July
July-September, 2018, Ice Cream & a Moovie, Bowling Green, KY, www.ChaneysDairyBarn.com/
Chaney’s Dairy Barn has opened its heart and field to the community for more than a decade by offering an affordable, family-friendly event throughout the summer months. Every other weekend, the working dairy farm allows visitors to spread their blankets and watch a movie projected onto the side of a barn while enjoying Chaney’s fabulous ice cream (named the top in the state by USA Today). There is no admission charged and additionally, Chaney’s makes other farm attractions like the hayride, jumping pillow and corn maze free on Ice Cream & a Moovie night. Also, Chaney’s partners with local non-profits to offer themed nights. This event continues to grow each year as the Chaney’s attract visitors to the area through agritourism.
July 1-7, 2018, Fantastic Fourth Celebration, Stone Mountain, GA, www.StoneMountainPark.com/events/fantastic-fourth-celebration
The Fantastic Fourth Celebration at Stone Mountain Park has been lengthened from four to seven days this year with an extended fireworks finale all seven nights. Voted the “Best Place to see Fireworks in Atlanta” by Atlanta Journal-Constitution readers, a “Must-See Fireworks Show” by USA Today and one of Reader’s Digest’s picks for “America’s Most Spectacular Fourth of July Fireworks,” Lasershow 2.0 features new music, animation, water effects, an immersive laser canopy and a fleet of robotic drones synced with music and presented in front of the 825-foot mountain face. The patriotic fireworks finale will immediately follow the Lasershow every night of the celebration.
July 4, 2018, July 4th Midnight Parade, Gatlinburg, TN, www.Gatlinburg.com/event/first-independence-day-parade-in-the-nation/
Gatlinburg has celebrated the 4th of July in a unique and big way for some 43 years with the award-winning first Independence Parade in the Nation stepping off at 12:01 a.m. on July 4. The parade route begins at traffic light #1A on East Parkway (then turns south onto the Parkway at traffic light #3 traveling the length of downtown to traffic light #10) and stretches more than a mile. Parade goers should arrive early on July 3 to secure the perfect viewing area along the route. Celebrations throughout the day will come to an end just in time for spectacular 10 p.m. fireworks. The parade has been named by National Geographic Traveler Magazine as a “Top Ten Parade to see in the US” and recognized by Livaility.com as one of the “Five Best Fourth of July Celebrations in Smaller Cities.”
July 4, 2018, Red, White, Blue & You Festival, Lake Charles, LA, www.VisitLakeCharles.org
Join the fun this Independence Day at the 26th annual Red, White, Blue & You Festival. Celebrate your liberty by participating in the exciting festivities like the Star Spangled Street Parade through downtown Lake Charles, a concert and sing-a-long at the Lake Charles Civic Center Amphitheatre and fireworks, of course. Wear your red, white and blue, and bring a blanket for a day of fun celebrating our nation’s birthday.
July 4, 2018, Sertoma’s 4th of July Celebration, Pensacola, FL, www.VisitPensacola.com
This is the perfect family-friendly, patriotic celebration and the largest 4th of July Celebration on the Gulf Coast. The day-long activities include a large children’s area with activities beginning at 10 a.m., live entertainment, a patriotic parade, arts and crafts, food vendors and other activities culminating in a HUGE fireworks display over Pensacola Bay.
July 4, 2018, Wells Fargo Red, White and Blue, Greenville, SC, www.GvilleEvents.com
The annual Wells Fargo Red, White and Blue Festival, which features one of the state’s largest fireworks displays, continues to be the premier 4th of July event in the Upstate, making downtown Greenville the celebration destination for more than 50,000 festival goers. The free event features a full evening of entertainment, including live musical entertainment, a children’s area and a variety of popular food and beverage vendors. Changes this year include a new venue in Greenville’s West End with fireworks being shot from a different location giving a fresh feel to the event.
July 12-14, 2018, South Carolina Festival of Discovery, Greenwood, SC, www.FestivalofDiscovery.com
In its 18th year, the South Carolina Festival of Discovery is an annual event sponsored by the Uptown Greenwood Development Corporation. Celebrating history, culture, food, arts, crafts, music and the people who make the area such an incredible place to live and visit, the festival is family-friendly. “Blues Cruise” celebrates the blues genre with many musical artists performing at Uptown Greenwood restaurants and venues while the Kansas City Barbeque Society BBQ and Hash Cook-Off showcases the rich tradition of Carolina Barbeque. New this year, the festival will add Kids’ Que to offer the area’s youth an opportunity to get in on the competition.
July 13-14, 2018, Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival, Murfreesboro, TN, www.UncleDaveMaconDays.com
Uncle Dave Macon Days, an award-winning music festival spanning some 40 years, is both a contest and a celebration of Old-Time Music, Dance and Culture. Held at historic Cannonsburgh Village (the only surviving part of Tennessee’s Bicentennial project), this family-friendly festival entertains 25,000 guests through on-stage performances, arts and crafts demonstrations and lots of spontaneous shade-tree picking–a festival favorite. Come and enjoy national talents like Rhonda Vincent, Flatt Lonesome, New Town and more.
July 13-21, 2018, Kingsport Fun Fest, Kingsport, TN, www.FunFest.net
Come enjoy Fun Fest with more than 100 events over a nine-day period. Guests can experience the city, hike Bays Mountain Park or float the South Fork of the Holston River. Enjoy a car show, a local historical site or busker festival along with sampling fabulous vittles from the food trucks. There are three nights of music and the coveted hot air balloons and fireworks. Festival organizers love to celebrate with traditional festival-style activities and some cutting-edge technology – think drone racing and robotics exhibits. Visitors also get a big dose of hometown hospitality.
July 14, 2018, Blue Angels Airshow, Pensacola, FL, www.VisitPensacolaBeach.com
With Pensacola as its home base, the Navy’s world-famous Blue Angels perform two local shows each year. The Pensacola Beach Airshow is supported by civilian and other military performers and is a must-see event.
July 14, 2018, Lake Charles Symphony Summer Pops, Lake Charles, LA, www.LCSymphony.com
Summer pops is a popular annual tradition in the Southwest Louisiana area. This family-friendly event is a great first-time symphony introduction for newbies and fun for those who look forward to it year after year. This year enjoy “The Music of James Bond” performed by Jeans ‘n Classics, backed by the talented musicians of the Lake Charles Symphony Orchestra.
July 17-21, 2018, Cashiers Plein Air Festival, Cashiers, NC, www.VillageGreenCashiersNC.com/events/cashiers-plein-air-festival.php
Cashiers Plein Air Festival attracts nationally acclaimed painters from throughout the country to come set up their easels and capture the beauty of the North Carolina mountains. Their original art will be on display for viewing and for sale. Cashiers Plein Air Festival is a biennial event held to raise funds to enhance The Village Green, the 12 ½ acre park–the “green heart” at the crossroads of Highways 64 and 107 in beautiful Cashiers, NC. Changes for this year include expanding art flags–local artists paint on canvas flags which will be hung around town. There are special events both ticketed and open to the public.
July 19-22, 2018, Keeneland Concours d’Elegance, Lexington, KY, www.KeenelandConcours.com
More than your average classic car show, the one-of-a-kind Keeneland Concours d’Elegance has been celebrating the finest in automobiles and the attractions of Central Kentucky since 2004. Held on the lush grounds of historic Keeneland Race Course, this event includes a Bourbon Tour, Tour d’Elegance, concours bash, car club paddock and silent auction, all benefitting Kentucky Children’s Hospital. The 2018 marque car is BMW and past guests will be happy to see new Central Kentucky locations included in the Bourbon Tour and Tour d’Elegance.
July 19-21, 2018, Virginia Lake Festival, Clarksville, VA, www.Clarksvilleva.com/festivalscelebrations/virginia-lake-festival/
Southern Virginia’s largest event is the Virginia Lake Festival (LakeFest, as the locals say) where thousands of folks flock to celebrate a traditional homecoming to Virginia’s only lakeside town – Clarksville. Guests can expect to see hot air balloons, sand sculptors, an antique auto show, live bands, arts and crafts, lots of food vendors, as well as helicopter rides, kids activities, a 5K run and fireworks over the lake.
July 20-21, 2018, Cajun Music and Food Festival, Lake Charles, LA, www.VisitLakeCharles.org
For those who can never get enough gumbo, jambalaya or étouffée, the 31st annual Cajun Music & Food Festival is perfect. This festival aims to preserve the Cajun traditions and heritage through music, dancing and food. This year features new vendors offering unique Cajun goods and food along with a new band line-up featuring fun Cajun tunes. Also, hear lots of local musicians and visit the craft booths, games, silent auction, live auction and a Sunday morning Cajun French Catholic Mass with a Cajun choir.
July 20-23, 2018, MountainFest, Morgantown, WV, www.WVMountainFest.com
MountainFest Motorcycle Rally is a four-day event in the hills of wild and wonderful West Virginia–specifically the Greater Morgantown area. The event features live music, a variety of vendors and all things “biker.” This year the event will host headline performances from Hank Williams Jr., George Thorogood and the Destroyers, and War along with many other bands.
July 20-21, 2018, Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival, Natchitoches, LA, http://LouisianaFolkLife.nsula.edu/2018-natchitoches-nsu-folk-festival/
The 39th annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival will be held inside air-conditioned Prather Coliseum on the Northwestern State University campus. The 2018 festival theme is “Celebrating Louisiana’s Folk Roots.” Enjoy festival activities including a wide variety of traditional crafts, food, Kidfest, live music, narrative sessions, music informances, and a Cajun fiddle workshop, which will be free for Festival attendees. Also, the annual Louisiana State Fiddle Championship will be held in the Magale Recital Hall on the afternoon of July 21.
July 21-22, 2018, Butternut Creek Festival, Blairsville, GA, www.ButternutCreekFestival.com
Butternut Creek Festival is a family event nestled along the shady banks of Butternut Creek in beautiful Meeks Park. In its 20th year, this annual event once again increases in vendors and continues to grow. A juried show of 80-85 of the Southeast’s finest craftsmen/artists will offer a balanced show of unique, original art and hand-crafted works, live music, live arts demonstrators and great food. The funds generated from this show are used to promote the arts in the local school systems and other art-related programs in the area including support for the Joshua Dream Ranch which provides free interactive services to children who are disabled of have terminal illnesses.
July 25-28, 2018, Sandy Lee Watkins Songwriter’s Festival, Henderson, KY, www.SandyLeeSongFest.com
The Sandy Lee Watkins Songwriter’s Festival is four nights of intimate, acoustic performances by more than 30 award-winning Nashville singer/songwriters. Sandy Lee Songfest offers an opportunity for artists (songwriters and musicians) from all over the world to have their songs heard, and for the public to hear hit songs they know and love, performed by the original creators. Venues are local sports bars and restaurants in historical downtown Henderson within walking distance of scenic river view parks, shopping and dining.
July 27-28, 2018, Marshland Festival, Lake Charles, LA www.VisitLakeCharles.org
The small town of Hackberry comes out of the marshes and over to the Lake Charles Civic Center once a year to celebrate the landscape that makes Southwest Louisiana unique. Marshland Festival is a celebration of that natural habitat featuring exhibits, games, arts and crafts, food and live entertainment. Funds are used to provide support for 14 schools and church organizations. Bring the family and don’t forget your dancing shoes!
August
August 2-4, 2018, 63rd Annual Robbins Farmers Day Parade, Robbins, NC, www.robbinsfarmersday.com
This event is one of the largest horse parades on the east coast with arts and crafts, carnival rides, fireworks and three stages of musical entertainment. This year brings the first Miss Robbins Farmers Day Pageant with divisions 0-19 years old and multiple award categories. Guests will also be treated to one of the largest fireworks displays in the history of the event.
August 3-4, 2018, Steppin’ Out, Blacksburg, VA, www.blacksburgsteppinout.com
Award-winning Steppin’ Out, an end-of-summer event for Blacksburg, features over 200 artists and crafts people from across the country selling their wares in addition to more than 25 musical acts performing on both Friday and Saturday nights. Enjoy festival-type foods and shop Downtown Blacksburg merchants holding much-awaited final clearance sidewalk sales during this time. This year the event increases the duration, adds more free kids fun activities and a Beer/Wine Garden near the main stage with shaded seating.
August 3-5, 2018, Craftsmen’s Summer Classic Art & Craft Festival, Myrtle Beach, SC, www.gilmoreshows.com/craftsmens_classics_myrtle_summer.shtml
This event is an award-winning festival showcasing hundreds of the nation’s finest artists and craftsmen presenting original works for gifts, home décor, personal treasures, and more in the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. There are lots of specialty foods to sample. Browse, buy and visit with on-site artisans at this unique event. This year will present old favorites plus many new exhibitors.
August 3-5, 2018, The 48 Hour Film Project, Paducah, KY, www.48hourfilm.com/paducah-ky
Filmmakers from all over the area will compete to see who can make the best short film in only 48 hours. The winning film will go up against films from around the world at Filmapalooza 2019 for a chance at the grand prize and an opportunity to screen at the Cannes Film Festival 2019 Short Film Corner.
August 4, 2018, Old Soldiers Day Parade, Alpharetta, GA, www.awesomealpharetta.com/old-soldiers-day-parade/
Old Soldiers Day Parade is an annual event since 1952 organized to recognize veterans of the War Between the States. However, it has now become a celebration of all veterans who have served. Alpharetta’s historic parade marches on as a tribute to all Veterans of all Wars. Nearly 150 units participate with floats, marching bands, military units, classic cars, clowns and candy.
August 5, 2018, Bikes, Blues, and Bayous, Greenwood, MS, www.bikesbluesbayous.com
Bikes, Blues and Bayous is Mississippi’s largest bike ride and is in its 11th year. The ride has four courses including different lengths of rides (11, 22, 46 and 62 miles) and four rest stops. Each stop offers different food, drinks and a live blues musician. At the end of the race, there’s a party on the riverfront of the Yazoo River with free beer, BBQ and ice-cold towels as well as massage therapists on-site.
August 9-11, 2018, The Danchuk Tri-Five Nationals, Bowling Green, KY, www.thetrifivenationals.com
This event celebrates any Chevy vehicle made in 1955, 1956 or 1957. The American Tri-Five Association, along with Title Sponsor Danchuk, will be putting on the 4th annual event of the Tri-Five Chevrolets at the nostalgic Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green. This year the event expands to three days as the NHRA Hot Rod Reunion and the Holley LS Fest have grown. The event venue is well-shaded and well-maintained, and is the largest Tri-Five gathering in the nation including a huge swap meet, drag racing, autocross and gasser gathering.
August 9-18, 2018, State Fair of West Virginia, Fairlea, WV, www.StateFairofWV.com
Spanning 10 days in August, the State Fair of WV is a 163-year tradition in the Greenbriar Valley, attracting more than 160,000 visitors each year. The goal is to provide a diverse, agricultural experience focused on family entertainment and education while involving the community at-large to ensure success and continued relevance.
August 10-11, 2018, Bluegrass in the Park & Folklife Festival, Henderson, KY, www.bluegrassinthepark.com
One of the country’s oldest ongoing free bluegrass festivals, Bluegrass in the Park hosts two days of family-friendly activities including bluegrass music, historic folklife demos and activities, and regionally-inspired food concessions set in Audubon Mill Park on the Ohio River. This 33rd annual event brings a wide mix of Americana, folk and bluegrass music.
August 10-19, 2018, Staunton Music Festival, Staunton, VA, www.stauntonmusicfestival.org/summer-festival
This year’s program is sure to delight with highlights including a staged presentation of Handel’s rarely-heard opera Hercules; world premieres by composers-in-residence; a day of Mozart, culminating with the Requiem on period instruments; music by everyone from Monteverdi to Gershwin and from Bach’s Fifth Brandenburg to Bartok’s Sonata for Pianos and Percussion. There are 30 concerts over 10 days, so please RETHINK CLASSICAL! During the Summer Festival, most days include one to two daytime offerings (no tickets required) followed by a longer evening concert. See website for ticket prices.
August 11, 2018, Bright Light Belhaven Nights, Jackson, MS, www.greaterbelhaven.com
This annual street festival in its 14th year promotes the Greater Belhaven historic neighborhood in Jackson. It provides venues the opportunity to showcase art forms including visual arts and live music (performed by local residents), attracting folks to the unique neighborhood. Shop at artisan booths, enjoy the children’s area, dancers and musical acts. Music on three stages includes blues, jazz, brass band, acoustic singer-songwriters and indie rock. This year will see an expanded Beer Garden, a popular attraction that was introduced last year.
August 16-26, 2018, Kentucky State Fair, Louisville, KY, www.kystatefair.org/
This year’s 10-day Kentucky State Fair brings the fun with new entertainment venues and experiences like Bluegrass Village and AgLand. There will be nine stages, over eight tents filled with food and tunes, and more than 100 shows for every age. Don’t miss the Texas Roadhouse Concert Series in the new Bluegrass Village. From farm animals to funnel cakes and free shows, you’ve got to love the Kentucky State Fair.
August 17-18, 2018, Franklin County Watermelon Festival, Russellville, AL, www.franklincountychamber.org
Downtown Russellville is home to the Franklin County Watermelon Festival and is the Watermelon Capital of Alabama. In its 38th year, the festival began as a way for local merchants to attract people. A local farmer grew watermelons for the event which was perfect for a hot summer day. Today, the festival has morphed into a two-day event with tractor, car and truck shows as well as entertainment. Drawing some 35,000 folks, this year’s festival follows the State of Alabama Tourism theme “Honoring Our People,” showcasing the festival founder.
August 17-25, 2018, Wilson County Fair, Lebanon, TN, www.wilsoncountyfair.net
Experience nine days of fun, food, carnival rides and entertainment. There is so much to see and do that you really can’t see it all in one visit. Don’t miss fun attractions like Fiddlers Grove, live entertainment, sea lions and clowns along with competitions like pageants, talent, food and more. This year the theme is mAGic Memories and the Agriculture Commodity will be the “Year of Milk” (celebrating and educational focus on “Brown Milk doesn’t come from a brown cow”).
August 18, 2018, Arts & Crabs Festival, Lake Charles, LA, www.artscouncilswla.org
Arts & Crafts Fest held each August, features an extensive crab and beer tasting, an art walk, and live music with an interactive and educational experience of Southwest Louisiana seafood and culture. This hugely popular event is one of Louisiana’s three crab festivals showcasing the state’s food, culture, music and art. Tickets range from $30-$35 and crab dishes (examples: crab cakes, crab au gratin, crab ceviche and crab gazpacho) from 10 restaurants will be paired with beer samples. There will be new art vendors this year as well as new local restaurants participating in the “Best Crab Dish” contest.
August 24-25, 2018, Summer Salute Festival, Hopkinsville, KY, www.hoptownsummersalute.com
Summer Salute is the largest annual festival in Hopkinsville featuring over 150 vendors and three days of live music. This event is heavily rooted in music of all genres and last year attracted some 35,000 people. Enjoy family-friendly music, food, vendors, rides and more this year.
August 25, 2018, Battle Below the C louds, Chattanooga, TN, www.rubyfalls.com/special-events/bbqbattle/
The 4th annual Battle Below the Clouds at Ruby Falls offers teams of amateur backyard BBQ and smoker enthusiasts a chance to compete to see who has the tastiest ribs and pulled pork. This event is family-friendly with live music, giveaways and BBQ for purchase while competing teams go for 2018 Grand Champion bragging rights. This year will add some new teams to compete with those returning and held within the new expansion and renovations of Ruby Falls. Proceeds benefit Lana’s Love Foundation, a greater Chattanooga area pediatric cancer organization providing fun activities for kids and their families while they face their health challenges.
August 25, 2018, Girls Night Out, Charleston, WV, www.gnowv.com
Girl’s Night Out, the summer’s biggest party with a purpose, is celebrating its 20th year raising funds and awareness to eliminate domestic violence. Girl’s Night Out is the region’s largest women-only fundraiser attracting more than 1,400 guests from the tri-state area (WV-OH-KY). Décor is stunning and invites plenty of photo ops, and inside the event, guests shop a beautifully staged silent auction of over 100 items. Be prepared to dance the night away to live entertainment and enjoy tasty bites from local restaurants. GNO plays a significant role in supporting the YWCA Resolve Family Abuse Program which has served 2,271 victims of domestic violence and their children in the past year alone.
August 30-September 3, 2018, 82nd Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival, Morgan City, LA, www.shrimpandpetroleum.org/index.htm
This event known for its diverse music including Zydeco, Cajun, Country and other popular genres, as well as vendors (arts and crafts, food and snacks) and children’s activities (Children’s Village, Children’s Mini Street Parade and Carnival by Mitchell Brothers Amusements).
August 31-September 16, 2018, Perspectives: Georgia Pottery Invitational, Watkinsville, GA, www.ocaf.com
The Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation’s (OCAF’s) Annual Perspectives: Georgia Pottery Invitational is one of the largest pottery events in the southeast region showcasing the works of 50 invited Georgia potters. Gala attendees will enjoy tasty food, live jazz music and have the opportunity to preview and purchase from the fine works available. This year’s event celebrates the honor of 12 Perspectives Potters chosen by Governor Nathan and First Lady Sandra Deal, to create the annual awards for the Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities.
September
September 7-8, 2018, Oka Kapassa/Return to Coldwater Native American Festival, Tuscumbia, AL, www.okakapassa.org
In its 18th year, the Oka Kapassa Festival is held at Spring Park in Tuscumbia. The mission of the festival is to present authentic Native American people from federally recognized tribes to educate students and the community regarding folk traditions of their cultural heritage. Spring Park has historical significance for several Southeastern tribes and is the site of old Chickasaw council grounds. See artisans and performers demonstrate Native American arts and crafts as well as historic tribal dance. While this festival encompasses mainly Southeastern tribes, all indigenous people are invited to attend.
September 7-9, 2018, Festival of the Horse, Georgetown, KY, www.festivalofthehorse.org
Celebrate the role of the horse in Historic Downtown Georgetown at the 38th annual Festival of the Horse. This three-day event kicks off with a Fireman’s Chili Cook-Off benefitting Toys for Tots, followed with live music by Swing Street. A lively tradition for years, guests enjoy live music, arts and crafts, food, parades, carnival rides and other family-friendly activities. This year will feature a new amusement ride company bringing classic rides for the family as well as a Festival of the Horse pageant.
September 7-16, 2018, Tennessee Valley Fair, Knoxville, TN, www.tnvalleyfair.org
The Tennessee Valley Fair is one of the state’s largest multi-day events attracting thousands of guests each year. The fair is in its 99th year and is known for its innovative exhibits, livestock shows, concert series, action sports, exciting midway and fun foods. The non-profit organization offers family-friendly entertainment and for 2018 will be celebrating Fairgoers. (Note: Anticipation builds toward 2019 for the 100th fair.)
September 8, 2018, Gold Rush Festival, Villa Rica, GA, www.downtownvillarica.com
Villa Rica, known as “The City of Gold,” is the home of the first Gold Rush in 1826. The Gold Rush Festival celebrates this rich history with a full day of activities featuring a 5K race, parade, food and craft vendors along with lots of entertainment throughout the day/evening. The event is FREE and fun for the whole family. Celebrating 40 years in 2018, the Gold Rush Festival is located at The MILL Amphitheater in downtown Villa Rica.
September 14-15, 2018, Taste of Pensacola Beach, Pensacola Beach, FL, www.tasteofpensacolabeach.com
The 11th annual Taste of the Beach will take place Friday evening, September 14th with a special VIP dinner presented by five Pensacola Beach chefs. The fun continues the following day with cook-offs, cooking demonstrations, a chef challenge, samplings and a live concert. There will also be kid-friendly activities throughout the event as well.
September 14-16, 2018, Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival, Jekyll Island, GA, www.jekyllisland.com/signatureevents-category/shrimp-and-grits-festival/
Voted 2017 Best Festival by Southeast Festivals & Events Association, Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival is a southern coastal favorite presented by Southern Living. This event, which attracts over 45,000 folks each year, combines the classic southern dish with family-friendly entertainment, artists market, live music, kids’ zone, food, a craft brew fest, wildlife demonstrations and more.
September 15-16, 2018, JapanFest Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, www.japanfest.org
JapanFest is an annual celebration of Japanese culture in the Southeast. JapanFest features taiko drum concerts and dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, cultural workshops including tea ceremony, kimono and calligraphy, children’s games, Japanese food and beer garden, and a traditional Japanese shopping arcade. This event is a great place to experience the local Japanese culture. JapanFest 2018 will highlight the Seasons of Japan.
September 15-16, 2018, Marietta StreetFest, Marietta, GA, www.mariettastreetfest.com
The 27th annual Marietta StreetFest is located in Glover Park on the Historic Marietta Square and kicks off fall festival season with something for everyone. A fundraiser for the Marietta Museum of History features the Artist Market, Kid’s Korner and Tiny Tot Town, the Hubcaps & Car Show, the Grassroots Music Festival, and the Toy Box with an estimated attendance of 33,000 people. Guests can visit the museum for FREE, stroll the shops and boutiques, art galleries and dine in one of the many nearby restaurants.
September 15-16, 2018, Ocmulgee Indian Celebration, Macon, GA, www.nps.gov/ocmu
Celebrate the cultures of the Southeastern Native Americans including the Muscogee (Creek) whose ancestors once called Ocmulgee home. An event for all ages, it draws thousands of visitors each year to experience traditional music, dance, storytelling, crafts and demonstrations by Native Americans as well as exhibits about the first cultural community of Macon. Visit the grounds, artifacts and nature within the 702-acre National Monument and the Visitor Center with over 2,000 artifacts, which will be open to the public. This year Muscogee (Creek) Chief James Floyd, along with Elders from the Nation, will attend as well as the Redstick Gallery, the official MCN gallery, bringing Muscogee made arts and crafts to sell.
September 15-16, 2018, Suwanee Fest, Suwanee, GA, www.suwaneefest.com
Suwanee Fest provides two days of fun to more than 50,000 attendees. The festival features 200 arts and crafts vendors, dozens of food choices, a parade, onstage entertainment as well as rides and activities for children. Unique to Suwanee Fest is the FREE Family Fun Zone, an entire city street full of family-friendly activities. This event is hosted at Suwanee’s award-winning, pet-friendly Town Center Park. This year a bicentennial theme will be embraced as Gwinnett County (where Suwanee is located) celebrates this milestone. Be prepared for a party.
September 16, 2018, IronKids Triathlon, Alpharetta, GA, www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/Americas/ironkids/Alpharetta.aspx
The IronKids event remains one of the largest youth triathlons in the country growing to over 1,500 athletes competing in three divisions. Starting the race off at Alpharetta’s Wills Park pool (recently renovated with a competition 10-lane 25-meter pool), athletes will then bike on closed roads and run on paved walkways and grass throughout the park. Ages 9-11 and 6-8 will follow the same course. The mission of IronKids is to inspire and motivate youth through the sport to lead an active, positive and healthy lifestyle.
September 21-23, 2018, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Bristol, TN-VA, www.BristolRhythm.com
The award-winning Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion is a three-day music experience held the third weekend of September annually. State Street in Historic Downtown Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia comes alive to the beat of Appalachia’s past, present and future. Creative passion, electricity and soul fires this event where many important artists have performed.
September 21-30, 2018, Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, Fort Myers, FL, www.island-hopper.fortmyers-sanibel.com/
The 5th annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest returns with dozens of chart-topping songwriters (Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau) in partnership with Broadcast Music Inc., iHeart Media and local radio station Cat Country 107.1 brings in more than 80 accomplished songwriters, including Hall of Fame musicians, to offer an immersive experience. This 10-day festival helps promote local businesses during an otherwise slow tourism month. This year look for some new experiences with songwriters such as resort pool parties, wine pairings, house parties and a songwriter workshop.
September 24-30, 2018, Mayberry Days, Mount Airy, NC, www.mayberrydays.org
Mayberry Days® is a festival for the entire family with activities and events for fans of yesteryear when life was simple, and the sheriff need not carry a gun. Enjoy a soda while playing a game of checkers, relax to local music playing songs that Andy grew up with and performed on The Andy Griffith Show. Make plans now to attend this family-friendly festival with shows, a parade, Special Guests (for 2018 – Marty Stuart and Collin Raye), contests, a barbecue cook-off, a silent auction and more.
September 27, 2018, Art Walk Downtown, Columbus, MS, www.columbusmainstreet.com
In its 6th year, Art Walk Downtown is a cooperative effort between Main Street Columbus, the Columbus Arts Council, downtown businesses, local artists and local musicians. Open to the public, come to this festive evening to see showcased work throughout Downtown Columbus, purchase fine art, meet the artists, take advantage of in-store discounts and promotions, and enjoy music in the streets. There is a kid’s attraction and a photo opportunity area with a fun, family-friendly backdrop added this year.
September 27-October 7, 2018, MOJA Arts Festival, Charleston, SC, www.mojafestival.com/home/?page.id-48
The MOJA Arts Festival is held at multiple venues across a 10-day celebration of Gullah culture with rhythms of African music, cultural arts and Caribbean cuisine. This year will feature different performances and events of dance, recreation, literature, music, heritage, theatre and visual arts.
September 28-October 28, 2018 (Fridays-Sundays only), Rock City’s Blowing Springs Farm, Flintstone, GA, www.blowingspringsfarm.com
One of Chattanooga’s best fall festivals, Blowing Springs Farm is set on 10 acres and celebrates 17 years as Rock City’s fall attraction in the valley below Lover’s Leap. Each year a new cornfield maze design is introduced and fall fun is in store for the whole family. In addition to the corn maze, take a hay ride or a cow train ride, take aim with a corn slingshot, visit the Critter Corral and more.
September 29, 2018, 12th Annual Louie Bluie Music and Arts Festival, Caryville, TN, www.louiebluie.org
The 12th annual Louie Bluie Music and Arts Festival is a FREE day-long, family-friendly event featuring four stages of live music, a juried Craft Village, Judged Art and Quilt Show, Kids Fun Zone, the Children’s Parade, food vendors and more. The event celebrates the unusual life and times of African-American country/jazz mandolinist/fiddler Howard “Louie Bluie” Armstrong (1909-2003), who grew up in LaFollette in the days of Jim Crow.
September 29, 2018, WellsFest, Jackson, MS, www.wellschurch.org/wellsfest
Known as “Jackson’s Original Music Festival,” 34-year-old WellsFest has raised $1.3 million for a wide range of non-profit organizations while providing a day of affordable fun for music lovers and families. The event offers a 5K run and walk plus a one-mile fun run, a pet parade, food vendors, arts and crafts booths, a plant sale and children’s activities. Admission and parking are FREE, and the venue is Jamie Fowler Boyll Park next to Smith Wills Stadium in Jackson from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
September 29-October 31, 2018 (Select dates), Dread Hollow, Chattanooga, TN, www.hauntedcavern.com
From the award-winning masterminds behind Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern, Dread Hollow delivers a new evolution of terror with an extreme haunt experience for ages 12 and up. Dread Hollow ominously blurs the boundaries between a cryptic reality and your most terrifying fears. Visitors interact with condemned town residents as the doomed story unfolds in 20,000 square feet of special effects and stunts. Voted the #1 “Must-See Haunt in Tennessee” for 2017 by TheScareFactor.com, this is one of the country’s best haunted attractions. This year brings new characters, large scale professional sets and a new interactive experience.