JULY 2007
July 3 – 4, 40th Annual Fantastic Fourth Celebration, Laser show spectacular and a traditional fireworks display highlight this Stone Mountain event celebrating its 40th year. Stone Mountain, Ga., 770-498-5690, www.stonemountainpark.com generalinfo@stonemountainpark.com
July 4, Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade, Start the 4th of July celebration at midnight with floats, bands and all five branches of the military in this unique holiday parade. Gatlinburg, Tenn. 865-436-0526, www.gatlinburg.com georgeh@ci.gatlinburg.tn.us
July 4, Music City July 4th Spectacular: Portrait of America, Nashville's largest one-day party celebrates the birth of the nation with live music, fireworks and fun family activities. Nashville, Tenn., 800-657-6910 www.visitmusiccity.com nashcvb@visitmusiccity.com
July 4, Operation Celebrate Freedom, Celebrate the 4th on the most largely populated US Army base with live music, cannon firing and parachute demonstrations culminated by a spectacular fireworks display. Fort Bragg, N.C., 910-396-6126, www.fortbraggmwr.com kara.carrier@us.army.mil
July 5 – 7 Essence Music Festival, Held in the Louisiana Superdome, this music festival features nationally known R&B, Soul, Blues and Urban musical acts. New Orleans, La., 225-219-7562, www.essence.com/emf festival@essence.com
July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 14 2nd Friday Art Night, A once-a-month event when the galleries, museums and businesses in downtown Little Rock open for an after-hours gallery walk. It is the only walk of its kind in the US that includes the state's largest art museum. Little Rock, Ark., 501-324-2787, www.2ndfridayartnight.com artspacegallery@sbcglobal.net
July 13 – 15, 30th Annual Uncle Dave Macon Days Old-Time Music and Dance Festival, Old-Time Music and Dance competition for the whole family commemorating the memory of Uncle Dave Macon, the first superstar of the Grand Ole Opry. Murfreesboro, Tenn., 615-893-2369 or 800-716-7560, www.uncledavemacondays.com wbryant@rutherfordchamber.org
July 13 – 22, Beaufort Water Festival, Family oriented festival celebrates the water and the quality of life in Beaufort, S.C. through air and water shows, sailing regatta, lowcountry supper and much more. Beaufort, S.C., 843-524-0600, www.bftwaterfestival.com info@bftwaterfestival.com
July 13 – 21, Fun Fest, Over 100 activities on 60 sites during nine days. This festival truly offers something for everyone with everything from softball and kickball events to hot air balloons. Kingsport, Tenn., 423-392-8800, www.funfest.net funfest@kingsportchamber.org
July 13 – 14, Quiltfest, Over 200 quilts displayed by local artists, demonstrations, vendors and a special program by international Quilt and Fabric Designer, Johanna Wilson. Hot Springs, Ark., 501-262-3783 www.arkansas.com/calendar
July 14 – 15, MangoMania Tropical Fruit Fair, Live music, kid's activities, contests and more in the celebration of the Mango and other tropical fruits in beautiful Cape Coral, Fla., 239-283-4842, www.floridascreativecoast.com info@pineislandchamber.org
July 16 – 29, Folkmoot USA, Groups from all over the world present live dance and music programs in an celebration of international friendship & cultural exchange. Waynesville, N.C., 828-452-2997, www.folkmootusa.org info@folkmoot.com
July 18 – 19, The Georgia Mountain Fair, This 12-day landmark event for the mountain community of Hiawassee has become an annual tradition for many. Musical performances, agriculture and antique shows and the Miss Georgia Fair pageant in an event that has something to offer for everyone. Hiawassee, Ga., 706-896-4191, www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com gamtfair@alltel.net
July 19 – 21, Virginia Lake Festival, Juried Arts and Craft Show with 200 vendors, children's games, car show, live music and more provides fun for the whole family. Clarkesville, Va., 434-374-2436 or 800-557-5582, www.clarksvilleva.com clarksville@kerrlake.com
July 20 – 21, Blue Angels Air Show, The Navy's world famous Blue Angels perform in this must-see event for the entire family.
Pensacola Beach, Fla., 800-635-4803 info@pensacolabeach.com
July 20 – 21, Saddle Up For St. Jude, Combining family fun with support for a worthwhile cause, this event offers music, roping and other horse competitions, food and all kinds of family-oriented activities. Tuscumbia, Ala., 256-446-5392 or 800-282-7436, www.stjude.com/saddleup annjones@circle5.com
July 19 - 21, Festival of Native Peoples, Native dance, art and culture are showcased in this annual gathering of tribes from throughout the Americas. Artisans display and sell their work. Cherokee, N.C., 828-259-9910 ext. 108, www.cherokee-nc.com phil@thegossagency.com
July 20, Aug. 24, Sep. 14, Art on the Rocks, Tour the galleries, engage in a scavenger hunt, enjoy live musical entertainment, heavy hors d'oeuvres and more in this celebration of Art. Birmingham, Ala., 205-254-2565, www.artsbma.org museum@artsbma.org
July 22 – 28, W.C. Handy Music Festival, This festival honors "Father of the Blues" and native of Florence, W.C. Handy. Performances by local, regional and national musicians in celebration of blues, jazz, soul, rhythm and blues, gospel and contemporary music. Florence, Ala., 256-766-9719, www.wchandyfest.com wchandymusic@wchandymusicfestival.org
July 28, Aug. 17,18, Sept. 8, Equus Run 2007 Concerts at the Vineyard Series, Celebrating new wine releases through stellar musical performances and stunning ambiance of the magnificent vineyard setting with wine tasting and a catered buffet. Midway, Ky., 877-905-CORK (2675), www.equusrunvineyards.com info@equusrunvineyards.com
AUGUST 2007
Aug. 1 – 4, North Carolina Watermelon Festival, A true summertime celebration offering free watermelon slices daily, street dances, floats, high school bands and a huge fireworks display. Murfreesboro, N.C., 252-398-5922, www.murfreesboronc.com ncheritage@earthlink.net
Aug. 2 – 4, 52nd Annual Robbins Farmers Day, Celebrate the 52nd Annual Farmers Day with live entertainment, street dances, clogging and square dancing, a tractor pull, homemade ice cream and one of the largest horse parades on the coast. Robbins, N.C., 910-464-1290, www.robbinsfarmersday.com contact@robbinsfarmersday.com
Aug. 2 – 5, Satchmo Summerfest, Held at the old U.S. Mint building in the French Quarter, this event is the only one of its type in the U.S. with a tribute to jazz pioneer and New Orleans native son, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong through music, performances and lectures. New Orleans, La., 800-673-5725, www.fqfi.org feedback@fqfi.com
Aug. 3 – 5, Mississippi Wildlife Extravaganza, The bounty and diversity of Mississippi's natural fauna is demonstrated in this event. Fishing and hunting, camping and photography programs and demonstrations are part of three days of activities for all age groups. Jackson, Miss., 601-206-5703, www.mswildlife.org mstarnes@mswildlife.org
Aug. 4, All Night Gospel Sing, The Renfro Valley Entertainment Center Barn will be the location of a gospel tradition that started over 50 years ago. Join the many gospel groups, choirs and quartets from all over in an evening to celebrate the sweet gospel sound. Renfro Valley, Ky., 800-765-7464 or 606-256-2638, www.renfrovalley.com specialevents@renfrovalley.com
Aug. 4, Talking Trees Children's Trout Derby, More than 1,000 children will participate in this trout fishing tradition dating back hundreds of years. Food, music and exhibitions make this a fun event for all. Cherokee, N.C., 828-259-9910 ext. 108, www.cherokee-nc.com phil@thegossagency.com
Aug. 10 – 12, 5th Annual StringTime in the Smokies, Some of the nation's top bluegrass bands perform, followed by a free "bring your own instrument" jam session for all to attend. Pigeon Forge, Tenn., 800-251-9100, www.mypigeonforge.com inquire@mypigeonforge.com
Aug. 10 – 11, Ozark Folk Center Cowboy Gathering, Concerts featuring award winning performers and a full day of music storytelling and poetry in celebration of the past and present history of America's western culture. Mountain View, Ark., 870-269-3851, ozarkfolkcenter.com ozarkfolkcenter@arkansas.com
Aug. 11 – 19, Elvis Week 2007, Celebration of all that is Elvis through music, movies dances, concerts and of course, Graceland, now a designated National Historic Landmark. Memphis, Tenn., 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322, www.elvis.com gracelandtours@elvis.com
Aug. 17 – 18, Franklin County Watermelon Festival, Biggest and best-tasting watermelons, seed spitting contests, live music to celebrate the watermelon in one of the largest Watermelon festivals in the southeastern U.S. Russellville, Ala., 256-332-1760, www.franklincountychamber.org franklincounty@charter.net
Aug. 17 – 18, International Washer Pitchin' Contest, Families come together to have a good time, kick back and relax, make a new friend and go back to a time when children could run free and spending the day playing with the kids was just the way life was. Yorkville, Tenn., 731-643-6220 payneins@ycinet.net
Aug. 18 - 19, American Founders Bank Woodland Art Fair, Two hundred exhibitors show their work in 12 media categories. Enjoy live music, feast on Kentucky cuisine and enjoy hands-on art projects at beautiful Woodland Park. Lexington, Ky., 859-254-7024, www.lexingtonartleague.org jartz@lexingtonartleague.org
Aug. 22 - Sep. 1, 69th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, So much more than a horseshow, this event has exciting exhibits, lavish horse hotels, a dog show and some of the finest foods in the south. Shelbyville, Tenn., 931-684-5915, www.twhnc.com twhnc@twhnc.com
Aug. 22 – 26, East Coast Surfing Championships, This competition is North America's oldest surfing contest with about 120 professional surfers and hundreds of amateur surfers competing. Skim boarding, volleyball, skateboarding and a 5K run round out the festivities. Live entertainment on a beach front stage make this more than just your average competition. Virginia Beach, Va., 800-861-SURF (7873) www.surfecsc.com publicrelations@surfecsc.com
Aug. 23 – 26, Keeneland Concours d'Elegance, This unique event inspired from the 1930's practice of a gathering of the most spectacular vehicle manufacturers, showcases internationally acclaimed Concours automobiles at the beautiful and historic grounds of Keeneland Race Course. Lexington, Ky., 859-422-3329, keenelandconcours.com/ leisha@taper.com
Aug. 25, Summerfest, This celebration of summer offers attractions and activities for all age groups. A classic car show, music and dancing, along with an arts and crafts fair and an assortment of food vendors are only the beginning of what Summerfest has to offer. York, S.C., 803-684-2590, www.greateryorkchamber.com info@greateryorkchamber.com
Aug. 25, Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, Live entertainment, including local and regional performing arts and 350 local and national artisans, showcasing some of the best artists and craftsmen from across the country. This event has something for everyone. Cary, N.C., 919-469-4061, www.townofcary.org joy.cox@townofcary.org
Aug. 26, Peachtree Latino Atlanta Festival 2007, A gathering of different races and cultures, this festival is an international event featuring folkloric dance groups and local as well as top performers. Atlanta, Ga., 404-321-0663, www.festivalpeachtreelatino.com festpeachlatino@aol.com
Aug. 31 - Sep. 2, Callaway Gardens' Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival, With the natural beauty of Callaway Gardens as the backdrop for the soaring and colorful balloons, this festival is truly a sight to behold. Festival activities include balloon rides, kids craft activities and more. Pine Mountain, Ga., 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292), www.callawaygardens.com info@callawaygardens.com
Aug. 31 - Sep. 2, Montreux Jazz Festival, Live performances in jazz, blues, soul, latin, gospel, alternative and more are featured in this sister event to the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Music food, arts & crafts all add to the fun of this downtown event. Atlanta, Ga., 404-523-2311, www.underground-atlanta.com mlawrence@underatl.com
SEPTEMBER 2007
Sept. 1 - Oct. 31, Huntsville Botanical Garden's Scarecrow Trail, Almost 100 scarecrows, just hanging around the botanical garden as this event kicks off the fall season with a much eagerly awaited Sorghum Maze, hayrides, and a scarecrow judging competition. Huntsville, Ala., 256-830-4447, www.hsvbg.org jhacker@hsvbg.org
Sept. 2 – 4, Art in the Park, This event brings a focus to the arts in the downtown district with a juried fine art show featuring 150 artists, an Interactive "Art Alley" for a "hands on" experience. Marietta, Ga., 770-429-1115, www.mariettabusinessassociation.com cmorris@wiredearth.net
Sept. 2, Boomsday, Live entertainment, food, and fun and games on the Tennessee River in a Labor Day celebration with the largest fireworks show in the US.
Knoxville, Tenn., 865-523-7263, www.boomsday.org smalak@knoxville.org
Sept. 6 – 9, Tennessee Williams Tribute Weekend and Tour of Victorian Homes, A tribute to the life and works of America's prominent twentieth century playwright, Tennessee Williams through film, readings, lectures, tours and entertainment.
Columbus, Miss., 662-328-0222, www.muw.edu/tennesseewilliams sbcaradine@cableone.net
Sept. 6 – 9, Yellow Daisy Festival at Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain, Stone Mountain Park hosts more than 500 artists and crafters from all over the country. Live entertainment, shopping, children's activities and festival food make this a fun, family fest. Stone Mountain, Ga., 770-498-5690, www.stonemountainpark.com generalinfo@stonemountainpark.com
Sept. 7 – 9, Celtic Fest Mississippi, Performances by many well-known Celtic musicians and artisans in celebration and appreciation of the many facets of Celtic heritage brought from immigrants to our Southern culture. Jackson, Miss., 601-366-2775, www.celticfestms.org info@celticfestms.org
Sept. 7 – 9, Mainstrasse Village Oktoberfest, With a mixture of German and international foods, music and arts and crafts, this end of summer celebration has become one of Kentucky's most popular festivals. Covington, Ky., 859-491-0458, www.mainstrasse.org dkremer@mainstrasse.org
Sept. 7 – 16, Tennessee Valley Fair, Daily headliner entertainment, agriculture & livestock exhibits, great fair food, rides and attractions make for a good time for all at the fair. Knoxville, Tenn., 865-215-1477, www.tnvalleyfair.org scotts@tnvalleyfair.org
Sept. 8, Old Milton Country Fair, Historical craft demonstrations, old time carnival games, a petting zoo, watermelon eating contest and more make for a good, old fashioned country fair. Alpharetta, Ga., 678-297-6078, www.alpharetta.ga.us kdodson@alpharetta.ga.us
Sept. 12 – 16, Kentucky Bourbon Festival, A celebration of the passion, history and art of making Kentucky Bourbon featuring over 35 major events and attractions from a balloon glow to a Bourbon style cooking school and much more. Bardstown, Ky., 800-638-4877, ext 4 or 502-348-3623, ext 4, www.kybourbonfestival.com info@kybourbonfestival.com
Sept. 15 – 16, Virginia Wine Festival This celebration of the highly acclaimed wines of Virginia features live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, educational seminars and of course, world-class wine. Leesburg, Va., 703-823-1868, www.virginiawinefestival.org info@virginiawinefestival.org
Sept. 21 – 22, River Fest State Championship Barbeque Cookoff, Children's activities, live music, from jazz to blues to classic rock and an extremely competitive Barbecue Cookoff contest make for a ton of fun for the entire family. Decatur, Ala., 256-350-2028, www.decaturjaycees.com treist@decaturcvb.org
Sept. 21 – 23, Carlyss Cajun Bons Temps Festival, This tradition at St. Theresa's Catholic church since 1969 offers carnival rides, games, live and silent auctions, all with an emphasis on family fun. Carlyss, La., 800-456-7952, www.visitlakecharles.org info@visitlakecharles.org
Sept. 21 – 23, Pensacola Seafood Festival, Historic downtown Pensacola plays host to this delicious festival highlighting famous Gulf Coast Seafood or "fruits of the sea" along with continuous local entertainment for all. Pensacola, Fla., 850-433-6512, fiestaoffiveflags.org/seafood.htm info@fiestaoffiveflags.org
Sept. 21 – 22, Tallahatchie Riverfest, This is a celebration of the creative spirit of the artists, craftsmen, writers, and musicians of the region through which the Tallahatchee River flows. Workshops and demonstrations, along with a special kids area make this an event the entire family can enjoy. New Albany, Miss., 662-534-4354 or 888-534-8232, www.tallahatchieriverfest.com info@ucda-newalbany.com
Sept. 23, CalcaChew Food Festival, Explore the wonders of Louisiana cuisine from the cooks of Calcasieu parish. This family oriented celebration offers an alcohol-free event with craft boths, a French Mass, raffles and prizes, and with live music. Lake Charles, La., 800-456-SWLA or 337-439-4585, visitlakecharles.org/festival.asp info@visitlakecharles.org
Sept. 27 - Oct. 28, 31st Annual Fall Tours of Homes and Gardens, Knowledge of architecture, antiques and historical significance are shared by guides as guests explore interiors of historical, privately owned properties. Charleston, S.C., 843-722-4630, www.preservationsociety.org preserve@preservationsociety.org
Sept. 27 - Oct. 7, MOJA Arts Festival, In a celebration of African American and Caribbean art, Charleston hosts this celebration with a block party filled with entertainment from dancers, singers, storytellers, poets, musicians and more. Charleston, S.C., 843-724-7305, www.mojafestival.com cultural_affairs@ci.charleston.sc.us
Sept. 27 – 30, World Chicken Festival, A Col. Sanders look-a-like should be involved in an event called the World Chicken Festival, and he is. Enjoy cluckin' struttin' and crowin' contests for young and old alike, over 200 craft and food booths and of course, chicken, fried in the World's Largest Skillet. London, Ky., 606-878-6900 or 800-348-0095, www.chickenfestival.com tourism@lltc.net
Sept. 30, 29th Annual International Folk Festival, A celebration of our diversity and cultural traditions through food, clothing arts and crafts, music and dance. Sample the food of over 30 different countries at the International Café. Fayetteville, N.C., 910-323-1776, www.theartscouncil.com admin@theartscouncil.com
Southeast Tourism Society
3400 Peachtree Rd., Suite 725, Atlanta, GA 30326
404.364.9847 Fax: 404.262.9518 email: Neville@southeasttourism.org
3400 Peachtree Rd., Suite 725, Atlanta, GA 30326
404.364.9847 Fax: 404.262.9518 email: Neville@southeasttourism.org
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