July 2019
July 4, 2019, Celebrate America Balloon Glow, Ridgeland, MS, https://ridgelandsportsandevents.com/event/2019-balloon-glow/
Enjoy a free special event presented by the Ridgeland Recreation and Parks on this Independence Day—Celebrate America Balloon Glow. The 29th annual celebration will be held at Northpark Mall’s balloon glow field and is the kickoff event for the Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Race and Festival in Canton. Enjoy the glowing balloons at dusk and performances by singer, Phil Vasser, as well as a local country band, Burnham Road. There will be food vendors and children’s activities, so bring the family!
July 4, 2019, Gatlinburg July 4th Midnight Parade, Gatlinburg, TN, https://www.gatlinburg.com/
For 44 years, Gatlinburg has been kicking off July 4th with the nation’s first Independence Parade at 12:01 a.m. The parade route stretches more than a mile beginning at Baskins Creek Bypass on East Parkway. Parade goers are encouraged to arrive early on July 3rd to grab the best seats to view the parade recognized by National Geographic Traveler Magazine as a “Top Ten Parade to see in the US” as well as Livability.com as one of the “Five Best Fourth of July Celebrations in Smaller Cities.”
July 4, 2019, Red, White, Blue & You, Lake Charles, LA, www.visitlakecharles.org
Show your patriotism and join the excitement at the 27th annual Red, White, Blue & You Festival this Independence Day. Hit the streets and catch the star-spangled parade through downtown Lake Charles and then head to the Civic Center Amphitheater for a concert and sing-along with the Lake Charles Community Band—a special tribute to the Armed Forces. Fireworks over Lake Charles will follow.
July 4, 2019, Sertoma’s 4th of July Celebration, Pensacola, FL, http://www.visitpensacola.com
There’s free admission for the largest 4th of July Celebration on the Gulf Coast. Enjoy the daylong activities including a children’s area, live entertainment, patriotic parade, arts and crafts, food vendors and a huge fireworks display over Pensacola Bay to wrap it all up.
July 4, 2019, Stars & Stripes Fest, Covington, GA, https://downtowncovington.wixsite.com/july4th
Voted “Best Fourth of July Celebration 2016” by Main Street America and named a top four fireworks display in the state of Georgia by Uber in 2017, Covington is on the map with a special Independence Day celebration. A great opportunity to showcase downtown Covington and its local business community, this 2019 event celebrates public safety officials in addition to active duty military and veterans. Also, there are plans to honor the heroic work of a local police officer who was shot in the line of duty in September 2018.
July 8 – August 12, 2019, Street Dances, Hendersonville, NC, https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/music-on-main-street
Street Dances are a 101-year-old tradition for Hendersonville dating back to 1918 when the city welcomed home its soldiers at the end of World War I with celebrations in the streets. Today, these dances reach people of all ages who come to enjoy the mountain music and dance in front of the main stage. A local caller gives instruction, teaching folks basic square-dancing (Appalachian style) to keep age-old traditions alive. Special appearances are often made by area cloggers making the Street Dances even better. Dances are held each Monday evening at the Visitor Center (201 South Main Street).
July 11-13, 2019, South Carolina Festival of Discovery, Greenwood, SC, www.festivalofdiscovery.com
Discover a weekend of food, fun and music at the S.C. Festival of Discovery. Visitors and locals will learn about the history, traditions and culture that make Greenwood such an incredible place to live. Focused on the rich tradition of Carolina Barbeque and Hash, the festival sponsors a Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned cook-off. Enjoy Blues music at Uptown Greenwood restaurants and venues as part of the Greenwood Blues Cruise. Aside from welcoming more than 90 BBQ Competition teams and vendors along with some 40 Blues performers, this year’s festival will also feature a Kids’ Que allowing young chefs to showcase their skills with a chance for a cash prize and title.
July 12 – 20, 2019, Kingsport Fun Fest, Kingsport, TN, www.funfest.net
Fun Fest offers more than 100 events over 90 days with fun things to do like hiking Bays Mountain Park or floating the South Fork of the Holston River. There’s a car show, a local historical site and a busker festival as well as food trucks. Enjoy three nights of music, hot air balloons and, of course, fireworks. Guests will find traditional festival activities and some newer, cutting-edge tech-savvy stuff too—think drone racing and robotics.
July 13, 2019, Blue Angels Airshow, Pensacola Beach, FL, http://www.visitpensacolabeach.com
Pensacola is home base for the world-famous Blue Angels who perform here twice a year. On July 13th, the Pensacola Beach Air Show (beginning at noon) will feature the Blue Angels Show at 2 p.m.
July 13, 2019, Lake Charles Symphony Summer Pops, Lake Charles, LA, www.lcsymphony.com
There’s no better summertime activity than Summer Pops and Southwest Louisiana offers an annual tradition to those who follow it year after year as well as newbies to the orchestral music. A family-friendly event, Lake Charles Symphony encourages parents and children to enjoy the show together as a family. There will be kid-friendly foods like pizza, hot dogs, nachos and ice cream. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert is at 7 p.m. at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Tickets start at $30 (discounts available for student/child tickets; free for children 6 & under in the riser section).
July 18-20, 2019, Virginia Lake Festival, Clarksville, VA, http://clarksvilleva.com/festivals-celebrations/virginia-lake-festival/
The Virginia Lake Festival (aka LAKEFEST) begins with free tethered hot air balloon rides on Thursday evening for children 12 and younger, while the sand sculpture artist begins a larger-than-life creation on Friday morning. Prepare for a welcome ceremony, live music, hot air balloons flying overhead, a juried arts and crafts show with more than 200 vendors, children’s activities, an antique car show, helicopter rides and so much more. This event, in its 42nd year, is a local and visitor favorite and is free.
July 18-21, 2019, Keeneland Concours d’Elegance, Lexington, KY, https://keenelandconcours.com/
What a great opportunity to attend an event that benefits both the University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital and the community of Lexington as a whole. Each year more than 120 classic, collectable and exotic automobiles participate in the Keeneland Concours d’Elegance to be judged with the best of the best. Also, enjoy automotive artists, a silent auction and Vendor Village. On Thursday prior to the start of the show, there is a Bourbon Tour that visits different Kentucky distilleries and on Friday night you’ll find a great Concours Bash.
July 19-20, 2019, N.C. Peach Festival, Candor, NC, https://www.ncpeachfestival.com/
The 3rd Saturday of July (rain or shine) always brings the N.C. Peach Festival to the beautiful town of Candor where it originated. With a strong, 100-year generational connection to the peach industry, the area celebrates with an annual parade, live music, a Peach Cooking Contest, food and craft venders and tons of fun for the kiddos.
July 19-21, 2019, Cajun Music and Food Festival, Lake Charles, LA, www.visitlakecharles.org
For the best in Cajun food and music, plan on attending the 32nd annual Cajun Music and Food Festival in Lake Charles. The festival, held at the Burton Coliseum, is a celebration of Cajun heritage and culture, aimed at the preservation of Cajun traditions through music, dancing and culinary venues. Enjoy local musicians, dancing, craft booths, games, a silent auction, a live auction and a Sunday morning Cajun French Catholic Mass with Cajun choir. Of course, you’ll find your favorite Cajuns foods like gumbo, jambalaya and étouffée as well.
July 19-27, 2019, Georgia Mountain Fair, Hiawassee, GA, http://www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/events/georgia-mountain-fair
Thousands of visitors from across the region will experience the nostalgia and fun offered by the 69th annual Georgia Mountain Fair held at the historic Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Come bring the family and take it all in from music, arts and crafts, and carnival rides to unique attractions and a peak at North Georgia’s history and culture.
July 25-28, 2019, MountainFest Motorcycle Rally, Morgantown, WV, https://wvmountainfest.com/
The Wild and Wonderful MountainFest Motorcycle Rally is a four-day, premier motorcycle rally with fantastic opportunities for scenic rides through the West Virginia hills. There is also top-notch entertainment from headliners like Alabama, Bret Michaels, Hank Williams, Jr. and more.
July 25–August 3, 2019, Cashiers Designer Showhouse, Cashiers, NC, https://www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org/showhouse
The Cashiers Designer Showhouse is held annually (in the summertime) and is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Cashiers Historical Society. Guests will see renowned decorators and designers from across the Southeast “take over” a home in the community for a week to offer a transformation while showcasing the immense talent of the participants. Look for local landscapers who will offer their skills in redefining the outdoor spaces of the home including the creation of summer mountain gardens. Showhouse attendees will have opportunities throughout the week to tour inside the home, ask the pros questions and hear lectures regarding everything from fabric, color and furniture to lighting, accessories and more. There will also be workshops, demos, book signings and panel discussions from creative influencers around the country.
July 26-27, 2019, Marshland Festival, Lake Charles, LA, www.visitlakecharles.org
Each year the small town of Hackberry arises from the marshes and heads to the Lake Charles Civic Center to celebrate the unique landscape that makes Southwest Louisiana special. The festival raises funds for 14 schools and church organizations while featuring exhibits, games, arts and crafts booths, live entertainment and food. Come ready to dance and have a good time with music and family-friendly activities. Find out all about the marshes that are famous in the Southwest Louisiana area and along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road.
July 26-27, 2019, Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival, Natchitoches, LA, http://louisianafolklife.nsula.edu/2019-natchitoches-nsu-folk-festival/
Since 1979 the Folklife Center at Northwestern has coordinated the annual Natchitoches – NSU Folk Festival, a family-oriented festival held in Prather Coliseum (wheelchair accessible). This year the 40th annual event has a Vive la Louisiane theme celebrating the ways that artists are tapping into the power and artistry of the old ways by revitalizing and re-imaging traditions while making them their own. Guests will enjoy the folk music of many different culture groups as well as narratives, exhibits, demonstrations, folk food and three stages of live music. Don’t miss handmade crafts, the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, KidFest and much more.
July 26-August 4, 2019, The Virginia Highlands Festival, Abingdon, VA, http://vahighlandsfestival.com/
Robert Porterfield, founder of both the award-winning Virginia Highlands Festival and the famed Barter Theatre, held the first festival event in 1949 at the Martha Washington Inn with the purpose of preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of the area. Over the past seven decades the event has grown to represent all of Southwest Virginia and brings in talent from around the world for creative exchange. Come join in the Virginia Highlands Festival enjoying the arts, literature, outdoor recreation, food and mountain traditions. This year the Festival’s signature art will be an immersive experience utilizing kinetic art and robotics. The interactive, multi-day narrative is entitled “The Wolf Crystal” and will unfold over the course of the festival with oversized puppets, kinetic sculptures, robotics and drones, original dance choreography and music composition and a digital component.
August 2019
August 1-3, 2019, 64th Annual Robbins Farmers Day Parade, Robbins, NC, www.robbinsfarmersday.com
The 64th annual Robbins Farmers Day Parade is one of the largest horse parades on the east coast with 400+ horses, mules and wagons, an antique tractor parade, multi-stage entertainment, carnival rides, arts and crafts, pony rides, lots of food and fireworks. This year will bring a new line-up of musical concerts as well as many new vendors and artisans.
August 2-3, 2019, Lewisburg Literary Festival, Lewisburg, WV, http://www.lewisburgliteraryfestival.com/
The Lewisburg Literary Festival is a free, two-day event hosting visiting authors, writing workshops, outdoor art, musical entertainment, children’s story time and performance art. This year the festival will host an Evening with David Sedaris in April to keep interest up throughout the year.
August 2-3, 2019, Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair, Burnsville, NC, https://www.yanceychamber.com/mt-mitchell-crafts-fair/
The Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair is in year 63 and presents 200 juried crafters with handmade pottery, jewelry, rustic furniture, blacksmiths, candles and artworks of all mediums. Enjoy new vendors and entertainment this year. Have lunch and hear live music on the shaded Square at one of the longest running arts and crafts shows in Western North Carolina.
August 2-3, 2019, Steppin’ Out, Blacksburg, VA, http://www.blacksburgsteppinout.com/
More than 200 artists and crafts people from around the country will be on-hand selling their wares at Steppin’ Out. Find unique handcrafted items from jewelry, pottery, textiles and metal work to basketry, stained and fused glass, yard art, fine art, furniture, toys and artisan foods. During this time, downtown Blacksburg merchants also hold their much-awaited final clearance sidewalk sales. Also, look for fabulous festival foods prepared by downtown restaurants.
August 3, 2019, Bikes, Blues & Bayous Cycling Event, Greenwood, MS, www.bikesbluesbayous.com
Bikes, Blues and Bayous is Mississippi’s largest bike ride drawing riders from multiple states and even internationally. The event was started by a local cycling group called the Money Road Cycling Club and consists of four courses that include rides of 11, 22, 46 and 62 miles. At each of the four rest stops, riders will experience different food and drinks as well as a live blues musician. At the race’s end, enjoy a party on the riverfront of the Yazoo River with free beer, BBQ and ice-cold towels. New for 2019, there will be a Bike Expo, a “Viking Experience” Raffle, an affiliation with Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s and more.
August 3, 2019, Old Soldiers Day Parade, Alpharetta, GA, https://www.alpharetta.ga.us/government/departments/recreation-parks/special-events/63rd-old-soldiers-day-parade
Come celebrate the courage and valor of America’s war veterans at the Old Soldiers Day Parade starting on Roswell Street and ending at the American Legion Post 201. The Alpharetta City Band will kick off the celebration with lively music followed by a memorial service and parade. Enjoy floats (some familiar and some new), local high school marching bands, military units, classic cars, clowns, music and more.
August 8-7, 2019, State Fair of West Virginia, Fairlea, WV, http://statefairofwv.com/
Year after year visitors return to the State Fair of West Virginia to experience their favorite traditions—carnival rides, agriculture events and the love of fair food. Folks can look forward to big name musical acts and Buckin’ Bull Riding at the grandstand. This year as the State Fair of West Virginia celebrates its 95th year, guests will notice interactive kiosks around the grounds for fairgoers to use. Also, 2019 marks the 100th year of the West Virginia State Police which will be celebrated at the fair.
August 8-10, 2019, The Danchuk Tri-Five Nationals, Bowling Green, KY, https://www.americantrifive.com/tri-five-nationals.html
The Danchuk Tri-Five Nationals is the largest celebration of Chevys built in 1955, 1956 and 1957. A combined car show and drag racing event held at historic Beech Bend Raceway Park, last year it drew more than 15,000 people as well as having over 2,700 Tri-Fives on display. The event continues to grow every year as more and more cars are welcomed.
August 10, 2019, Bright Lights Belhaven Nights, Jackson, MS, http://greaterbelhaven.com/events/bright-lights-belhaven-nights-event/
This festival, set in historic Belhaven neighborhood, is an end-of-the-summer tradition celebrating everything that makes Greater Belhaven a wonderful place to live, work and play. Enjoy art, music, children’s activities and food. This year is expected to be the best yet with the booking of bigger names bands well in advance and the addition o f a Story Teller’s Tent.
August 10, 2019, Girls Night Out, Charleston, WV, www.gnowv.com
Summer’s biggest party with a purpose—Girls Night Out—is in its 21st year of raising funds and awareness to eliminate domestic violence. Local restaurants prepare tasty creations, photo opps abound (GNO is known for its stunning décor), guests can shop a beautifully staged silent auction and dance the night away to live music. This year will use a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces as the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center’s multi-million-dollar renovations and art installations have been completed.
August 10, 2019, Rails & Ales Festival, Huntington, WV, https://railsandales.com/
Find the largest and most diverse selection of craft beers from around the world at Rails & Ales Festival—West Virginia’s premier craft beer festival. The event features artisan vendors, live entertainment and great food. Choose from afternoon or evening sessions for your beer sampling pleasure along the banks of the beautiful Ohio River at Harris Riverfront Park.
August 11-18, 2019, Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival, Gatlinburg, TN, https://smswf.com/
Gatlinburg welcomes the public as well as songwriters to participate in any facet of the Smoky Mountain Songwriters Festival, an amazing setting and opportunity for music professionals and music lovers to come together to hone their craft of songwriting.
August 15-25, 2019, Kentucky State Fair, Louisville, KY, https://kystatefair.org/
The Kentucky State Fair has become the training ground, the testing site and the public showcase for the Commonwealth’s progress. The state’s fair history has, over the years, encompassed Kentucky’s growth documenting changes in communication, transportation, technology and popular culture. With lots of entertainment, food and attractions, the Kentucky State Fair is popular with state-wide residents as well as visitors.
August 16-17, 2019, The Franklin County Watermelon Festival, Russellville, AL, http://franklincountychamber.org/festivals-2/watermelon-festival/
Enjoy two days of non-stop music, contests and entertainment at Franklin County Watermelon Festival. This family-friendly event also offers a pageant, arts and crafts, 5k run, antique car and truck show, fun festival foods, tractor show and, of course, a free slice of watermelon.
August 16-25, 2019, Staunton Music Festival, Staunton, VA, http://www.stauntonmusicfestival.org/
This year the Staunton Music Festival will bring together more than 100 incredible works of music performed by some 80 world-class artists. Enjoy festival highlights such as a staged presentation of Handel’s masterpiece, Theodora; world premiers by composers-in-residence; Bach’s St. Matthew Passion on period instruments; music by folks from Hildegard to John Hilliard and from Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony to Bernstein’s West Side Story. There are 30+ concerts spread across 10 days with something for everyone.
August 16-24, 2019, Wilson County Fair, Lebanon, TN, wilsoncountyfair.net
Tennessee’s Biggest County Fair, the Wilson County Fair, will be a “Grand Celebration” with nine days packed full of family fun. Expect more than 100 acts across eight states and over 50 rides and games. Enjoy concessions with a wide variety of food and prepare to celebrate the “Year of Wool” as the agriculture commodity focus for the 2019 fair. There will be antique cars, tractor pulls, livestock shows, demolition derbies, racing pigs, clogging, pageants, a youth rally, big name concerts, a Robotics Challenge and more. It’s perfect for the whole family.
August 17, 2019, Arts & Crabs Fest, Lake Charles, LA, https://www.visitlakecharles.org/event/arts-%26-crabs-fest/31021/
For those looking for a different sort of festival, check out Arts & Crabs Fest in Lake Charles. This delicious event 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 year welcomes new art vendors offering a variety of unique and local art products as well as new, local restaurants participating in the “Best Crab Dish” contest.
August 25, 2019, Southern Wing Showdown, Atlanta, GA, southernwingshowdown.com
Springer Mountain Farms Southern Wing Showdown is a summer festival celebrating unique takes on a Southern staple and is in its 4th year. Produced by Taste of Atlanta, guests will see creative talent from Southeastern chefs representing Atlanta, Birmingham, Charleston, Charlotte, Chattanooga, Nashville and Savannah. Competition is stiff as each one serves their unique recipe in a “best wing” competition. Springer Mountain Farms will provide all chicken (100% natural) for the event. Angel Flight, a volunteer pilot organization located at Dekalb Peachtree airport providing flight services to patients in need of medical care, will be a non-profit beneficiary for the event and host an on-site silent auction. The Fairmont (hosting venue) houses multiple activations from cooking demonstrations to tastings and games. Guests can look forward to tasty wings and sides plus beverages. This year the festival will partner with local schools to involve student volunteers as well as welcoming new restaurants from various cities.
August 29-September 2, 2019, Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival, Morgan City, LA, https://www.shrimpandpetroleum.org/
On Labor Day weekend, this festival honors two industries that built this Louisiana community—shrimp and petroleum. In year 84, the Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival offers everything from arts and crafts, children’s activities, a blessing of the fleet, parade, an art show, fireworks on the river, music and so much more.
August 31-September 2, 2019, Marietta Art in the Park, Marietta, GA, www.artparkmarietta.com
The only fine art festival in Cobb County Georgia, the Marietta Art in the Park event features some 175 nationally ranked artists. Visitors have a unique opportunity to meet and talk with artists at this event and also see works-in-progress by respective artists. Families will enjoy the Chalk Spot Street Art Display, the Children’s Art Alley with free make-and-take art stations, the Monster Mural and Food Truck Row. Located in historic downtown Marietta, guests will love the area rich with museums, theaters, art galleries, boutiques and outdoor dining—all within walking distance of the festival. The One Piece Project was added this year in an effort to give back to the community. Participating artists select a piece of art and when it sells, 10% is donated to the festival who in turn donates it to the Inspired by the Heart Art Show featuring artwork from local school students with special needs.
September 2019
September 5-7, 2019, Bulls on the Beach, Perdido Key, FL, https://www.florabama.com/bulls-on-the-beach.html
Bulls on the Beach is an actual rodeo in the sand at the Flora-Bama on the Gulf Coast. Come for an adrenaline-filled event—Rock-n-Roll Rodeo—with professional bull riders from across the country. Intermission also brings a show where junior bull riders will compete for first place on bucking bronco ponies. Guests can ride the mechanical bull and explore the world-famous Flora-Bama on the sugar-white sands of the Florida/Alabama Line.
September 6-8, 2019, Holley LS Festival, Bowling Green, KY, https://www.lsfest.com/
Come celebrate everything powered by the incredible GM LS engine at one of Bowling Green’s signature automotive events—Holley LS Fest. LS-powered race cars, street rods, muscle cars, trucks and late models will be competing in all sorts of events including drag racing, autocross, the 35 challenge, show-n-shine, Track X, drifting and more. Still growing and in its 9th year, Holley LS Fest events will be held at the home-town track, historic Beech Bend Raceway and just up the road at the NCM Motorsports Park.
September 7 – November 3, 2019, Fridays – Sundays, Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze, Huntersville, NC, http://www.ruralhill.net/AmazingMaizeMaze.asp
Come and get lost in this giant seven-acre corn maze featuring more than two miles of interconnecting paths. This maze is one of the largest in the Southeast and each year the maze is different. Read hints to find pieces of the paper copy maze and find your way out. While there, be sure and take a hayride; enjoy local beer, wine and cider; play cornhole; explore the historic site; play in mini mazes; have a picnic; hike trail; or pick out a pumpkin. Bring the family for the ultimate fall adventure.
September 14, 2019, Gateway International Festival, Norcross, GA, http://www.norcrossga.net/923/Festivals
The 7th annual Gateway International Food & Music Festival is held at Lillian Webb Park and offers a trip around the world without leaving downtown Norcross. Part of the city’s contribution to Welcoming America’s “Welcoming Week,” this event showcases the best multi-cultural talent in the region as well as different ethnic foods showcasing the cultural contributions of the area’s diverse communities. Gateway is ever-evolving, so while the event reflects the heritage of the community, the make-up of the population shifts from year to year.
September 15, 2019, Back to Your Roots Farm Fair, Roswell, GA, https://www.chattnaturecenter.org/event/back-to-your-roots-farm-fair-2/
Kick off fall with the Chattahoochee Nature Center and farm animals. Meet live farm animals, real farmers, learn about local food, explore harvesting and more at the Back to Your Roots Farm Fair. Also join the Unity Garden Guided Hike to see herbs, veggies and greens growing during this season. This event serves as the opening of Naturally Artistic outdoor exhibits as well.
September 19-22, 2019, Mississippi Songwriters Festival, Ocean Springs, MS, mssongwritersfestival.com
Historic downtown Ocean Springs is ready to host the 10th annual Mississippi Songwriters Festival, a four-day event featuring 150-200 national, regional and local songwriters performing at 12-15 locations in both intimate and concert style settings. The event is free to the public. This year one famous songwriter from the state will be presented with the first ever Mississippi Songwriters Alliance Hall of Fame Award and will be honored throughout the event with a star-studded gala in their honor.
September 20-22, 2019, Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival, Augusta, GA, https://artsintheheartofaugusta.com/
Returning for the 39th year, the Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival, presented by the Georgia Augusta Arts Council, celebrates the area’s diversity and culture through the display of art and delicious food from 20 different countries. Guests can expect to see a fine art and crafts market (displaying works from over 120 artists, many of which are new and eclectic), a global village with international fare and five continuous entertainment stages, activities for children and so much more.
September 20-22, 2019, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Bristol, TN-VA, https://www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/festival/
Award-winning Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion is celebrating 19 years with their three-day music experience. Enjoy Southern Appalachia’s traditional music in historic downtown Bristol, Virginia-Tennessee noting the legends who came from here and what musicologists refer to as the “big bang of country music.” The festival offers many other types of music as well including Old-Time, bluegrass, alternative country, western swing, progressive newgrass, rock, blues and folk-rock performances on 20 outdoor and indoor stages. There’s a free Children’s Day event, a 5k Run/2 Mile Fun Walk, a Wernick Method Bluegrass Jam Camp, food and craft vendors. Something for everyone in the family.
September 20-22, 2019, Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival, Jekyll Island, GA, https://www.jekyllisland.com/signatureevents-category/shrimp-and-grits-festival/
Jekyll Island Shrimp and Grits Festival is a favorite coastal event combining a classic southern dish with family-friendly entertainment, artists market, live music, children’s activities, food, a craft brew fest and so much more. A three-day celebration of food and fun, this annual event offers an expanded waterfront Georgia Grown Alley with a cooking demo stage, “Georgia’s Best” state-wide cooking competition and Sunday’s Classic Car Show.
September 21-22, 2019, JapanFest 2019, Atlanta, GA, www.japanfest.org
In its 33rd year, JapanFest is the largest Japanese festival in the Southeast celebrating Japanese culture and promoting understanding between Japanese and Americans in the Southeast. Guests will see a full line-up of performers including music, theater and dance, chosen with seasons in mind. There will be various Japanese goods for sale including t-shirts, temporary tattoos, ceramics, traditional clothing, accessories, masks and toys. Bring the family for children’s activities including making a Japanese kite. Come for fun and the opportunity to increase cultural awareness.
September 21, 2019, Mississippi Science Fest, Jackson, MS, www.mssciencefest.org
The 4th annual Mississippi Science Fest (MSF) is a fun event showcasing the Magnolia State’s innovative science, technology, engineering and mathematic (STEM) industries and organizations. MSF is a two-day festival hosted by the four museums of the LeFleur Museum District in Jackson and features special guests, hands-on activities, exhibitions, interactive activities and family-friendly celebrations. There will be food trucks, the MS Agriculture Museum’s General Store and the MS Children’s Museum Red Rocket Café. This year look for new, exciting speakers and headliners to possibly extend the event.
September 21-22, 2019, Ocmulgee Indian Celebration, Macon, GA, https://www.ocmulgeemounds.org/ocmulgee-indian-celebration
The Ocmulgee Indian Celebration honors the cultures of the Southeastern Native Americans including the Muscogee Creek who once called Ocmulgee home. This event is for all ages and offers music, dance, food, storytelling, crafts and demonstrations by Native Americans as well as exhibits regarding the first cultural community of Macon. Rediscover the grounds, artifacts and nature within the 702-acre National Monument and tour the Visitor Center with more than 2,000 artifacts and displays.
September 21-22, 2019, Suwanee Fest, Suwanee, GA, www.suwaneefest.com
Bring the family to experience award-winning Suwanee Fest with this year’s theme, the Greatest Festival on Earth. Watch as the park becomes a circus led by Ringmaster Parker, the city’s canine mascot, and explore the free midway Family Fun Zone where you can train to be a trapeze artist, clown or another circus act. Enjoy the parade, free stage entertainment and more than 100 arts and crafts vendors. This two-day event offers tons of family fun.
September 23-29, 2019, Mayberry Days, Mount Airy, NC, http://www.mayberrydays.com
Mayberry Days® is a 30-year-old festival for the whole family including activities and events for fans who enjoy the simple life. Enjoy a bottle of pop while playing checkers, relax to local bands playing the songs that Andy grew up with. You’ll see a parade, shows, first-time and familiar Special Guests, a silent auction, contests and games. Come join the fun.
September 25-29, 2019, Crush Wine & Food Festival, Huntsville, AL, www.crushwinefestival.com
The 6th annual award-winning Big Spring Crush Wine Festival is a Huntsville staple with more than 150 wines for tasting, local live music, food trucks, exclusive chocolate and cheese pairing and grape stomping. Every year new elements are added to keep the event fresh and exciting.
September 26-29, 2019, Preston County Buckwheat Festival, Kingwood, WV, http://kvfdwv.wixsite.com/buckwheatfest
Local farmers grew buckwheat during the Great Depression. It was considered an “insurance crop” because of its short growing season and good quality. Given this reason and because of its uniqueness, buckwheat was chosen as the focus for an end-of-harvest homecoming in Kingwood, a place where farmers could come and relax, have fun and compete. It eventually blossomed into the Preston County Buckwheat Festival, a four-day event where visitors can enjoy vendors, carnival rides, pageants, livestock competitions and buckwheat cakes galore. This year the festival will have some new events with opportunities for geocaching and new entertainment.
September 27–October 31, 2019, Dread Hollow, Chattanooga, TN, www.dreadhollow.com
Guests who love award-winning Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern will delight as the masterminds deliver the next evolution of terror with an extreme haunt experience for ages 12 and up. Three terrifying haunts intertwined into one nightmare ominously blur the boundaries between a twisted reality and a serious nightmare. Be prepared for 20,000 square feet of special effects, sinister freaks and chilling storylines making this a must-experience attraction. New for 2019 is the debut of two separately ticketed, extreme escape rooms designed with groups of 2-4 people in mind.
September 27–October 6, 2019, State Fair of Virginia, Doswell, VA, www.statefairva.org
A 10-day event at the beautiful birthplace of Secretariat—The Meadow Event Park—the State Fair of Virginia welcomes folks to celebrate at this 165th annual event. Enjoy authentic fair foods and traditions like prize-winning vegetables, a first date or first time milking a cow. Come spend some time making good memories in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
September 28-29, 2019, Art on Main, Hendersonville, NC, http://www.acofhc.org/art-on-main.html
Distinctive local artists and highly-qualified artists from all over the southeast gather the last weekend of September to celebrate fine art and fine craft at Art on Main. More than 100 juried artists will be selling their wares including fine art paintings, works in clay, metal, wood, fiber, photography, jewelry and more. There will also be live art demonstrations for the public to see how different artists work. This event was named one of the 200 Best Shows in America for Fine Art & Design from Sunshine Artist Magazine, so make sure it’s on your fall must-do list.
September 28-29, 2019, BB&T Malden Salt Fest, Malden, WV, http://www.jqdsalt.com/
The 3rd annual BB&T Malden Salt Fest at J. Q. Dickinson Salt-Works promises a great time with an old-fashioned parade, live music, yummy food, craft beer and a look at the area’s “seasoned” past revived by a local resident and Dickinson family descendant. Enjoy cakewalks, square dancing, kid-friendly activities, artisans, historical presentations, farm-to-table food, salt-works tours and tastings. New this year, see a reenactor harvest salt in the historic manner of the salt industry’s heyday during the late 19th century. Wrap it up on Sunday with a church service at Malden’s African Zion Church, established by slaves, many who worked in the salt industry.