JULY 2009
July 1-Aug. 8, Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales. Saluting the 75th anniversary of the country’s most visited National Park with costumed entertainers and storytellers portraying 19th and 20th century characters every night in the resort hamlet. Gatlinburg, Tenn., 865-436-0509; jimd@ci.gatlinburg.tn.us. (eventsgatlinburg.com)
July 2-4, July Powwow. Some traditions just get better with time. Celebrate 30 years of Native American culture through tribal dance competitions, educational programs, and traditional songs, foods and arts on the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds. Cherokee, N.C., 828-497-8122; janiwild@nc-cherokee.com. (cherokee-nc.com)
July 4, CLAMerica Celebration. Clamtastic fun on the Nature Coast spotlights the mollusk with clam digs, races, parades, free concerts, and colorful fireworks over crystal-clear waters. Clam cooking and landlubber foods, too! Cedar Key, Fla., 352-543-5057; lnst@ufl.edu. (cedarkey.org)
July 4, Gatlinburg’s 4th of July Fireworks Show. The nation’s first Independence Day parade at 12:01 a.m. kicks off a day-long celebration in the Smokey Mountains town, capped by the “rocket’s red glare” of thrilling fireworks! Gatlinburg, Tenn., 865-436-0509; jimd@ci.gatlinburg.tn.us. (eventsgatlinburg.com)
July 4, Patriot’s Point 4th of July Blast. Action-packed festival fills the day with fun and the night sky with fireworks shot from the deck of the USS Yorktown! Music, “Kidz Zone,” food village and beverage gardens. Charleston/Mount Pleasant, S.C., 843-881-5984; llangston@patriotspoint.org. (patriotspoint.org)
July 4, Red, White, Blue and You Festival. Old-fashioned 4th of July fun salutes Armed Forces, and kicks off a month of festivals in friendly Lake Charles! Cajun and Creole foods and music, parades, flyovers, and fireworks. Lakes Charles, La., 800-456-SWLA; info@visitlakecharles.org. (visitlakecharles.org)
July 5-12, Jets Over Kentucky. All eyes upward as the jet action of 50 pilots from three countries fills the skies! Skydiving, art show, and midway fun at the nearby Marion County Fair! Lebanon/Springfield, Ky., 502-429-6365; visitlebanonky@alltel.net. (visitlebanonky.com)
July 6-12, Lexington Junior League Horse Show. World’s largest Saddlebred horse show! Over a thousand competitors racing for big prize money and the chance to win the first leg of the American Saddlebred Triple Crown. Lexington, Ky., 859-252-1893; laurel.martin@uky.edu. (lexjrleague.com)
July 9-11, SC Festival of Discovery. Follow the smoky scent of succulent barbecue to Uptown Greenwood, where 100 cook teams and a fine line-up of blues musicians celebrate the history and culture of the lovely rural city. Greenwood, S.C., 864-942-8448; festivalofdiscovery@gmail.com. (festivalofdiscovery.com)
July 10-12, 32nd Annual Uncle Dave Macon Days Old-Time Music and Dance Festival. Banjos, buckdancing, clogging and singing! Free admission, juried arts show, heritage activities for the kids, and plenty of mouth-watering food! Murfreesboro, Tenn., 800-716-7560; wbryant@rutherfordchamber.org. (uncledavemacondays.com)
July 10-18, Fun Fest. More than 100 activities on 60 sites attract nearly 200,000 fun lovers; capped by TRASHBUSTERS, a now countrywide Keep America Beautiful program that began at the event in 1985. Kingsport, Tenn., 423-392-8806; funfest@funfest.net. (funfest.net)
July 15-25, Georgia Mountain Fair. Southern-flair fair features a Pioneer Village with “old ways” demonstrations and a Craft Village filled with unique arts. Headliner entertainment, cloggers’ convention, agri-exhibits, Miss Georgia Fair pageant. Hiawassee, Ga., 706-896-4191; gamtfair@windstream.net. (georgiamountainfairgrounds.com)
July 16-18, Festival of Native Peoples & Cherokee Art Market. Hopi, Sioux, Apache, Totonac and Cherokee tribes present native dance, song, storytelling, arts and crafts, and foods at this colorful celebration of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Cherokee, N.C., 828-497-8128; lorekirb@nc-cherokee.com. (Cherokee-nc.com)
July 16-18, Virginia Lake Festival. Free hot-air balloon rides, bigger-than-life sand sculptures, helicopter rides, live bands, antique cars, arts and crafts show, kids’ games, fireworks and great food at this fun, free event! Clarksville, Va., 434-374-2436; Clarksville@kerrlake.com. (clarksvilleva.com)
July 16-19, Keeneland Concours d'Elegance. Hundreds of rare and exotic cars and motorcycles, vintage and modern airplanes, distillery tour, James Bond-themed gala, auction, and fashion shows raise hundreds of thousands for the KY Children’s Hospital. Lexington, Ky., 859-422-3329; sue.entwisle@keenelandconcours.com. (keenelandconcours.com)
July 16-26, Folkmoot USA. International dancers and musicians perform celebrate friendship and cultural exchange. Parades, huge bazaar, ticketed events, food, arts and crafts. Entertaining and educational experience in the majestic Smoky Mountain town. Waynesville, N.C., 828-452-2997; info@folkmoot.com. (folkmootusa.org)
July 17-26, W.C. Handy Music Festival. Over 80,000 gather to honor native son and "Father of the Blues" with a musical celebration of rhythm and blues, jazz, soul, gospel and contemporary music throughout scores of events. Florence, Ala., 888-FLO-TOUR; lindseyh@visitflorenceal.com. (visitflorenceal.com)
July 18-19, 11th Annual Butternut Creek Festival. Fine arts, original works, mountain arts demonstrations, yummy fare, playgrounds, and walking trails in shady Meeks Park, just 80 scenic miles north of Atlanta. Free admission and parking! Blairsville, Ga., 706-835-1948; genechar37@gmail.com. (butternutcreekfestival.com)
July 29-Aug. 1, North Carolina Watermelon Festival. “Seedy” celebration of the heart-smart melon includes a seriously funny spitting contest, carnival rides, crafts, street dancing, the state’s largest agricultural parade, marching bands and fireworks. Murfreesboro, N.C., 252-398-5922; heritage@murfreesboronc.org. (murfreesboro.org)
July 30-Aug. 1, 54th Annual Robbins Farmers Day. More than 400 horses, mules and wagons; three stages of entertainment; carnival games and rides; parachutes; parades and fireworks make this a fun weekend for all! Robbins, N.C., 910-464-1290; contact@robbinsfarmersday.com. (robbinsfarmersday.com)
AUGUST 2009
Aug. 1, Brew at the Zoo. Way cool suds sippin’ safari supports wildlife education and conservation programs of the Riverbanks Zoo. Over 200 microbrews, pub munchies, live music in the beautiful Palmetto Plaza, themed buffet dinner. Columbia, S.C., 803-779-8717. (riverbanks.org)
Aug. 1-2, 30th Annual Revolutionary War Battle Reenactment. Depicting the Battle at the House in the Horseshoe; a thrilling 1781 skirmish between Whig militiamen and Tories. Storytelling, period crafts, children’s games and weapons firing demonstrations. Sanford, N.C., 910-947-2051; horseshoe@ncmail.net. (nchistoricsites.org)
Aug. 6-9, 40th Annual Street Rod Nationals. Largest automotive participant event in the world puts $398M worth of street rods on parade for 30,000 auto enthusiasts! Massive trade show, crafts, and vintage parts swap meet. Louisville, Ky., 502-367-5150. (www.nsra-usa.com)
Aug. 6-9, Highway 127 Corridor Sale. Extending a mind-boggling 654 miles, it’s the world’s longest yard sale! Bargain your way along the scenic highway, from Gadsden, Alabama, to West Unity, Ohio. Jamestown, Tenn., 800-327-3945; 127saleinforequest@jamestowntn.org. (127sale.com)
Aug. 7-8, Bluegrass in the Park Folklife Festival. Come to the river for an outdoor event families have enjoyed for nearly a quarter century. Kids’ fun, festival foods, music, bike tours and street jams! Henderson, Ky., 800-648-3128; info@hendersonky.org. (bluegrassinthepark.org)
Aug. 7-8, Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair. Stroll crafts booths on shady streets right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Hand-cranked ice cream, kettle corn, BBQ, homemade jams and jellies, bluegrass music and traditional crafts demonstrations. Burnsville, N.C., 828-682-7413; info@yanceychamber.com. (yanceychamber.com)
Aug. 7-9, Craftsmen’s Summer Classic Arts & Crafts Festival. Hundreds of the country’s finest artisans and high-end crafters meet in the Myrtle Beach area for a juried show, demonstrations, and of course, exceptional shopping! Greensboro, N.C., 336-282-5550; contact@gilmoreshows.com. (craftshow.com)
Aug. 11-16, International Mystery Writers Festival. This one has the write stuff! A thrilling week of world premieres of original works, celebrity appearances and Live Radio Theatre productions of four Agatha Christie plays. Owensboro, Ky., 270-687-2770; travisestes@riverparkcenter.org. (riverparkcenter.org)
Aug. 14-15, Franklin County Watermelon Festival. Small town America fun includes sporting events, fishing tourney, classic cars, beauty pageants, parades, kids’ rides and games, smoky BBQ, fair foods and juicy melon slices! Russellville, Ala., 256-332-1760; franklincounty@charter.net. (franklincountychamber.org)
Aug. 14-16, 83rd Annual Hampton Cup Regatta. More than 100 hydroplanes and runabouts zip across Mill Creek to the delight of nearly 50,000 racing fans – and it’s free. Bash at the Bridge on Friday night! Hampton, Va., 757-722-1222, x5328; ryan@hamptoncvb.com. (hamptoncupregatta.org)
Aug. 14-22, State Fair of West Virginia. Nearly 200,000 attend this fabulous event for non-stop adventure that includes headliner entertainment, agricultural exhibits, arts and crafts, carnival rides, games and scholarships for students. Lewisburg, W.V., 304-645-1090; statefairofwv@statefairfwv.com. (statefairofwv.com)
Aug. 15, Bright Lights, Belhaven Nights. Under the street lights, myriad musicians, actors, craftsmen and artists promote one of the city’s oldest and most beautiful neighborhoods, including kids’ activities and international food court. Jackson, Miss., 601-352-8850; mkkimble@greaterbelhaven.com. (greaterbelhaven.com)
Aug. 15, Multi-Cultural Festival. City-wide celebration of diversity, and the encouragement to “reach beyond ourselves.” Nearly two dozen international cultures are featured in educational exhibits, parades, street dances, and crafts and food booths. Owensboro, Ky., 270-684-1467; dmccoy@bellsouth.net. (firstpresbyterianowensboro.com)
Aug. 15-16, AFB Fair at Woodland Park. Central Kentucky ’s largest free outdoor cultural event features over 200 juried artists, entertainment on the Gazebo Stage, hands-on activities in the Kid Zone, and lots of southern cooking! Lexington, Ky., 859-254-7024; ktatum@lexingtonartleague.org. (lexingtonartleague.org)
Aug. 21-23, Blue Ridge Numismatic Society Coin Show. Free admission and more than 200 dealers bring coin and currency collectors from all over! Celebrate the 50th anniversary with trading, appraisals and the new, young collector’s program. Dalton, Ga., 321-383-1742; forum@cfl.rr.com. (brna.org)
Aug. 22, Summerfest. There’s something for everyone at this free event! From sporting events and classic cars, to a 4-H petting zoo, arts and crafts, southern foods and music from every genre. York, S.C., 803-684-2590; info@greateryorkchamber.com. (greateryorkchamber.com)
Aug. 26-Sept. 5, 71st Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. This world-championship equine event dates back to 1939, and includes a Trade Fair, BBQ cook-out, dog show, equine clinics, stable decorating, parties and parades. Shelbyville, Tenn., 931-684-5915; twhnc@twhnc.com. (twhnc.com)
Aug. 27-30, Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad. Family festival sports 20 water and land events that bring people together in the spirit of friendly competition and charitable giving. KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum, raffles and shag dancing. Lake Lure, N.C., 828-429-9011; events@hickorynutolympiad.com. (hickorynutolympiad.com)
Aug. 28-29, Frisco Festival. Salute the city’s railroad heritage with free rides, free stage entertainment and free street dances! Rogers “Idol,” car shows, Frisco Chicken BBQ, the Chilisalsapeno Competition, Kid’s Connection highlight the popular family event. Rogers, Ark., 479-936-5487; info@friscofestival.com. (friscofestival.com)
The deadline to apply to be a Fall (Oct., Nov., Dec.) 2009 event is April 9, 2009. For an application, visit the STS Top 20 web page.
SEPTEMBER 2009
Sept. 1-30, Virginia Beach Neptune Festival. Spectacular end-of-the-summer series includes grand parades, pageants, black-tie fund-raisers, beachfront concerts, arts and crafts and Boardwalk events drawing nearly half a million people to the City by the Sea. Virginia Beach, Va., 757-498-0215; wbc@neptunefestival.com. (neptunefestival.com)
Sept. 4-6, Roots & Heritage Festival. Kicking off a month of fun celebrating the achievements of African Americans, with cultural entertainment, renowned speakers, arts, basketball tourney, street dancing and a huge variety of music! Lexington, Ky., 859-420-5696; kbaird@kyprosecutors.com. (rootsandheritagefestival.com)
Sept. 4-6, WorldFest. Cooking up cultural fun that draws 100,000 with ethnic foods, international crafts and games, Budweiser International Bier Garden, samples of wine, spirits and coffees, a stirring naturalization ceremony and colorful Parade of Cultures. Louisville, Ky., 502-574-2320. (louisvilleky.gov/international)
Sept. 5-7, Marietta Art in the Park. Stroll galleries, museums, theaters, cafés and 150 artists in historic Marietta Square. Bring the kids for puppet making, easel painting and more in the Interactive Art Alley! Marietta, Ga., 770-592-7150; cmorris@wiredearth.net. (mariettaartinthepark.com)
Sept. 5-14, Tennessee Valley Fair. Remember the sights, sounds and smells of your first big fair? Relive those midway thrills in the Volunteer State! Rides, games, music, agricultural exhibits, yummy fair foods, shows and competitions! Knoxville, Tenn., 865-215-1477; scotts@tnvalleyfair.org. (tnvalleyfair.org)
Sept. 6, 2009 Chrysler Jeep Boomsday Festival. Free admission to this explosion of family fun attracts more than 400,000 with games, inflatables, concerts, thrilling shows, petting zoo, inflatables and the nation’s largest Labor Day weekend fireworks display! Knoxville, Tenn., 865-523-7263; smalak@knoxville.org. (boomsday.org)
Sept. 10-13, Tennessee Williams Tribute Weekend & Victorian Home Tour. Academy Award-winner Olympia Dukakis is the featured performer during this celebration of America’s greatest playwright. City-wide parties, tours and films honor Columbus’s native son. Columbus, Miss., 662-328-0222; sbcaradine@cableone.net. (muw.edu/tennesseewilliams)
Sept. 11-12, Oka Kapassa – Return to Cold Water. Honoring the area’s rich Native American heritage through education programs, storytelling, singing, colorful dancing, foods, and traditional crafts demonstrations, like basket making, archery, and flintnapping. Tuscumbia, Ala., 800-344-0783; colberttourism@comcast.net. (okakapassa.org)
Sept. 11-13, 27th Annual Hampton Bay Days. Premier, free event promotes Chesapeake Bay conservation with headliner entertainment, arts and crafts, car and motorcycle shows and a family carnival complete with rides and games! Hampton, Va., 757-722-1222, x5328; ryan@hamptoncvb.com. (baydays.com)
Sept. 11-13, Hummingbird Migration Celebration at Strawberry Plains Audubon Center. Up close contact with Nature’s tiny titans and colorful butterflies, too! Walking tours, wagon rides through the woods, crafts and kids’ fun! Holly Springs, Miss., 888-687-4765; info@hollysprings.org. (visithollysprings.org)
Sept. 11-13, MainStrasse Village Oktoberfest. Old World festival presents an international array of amusements, foods and oom, pah, pah that attracts 100,000 to the German neighborhood’s tree-lined 6th Street Promenade. One of the Kentucky’s best-loved events! Covington, Ky., 859-491-0458; dkremer@mainstrasse.org. (mainstrasse.org)
Sept. 15-20, Kentucky Bourbon Festival. More fun than a barrel of bourbon, but you’ll find that, too, along with gala balls, jazz concerts, culinary events, auctions, ghost tours, sporting competitions and tons of family activities! Bardstown, Ky., 800-638-4877, x4; info@kybourbonfestival.com. (www.kybourbonfestival.com)
Sept. 18-Oct. 31, Rock City’s Enchanted MAiZE. Popular attraction atop Lookout Mountain sends you through a magical labyrinth of twists and turns in the cornfield below Lover’s Leap. Hayrides, playground and millet maze, too! Flintstone, Ga., 706-820-2531, x213; meagan@rockruby.com. (enchantedmaze.com)
Sept. 19-20, Sandy Springs Festival. Celebration in the Atlanta Metro Area city, where civic pride and community spirit come together in lovely Heritage Green park for a weekend of family fun and friendly competitions. Sandy Springs, Ga., 404-851-9111; kbranch@heritagesandysprings.com. (heritagesandysprings.org)
Sept. 24-26, IdeaFestival. A broad cross-section of thinkers from around the world come together to promote innovation, imagination and cutting-edge breakthroughs in science, design, the arts, education, business, film and technology. Louisville, Ky., 859-233-3503, x223; kkimel@kstc.com. (ideafestival.com)
Sept. 24-27, World Chicken Festival. Finger lickin’ fun includes Col. Sanders look-alike contests, parades, carnival, kiddie rides, car shows, hundreds of food and crafts booths, bowling, volleyball, circus, and the world’s largest skillet! London, Ky., 800-348-0095; tourism@lltc.net. (chickenfestival.com)
Sept. 24-Oct. 4, MOJA Arts Festival. A celebration of African American and Caribbean art through a block party of music, dancing, singing, storytelling, poetry readings, drumlines, custom crafts, and luscious island foods. Charleston, S.C., 843-724-7305; cultural_affairs@ci.charleston.sc.us. (mojafestival.com)
Sept. 25-26, 2009 Pellissippi State Hot Air Balloon Festival. More than a score of high flyers, including glowing orbs every night! Balloon rides, arts and crafts, live music, games and “Ultimate Canines” performances. Knoxville, Tenn., 865-694-6528; foundation@pstcc.edu. (pstcc.edu/balloon)
Sept. 25-27, 32nd Annual Pensacola Seafood Festival. Delicious event in the City of Five Flags includes concerts, chef demonstrations, hundreds of crafts vendors, and succulent sea treats angled in during the Oh Boy! Oberto Redfish Cup fishing tourney! Pensacola, Fla., 850-433-6512; info@fiestaoffiveflags.org. (fiestaoffiveflags.org)
Sept. 25, Oct. 15-Nov. 1, Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern. Nightmares return to Lookout Mountain when the popular family attraction hosts above and below ground events sure to scare up seasonal fun for everyone! Chattanooga, Tenn., 706-820-2531, x213; Meagan@rockruby.com. (hauntedcavern.com)
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.
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.
Southeast Tourism Society Corporate Partners
