bridgeport, W.V., 304-842-3457; scotfestchief@yahoo.com. (scots-westvirginia.org)

May 2-3, The Cotton Pickin’ Fair. Fabulous family event in a lovely rural setting includes fine arts, antiques, quilts, linens, leathers, metal arts, garden accessories, music, dancing, country foods, puppetry, magicians – and so much more! Gay, Ga., 706-538-6814; info@cpfair.org. (cpfair.org)

May 8-9, International Bar-B-Q Festival. Two days of smokin’ heaven on the downtown riverfront, with three stages of bands, carnival games and rides, vendors, pageants, car show, backyard barbecue competitions and fun for kids. Owensboro, Ky., 270-686-7757; mmwright@kytelco.com. (bbqfest.com)

May 14-15, World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. Over 100,000 hungry folks get all fired up as 250 grilling teams get a chance to bring home the bacon at this satisfying event! Memphis, Tenn., 901-525-4611; mim@memphisinmay.org. (memphisinmay.org)

May 14-17 22nd Annual Multicultural Indian Event. Oakville Indian Mounds Education Center is the site of this fun for all weekend of music, history, traditional crafts demonstrations and great food. Real cannons, canoe and wagon rides! Danville, Ala., 256-905-2494; Indian@lawrenceal.org.

May 15-17, MainStrasse Village Maifest. Six blocks of arts and crafts from around the world, wines, food, music and “Kinderplantz” with midway rides on the tree-lined streets of an historic German neighborhood. Covington, Ky., 859-491-0458; dkremer@mainstrasse.org. (mainstrasse.org)

May 15-17, Battle of Lewisburg Living History & Reenactment. History lives through battle reenactments and scholarly speakers telling tales of life in Greenbrier County during the Civil War-era. Camp dance, ghost tours, Saturday evening skirmish. Lewisburg, W.V., 800-833-2068; klwatlwb@aol.com. (battleoflewisburg.org)

May 15-17, Piggott Heritage Park Car Show. Over 500 classic cars, Rod Run Super Cruise, 50’s street dance, Gospel concert on Sunday morning, prize drawings, games for the kids – and free food Friday and Saturday nights! Piggot, Ark., 870-598-3167; pchamber@piggott.net. (piggottchamber.org)

May 16, Old Town Warrenton Spring Festival. Free admission, 250 vendors featuring unique art and handmade crafts, festival fare, bluegrass, folk music, barrel train. Huge event near D.C. draws thousands from all over the country. Warrenton, Va., 540-347-4414; mailbox@fauquierchamber.org. (fauquierchamber.org)

May 16-18, The Trail of Honor: A Tribute to American Veterans. Interactive and educational exhibits, armor and weapons displays, motorcycle expedition, Navajo Code Talkers, ex-POWs, reenactments of battles from the French and Indian War to Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Jackson, Miss., 601-372-5770; trail_of_honor@hotmail.com. (trailofhonor.org)

May 22-25, Freedom Weekend Aloft. Scores of multicolored hot-air balloons, bike rides, fun runs, crafts, beach blast (real sand!), Frisbee Dog National Qualifier, rides, food court, live music and dancing in the streets! Simpsonville, S.C., 864-399-9481; fwastaff@aol.com. (freedomweekend.org)

May 22-June 7, Spoleto Festival USA. World renowned event brings over 120 performances to historic theatres, churches and outdoor spaces. Dance and visual arts, theatre, opera, chamber, symphonic, choral and jazz music. Charleston, S.C., 843-579-3100; info@spoletousa.org. (spoletousa.org)

May 23-24, Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic. Free event features balloonists from around the country racing across the sky! Stunning Balloon Glow with 55 illuminated crafts, antiques show, classic cars, concerts, great food! Decatur, Ala., 800-232-5449; squee@decaturcvb.org. (alabamajubilee.net)

May 23-24, White Squirrel Festival & Squirrel Box Derby. Goin’ nuts over the woodland creature with soap box and foot races down Jailhouse Hill, southern foods, great music, parades and lots of family fun! Brevard, N.C., 828-884-3278; heartofbrvd@cifcom.net. (brevardnc.org)

JUNE 2009

Jun. 2-Jul. 28, Fort Morgan Candlelight Tours. Commemorating the 145th anniversary of the Battle of Mobile Bay at the five-sided brick fortress, where every Tuesday night is illuminated by thrilling tales of heroism. Gulf Shores, Ala., 251-540-7127; bricfort@gulftel.com.

Jun. 4-6, 18th Annual Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival. Join 5,000 folks who love to listen at Belle Island Village for tall tales, ghost stories, poems, soliloquies, and country comedy shared by professional storytellers. Pigeon Forge, Tenn., 865-429-7350; events@cityofpigeonforge.com. (mypigeonforge.com)

Jun. 4-11, Fiesta Days Celebration & Boat Parade. Surrender to good times, great food, and sunny fun, beginning with a light-hearted reenactment of the 1559 takeover of the seaside city by Spanish explorer Don Tristan DeLuna! Pensacola, Fla., 850-433-6512; info@fiestaoffiveflags.org. (fiestaoffiveflags.org)

Jun. 4-14, MS Coast Coliseum Summer Fair. Rides and shows, water flume, Pirates of the Caribbean High Dive Show, Ice Carving Competition, music, dancing in the sand, karaoke, petting zoo, pig races, and tons of seafood! Biloxi, Miss., 228-594-3700; eventmarketing@mscoastcoliseum.com. (mscoastcoliseum.com)

Jun. 5-7, 16th Annual North American Sand Soccer Championships (NASSC). World's largest amateur beach soccer festival held in top Atlantic seaboard resorts features amateur competitions for youth and adults, from novice through advanced. Virginia Beach, Va., 757-368-4600; sandsoccervb@aol.com. (sandsoccer.com)

Jun. 5-13, Riverbend Festival. More than 650,000 fans jam, juke, or just kick back and enjoy the music of every genre echoing down the Tennessee River. Expanded Children’s Village, great food - fireworks, too!  Chattanooga, Tenn., 423-756-2211; info@riverbendfestival.com. (riverbendfestival.com)

Jun. 6, Frontier Day. Don your chaps, 10-gallon hats and calico dresses during this cowboy celebration highlighted by local artisans, crafters, musicians, and trail cooks. Free games, horse shoe competition, skillet toss, and pony rides. Double Springs, Ala., 205-489-3534; cornerbookstore@centurytel.net.

Jun. 11-14, Texas Pete Twin City Ribfest. Follow your nose or your ears to this delicious event featured in Bon Appétit and listed on MarthaStewart.com as a top 100 summer ticket. Great food, fabulous music! event, Winston-Salem, N.C., 336-707-9188; amcdavid@triad.rr.com. (twincityribfest.com)

Jun. 12-15, Great American Brass Band Festival. Old-time brass band concert in the park recaptures the nostalgia of early 20th century America, featuring ragtime, military tunes, marching music, and a picnicking under shade trees. Danville, Ky, 859-236-7794; info@danvillekentucky.com. (danvillekentucky.com)

Jun. 12-Aug. 8, Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales. Summer-long celebration of the mountain hamlet’s heritage includes costumed street musicians, dancers, artisans and storytellers taking everyone as far back in time as the 1800s. Gatlinburg, Tenn., 865-436-0509; jimd@ci.gatlinburg.tn.us. (eventsgatlinburg.com)

Jun. 13-14, Blairsville Scottish Festival & Highland Games. Everyone’s a Scot; use our genealogy info and discover your clan! Bagpipes, Highland dancers, athletics, Kilted Mile Run and Kilted Golf Classic, sheep herding, Wee Ones fun! Blairsville, Ga., A, info@blairsvillechamber.com. (blairsvillescottishfestival.org)

Jun. 13-20, W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival. It’s smoke – and music – on the water at this free event beside the Ohio River. Delta blues, horn bands; even Zydeco tossed into the saucy mix of live music! Henderson, Ky., 800-648-3128; info@hendersonky.org. (handyblues.org)

Jun. 19-20, 7th Annual Secret City Festival.  Tours of Manhattan Project Facilities, South’s largest WWII reenactment, children’s festival, juried arts and crafts, antiques and collectibles. Ticketed headliner concerts and free daytime events! Oak Ridge, Tenn., 865-425-3610; jgibson@cortn.org. (secretycityfestival.com)

Jun. 20, Bell Buckle RC-Moon Pie Festival. Tree-lined town delights with country music, clogging, games, 10-mile run through Walking Horse country, BBQ, hand-squeezed lemonade, and the world’s largest Moon Pie washed down RC Cola! Bell Buckle, Tenn., 931-389-9663; info@bellbucklechamber.com. (bellbucklechamber.com)

Jun. 24-28, AthFest Music & Arts Festival. Focusing on local talent in a town long recognized for its gifted citizens! Juried Artists' Market, live music, Club Crawl, KidsFest, Flagpole Athens Music Awards, teen films screenings. Athens, Ga., 706-338-9019; director@athfest.com. (athfest.com)

Jun. 25-28, Helen Keller Festival. Festival honors the life, achievements and influence of "America's First Lady of Courage". Performance of “The Miracle Worker,” juried arts and crafts show, athletic events, parades and musical entertainment. Tuscumbia, Ala., 800-344-0783. (helenkellerfestival.com)

Jun. 26-28, Beaufort Old Homes & Gardens. Colonial seaport town hosts tours of private homes and grounds, churches, inns, burial grounds, militia encampment, and meeting halls. 19th century trades and crafts, concerts; antique car show. Beaufort, N.C., 800-575-7483; beauforthistoricsite@earthlink.net. (beauforthistoricsite.org)

Jun. 26-28, SC Festival of Flowers. Fragrant festivities include famous trial gardens, private garden and railroad museum tours, safari-themed town of topiaries, orchid display, arts, photography, sporting events, bluegrass, jazz, beach music, KidFest carnival. Greenwood, S.C., 864-223-8411; kay@greenwoodscchamber.org. (scfestivalofflowers.org)

Jun. 26-28, Squire Creek Louisana Peach Festival. Fuzzy fruits are the focal point during this week of family fun. Kids’ fishing tourney, arts, crafts, cook-offs, parades, motorcycle poker run, and bands on the Railroad Park stage. Ruston, La., 318-255-2031; peach@rustonlincoln.org. (louisianapeachfestival.org)

Jun. 26-29, Charleston Harbor Fest. Admission is free at this celebration of the sea in the picturesque port city. Tall ships from around the world, pirate camp, wooden boats, helicopter tours, food, music and military exhibits. Charleston, S.C., 843-722-1030, x12; mvanliew@scmaritime.org. (charlestonharborfest.org)

Southeast Tourism Society
3400 Peachtree Road, Suite 725, Atlanta, GA 30326
404.364.9847 e-mail: Neville@southeasttourism.org
Top 20 Event descriptions are written in conjunction with Lyn Fendley Foster.

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