Home > Top 20 Events
Southeast Tourism Society's TOP 20 EVENTS in the Southeast USA
JULY / AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2005
JULY 2005
July 1 - 30, An Appalachian Summer Festival, Boone, N.C. - This is one of the leading regional arts festivals in the nation and combines the small-town friendliness of the Boone/Blowing Rock area with an artistic menu of world-class performers typically found only in large urban areas. 800-841-2787; Sarah Heustess; www.appsummer.org; boxoffice@appstate.edu
July 1 - 2, The Official State and National Championship Fiddlers’ Jamboree & Crafts Festival, Smithville, Tenn. - 140,000 will gather to hear the best fiddlers of all ages compete for prizes in categories such as Best Junior Fiddler, Best Senior Fiddler and the Grand Champion. Along with this celebration of Appalachian music, over 235 crafters will be exhibiting handmade mountain crafts. 615-597-8500; Neil Dudney; www.dekalbtn.com
July 1 - 2, Blue Angels Air Show, Pensacola Beach, Fla. - The U.S. Navy Precision Flight Team, based in Pensacola, offers two free air shows a year on Pensacola Beach. Soak up the rays and watch the best aviators in the world do their stuff. 800-635-4803; Sandy Johnston; www.visitpensacolabeach.com
July 2 - 6, Summer Motion, Ashland, Ky. - Three nights of top entertainment on the riverfront and on July 4, the largest fireworks show in the tri-state area. Plus two additional days of family fun, including a carnival, kids games and continuous local entertainment. 606-327-4424; Chuck Charles; www.summermotion.com; ccharles@townsquarebank.com
July 3, 12:00 midnight, Gatlinburg’s Fourth of July Midnight Parade, Gatlinburg, Tenn. - The “first Fourth of July parade in the nation” kicks off at 12:01 a.m. in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Nearly 100 lighted entries make this one of the most exciting parades in the south with floats, bands and giant helium balloons. 800-568-4748; www.gatlinburg.com; jone@cl.gatlinburg.tn.us
July 4, WSB TV’s Salute 2 America Parade, Atlanta, Ga. - A star-spangled tribute to our country and summertime in a parade through downtown Atlanta. Nearly 100 colorful units including sparkling floats, award winning marching bands, representatives of our armed forces, giant helium-filled balloons and special guests travel the 1.2 mile parade route through downtown Atlanta. 404-897-7385/404-897-7855; J. Barkley Russell; www.wsbtv.com; salute2america@wsbtv.com
July 7 - 10, Grandfather Mountain Highland Games & Gathering of Scottish Clans, Linville, N.C. - The world’s largest annual gathering of Scottish clans is not in the highlands of Scotland, but rather in the highlands of North Carolina. See tartan banners unfurl, hear bagpipes echo through the glen and witness thousands of kilt-clad Scots make their way to Grandfather Mountain. 800-468-7325; Frank Vance; www.gmhg.org; highlandgames@vol.com
July 8 - 10, Snowshoe Mountain “Fire on the Mountain” Chili Cookoff, Snowshoe Mountain, W.Va. - This is the second largest cookoff in the nation. (The largest is held in Nevada.) More than $15,000 in cash prizes will be handed out during this year’s chili cook off at scenic Snowshoe Mountain. Over 150 cooks are expected to participate in the red chili, chili verde and salsa competitions. Also includes an arts and crafts show, live entertainment and kids’ camps. 877-441-4386; Joe Stevens; www.snowshoemtn.com; jstevens@snowshoemtn.com
July 11 - 16, Lexington Junior League Horse Show, Lexington, Ky. - The world’s largest outdoor Saddlebred horse show is in the beautiful Bluegrass area of Kentucky - an area known for world champion horses. This show is the first leg of the Saddlebred Triple Crown and draws competitors from across the U.S. and Canada. 859-252-1893; Isabella Cole; www.lexjrleague.com; gen@lexjrleague.com
July 14 - 16, The Virginia Lake Festival, Clarksville, Va. - The skies over Clarksville fill with hot air balloons and boats skip across the water as clowns, line dancers and musicians perform and children ride in tethered hot-air balloons. Plus all the mouth-watering Southern and ethnic food you can eat! 800-557-5582/434-374-2436; Linda Williams; www.clarksvilleva.org; clarksville@kerrlake.com
July 14 - 17, South Carolina Peach Festival, Gaffney, S.C. - Just follow I-85 until you see the giant peach and you’re almost where the fun is. There’s the Peach Dessert Contest, Peach Jam, Peach Fair, a giant parade and concerts by national recording artists. 864-489-5716; Dennis Fowler; www.scpeachfestival.org; dfowler@scpeachfestival.org
July 15 - 24, Fun Fest, Kingsport, Tenn. - Whether you are 8 or 80, FunFest has activities for you. Join Splash Dance and be part of hundreds playing in the sprinklers. Run an 8K race with runners from Kenya to Kentucky. Bring Spot to the Dog Show to compete in categories like “curliest tail,” “best costume,” or “owner-dog lookalike.” Plus music from hip-hop to zydeco and lots of great food. 423-392-8800; Lucy Fleming; www.funfest.net; lucy@funfest.net
July 15 - 24, The National Black Arts Festival, Atlanta, Ga. - This event has become one of the largest celebrations of art and artists of African descent in the nation. Showcasing the work and contributions of artists in dance, film, literature, music, theater and visual art, the festival attracts audiences of approximately half a million. 404-730-7315; Monique Chatman; www.nbaf.org; info@nbaf.org
July 15 - 30, Florida International Festival, Daytona Beach, Fla. - This multi-day event features the London Symphony Orchestra, who calls the area its “official American summer home.” This event offers a variety of world-class performances and entertainment ranging from music and dance to comedy and in both free and ticketed venues. 386-257-7790; www.fif-lso.org
July 16 - 17, 18th Annual Cajun Music and Food Festival, Lake Charles, La. - A true celebration of Cajun heritage, highlighting all aspects of Cajun life, including food, dance, live music, amateur accordion contest, and a Sunday morning French Catholic mass with a Cajun choir. 800-456-7952; Lesa Cormier; lcormier1@msn.com
July 20 - 31, Georgia Mountain Fair, Hiawassee, Ga. - One day isn’t enough to enjoy this great fair. Features include Bluegrass and gospel music, clogging, 70 arts and crafts booths, pioneer village with authentic mountain demonstrations and delicious smoked mountain trout and Bar-B-Q. 706-896-4191; Hilda Thomason; www.georgia-mountain-fair.com; gamtfair@alltel.net
July 22 - 23, The Montgomery Ballet’s Thirtieth Annual “Performance on the Green”, Montgomery, Ala. - These annual free performances are the Montgomery Ballet’s “gift” to the city. Enjoy world-class dance performances on the grounds of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and the Museum of Fine Arts. Families bring picnics and enjoy an evening of culture under the stars. 334-409-0522; Priscilla Crommelin-Ball; www.montgomeryballet.com; montgomeryballet@knology.net
July 22 - 29, Neshoba County Fair, Philadelphia, Miss. - Mississippi’s “giant house party” sparkles with politicians making fiery speeches (the fair is THE political forum for the state), plus harness racing, livestock shows, a game-filled midway and country music concerts. 601-656-1000; Cindy Brown; www.neshobacountyfair.org; cndbrwn@bellsouth.net
July 24 - 30, W. C. Handy Music Festival, The Shoals, Ala. - A week-long celebration honoring the musical heritage of Florence native W.C. Handy, “the Father of the Blues.” More than 200 events are scheduled, including concerts, exhibits, jam sessions, a “Street Strut,” and educational events. 256-766-7642; Nancy Gonce; www.wchandymusicfestival.org; handyfst@bellsouth.net
July 30 - Aug. 14, Virginia Highlands Festival, Abingdon, Va. - Experience the culture of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Highlands through arts and crafts, antiques, creative writing, literature workshops, fine foods, drama, concerts, nature walks and historical tours. 276-676-2282/800-435-3440; Steve Galyean; www.vahighlandsfestival.org; acvb@abingdon.com
AUGUST 2005
Aug. 3 - 6, North Carolina Watermelon Festival, Murfreesboro, N.C. - This four-day event features a variety of entertainment, amusement rides, a large craft and food fair, fireworks, watermelon contests and the state’s largest agricultural parade - plus the charm and hospitality of this Southern town. 252-398-5922; Kay Mitchell; www.murfreesboronc.com; ncheritage@earthlink.net
Aug. 4 - 6, 50th Annual Robbins Farmers Day, Robbins, N.C. - What began in 1955 as a celebration of the weekly wagon ride into town by the area’s farm families has become a huge, four-day event that includes gospel and country music, street dances, clogging, square dancing, arts and crafts and food galore. The big parade features over 600 horses and 30,000 spectators. 910-464-1290; Jarius Garner; www.robbinsfarmersday.com; contact@robbinsfarmersday.com
Aug. 4 - 7, Satchmo SummerFest, New Orleans, La. - “What a wonderful world” you’ll discover at the French Quarter celebration honoring New Orleans native Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. The program includes music, discussions, exhibits, a jazz mass, a club crawl, “red beans and ricely yours” foods, and a line-up of performances that would have made Louis smile. 504-522-5730/800-673-5725; Beth Vicari Fisher; www.fqfi.org; feedback@fqfi.org
Aug. 5 - 6, Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair, Burnsville, N.C. - Escape the August heat by journeying to Burnsville (elevation 2,185 feet above sea level) and enjoy the oldest and largest outdoor crafts fair in the mountains. Includes 225 crafters plus live gospel, bluegrass and country music. 828-682-7413; Miki Pontornu; www.mtmitchellcraftsfair.com; cocdirector@yarneychamber.com
Aug. 5 - 7, Bushwacker Festival, Pensacola Beach, Fla. - Enjoy this festival on the waterfront which features top live entertainment and lots of great food, while sipping on an adult “milkshake” concoction, known as the “bushwacker.” 850-934-3108; June Guerra; www.jubileefun.com
Aug. 8 - 13, Mannington District Fair, Mannington, W.Va. - This fair has all the nostalgia and features of the county fairs of the past. Enjoy rides on the midway, traditional fair cuisine such as funnel cakes and roasted beef and chicken, 4-H livestock shows, horse shows and top entertainment. This year’s headliners include Ricky Van Shelton, Josh Grayson and the VanDells. 304-986-1911; Eva Yoho; www.manningtondistrictfair.org; applepealr@aol.com
Aug. 12 - 14, Heritage Music BluesFest, Wheeling, W.Va. - This festival offers three days of Grammy and W.C. Handy award-winning Blues artists on the main stage, local and regional artists on a second stage, plus guitar and harmonica workshops, and Blues oriented arts and crafts vendors. The event’s location on the bank of the Ohio River makes it an especially enjoyable experience. 304-232-8705; Bruce Wheeler; www.heritagemusicfest.com; heritagemusic@comcast.net
Aug. 12 - 21, State Fair of West Virginia, Lewisburg, W.Va. - West Virginia’s State Fair is one of the premier events in the state, offering something for everyone. Fairgoers can check out a wide variety of entertainment, exhibits, livestock shows and harness racing. 304-645-1090; Mike Alkire; www.statefairofwv.com; publicrelations@statefairofwv.com
Aug. 13 - 20, 6th Annual Celebrate Freedom, Pigeon Forge, Tenn. - Pigeon Forge salutes America’s patriots, heroes and veterans with special guests, street dances and musical performances of “Celebrate Freedom: The Musical,” a production that takes audiences on a journey through America’s military history. 800-251-9100; Lila Wilson; www.mypigeonforge.com; events@cityofpigeonforge.com
Aug. 18 - 28, Kentucky State Fair, Louisville, Ky. - Experience the heart of the Bluegrass at this year’s state fair. Whether it’s the wild excitement of the Thrillway, the relaxing comfort of the air-conditioned exhibit halls, the beauty and sophistication of the World’s Championship Horse Show, or a top concert lineup, the Kentucky State Fair is an adventure for the entire family. 502-367-5000/502-367-5002; Harold Workman; www.kystatefair.org
Aug. 19 - 20, Franklin County Watermelon Festival, Russellville, Ala. - A festival that will make a Southerner love watermelon even more, featuring a concert in the park, golf and tennis tournaments, a beauty pageant for all ages, 5K and one mile runs, and great southern food. 256-332-1760; Lisa Stockton; www.franklincountychamber.org; franklincounty@charter.net
Aug. 19 - 21, “Le Cajun” Music Awards Festival, Lafayette, La. - What the Grammy is to pop music, the Le Cajun is to Cajun music. The CFMA is dedicated to Cajun French music, language and heritage. The event features the best in music, Louisiana crafts, Cajun dancing and Cajun cuisine. 800-346-1958; Kelly Strenge; www.LafayetteTravel.com; info@lafayettetravel.com
Aug. 19, 20, 26, 27; Sept. 2, Progress Energy Presents Summer Evening Concerts at Biltmore Estate, Asheville, N.C. - Sensational performances on the south terrace of the Biltmore House featuring stunning sunsets, breathtaking mountain views and the brightest musical stars. Past performers include Bruce Hornsby, Clint Black, the Indigo Girls, Lee Ann Womack, Manhattan Transfer and Alison Krauss and Union Station. 800-543-2961; www.biltmore.com; happenings@biltmore.com
Aug. 20 - 21, First Security Bank Woodland Art Fair, Lexington, Ky. - This 30 year-old juried art fair features 200 booths of fine art and fine craft representing all mediums. Also includes great food, toe-tapping music and interactive arts activities for children. 859-254-7024; Danielle Montague; www.lexingtonartleague.org; info@lexingtonartleague.org
Aug. 20 - Sept. 5, Gatlinburg’s Heritage Days, Gatlinburg, Tenn. - Enjoy two weeks of mountain heritage in the arts and crafts community of the Great Smoky Mountains. Visit over 80 shops filled with crafts, handmade gifts, collectibles and one-of-a-kind pieces. 800-568-4748; www.gatlinburg.com; jones@ci.gatlinburg.tn.us
Aug. 24 - Sept. 3, Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, Shelbyville, Tenn. - This premier event draws nearly a quarter-million fans from more than 40 states to the Walking Horse counterpart to thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown, where twenty World Champions will be named. 931-684-5915; Chip Walters; www.twhnc.com; twhnc@twhnc.com
Aug. 24 - 28, East Coast Surfing Championships, Virginia Beach, Va. - The second oldest surfing contest in the world is part beach party, part music festival, part athletic event, including beach volleyball, skim boarding, golf tournament, and live music on a beachfront stage. 800-861-7873; Maggie Douglas; www.surfecsc.com; publicrelations@surfecsc.com
Aug. 27, Fleming Co. Covered Bridge Festival, Flemingsburg, Ky. - Fleming County is home to three of Kentucky’s thirteen remaining covered bridges. This festival showcases these beautiful structures and also offers over 70 craftspeople demonstrating heritage skills such as spinning wool, grinding corn, blacksmithing, basket weaving and painting. Traditional foods, music and storytelling round out the historic atmosphere. 606-845-1223; Mary Jo Litton; flemingchamber@pqisp.net
Aug. 27, Jubilee Festival of Heritage, Columbia, S.C. - A celebration of African-American culture with traditional artists, dancers, musicians and performers. This award-winning festival is one of the oldest African-American festivals in the state. 803-252-7742; Adam Roy; www.historiccolumbia.org; aroy@historiccolumbia.org
Aug. 27, SummerFest, York, S.C. - York’s historic district becomes a day-long extravaganza with music and dancing, an outstanding arts and crafts fair along the beautiful, tree-lined streets, classic car shows, a softball tournament, moonlight bike ride and numerous children’s activities. 803-684-2590; Les Arkin; www.greateryorkchamber.com; yorkchamber@rhtc.net
SEPTEMBER 2005
Sept. 8 - 10, NASCAR and IROC Races, Richmond, Va. - Each year, NASCAR’s top stars, including Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. visit Richmond for some of the most exciting racing in the world. The two NASCAR NEXTEL Cup races are the largest single-day sports events in the state. The Richmond raceway is the only racetrack on the circuit that holds all of its races at night “under the lights.” 866-455-7223; Keith Green; www.rir.com; ririnfo@rir.com
Sept. 8 - 11, Yellow Daisy Festival, Stone Mountain, Ga. - The wild yellow daisy blooms each September but only within a 50-mile radius of Stone Mountain, and it’s a cause for celebration. The nation’s No. 1 arts and crafts show features 440-pus of the nation’s top crafters, a Creative Children’s corner and lots of Southern food. 770-498-5690; Chris Chadwick; www.stonemountainpark.com; generalinfo@stonemountainpark.com
Sept. 9 - 10, Mississippi Gulf Coast Blues & Heritage Festival, Pascagoula, Miss. - Blues fans flock to Biloxi during this festival which features top-quality music by nationally-known Bluesmen. Two outdoor stages offer music rain or shine, plus great food and arts and crafts. 228-497-5493; Addie Brent; www.gulfcoast.org
Sept. 9 - 11, MainStrasse Village Oktoberfest, Covington, Ky. - Experience a little bit of Germany in this historic downtown neighborhood. Oktoberfest brings together nearly 100 artisans and crafters and over 25 food and beverage vendors from across the country, plus musical entertainment, a “Kinderplatz” for children and an amusement midway. 859-491-0458; Donna Kremer; www.mainstrasse.org; dkremer@mainstrasse.org
Sept. 9 - 18, Tennessee Valley Fair, Knoxville, Tenn. - A showcase for east Tennessee arts, crafts, domestic goods and livestock, plus a Bluegrass festival, tractor pull, rodeos, youth talent contests, Hispanic festival, and Down on the Farm field trips. 865-215-1471; Miranda Forbes; fair@tnvalleyfair.org
Sept. 9 - Nov 5, Rock City’s Enchanted Maize Maze, Chattanooga, Tenn. - Enjoy ten acres of fall fun as you weave your way through the twists and turns of this maze, and if you make it out, you can spend some time visiting Rock City’s other attractions, such as the historic birdhouse barn, tractor pulled hayrides and a children’s playground and millet maze. 706-820-2531; Laura Prince; www.enchantedmaze.com
Sept. 10 - 11, Biloxi Seafood Festival, Biloxi, Miss. - This two-day affair is filled with continuous live entertainment, children’s activities such as the Fishing Rodeo and the Seafood Olympics, and all you can eat of boiled and fried shrimp, fried fish, po-boys, seafood gumbo, alligator sausage and more. 288-374-2717; www.Biloxi.org; info@biloxi.org
Sept. 10, 16, 17, 18, 23, 30; Oct. 1, 2, Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, Virginia Beach, Va. - During this end-of-summer celebration, millions will gather on the Virginia Beach oceanfront to enjoy multiple entertainment stages, 250-plus artists and crafters, a grand parade, and fireworks over the ocean. 757-498-0215; Whit Collins; www.neptunefestival.com; wbc@neptunefestival.com
Sept. 14 -18, Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Bardstown, Ky. - This event celebrates the passion, history and art of making Kentucky bourbon with 30 major events, including a Bourbon Q cook off, distillery tours, live entertainment, bourbon tasting and a bourbon barrel relay. 800-638-4877; Pam Gover; www.kybourbonfestival.com; info@kybourbonfestival.com
Sept. 9 - 11, Carlyss Cajun Bons Temps Festival, Carlyss, La. - This festival has been a tradition at St. Theresa Catholic Church since 1969 and draws folks who come to experience Cajun culture in the heart of Louisiana. Features carnival rides, games, a petting zoo, live music and live and silent auctions, all with an emphasis on family fun. 800-456-7952; Paul Forsyth; www.st-theresa-parish.org; sttheresa1@aol.com
Sept. 16 - Oct. 31, 9th Annual Pigeon Forge Harvest Festival, Pigeon Forge, Tenn. - The splendid colors of fall in the mountains are the stage for this autumn celebration when the weather’s perfect and the activities are endless. Guests can leisurely stroll through craft shows and sidewalk sales or stop by to see the fall displays set up all over town. 800-251-9100; Kay Powell; www.mypigeonforge.com; kpowell@mypigeonforge.com
Sept. 17 - 18, Ocmulgee Indian Celebration, Macon, Ga. - This event brings Southeastern tribal dancers, musicians, artists, craftspeople, storytellers and historians to Ocmulgee National Monument. Join in the traditional dances, hear stories, observe the crafters and learn from the period encampments. 478-752-8257; Jim David; www.nps.gov/ocmu; stephen_rudolph@nps.gov
Sept. 22 - 25, World Chicken Festival, London, Ky. - Colonel Harlan Sanders opened his first Kentucky Fried Chicken café here, and the city hosts an egg-citing weekend that features live entertainment, a Colonel Sanders look-alike contest, the world’s largest skillet (filled with chicken), crowing, strutting and clucking contests and more. 800-348-0095; Ken Harvey; www.chickenfestival.com; tourism@lltc.net
Sept. 23 - Oct. 3, 22nd Annual MOJA Arts Festival, Charleston, S.C. - MOJA is a Swahili word that means “one,” and that’s an appropriate name for this festival that celebrates harmony among all people in the community. Highlights visual arts, classical music, theater, dance, traditional crafts, ethnic foods and more, all celebrating African American and Caribbean culture. 843-724-7305; Eleasa Amos-Goodwin; www.mojafestival.com
Sept. 22 - Oct 29, 29th Annual Fall Candlelight Tour of Homes and Gardens, Charleston, S.C. - Residents of the historic district open their homes to visitors for self-guided, self-paced walking tours. The properties on tour range from early Georgian design to the the 20th century. 843-722-4630; Ginger Scully; www.preservationsociety.org
Sept. 23 - 24, Tallahatchie RiverFest, New Albany, Miss. - This downtown festival features national recording artists, regional country and gospel entertainment, arts and crafts, children’s activities, a 5K run, literary and theater events and great food. 662-534-4354; Kasey Montgomery; www.tallahatchieriverfest.com; ucda@dixie-net.com
Sept. 23 - 25, Pensacola Seafood Festival, Pensacola, Fla. - Enjoy historic downtown Pensacola while enjoying delicious fruits of the sea and a variety of continuous local entertainment in Fountain Park and Seville Square. 850-433-6512; Jennifer Johnson; www.fiestaoffiveflags.org/seafood
Sept. 25, CalcaChew Food Festival, Lake Charles, La. - Some of the best dishes from the best cooks of Calcasieu Parish can be sampled at this family-oriented event, which also features craft booths, a French mass, raffles, prizes and live music. 800-456-SWLA; Mary Martin Rothermel; www.visitlakecharles.org
Sept. 25, International Folk Festival, Fayetteville, N.C. - Over 70,000 people from all over come to celebrate folk life with international music, food, a parade of nations from 30 different countries, an international dog show and more. 910-323-1776; Liz Vasser; www.theartscouncil.com; admin@theartscouncil.com
Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, 19th Annual North Carolina Seafood Festival, Morehead City, N.C. - Enjoy the state’s greatest natural resource -- seafood -- while watching net-menders and crab pot makers and witnessing the Blessing of the Fleet, which honors those who dedicate their lives to the fishing industry. 252-726-6273; Stephanie McIntyre; www.ncseafoodfestival.org; fun@ncseafoodfestival.org
