January
January 1, 2019, Polar Bear Dip, Perdido Key, Florida, www.florabama.com
The Flora-Bama Lounge on the Florida-Alabama state line on Perdido Key hosts this popular, annual splash in the Gulf of Mexico. Afterwards everyone joins in a southern tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day and warms up with good music and beverages.
January 6 – March 5, 2019, Mardi Gras Southwest Louisiana, Lake Charles, Louisiana, www.swlamardigras.com
“Southwest Louisiana hosts the second largest Mardi Gras in Louisiana and with more than 60 krewes we make sure the whole family has something to celebrate. The excitement kicks off on January 6 with the annual 12th Night Celebration, as the royal courts from 2018 usher in the new year in style with their extraordinary and intricate costumes. After 12th Night, Laissez les bons temps rouler, as the celebration and festivities pack the calendar until Fat Tuesday on March 5. As Mardi Gras weekend approaches the celebration really kicks in to full gear with parades, cook-offs, balls, galas, and more! Always a favorite, don’t miss the 2019 Royal Gala on March 4, as the royal courts of krewes parade for the public in full regalia at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Set your alarm clocks on March 5, as Fat Tuesday starts off early with the Iowa Chicken run followed by live music and gumbo at the Knight of Columbus Hall. Afterwards, reserve your spot for the grand finale of SWLA Mardi Gras, the Krewe of Krewes Parade featuring elaborate floats, costumes and plenty of beads that winds through Lake Charles. Visit www.swlamardigras.com for more details on Mardi Gras 2018 in Southwest Louisiana.”
January 11-12, 2019, Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival, Cameron, Louisiana, www.visitlakecharles.org
“The 61st Annual Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival will highlight all the local, natural resource industries in the area. The festival caters to all ages and interests featuring parades, a Gumbo Cook-off, pageants, a 5k and 1 Mile Run/Walk, dances, Cajun music, exhibits and a carnival complete with amusement rides. And don’t forget about the unique contests like duck and goose calling, trap setting, nutria and muskrat skinning, oyster shucking and skeet shooting. The dog trials are always a favorite among hunters! These contests and more make this a memorable experience for the whole family and a reason why people keep coming back to Southwest Louisiana’s, “oldest and coldest” festival. Proceeds from the festival will benefit the Cameron Parish Junior Livestock Program, as well as a valedictorian scholarship program for the high schools located in Cameron Parish. The festival will be held on the fairgrounds in downtown Cameron, LA (located at the former Pat’s of Cameron, 513 Marshall Street). For more information visit www.lafurandwildlifefestival.com.”
January 18-21, 2019, Martin Luther King, Jr. Festival, Lake Charles, Louisiana, www.visitlakecharles.org
The MLK Coalition announces plans for Martin Luther King Jr. Festival, which will be held January 18-21, 2019. Celebrating it’s 35th year, this festival honors the courageous efforts and sacrifices of Martin Luther King Jr. The MLK Festival is sponsored by the MLK Coalition, The Vibe 105 Foundation and KZWA 104.9 FM. The festival helps to create scholarships for area students to defray the cost of attending college. It also pays homage to local leaders who exude King’s ideas of “Peace, Justice and Brotherhood.” The annual Memorial Breakfast will kick off the festivities, saluting outstanding individuals in the community. In addition, there will also be a MLK Community 5K Run/3 Mile Walk and a MLK Health and Awareness Fair, to increase health awareness, education and physical activity. Last year’s inaugural walk was comprised of an array of community service organizations, health based businesses and spectators. The festival will also include a MLK Community Clean-Up, partnering with local community leaders, businesses, politicians, local celebrities, and the Greek community to help us clean our beautiful city. The celebration continues on Monday, January 21, with the Family Day Festival, which includes the Annual Parade, Zydeco, R&B, Blues, and Southern Soul Music. There will also be a Celebrity Gumbo Cook Off Contest, local vendors, exhibits, arts & crafts, and Creole and Cajun food. Those wearing Commemorative MLK T-Shirts are invited to march in the parade. All Family Day events are free. A day of commemoration and fun, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Festival is a celebration for the whole family! For more information and for the band line up, visit www.kzwafm.com”
January 19 & 20, 2019, Brooksville Raid Reenactment, Brooksville, Florida, www.brooksvilleraidreenactment.com
“The 39th Annual Brooksville Raid Reenactment is a re-creation of a Civil War battle that took place in Brooksville in July of l864. The largest Civil War reenactment in Florida, the event has over 1500 reenactors, including several Cavalry, 20+ canons and 40 sutlers. Tour the authentic confederate and union camps to see how they lived and ask what it was like during the Civil War. Shop from the sutlers who sell time-period items and old-fashioned favorites like kettle corn, old time root beer and fry bread. This dog-friendly event is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday. The Friday before the event is ‘School Day,’ providing local students the opportunity to learn about the Civil War and 19th century history. Over 300 volunteers help during the reenactment, including 200 Boy Scouts. The event is sponsored by and a fundraiser for the Hernando Historical Museum Association and the North Pinellas County Scout Sertoma Club.”
Jan 23-28, 2019, Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival, Titusville, Florida, www.spacecoastbirdingandwildlifefestival.org/main.php
The Mission of the Brevard Nature Alliance is to build public awareness and appreciation of the value of Brevard County’s natural resources by fostering and promoting ethical nature based ecotourism. As part of our commitment to the community, we host the Annual Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival each January. This festival draws in nature loving tourists from around the world who seek out opportunities to experience migratory populations the Indian River Lagoon and support public awareness of our precious local resources and unique ecotourism opportunities.
January 26, 2019, 18th Annual African American Cultural Celebration, Raleigh, North Carolina, www.ncmuseumofhistory.org/events/festivals
“The North Carolina Museum of History’s annual African American Cultural Celebration (AACC) is the state’s official kick-off event for Black History Month. The festival features fun for the whole family, with engaging activities, performances, and presentations showcase some of the state’s best examples of music, drama, history, literature, film, art, food, education and scholarship, and service. Admission and parking are FREE. The past is interwoven with the present at the start of the festival, a group of Jonkonnu drummers, representing an African American celebration whose roots can be traced back to Jamaica and West Africa, pave the way. They are followed shortly after by a United States Colored Troops reenactment group and color guard, then by the young students of a local drumline. During the day, visitors take advantage of firsthand opportunities to learn about the state’s African American culture, past and present. Excitement builds throughout the day as dancers, singers, storytellers and other presenters fill the museum building and children are busy with hands-on activities. The African American Cultural Celebration is a fascinating and memorable experience for thousands of people each year. We look forward to hosting the Festival this year, as we enter our 18th year of celebration!
January 27, 2019, Lowcountry Oyster Festival, Charleston, South Carolina, www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com/oyster-fest
The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the world’s largest oyster festival and has been named one of the “top 20 events in the southeast” by Southeastern Tourism Society. Highlights include the legendary “Oyster Shucking” and “Oyster Eating” Contests, live music on the main stage, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, a Children’s Area and a “Food Court” showcasing a variety of local favorite restaurants to satisfy everyone’s taste.
January 30 – February 3, 2019, Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo, Lake Charles, Louisiana, www.visitlakecharles.org
Called “The Greatest Show on Dirt,” the Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo returns to the Burton Complex with rodeo performances, livestock shows, a Queen’s Pageant, a stick-horse rodeo, appearances by Miss Rodeo Louisiana and more. The “mane” attraction is the professional rodeo performances that kick into gear each night featuring bucking broncos, thundering hooves and cheering fans. And don’t miss the Western Heritage Days, celebrating cowboys, the great outdoors and all things western. Sure to “draw” a crowd don’t miss the shoot-out, petting zoo and more! For more information, go to www.VisitLakeCharles.org or lakecharlesrodeo.com.
Jan. 31, Feb. 1 & 2, 2019, North Carolina Jazz Festival, Inc., Wilmington, NC, www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com
The North Carolina Jazz Festival is one of the oldest Traditional Jazz Festivals in the country. We will open Thurs. ecening with our special event concert “Styles of Jazz”, when we will feature jazz styles other than Traditional Jazz. Fri. & Sat. evenings 15 All-Star musicians from around the world will present 4 1/2 hours of jazz each night. This event brings attendees to Wilmington from across the U.S. and beyond for a weekend with evenings filled with jazz, but leaving the days free for exploring the local historical sites, art galleries, shops , beaches and golf courses, and dining in our many fine restaurants. Our event is a plus for the local businesses, as well as for all the visiting jazz lovers. For several years we have received grants from the Landfall Foundation and the NC Arts Council’s Grassroots Program to help develop and expand our Jazz Education Program for the youth of our area.
February
February 2, 2019, Double Bridge Run, Pensacola, Florida, www.doublebridgerun.com
A 15K course takes runners over two bridges crossing Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound, from downtown Pensacola to Pensacola Beach. A 5K course welcomes both runners and walkers, and a Kids Fun run wraps up the action along the Gulf of Mexico!
February 2-3, 2019, Southern Invitational Truck and Tractor Pull, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, www.southernmotorsports.net
The Southern Invitational Truck and Tractor Pull has been held for 13 years, exclusively at the TN Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, TN. What grew out of love for pulling has turned into a premier pull that gives national level teams a kick start to their pulling season. The Wamble and Holbrook families have used grassroots marketing to make the event so successful. The championship pulls are held on the Saturday night of the event and it is usually standing room only in the Coliseum that seats 4,600 spectators.
February 9-10, 2019, 32nd Annual ARTSFEST, Stuart, Florida, www.martinarts.org
ArtsFest is an experience and a celebration of the arts. It’s a tribute to the creativity and talent of local residents as well as a Mecca for visiting artists and artisans — a success all the way around. Some of the best artists in the US display their entries at this unique ever-changing festival. Part of the success of this event has to do with making sure arts of all media are represented at this event. It is not just a celebration of visual art but also a celebration of performance, music, literary, culinary, and interactive art. Encouraging the Arts is part of the mission of the Martin County Arts Council. All local high schools are allocated free booth space where visitors are wowed with the talent that has been supported, nurtured and created in the students. The Main Stage offers music, dance and drama in many different genres and a Literary Village featuring readings from local authors who have written short essays and poems in the prior year. The culinary competition CHOPPED! is always a crowd favorite. It features local chefs in a completion that throws unique locally sourced produce into the mix and challenges chefs to create innovate masterpieces in a limited time.
February 9, 2019, Covington Chocolate Tour 2019, Covington, Tennessee, www.tnvacation.com/events/covington-chocolate-tour-2018
Gather your shopping pals and prepare your sweet tooth for the perfect Day Trip before Valentine’s Day! The 7th Annual Chocolate Tour in the Historic Downtown Covington Court Square is scheduled for Saturday, February 9th from 10am – 4pm. Purchase a ticket before or at the event and find a decadent chocolate treat at over 20 businesses in downtown Covington. While in town, stay a while and shop from a number of wonderful merchants and enjoy dinner at any of our tasteful local restaurants. Tickets go on sale Monday, January 21st for $8, then will be sold for $10 the day of the event. You can purchase tickets at the Covington – Tipton County Chamber of Commerce located at 106 West Liberty Avenue, in addition to participating merchants around the Court Square and throughout Tipton County. On Saturday, February 9th, ticket booths will be set up at Patriot Bank, the Ruffin Theater and the Chamber of Commerce office from 9am – 4pm.
Febuary 11, 2018, Krewe of Highland XXIII, Shreveport, Louisiana, www.thekreweofhighland.org
For more than 20 years, the mission of the Krewe continues to bring people from all over the community – residents and visitors – into Highland on a fun-filled day, and to bring neighbors out to meet each other. The parade rolls through Shreveport’s historic Highland neighborhood and begins at the corner of Gilbert Drive and Gregg Avenue. Shreveport’s most eccentric krewe is famous for throwing hotdogs, packs of ramen noodles and moon pies.
February 17, 2019, Sapphire Valley Great Outhouse Races, Sapphire, North Carolina, www.skisapphirevalley.com/great-outhouse-races.html
Every year toward the end of the ski season, Sapphire Valley Resort hosts the Great Outhouse Races, a wacky winter event where outhouses on skis are raced down the ski slopes. Participants dress in crazy outfits and climb into decorated outhouses built on skis, sit on toilet seats and fly down the slopes, all while attempting to stay upright without crashing into the banks. Outhouses are encouraged to be creatively decorated, and the more outlandish the participant’s costume, the better. Past participants included themes like “Who Cut the Cheese,” “Redneck Wishing Well,” and a clown dressed up in an outhouse named “Party Poopers.” The afternoon starts out with a parade to view all the outhouses and is followed by the races at 3 p.m. All proceeds of the event benefit local charities.
February 18-24, 2019, The Florida Bluegrass Classic, Brooksville, Florida, www.evansmediasource.com
Enjoy five days of live Bluegrass and Classic Country performers, including TG Sheppard, Penny Creek, Big Cypress and more! Along with the musical arts, the event features a classic car show, a military tribute, food and craft vendors. The event takes place at Florida Classic Park and offers primitive and electric campsites.
Feb 22, 23, 24 & March 1-5, Bayou Country Mardi Gras, Houma, Louisiana, www.houmatravel.com/do/mardi-gras
Mardi Gras in Houma, Louisiana is a true Cajun celebration. With over a dozen parades full of colorfully themed floats, scores of marching bands and tons of great throws, Houma has one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in Louisiana. You’ll find that a Houma Mardi Gras is full of Cajun hospitality along with safe, economical, family-friendly events. So, plan to catch some throws, stuff yourself full of King Cake, and above all else, let the good times roll.
February 23, 2019, Krewe Of Centaur Parade XXVII, Shreveport, Louisiana, www.kreweofcentaur.org
The Krewe of Centaur was organized in 1991. The Krewe is bound together by the common goals of building a better community and the pursuit of good family fun. The Krewe of Centaur Mardi Gras Parade has grown over the years to become the largest parade in the Ark-La-Tex. We are the largest krewe in north Louisiana, and rival most those in New Orleans. We have gotten bigger and better with every year. Our parade is two Saturdays (that is 10 days) before Fat Tuesday. The Krewe of Centaur was named after the mythological half-man half-horse in recognition of the horse racing and gaming industry in Northwest Louisiana. We like our nick name the “Fun Krewe” because we love to have fun!
Feb. 23rd-24th, The Anniversary of The Battle of Moores Creek Bridge, Currie, North Carolina, www.nps.gov/mocr/index.htm
The Annual Anniversary of the Battle of the Moores Creek Bridge is when history comes alive. The Battle of Moores Creek was the first significant victory for the Patriots in the Revolutionary War, a victory that delayed a full scale invasion of the South by the British for nearly 4 years and resulted in NC being the first colony to formally pursue Independence. Each year over 150 reenactors come to Moores Creek National Battlefield Park to educate thousands of visitors on military and civilian life in the 18th Century. Patriot and Loyalist soldiers are encamped in the battlefield as well as the opposite side of Moores Creek, giving a glimpse into what life was like for soldiers who fought during this pivotal time in our history. Reenactors perform an interpretive demonstration of the battle complete with cannon and musket fire. Throughout the weekend musket and sword programs are given for visitors to experience firsthand as well as artisan demonstrations that include blacksmithing, woodworking, candle making, glass making, toy creation and live music from revolutionary musicians. Educational programs are also presented and includes 18th Century astronomy, surveying, militia drills, musket cartridge making, colonial medicine, and cooking. The demonstrations and events listed are just the tip of the sword. Much more is offered over the course of two days and visitors leave feeling like they were a part of this historical marker in American History.
March
March 1-31, 2019, Azalea Bloom Out at Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Theodore, Alabama, www.bellingrath.org
Visitors stroll among the blooms of 250,000 azaleas in an explosion of color throughout Bellingrath Gardens during our annual Azalea Bloom Out.
March 1-3, 2019, Celtic Calling, Charleston, West Virginia, www.celticcalling.org
Charleston’s Celtic Calling is a celebration of Irish, Scottish, and Welsh music, art, food, and recreation. You don’t have to have Celtic roots to enjoy this festival, though. The jam-packed weekend schedule features a wide variety of events, including music, singing, and dance performances; 5-K Kilt Run/Walk; Blackface Sheep Petting Zoo; fire and dance artists; cooking class and competition; storytelling and limerick writing; boutique walk; and Kirken of the Tartans Church Service. Events are free or low cost and almost all are family-friendly. The 4th annual Celtic Calling kicks off March 1, 2019, and continues through March 3.
March 1, 2 & 3, 2019, Craftsmen’s Spring Classic Art & Craft Festival, Columbia, South Carolina, www.CraftShow.com
Hundreds of the nation’s finest artists and craftsmen gather at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds to present thousands of their original works in pottery, fine art, jewelry, glass, furniture, clothing, photography, baskets, sculpture, wood, musical instruments, and many more. There are even specialty foods- and sampling is encouraged! With one-of-a-kind specialties ranging from contemporary to traditional, functional to whimsical, decorative to funky, there is something special for everyone, and something for every style, taste, and budget. The browsing and buying experience is enhanced by the unique opportunity for the public to interact with the artisans, ask questions, see demonstrations, and learn more about the inspirations and techniques behind the various creative processes. This Spring Classic is one of 7 Craftsmen’s Classics presented annually throughout the Southeast, and consistently named to the “100 Best” list by the prestigious Sunshine Artist Magazine. It is in the Top 100 in the nation and has been voted in the Top 5 of its kind in South Carolina!
March 8, 9 & 10, 2019, Craftsmen’s Spring Classic Art & Craft Festival, Richmond, Virginia, www.CraftShow.com
Hundreds of the nation’s finest artists and craftsmen gather at the Richmond Raceway Complex to present thousands of their original works in pottery, fine art, jewelry, glass, furniture, clothing, photography, baskets, sculpture, wood, musical instruments, and many more. There are even specialty foods- and sampling is encouraged! With one-of-a-kind specialties ranging from contemporary to traditional, functional to whimsical, decorative to funky, there is something special for everyone, and something for every style, taste, and budget. The browsing and buying experience is enhanced by the unique opportunity for the public to interact with the artisans, ask questions, see demonstrations, and learn more about the inspirations and techniques behind the various creative processes. This Spring Classic is one of 9 Craftsmen’s Classics presented annually throughout the Southeast, and consistently named to the “100 Best” list by the prestigious Sunshine Artist Magazine. It is in the Top 25 in the nation and has been voted in the Top 10 of its kind in Virginia!
March 8th & 9th, 2019, NHRMC Wrightsville Beach Marathon, Wilmington, North Carolina, www.wrightsvillebeachmarathon.com
On March 8th and 9th the NHRMC Wrightsville Beach Marathon returns for it’s 10th year to Eastern New Hanover County and the UNCW campus for a weekend full of events, including the pre-race expo, half and full marathons, marathon relay, 5K Health Possible, Inc. (510-c-3), Eli’s 1-Mile Fun Run, and finish line celebration. The full marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier and USATF sanctioned running race. The Marathon is the perfect Boston Marathon qualifying event because it’s fast, flat, and notorious for being the backdrop for setting personal bests. The course runs through Wrightsville Beach, Landfall, and winds up at UNCW’s campus. The Intracoastal Waterway is the guide as the participants take on this scenic path for runners of all skill levels. The Marathon Madness Weekend brings thousands of competitors along with their family and friends to the Cape Fear Region from across the state and around the country. Runners come from 37 states with 80% from North Carolina-33% live in Wilmington 15% live in the Triangle. In addition to generating millions of dollars in economic impact, the 2017 Marathon Madness Weekend donated over $40,000 to the Landfall Foundation, UNCW Scholarships and many other local charities and volunteer groups. The WB Marathon received the top 20 Marathon’s in the country by BIBRAVE.COM in 2017. This event was created by runners and focuses on giving the participants the best experience possible.
March 9 & 10, 2019, 35th Annual Art in the Park, Brooksville, Florida, www.hernandoarts.org/art-in-the-park.html
The Gulf Coast’s largest art festival with over 100 artists from many states, the annual Art in the Park features a juried show with cash prizes for fine artists, exhibitors and student artists live entertainment. Stroll Tom Varn Park’s tree-lined path while enjoying more than 20 stunning arts and crafts exhibits.
March 9-10; 16-17 2019, Shamrock City, Lookout Mountain, Georgia, www.seerockcity.com/shamrockcity
Get your green on for Rock City’s 12th Irish celebration and festival featuring music, food and other fun entertainment! See our waterfall turned green! Enjoy listening to several bands scheduled to perform in the Pot of Gold Pavilion. Taste some Irish food, specialty beer and Rock City’s famous fudge with a “green” twist. And join us for many more fun activities! www.seerockcity.com/shamrockcity
March 10, 2019, Black Heritage Festival, Lake Charles, Louisiana, www.visitlakecharles.org
The annual Black Heritage Festival will be held March 10 and features live entertainment, mouthwatering food, and great family fun. The festival brings together the cultures of Africa and Southwest Louisiana and highlights the best in the community. Celebrating diversity, culture and education, the festival is filled with legendary Zydeco, Jazz, R&B and Gospel performers. Saturday’s events will take place at the Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Drive, and will include a Baby Expo/ Healthy Baby Contest, Vendor’s Expo, Africana Culture Performances Extravaganza, Zydeco Aerobics, a Hall of Fame Ceremony, educational workshops, magic shows and much more. Food booths in the Interactive Experience will serve plenty of tasty Louisiana Creole and traditional African-American foods, including gumbo, jambalaya and barbecue. For more information, visit www.bhflc.org.
March 11 – 18, 2019, Hilton Head International Piano Competition, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, www.hhipc.org
The Hilton Head International Piano Competition is one of the top 5 international piano competitions held in the United States. Pianists from all over the world compete in four rounds of performance in front of an international jury from the top conservatories and audience. Prizes include cash totaling $34,000, a concert at Carnegie Hall, a CD recorded on the Steinway & Sons label, a return engagement with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra as well as other performance opportunities. Audience members return to Hilton Head from around the United States and the world each year to watch the competition. The Hilton Head and Bluffton communities support this event in many ways. Over 150 volunteers usher, host competitors during the competition. Many of our audience help by funding prizes, as well as other aspects of the competition.
March 14, 2019, 11th Annual Stuart Single Fin Showdown Surf Festival, Stuart, Florida, www.ohanasurfshop.com
The Stuart Single Fin Showdown revolves around surfing, but it’s really about charity and giving back to the community. What started in 2009 with a small group of surfers riding vintage single fin surfboards for bragging rights has now evolved into one of the largest one-day amateur surf and skim festivals in Florida, annually attracting more than 150 competitors and 1500 festival spectators.
March 14-16, 2019, Iowa Rabbit Festival, Lake Charles, Louisiana, www.visitlakecharles.org
Celebrating the economic and culinary impact rabbits have in Southwest Louisiana, the 33rd annual Iowa Rabbit Festival is an one-of-a-kind event. The festival features a rabbit show, a rabbit cook-off (an assortment of dishes with a minimum inclusion of 50% rabbit), carnival rides and the “”Miss Bunny”” beauty pageant. The family-friendly event has some of the best music in the area from local Cajun & Zydeco favorites to regional headliners. The whole family can enjoy any and every aspect that this festival has to offer. All proceeds from the festival go to support the community of Iowa and various other youth organizations, schools and not for profit groups. So, whether you’re looking to be crowned the new Miss Bunny or the Rabbit Festival Cook-off champion, don’t miss this hare-raising good time! For more information, visit www.iowarabbitfestival.org.
March 16, 2019, St. Paddy’s on Perry, Lawrenceville, Georgia, www.lawrencevillega.org
Fiálte (welcome) to St. Paddy’s Day on Perry Street, with shamrocks and other shenanigans creating our own wee Celtic isle right in Historic Downtown Lawrenceville!! No need to be green with envy while the leprechauns have all the fun; everyone’s Irish at Paddy’s on Perry—so long as you remember it’s “Paddy’s” and not “Patty’s”! Hear the call of the heartland with live music and traditional bagpipers all day long, and taste the comforts of traditional Irish fare served up for the occasion by our local restaurants. Harness that fighting Irish spirit for the eating contest and beer relay, and if you forget your green don’t worry—there will be plenty of it at this annual free block party. St. Paddy’s on Perry is a City of Lawrenceville official event in partnership with local businesses and Kick’s 101.5, “Atlanta’s #1 Station for Country Hits”.
March 19-23, 2019, A Mountain Quiltfest, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, www.MountainQuiltfest.com
Repurposing might be a relatively new term for some, but history tells us that quilters from Colonial times may have been the first to reuse what they already had to create something new. While their piecework quilts were necessary for warmth and protection, today’s quilts have evolved into works of art, which can be viewed at A Mountain Quiltfest in Pigeon Forge. In addition to a quilt show and vendor mall, five days of classes are offered for all skill levels. Instructors guide attendees through basic hand stitching as well as the most innovative machine-stitched techniques. Admission to the quilt show and vendor mall is free. Fees are charged for each class and lecture.
March 21 – 24, 2019, Festival of Flowers, Mobile, Alabama, www.festivalofflowers.com
The annual Festival of Flowers will celebrate its 26th year on March 21 – 24, 2019, with spectacular displays under tent and sky on the campus of Providence Hospital. Mobile’s signature herald of spring is one of the area’s most eagerly anticipated events, drawing over 15,000 visitors annually from throughout the region and across the country. The Festival experience educates, inspires, and enchants visitors of all ages and promotes an interest in gardening and beautification for the preservation of the natural beauty that is so much a part of Mobile’s rich heritage. The Festival has been selected by Southeast Tourism Society (STS) annually for more than fifteen years as one of the Top 20 Events for March. Additional recognition for the Festival has come from community and industry leaders, tourism officials and regional and national publications such as Southern Living, Group Tour Magazine, Splash, Signature, Alabama Magazine and Better Homes and Gardens. The Festival was established as a fundraiser by the Providence Foundation to assist Providence Hospital in its health care mission and also as an event to benefit the entire community.
March 23, 2019, ShamRockin’ for a Cure, Alpharetta, GA, www.shamrockinforacure.com
ShamRockin’ for a Cure returns to Alpharetta to rock your night with great food, amazing bands, and of course dancing. Come eat, drink and help cure Cystic Fibrosis with a night filled with music that will rock the Verizon stage while attendees dance the night away. Regular tickets include food, beer, wine, cocktails and giveaways. The exciting live and silent auctions will be packed with something for everyone-trips, dining, adventure, jewelry, gift certificates and a raffle.
March 23-24, 2019, Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival, Conyers, Georgia, www.conyerscherryblossomfest.com
In 1982, Maxell (a previous local Japanese manufacturing company) along with the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce, held the first Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival to further nurture the friendship and exchange of Japanese Culture. In 1997, the festival moved to the Georgia International Horse Park in order to accommodate the growth in size and attendance. From that simple beginning, the two-day contemporary art festival has grown to include hundreds of artist and crafter booths, a variety of food booths and entertainment from diverse cultures generally attracting an estimated 30,000-40,000 guests over the weekend. The event organizers could not make this annual event possible without the support and participation of the community at large. From community groups who participate during the event as exhibitors, to school/student volunteers working throughout the event, to maintain and upkeep all areas, to local sponsors. High Priority Plumbing as the new presenting sponsor, is intrical in promoting and supporting the festival.
March 23-24, 2019, Lake Charles Civic Ballet’s Assemblé 2019, Lake Charles, Louisiana, www.visitlakecharles.org
Celebrating 50 years, Lake Charles Civic Ballet (LCCB) and the Southwest Louisiana arts community will present Assemblé 2019 – A Dance Down Memory Lane, March 23-24, 2019 at the Lake Charles Civic Center! Excerpts of select pieces that were originally created and performed in Southwest Louisiana over the past 50 years will be performed, including an excerpt from Peter Pan (Assemblé 2018), Hungarian Dances (choreographed by LCCB founding member Libby Lovejoy), and the all-time favorite, Louisiana Saturday Night, accompanied on-stage by local Cajun band Chris Miller & Bayou Roots. This year’s program will cover all of the 50 years of creativity and a variety of dance forms, as well as whimsical costumes, transformative sets and vibrant lighting – all of which will be a collaboration of numerous community members, helping to encompass a variety of dance, theatre and music styles including a classical, jazz, contemporary and more. The name Assemblé [a-sahn-BLAY] is French for ‘to come together’ and a ballet term that denotes a particular jump ending with both the legs and feet coming together. The name was carefully chosen as it aptly describes the spirit and goal of LCCB’s collaboration with the Southwest Louisiana arts community to create a show that will fuse ballet, music and original choreography into a memorable experience for all audiences. For more information, go to www.LakeCharlesCivicBallet.com or www.VisitLakeCharles.org.
March 28-April 6, 2019, Columbus, Mississippi Spring Pilgrimage, Columbus, Mississippi, www.visitcolumbusms.org
Entering its 79th year, the award-winning Columbus, Mississippi, Spring Pilgrimage showcases exceptional historic homes and gardens with one of a kind events for all guests. Explore the history of Columbus in an authentic carriage ride or from the top deck of the double decker bus. Spring Pilgrimage begins with a community wide Kick Off Party featuring live music while serving boiled crawfish and shrimp on the lawn of the Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center. The first Saturday’s events include the Sixth Annual Half Marathon and 5K Run. This event takes you along the banks of the Tombigbee River, through one of the South’s most beautiful, historic neighborhoods ending on the restored Pedestrian Bridge. “Catfish in the Alley”® features the best food in Mississippi and the most talented Blues musicians from across the South entertaining. Artisans Alley will delight guests with handcrafted items. The ever popular one-day tour offers a glimpse into antebellum homes normally not on tour. Combining history and drama, Tales from the Crypt promises to be a unique experience held in historic Friendship Cemetery. The Buttahatchee Barn Quilt Trail located in Columbus and Lowndes County highlights folk artistry steeped in Americana. Visitors can enjoy an afternoon in the country along the trail with homemade teacakes and Southern minted tea. A timeless Garden Party complete with cheese straws and mint juleps concludes the 10-day event. Columbus Spring Pilgrimage draws guests from around the world to experience cultural activities celebrating the best Columbus has to offer. Events would not be possible without the generous support of homeowners and local residents as well as Columbus Air Force Base spouses serving as volunteer hostesses. The city of Columbus and Lowndes County realize the tremendous economic impact from Pilgrimage which reached $2 million in 2018. Expectations for 2019 are estimated to be even greater. For anyone who appreciates warm hospitality, classic Southern architecture, beautiful surroundings, good food, and a friendly atmosphere, Columbus, Mississippi Spring Pilgrimage has it all!
March 29-30, 2019, Pigeon Forge Chuck Wagon Cookoff, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, www.MyPigeonForge.com/events/Cookoff
To understand what chuck wagons are and what they do, just think of them as the very first food trucks. Rolling on the prairies in the 1800s. Operated by cowboys. Fast forward to 2019 where authentic chuck wagons and cook teams prepare mouthwatering meals that are judged for cash and prizes and then served to cookoff visitors. The food is cooked over an open fire, in cast iron, only using spices that were available to the original cooks out on the trail. It’s a challenge everyone meets with amazing and tasty success. The Pigeon Forge Chuck Wagon Cookoff is a western-themed day of food and fun for the entire family. More than 20 wagons gather from across the country to tout their low-tech cooking skills. Lunch is served at high noon, but the cookies are on hand beginning at sunrise through mid-afternoon to share stories and answer questions.
March 29-30, 2019, Springtime Tallahassee Festival, Tallahassee, Florida, www.springtimetallahassee.com
Please join us March 29-30, 2019 to experience true Southern hospitality with one of the largest and most celebrated festivals in the southeast. The two day event kicks off with a Music Festival on Kleman Plaza featuring national entertainment acts on Friday night. Saturday begins with our Grand Parade featuring over 100 entries followed by the famous Jubilee in the Park featuring hand crafted items, Children’s Park, and local entertainment stages in Downtown Tallahassee. It’s no wonder our little event has grown to attract over 150,000 attendees.