April
April 5-14, 2018, 78th Annual Columbus Spring Pilgrimage, Columbus, MS, www.VisitColumbusMS.org
Long recognized among the best and most authentic home tours in the South, Columbus Spring Pilgrimage consistently offers diverse cultural activities celebrating the best of Columbus from its beautiful people and places to its outstanding music, food and more. In its 78th year, Pilgrimage showcases resplendent mansions, inviting gardens and magnificent churches while providing a continual feast for the senses. Don’t miss the pilgrimage Kickoff Party, complete with live music and crawfish and shrimp boil. End the 10-day celebration with a timeless garden party and stroll through the Colonnade Garden with mint juleps and cheese straws in hand. Compete in a 5K run, engage in the entertainment of Tales From the Crypts in historic Friendship Cemetery and get a heaping helping of Catfish in the Alley—a 2014 Garden and Gun Magazine Editor’s Choice Event featuring soulful blues, scrumptious food and artisan’s handcrafted items. This year, enjoy a new antique show!
April 5-7, 2018, Florida State Bluegrass Festival, Perry, FL, www.FloridaStateBluegrass.com
The Florida State Bluegrass Festival is one of the largest bluegrass events in the Southeast. Top-notch entertainment from nationally known bluegrass artists, a sanctioned chili cook-off and Moon Pie Princess Pageant make this event a triple threat. The chili cook-off really adds some spice to the weekend as over 40 teams compete for thousands in cash prizes and festivalgoers sample all the entries. Music workshops and educational classes are offered for children and adults throughout the weekend on guitar, mandolin, banjo and fiddle. All workshops are free! Don’t forget to savor festival delicacies like deep fried Moon Pies while listening to some of the best music in the South!
April 6-7, 2018, Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee, FL, www.SpringtimeTallahassee.com
Usher in spring at Springtime Tallahassee. The festival includes a lot of fun for families and friends, such as: Springtime Tallahassee Music Festival on Kleman Plaza featuring national acts, the Grand Parade featuring over 100 colorful entries, Jubilee in the Park, Children’s Park, and the entertainment stages throughout the Jubilee. Be sure to check out the fantastic selection of arts, crafts and food vendors.
April 7-8, 2018, Kite Fest Louisiane’, Port Allen, Louisiana, www.WestBatonRouge.net
Named “Festival of the Year” by the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association, Kite Fest Louisiane’ brings professional kite fliers and hobbyists alike to Port Allen in West Baton Rouge Parish. Kites of all shapes, sizes and colors fill the gorgeous skies as fun is being had on the ground below. Kids will love the inflatables, face painting and kite making classes. Enjoy a day of kite flying while vendors serve up delicious food throughout the event.
April 7-8, 2018, Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival 2018, Ridgeland, MS, www.RidgelandArtsfest.com
The Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival showcases some of America’s best artists and gives patrons direct access to the creators about their influences, media and methods. While the art may be the main event, it pairs nicely with the Sante South Wine Festival on Saturday. This tasty festival has grown into Mississippi’s top luxury wine and food experience featuring more than 120 exceptional wines and fine food samplings from more than 20 of the state’s best restaurants. And don’t forget Ridgeland’s OBO (One Behind the Other) Tandem Cycling Rally during the weekend as well. This event attracts cyclists from around the country to enjoy the area’s nationally recognized bike paths. Celebrate spring with art, wine and wheels at the Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival.
April 11-15, 2018, North Carolina Azalea Festival, Wilmington, NC, NCAzaleaFestival.org
For more than 60 years, the people of Wilmington, North Carolina have been throwing the best party in the South. The North Carolina Azalea Festival is Wilmington’s annual community celebration and the largest event of its kind in the state. Founded in 1948, the Azalea Festival has emerged as the area’s premier event. Each year the festivities begin when Queen Azalea arrives to open the five-day extravaganza. The festival’s concerts, fairs and special events attract 300,000 people each year. There are over 50 events to enjoy—including concerts, art shows, a street fair with interactive displays, home and garden tours, a parade and special exhibits. Whether enjoying live music, a gala or partaking in the delicious food and beverages this event offers, the blooming azaleas set the backdrop, offering a colorful testimony to the rich heritage of coastal Carolina.
April 12-21, 2018, Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill, SC, www.ComeSeeMe.org
For more than 50 years, the Come-See-Me Festival has served as Rock Hill’s annual salute to spring. With nearly 80 events and activities, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy 10 days of live music, sports, garden parties and more. Signature events like Beach Bash, Moonlight Jazz & Blues and Gourmet Gardens really set this even apart. Come-See-Me also hosts a tailgate Party and Fireworks Extravaganza to a crowd of more than 20,000. Kids take part in the Mayor’s Frog Jump, Teddy Bear Tea Party, Chalk on Main, Musical Mania, Sundaes with Glen, Healthy Kids Zone and Everything Trucks. Competitions include a 5k, 20k, 1-mile fun run, Cornhole Throwdown and Barbeque Cook-Off.
April 14-June 3, 2018, Georgia Renaissance Festival, Fairburn, GA, www.GaRenFest.com
The Georgia Renaissance Festival is offered for eight glorious weekends April 14 through June 3. Step back in time for 16th century fun in an authentic recreation of a period English village, located just south of Atlanta. Visitors will find hundreds of costumed characters scurrying about in their lanes and continuous shows including jousting knights, jugglers, circus style shows, musicians, comedy and more. Kids of all ages will enjoy human-powered rides and challenging games of skill. A main attraction is the food fit for Kings. Giant roasted turkey legges, steak-on-a-stake and a variety of tasty entrees and desserts await thee along with frothy ales, wine and soft drinks to quench thy thirst. The Artisan Marketplace is filled with over 160 master artisans, many of who demonstrate their time-honored art throughout the day for your enjoyment.
April 14- May 4, 2018, Kentucky Derby Festival, Louisville, KY, www.KDF.com
The Kentucky Derby Festival stretches a famous “two minutes” into a month long party. The festival is one of the premier events of its kind in the world and a proud winner of the International Festival & Events Association Award for Best Overall Festival eight times. The festival blasts off on April 21st with the opening ceremonies—Thunder Over Louisville, one of the nation’s largest annual fireworks extravaganza! The ensuing weeks of excitement and entertainment promise something for everyone. For sports fans, there is basketball, volleyball and golf. For music lovers, the concerts are almost nonstop. With two-thirds of the Festival events free, families can enjoy numerous just-for-the-kids activities without stretching their pocketbook. Other highlights include a half and full marathon, cycling event, hot air balloon festival and live bed racing. The event that started it all, the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade, marches down Broadway on May 3rd. This festival also includes several formal affairs, as well as casual foot stomping good times. More than just being entertaining, the Derby Festival generates in excess of $127 million annually for the local economy.
April 18-22, 2018, The West Marine Carolina Cup Paddle Board Races, Wrightsville Beach, NC, WrightsvilleBeachPaddleClub.com/carolina-cup
The West Marine Carolina Cup Paddle Board Race attracted most of the top professional paddlers in the world in 2017, as well as amateur and elite racers from practically every state in the nation. The Carolina Cup itinerary incorporates the renowned Graveyard Race, a demanding 12.2 mile ocean flatwater race; the Money Island 6.5-mile Open Race, a 3.5 mile race and a very popular Kids Race. An expo on site features all of the latest boards, gear and even free demos. Watch the races from many areas of the beach, stand shoulder to shoulder with top paddlers in the world and get a front row seat wherever you are. 20 countries will be represented in the 2018 races.
April 20-21, 2018, Gardendale Magnolia Festival, Glendale, AL, www.MagnoliaFestival.org
The Gardendale Magnolia Festival is the total family experience; while mom and grandma are shopping over 150 vendor booths, dad and grandpa can enjoy the classic car show. The teenagers will enjoy the midway carnival while the younger kids can ride ponies and feed the animals in the petting zoo, visit the free Kid Zone, have their picture made in the Princess and Super Hero photo studio and take advantage of free art classes. The whole family will enjoy three stages of live entertainment, including free magic shows, 5K race and fun run. You won’t leave hungry! Vendors serve up cheesecake funnel cakes, brisket nachos, shrimp po’boys and Cajun pistollettes, as well as classic favorites like BBQ ribs, smoked wings, hand-tossed brick oven pizza, gelato and hand-squeezed lemonade. For your canine member of the family, enter them in the Pooch Parade! Make sure to stop by on Friday night for the fireworks.
April 20-22, 2018, The Sacred Heart Garden Festival, Augusta, GA, www.SacredHeartGardenFestival.com
The Sacred Heart Garden Festival comes into full bloom for its 27th year on April 20th. This iconic fundraiser centers on classic gardening and fuses Southern hospitality with a labyrinth of ornamental flowers and sculpted greenery for an unforgettable three-day experience. This popular event features a Southern High Tea in a private garden, a Festival Preview Party, Floral & Landscape Exhibits, numerous speakers, private Garden Tours and a Garden Vendor Market. The Market offers unique plants, home accessories and garden accents. Features in 2018 include extended hours, Friday Night in the Garden and more!
April 21, 2018, Lantern Parade, Sandy Springs, GA, www.VisitSandySprings.org/lanternparade
Mark your calendars for the 3rd annual Sandy Springs Lantern Parade. The parade starts at Steel Canyon Golf Club and ends at Morgan Falls Overlook Park. Chantelle Rytter, the creator of the very successful Beltline, Grant Park, and Decatur Lantern Parades, produces the unique “Take It to the River” Lantern Parade. This year, Chantelle will introduce new dragonfly and great blue heron “puppet” lanterns to interact with the audience. The new additions will join last year’s swans, Lilly and Billy, Alice the 25-foot albino alligator, Big Mama Sandy the turtle, and Jeremiah the bullfrog, accompanied by his lilies. Once the parade reaches the river, paddlers from High Country Outfitters will escort select lanterns to the river for a floating parade. Don’t miss this riveting river light display!
April 25-29, 2018, Beaufort Wine and Food Weekend, Beaufort, NC, www.BeaufortWineandFood.com
Beaufort Wine and Food Weekend is a five day festival which hosts a multitude of events from intimate wine dinners, to the crowd-favorite Vin De Mer where guests are immersed in a culinary tour de force offering 300 wine labels and dozens of cuisines from regional restaurants pairing delicious bites and sips in perfect harmony. The long weekend is where culinary talent and prized grapes come together in this idyllic seaside town all in the name of charity.
April 26-28, 2018, 97th Annual Rose Show and Festival, Thomasville, GA, Thomasville.org
The 97th Annual Rose Show and Festival will be held Thursday-Saturday, April 26th-28th in beautiful Thomasville, Georgia. Held annually during the month of April, the Rose Show and Festival is a celebration of Thomasville’s rosy history and heritage. The festival itself has grown to include two parades, a car and truck show, Art in the Park, fireworks, a street dance, and several flower shows. The Rose Show officially opens on Friday, April 27th at 1:00 p.m. in downtown Thomasville. Come see some of the South’s most impressive and prolific blooms on display. At 2:00 p.m., head to the Thomasville Garden Center for the grand opening of the Standard Flower Show. This show is filled to the brim with flowers of all shapes and sizes.
April 27-29, 2018, NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, Concord, NC, www.CharlotteMotorSpeedway.com/tickets/nhra-four-wide-nationals
NHRA drag racing returns to zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Be sure to join the fastest accelerating machines on the planet as they tackle the Bellagio of dragstrips during the ninth annual NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals. Every ticket is a pit pass, so come early to see your favorite drivers and their cars up-close before a quartet of 10,000-horsepower, nitro-burning machines power down the dragstrip simultaneously in one of the greatest spectacles in all of racing.
April 28, 2018, Georgia Strawberry Festival, Reynolds, GA, www.Ga-Strawberry.org
Every 4th weekend in April, the Georgia Strawberry Festival brings a great group of people together celebrating all things strawberries in Reynolds, Georgia. This small town is home of Taylor Orchards, the Official State Culinary Guide just named the orchard as one of the top 100 Plates Locals Love for their delicious strawberry Ice cream. Enjoy a 5k Run for Literacy, the Children’s Teddy Bear Parade, The Grand Parade, Berry Blast Ball Tournament, a fire truck pull, weenie dog race, lawn mower race, arts and crafts, old book sale, photography show and contest, vintage tractor show, live music on the main stage and plenty of delicious food vendors.
April 28, 2018, North Carolina Pickle Festival, Mount Olive, NC, www.NCPickleFest.org
This family-friendly event celebrates the importance of agriculture in the community, namely cucumbers (pickles). Enjoy all things pickle-themed, from Tour de Pickle Bike Ride, 5k Cuke Patch, Pickle Packing Production Challenge, Pickle Eating Contest, Pickle Derby, Pickle Train Rides and more. Try pickle everything, from ice cream, peanuts, chips, snow cones and popcorn. Also enjoy live entertainment, a car show and truck show.
April 28, 2018, 14th Annual Spring Chicken Festival, Gainesville, GA, www.Gainesville.org/fm/events/detail/id/2123
The annual Spring Chicken Festival features Georgia’s one and ONLY Official Chicken Cook-Off!! In addition to the sampling of some of the best chicken around (with the purchase of a CLUCK Card for $5), you can also stroll through the Re-Hatched Art Market (all things repurposed) and enjoy live music! The cook off consists of two divisions: Professional and Backyard Bar-B-Q. Prizes will be awarded in both categories.
April 29, 2018, Mt. Pleasant Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival, Mt. Pleasant, SC, ExperienceMountPleasant.com/events/blessing-of-the-fleet
The 31st Annual Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival presented by East Cooper Medical Center and Harris Teeter is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. The festival pays tribute to Mount Pleasant’s local shrimping and fishing industry; offering a boat parade, live music, craft show and lots of free fun with the picturesque Ravenel Bridge and Charleston Harbor as a backdrop. Get down with the Shag contest, eat your weight in local delicacies from some of the area’s finest restaurants and watch the blessing of the fleet.
May
May 2-6, 2018, North Charleston Arts Festival, North Charleston, SC, www.NorthCharlestonArtsFest.com
The North Charleston Arts Festival is an annual multi-day celebration of arts and culture highlighting national, regional, and local artists and performers in the areas of Dance, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, Media Arts, and Literature. For 35 years, the festival has made quality arts programming affordable and accessible to the widest spectrum of the public, attracting more than 30,000 guests to experience an array of free and modestly priced performances, workshops, exhibitions, and activities. The festival is held in a variety of venues, including libraries, community centers, schools, businesses, and parks. The event has matured into one of the most comprehensive arts festivals in the state of South Carolina with a schedule that offers something for everyone, including concerts, theatre presentations, children’s programs, film screenings, workshops and demonstrations, exhibitions, public art installations, and much more.
May 3, 2018, Taste of Alpharetta, Alpharetta, GA, www.AwesomeAlpharetta.com/what-to-do/taste-of-alpharetta/
As Alpharetta’s largest event, Taste of Alpharetta has become an annual tradition for festivalgoers, families and food connoisseurs. Mark your calendars to dine in Downtown Alpharetta and sample favorite dishes and offerings from 60+ restaurants in one fun night. Savor delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts from the top chefs in town. Enjoy culinary demonstrations, activities for all ages and entertainment to please every palate. The music stage will have harmonic rock/folk/R&B bands.
May 3-13, 2018, Louisiana Pirate Days, Lake Charles, LA, www.LouisianaPirateFestival.com
On the shores of historic Lake Charles, discover family-friendly fun at Louisiana Pirate Days. This unique pirate and seafaring festival with events on both land and sea, includes watercraft exhibitions and a fireworks display over the lake. Entertainment includes talented musicians, performers and artists. Watch cannon demonstrations, costume contests, local arts and crafts, a boat parade, a Little Matey Children’s Area, barbeque cook-off and more. Also this year, get decked out at the inaugural Louisiana Pirate Festival Costume Ball and the first-ever Louisiana Pirate Festival Parade Extravaganza!
May 4-5, 2018, JazzFest, Murfreesboro, TN, www.MainStreetJazzFest.net
Main Street JazzFest is a free, family-friendly, two-day music festival held in May. The celebration of jazz music is presented to the audience free of charge. The main stage performances on Saturday range from local jazz talent to well-known regional artists and exceptional national headliners. On Friday, JazzFest showcases all nine high school jazz bands in Rutherford County. On Saturday, enjoy jazz workshops, featuring several professional jazz artists. There is also a Kids Alley with fun activities for young children. You won’t leave hungry, as there are several delicious food trucks on site.
May 4-5, 2018, Jiggy with the Piggy, Kannapolis, NC, www.JiggyWithThePiggy.com
BBQ lovers will rejoice at Jiggy with the Piggy! This festival dedicated to the pig includes a Kansas City Barbeque Society Competition, carnival ides, 5k Walk/Run, Arts & Craft Vendors, concerts, Friday night outdoor movie, an All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast, and People’s Choice BBQ and Wings Tasting.
May 4-5, 2018, Market Street Festival, Columbus, MS, www.MarketStreetFestival.com
The Market Street Festival offers over 225 arts and crafts vendors, 30 food vendors and special events and activities for the entire family. While you peruse treasures to take home, 20 Musical acts rock out on four different stages for your enjoyment. Also, enjoy a car show and tractor display. Kids will love the inflatables, high powered swings, pony rides, petting zoo and train rides. The Market Street Festival also hosts a 5k Fun Run at the Columbus Riverwalk.
May 5, 2018, 44th Annual Wooden Boat Show, Beaufort, NC, www.BeaufortWoodenBoatShow.com
Whether you’re a boating enthusiast or prefer to keep your feet on dry land, the 44th Annual Wooden Boat Show has activities of all kinds for all ages. This free event celebrates the art of North Carolina traditional wooden boatbuilding and the sport of boat racing. Dozens of handcrafted wooden boats will be on display, along with nautical demonstrations, and activities for children. Set sail in a traditional wooden boat, discover the hidden secret behind ships-in-a-bottle, or practice your boating skills in the Virtual Trainer. Don’t forget to stop by the vendors and visit all of our wooden boat exhibits. Wooden boat owners come from all over to be a part of the Beaufort Wooden Boat Show.
May 5-6, 2018, Cotton Pickin’ Fair, Gay, GA, www.CPFair.org
The Cotton Pickin’ Fair, Georgia’s original AgriTourism Event, began in 1972 as a way to boost the economy. Today over 2 million people have visited this one of a kind festival. This fair brings in over 350 prized artisans from across the United States. Come enjoy an exciting range of art, antiques and craft exhibits. Festival patrons also enjoy pottery, weaving, basket making, blacksmithing, sculptures, wood working, folk art, jewelry, furniture and gourmet food. Musicians, puppeteers, folk dancers and magicians entertain on a variety of rustic stages, at the tree-lined farmstead.
May 5-7, 2018, Carolina Rebellion, Concord, NC, www.CarolinaRebellion.com
Get ready to rock at Carolina Rebellion— the Mid-Atlantic’s Biggest Rock Festival. Held at Rock City Campground at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Carolina Rebellion features three days of today’s best rock along with legendary classic artists performing on four stages and a world-class BBQ village. Rock out for three day to both well established artists and up-and-coming acts. Headliners for 2018 include Alice in Chains, Godsmack and Muse.
May 9-13, 2017, Wilderness Wildlife Week, Pigeon Forge, TN, www.MyPigeonForge.com
Wilderness Wildlife Week offers more than 200 free seminars, lectures, workshops, concerts and hikes for outdoor enthusiasts or those who just want to know more about Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Topics range from the area’s rich heritage to conservation. Enjoy outdoor demonstrations like backcountry cooking and blacksmithing. Indoor workshops include focus on quilting, basket weaving, photography, fishing, wildflowers, forensic science and more.
May 11-13, 2018, Artisphere, Greenville, SC, www.Artisphere.org
Artisphere is Greenville’s signature fine arts festival that takes place every year during the second full weekend of May. Artisphere seeks to engage, inspire and enrich the diverse community by celebrating the arts. Enjoy 135 visual artists, over 45 performance acts, local culinary arts, hands on arts classes and live demonstrations over the three day weekend. Stroll Artist Row, which consists of over 120 artists selling original works. Swing by Culinary Arts Café Stage, featuring local and regional singer/songwriters and jazz musicians. Take a seat at the Artisphere Main Stage, showcasing nationally known performers alongside local performing groups and don’t miss the Art Lab. This year enjoy new artists from across the country, new performances, new restaurants and new live demos!
May 17-20, 2018, Chesapeake Jubilee, Chesapeake, VA, www.ChesapeakeJubilee.org
This four-day event features local bands and national acts on two stages, an exquisite variety of foods and plenty of quality and affordable family fun. World-class entertainment, carnival rides and fireworks delight the crowds. Enjoy the large and diversified Jubilee Arts and Crafts Show, jugglers, mimes, cloggers, free arts and crafts for children and the famous Chesapeake Jubilee-Kansas City Barbeque Society BBQ Cook-Off, and a Shrimp Feast. Past entertainers have included: Willie Nelson, Trace Adkins, Chuck Berry and many more.
May 18-19, 2018, 36th Annual Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo, Athens, AL, www.LimestoneSheriffRodeo.com
The Limestone Sheriff’s Rodeo is considered one of the top rodeos in the Southeast. This is a true family entertainment event where proceeds go to support the Sheriff’s department. Events include queen contests, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, calf roping, breakaway roping, chuck wagon races and bull riding. Expect great fun, pageantry, and fierce competition.
May 18, 25, June 1, 8, 2018, Downtown at Sundown Outdoors Concert Series, Lake Charles, LA, www.CityofLakeCharles.com
Downtown at Sundown is an annual outdoor music and art event occurring mid-May to every June over the course of 4 consecutive Friday evenings. Each concert features a different local or regional artist performing favorite music genres of the region such as Cajun, Zydeco, swamp-pop and classic rock. The event also offers food and beverage booths, tabletop galleries, art sales and activities for kids.
May 18-20, 2018, Hangout Music Festival, Gulf Shores, AL, www.HangoutMusicFestival.com
The Hangout Music Festival is an annual three-day music festival held on the public beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama. The main attractions of the festival are the five stages, including the Hangout Stage and the Chevrolet Stage, as well as the Boom Boom Tent and more. The event features many genres of music, including rock, indie, hip hop, reggae, soul and everything in between. There’s also a Ferris wheel, games at Camp Hangout, a beach obstacle course and exquisite beach clubs throughout the festival grounds.
May 18-19, 2018, SoulStock, Inc., Decatur, AL, www.SoulStock.com
SoulStock is an annual free Christian music festival in its 20th year. Sponsored by local churches, businesses and individuals. SoulStock offers days of a wonderful family-friendly fun. Chow down on all kinds of festival foods, while enjoying a wholesome atmosphere that everyone can enjoy. Acts this year include: Jordan Feliz, Noah Cleveland, 7th Day Slumber and many more.
May 19-20, 2018, Trail of Honor, Jackson, MS, www.TrailofHonor.org
The Trail of Honor is a living history tribute to America’s Veterans—past and present. This Mississippi-based event started in 2003 and has grown into a nationally recognized event staffed by almost 400 living historians and volunteers. Enjoy historically accurate demonstrations of military life from America’s storied past. Re-enactments span a vast period of time from the French and Indian War in the mid-1700’s to the present and ongoing War on Terrorism. Living historians display the uniforms, weapons, ammunition, rations and equipment of the era they represent. The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation has again committed their entire fleet of air power to the 2018 event. Get up close Cobra Gunships, Huey’s, and the “Birddog” which is a fixed-wing aircraft. During the event, organizers will dedicate the Mississippi Gold Star Family Memorial Monument at the Armed Forces Museum. VIP guests include Medal of Honor recipients, Tuskegee Airmen, Navajo Code Talkers and ex-POWs.
May 25-June 10, 2018, Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston, SC, www.Spoleto.org
For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston, South Carolina’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with performances by renowned artists as well as emerging performers in opera, theater, dance and chamber, symphonic, choral and jazz music. Now approaching its 42nd season, Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival.
May 26-28, 2018, Garden Jubilee, Hendersonville, NC, www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.com
The Annual Garden Jubilee Festival is an exciting garden show held every year over Memorial Day Weekend. This festival has been the place for one-stop shopping for garden lovers for over 20 years in Downtown Hendersonville. Garden Jubilee highlights more than 260 vendors spaces lining Main Street. Learn tips and tricks from regional gardening experts located throughout the festival. Local and regional nurseries will be selling 1000’s of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and hard to find plants on every block of the festival. Crafters create distinctive garden art to enhance the beauty of your yard. There will be handmade lawn furniture, jewelry, garden tools, yard art, planters, wind chimes, birdhouses, as well as soaps and pottery.
May 26-27, 2018, Orange Street ArtsFest, Wilmington, NC, WilmingtonCommunityArts.org/orange-street-artsfest-2018
The Orange Street ArtsFest is one of the largest springtime arts festivals in Southeast North Carolina. More than 80 artists exhibit oil and watercolor paintings, pottery, jewelry, metal arts, clothing design, and paper creations. Called a “jewel of a festival”, the OSAF is a quaint family and pet friendly street fair with live entertainment and culinary delights set on the lovely tree lined Orange Street. Fun for the whole family continues inside the Historic USO Building with more exhibitors and an interactive playroom provided by the Children’s Museum of Wilmington.
May 18, 2018, Cape Fear BBQ Festival, Wilmington, Festival, CapeFearWildlifeExpo.com
This is a family fun event with something for everyone to enjoy. There will be a BBQ Cook-off with boston butts, arts and crafts, commercial vendors, plants and flowers, a bounce house and kids zone, an adult beverage tent, food concession trucks, antique truck and tractor show and lots of Southern barbeque. Get your BBQ fix with a tasting test and cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award.
June
June 1-2, 2018, Hank Williams Jr. Festival, Georgiana, AL, www.HankwilliamsFestival.com
The Hank Williams Festival, held each year on the first Saturday of June, is an outdoor event that takes place behind the Hank Williams Boyhood Home and Museum. The festival honors the memory of Hank Williams and his many contributions to the music world. Come enjoy traditional country music as well as the tunes from up-and-coming performers. In addition to the two live stages, there is an on-site food court and an arts and crafts fair. Performers this year include T.G. Sheppard, Tony Jackson and more.
June 1-3, 2018, North Georgia Highlands Seafood Festival, Young Harris, GA, www.NorthGeorgiaHighlandsSeafoodFestival.com
The North Georgia Highlands Seafood Festival is a three day family-oriented fine arts and crafts show in the enchanted valley of Young Harris held in Mayors Park. The festival features great musical entertainment, live art demonstrations, antiques and plenty of scrumptious seafood. Over 70% of festival visitors come from outside the local area and greatly impact the tourism of Town County. The seafood festival works closely with and provides a financial donation to the Towns County Food Pantry and also provides art supplies to local schools.
June 1-3, 2018, SC Festival of Flowers, Greenwood, SC, www.SCFestivalOfFlowers.org
Come celebrate 51 years and the beginning of summer at the South Carolina Festival of Flowers in beautiful Greenwood, South Carolina. The SC Festival of Flowers offers a month long schedule of activities the whole family can enjoy. The festival fun kicks off with Main Weekend, June 1 – 3, 2018. More than 20 events take place during the festival including home garden tours, an arts and crafts show and cultural events.
June 2-4, 2018, NC Black Bear Festival, Plymouth, NC, www.NCBearFest.com
It is a little known fact that Coastal North Carolina has the world’s largest black bears and the highest black bear densities on the planet. The goal of the NC Black Bear Festival is to both celebrate and educate the public about the native state animal. This festival has over 30 activities, including black bear tours in the wild, as well as captive black bears, wolves, snakes and birds. There are many bear-themed events such as a children’s bear train ride, Miss Bear Fest Scholarship Pageant, Baby Bear Contest, Run with the Bears 5K, black bear photography workshops and presentations by the NC Black Bear Biologist.
June 6-10, 2018, Tupelo Elvis Festival, Tupelo, MS, www.TupeloElvisFestival.com
The Tupelo Elvis Festival is a celebration designed to honor Elvis Presley, Tupelo’s native son, and the impact his music continues to have on the world. 2018 marks the 20th anniversary of the Tupelo Elvis Festival. Each year’s festival features national, regional and local artists, as well as a Tribute Artist Contest that serves as a preliminary round of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis, Tennessee. In addition to all of the great music, the festival also features a pet parade, a 5K run, living history on Main Street, a number of local food vendors, and much more.
June 7- July 19, 2018, Sounds of Summer, Columbus, MS, www.ColumbusMainStreet.com
The Sounds of Summer Concert Series is a string of free musical events in beautiful downtown Columbus. Enjoy this family-friendly community event every other Thursday in June and July. These free concerts bring quality entertainment to the Columbus Riverwalk and are open to the public. It’s the perfect place to bring your lawn chair and listen to music performed by local musicians, visit with friends and neighbors and enjoy food and beverages while overlooking the Tombigbee River.
June 8-9, 2018, Covered Bridge Celebration, Elizabethton, TN, www.ElizabethtonChamber.com/pages/events
The Covered Bridge Celebration is a long running community event that showcases one of the few remaining covered bridges in Tennessee, which was built in 1882. The festivities include local musicians, craft vendors, food court, and Kid Zone, which includes: inflatables, face painting, balloons and more.
June 8-9, 2018, Kids Fest, Orange Park, FL, www.OPKidsFest.com
What better way to start the summer than Kids Fest—“The Funnest Event in Town!” Kids Fest has been voted best kids entertainment three years in a row in the town of Orange Park. Kids and parents alike will enjoy exciting games and activities, fascinating displays, interactive shows, live music, great food and shopping. Immerse yourself in the Imagination Station—where kids can get into some messy play, become artists and learn a thing or two. Enjoy some physical activity in the Fit Kids Block and bounce in the inflatable zone. Don’t forget to bring a suit, as there are several water installations.
June 8-10, 2018, North American Sand Soccer Championships, Virginia Beach, VA, www.SandSoccer.com
The North American Sand Soccer Championships is the premier and largest beach soccer event in the world. Combining a festival atmosphere with healthy competition, it continues to be recognized as a leader in the growing sport of beach soccer. During this family weekend, 11,000 athletes and thousands more fans will convene in the resort area of Virginia Beach to compete along 19 city blocks. Youth, adult and professional teams will enjoy growing and showing their skills, and building new memories. Additional beach sports will include Knockerball, Lacrose, Spikeball, wrestling and football. The event is a fundraiser for and hosted by the Hampton Roads Soccer Council.
June 9, 2018, Hop Blossom Festival, Winchester, VA, www.HopBlossom.com
This unique event, which takes over the beautiful and historic Old Town Winchester Walking Mall, is rooted in craft beer education. The Hop Blossom Festival exposes participants to the growing popularity and love for great craft beer, especially when it originates in the Northern Shenandoah Valley. This year the festival will feature 40+ breweries, live entertainment, a homebrew competition and more.
June 9-29, 2018, Summer at the Rock, Stone Mountain, GA, www.StoneMountainPark.com/Events/Summer-at-the-Rock
Summer at the Rock includes adventure and excitement for every member of the family. From fun-filled attractions to special summer entertainment and the nightly lasershow, it’s the perfect destination for you and your family to unplug and reconnect this summer. Board the scenic train and take a trip around the base of the Mountain. Challenge yourself on the SkyHike, the nation’s largest family adventure course, or cool off and play in the spray on Geyser Towers.
June 10-23, 2018, USA International Ballet Competition, Jackson, MS, www.USAIBC.com
As the third oldest international ballet competition in the world, the USA IBC attracts top dancers, dance industry professionals and audiences from around the globe. USA IBC is a two-week “Olympic-style” competition for top young dancers and a major stepping-stone toward a professional career. Competitors from all over the world vie for gold, silver and bronze medals; cash prizes; and company contracts. The audience is filled with company directors interested in hiring dancers, and for this reason, many dancers leave with jobs–possibly the grandest prize of all.
June 13-16, 2018, W.C. Handy Blues & Barbeque Festival, Henderson, KY, www.HandyBlues.org
The W.C. Handy Festival has grown to be one of the largest free music festivals in the nation. One can expect to hear a variety of old and new blues styles performed by traditional and modern artists. Listen to blues sounds and styles including gritty delta blues, smooth soul, big horn bands and Zydeco music. The festival lineup has featured Grammy-nominated and Blue Music Award winning artists. The weeklong festival is a celebration of the life and legacy of Henderson resident and “Father of the Blues” William Christopher Handy.
June 15-16, 2018, 301 Endless Yard Sale, Selma, NC, www.301EndlessYardsale.com
The 301 Endless Yard Sale spans over 5 counties along a 100-plus mile route in North Carolina. Every year over 20,000 visitors travel along highway 301 to buy or sell antiques, collectibles, DIY finds, up-cycled furniture, and other items. Many sellers will be located along the stretch in well-established visitor sites like Riverside Mill in Weldon, the Tobacco Farm Life Museum in Kenly, TWM Antiques in Selma, as well as families, churches and schools on the route with vendor spaces. Roll down the windows and cruise this antique highway to find prized treasures to take home.
June 15- 24, 2018, FestivALL Charleston, WV, www.FestivallCharleston.com
Partnering with over 80 arts and community organizations and hundreds of local, regional, national and international artists each year, FestivALL is considered a premiere arts collaborator of Charleston, West Virginia. FestivALL is a city-wide, multi-arts event and serves its mission over 10 days in June. Each year FestivALL includes over 100 events, performances and exhibitions from music, theatre, dance, visual art, humanities and more. These events take place in over 30 indoor and outdoor venues, and many events are free or low cost.
June 16, 2018, Bell Buckle RC-MoonPie Festival, Bell Buckle, Tennessee, BellBuckleChamber.com/bell-buckle-rc-moonpie-festival-general-
This fun for the whole family event celebrates the South’s original fast food—an ice cold RC Cola and a fresh MoonPie. The day starts with the running of the RC-MoonPie certified 10-mile run and new this year a 5K run, as well. Delight in a wacky parade, the crowning of the festival’s new king and Queen, cloggers, music and a stage show extraordinaire. Don’t miss the hilarious games—ever hula-hoop while eating a MoonPie and Drinking an RC? Or try to powerwalk while balancing an RC on your head…AND eating a MoonPie. With over 75 arts and crafts booths, all day stage. It’s easy to see why this perennial favorite has earned multiple nods from Southern Living magazine, Food Network magazine, USA Today and more.
June 16-17, 2018, Roan Mountain Rhododendron Festival, Roan Mountain, TN, www.RoanMountain.com
The Rhododendron Festival is an annual craft event, which features handmade crafts and celebrates the blooming of the world’s largest naturally growing Rhododendron Gardens. The event also has several food vendors serving a variety of delicious foods and an array of old folkway demonstrations. Live musicians play everything from bluegrass to gospel. Money raised from the event is put back into the community.
June 20-24, 2018, Beaufort Old Homes Tour, Beaufort, NC, www.BeaufortHistoricSite.com
The colonial seaport town of Beaufort hosts one of the state’s longest running tours of private historic homes, gardens, local churches, inns, art studios and meeting halls. The Beaufort Old Homes Tour is the trademark event of the town. During the tour, private homeowners welcome ticket holders into their homes and gardens. The Beaufort Historic Site features live music, special living history events depicting trades and crafts of the 19th century as well as tours of the site’s eight historic buildings, several of which are fully and authentically restored, ranging from a primitive cottage built in 1778 to a Apothecary & Doctor’s Office built in 1859. Additional events throughout the weekend include concerts, tours of the Old Burying Ground which has graves that pre-date the Civil War, tours aboard the 1967 English Double Decker Bus and an antique car show.
June 23, 2018, Gulf Coast Shrimp & Jazz Festival, Lake Charles, LA, www.VisitLakeCharles.org
Bring your family out to enjoy delicious food, great music and captivating artists at the Gulf Coast Shrimp & Jazz Festival. Jazz is an important part of Lake Charles’ rich history. However, there are no jazz radio stations in the city of Lake Charles. The festival hopes reawaken the community’s ties to jazz with lively music and delicious food.