Home > Top 20 Events
Southeast Tourism Society's TOP 20 EVENTS in the Southeast USA
JANUARY 2007
Jan. 6 Feb. 20 Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana, Street parades, boat parades, dances, music and the glittering Royal Gala Mardi Gras eve presentation are just a few of the events taking place at the Mardi Gras chosen an ABA Top 100 event two years in a row. Lake Charles , La. 800-456-7952
Jan. 13 50 th Annual Fur & Wildlife Festival, Celebrate the preservation of the unique coastal Cajun lifestyle with contests of trap setting, oyster shucking, skeet shooting and more. Lake Charles , La 800-456-7952
Jan 13 Annual Durham Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Parade, Celebrating the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this parade includes educational programs, marching bands, and more in a city rich in civil rights history. Durham , N.C. 919-680-00465
Jan. 13 21 17th Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week, Guided hikes and traditional Smoky Mountain music, along with more than 100 experts on nature and outdoor life are featured during this 9 day event focusing on natural attractions in the Smoky Mountains area. Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 800-WINTERFEST
Jan 18 27 Augusta Futurity, From a sport evolved from the working ranch horses of the early 1800s, this is the largest and richest cutting horse event east of the Mississippi and one of the top six in the world. A western dance, cowboy parade and over 250 commercial exhibitors and craftsmen complete the event. Augusta , Ga. 706-823-3362
Jan. 27 Southwest District Lifestock Show & Rodeo, Western Heritage Days (1/27 Western Heritage, 2/1 2/3 Rodeo) FFA and 4-H members from throughout Louisiana show off their cattle, sheep, rabbits and chickens. Rodeo bullfighters and other special animal acts, along with a gumbo cook-off make this event fun for the entire family. Lake Charles , La. 800-456-7592
Jan. 27 Feb. 18 Edison Festival of Light, Regional students create new technological inventions in the name of Thomas Edison in a three week celebration featuring entertainment, marching band competitions and the celebration of the quality of life in southwest Florida. Fort Myers , Fla. 239-334-2999 www.edisonfestival.org
FEBRUARY 2007
Feb. 1 3 16 th Annual Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival, Experience rich stories of Southern Appalachian upbringing and the unique storytelling style of a variety of story tellers. Don't miss the youth and adult concerts and workshops and campfire stories. Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 800-WINTERFEST
Feb. 1 3 North Carolina Jazz Festival, Cabaret style seating and all star musicians separate this event from the rest, as the only traditional jazz festival of its size on the coast, from Virginia to Atlanta . Wilmington , N.C. 910-793-1111
Feb. 1 25 Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration, Join native historians, authors, storytellers and the like in honor and preservation of the traditions of the native Gullah population. Arts and crafts of Gullah artists, dramatic and musical performances, cultural arts and crafts exhibit - all in celebration of the Gullah tradition! Hilton Head Island , S.C. 877-650-0676
Feb. 10 March 11 Florida Renaissance Festival, Witness 16 th century village life through period trade and craft demonstrations along with costumed performers. Interactive shows provide entertainment and education of the lifestyles and history of the 16 th century in a festival for the whole family. Deerfield Beach , Fla. 800-3-REN-FES
Feb. 12 17 Intercultural Week, This event celebrates through food, dancing and music, in support and promotion of the area's rich cultural diversity. Wilmington , N.C. 910-962-3685
Feb. 15 18 13 th Annual Black Diaspora Film Festival, The black artistic tradition in film is celebrated through film selections chosen to represent the richness of black culture, as well as to recognize universal themes and similarities among all cultures. Durham , N.C. 919-683-1709
Feb. 16 Krewe of Lafitte Mardi Gras Parade, Marching bands, lighted floats and the only illuminated night time parade in Pensacola are featured in this festive kick off of the Pensacola Mardi Gras celebrations! Pensacola , Fla. 850-436-7638
Feb. 17 Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade, A family oriented Mardi Gras parade in the historical downtown area with crowd participation through goodies thrown from the passing floats. Pensacola , Fla. 850-436-6638
Feb. 18 Krewe of Wrecks Mardi Gras Parade, Beads, candy and doubloons being thrown from the uniquely decorated floats, get all the spectators involved in this beautiful island atmosphere. Pensacola Beach , Fla. 850-932-1500
Feb. 22 24 Georgia National Rodeo, Riders compete to qualify for the National Finals rodeo in Las Vegas in six major rodeo events include saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, bull riding and more. Perry , Ga. 478-987-3247 or 800-987-3247 ( Ga. Only)
Feb. 23 Feb. 25 Big Cypress Shootout, This reenactment of the Second Seminole War at the Big Cypress Shootout honors the Seminole's struggle and sacrifice in this three day event including music, Seminole food, storytelling and history . Clewiston , Fla. 800-949-6101 or 863-983-6101
Feb. 23 April 20 McNeese University's BANNERS Series, This arts and humanities series, sponsored by the university, brings excellent educational opportunities and entertainment through this wonderful cultural event featuring musical acts, magic shows, renowned musicians and more. Lake Charles , La. 800-456-7952
Feb. 24 Casanova Hunt Point to Point Races, The excitement and thrill of steeplechase racing highlight this kick-off race of the season with eight races over hurdles, timber and more. The tailgate competition has become a new favorite among visitors. Gainesville , Va. 540-788-4806
March 2007
March 2 4 MTSU American Indian Festival, A celebration of the culture and heritage of the American Indians featuring musicians, working craftsmen, traditional Native foods and games, as well as the Indian Traders Market offering everything from fine art to traditional crafts. This is the largest arts market in the area. Murfreesboro , Tenn. 615-898-5645
March 2 12 Florida Strawberry Festival, Your favorite country music entertainers live, on stage, the crowning of the new Florida Strawberry Festival Queen, agriculture, fine arts, livestock and craft exhibits, and of course, strawberries, make this a fun family event. Plant City , Fla. 813-52-9194
March 3 Black Heritage Festival, With live music, pageants, contests and a marketplace, this festival celebrates the culture of African-Americans in southwest Louisiana . Lake Charles , La. 800-456-7952
March 3 4 Kentucky Crafted: The Market 2007, The 25 th anniversary of the Market is celebrated this year through many special events promoting Kentucky's rich cultural heritage through traditional, folk and contemporary crafts, two-dimensional visual art and more. Louisville , Ky. 888-592-7238
March 9 11 Blue Grass Trust Antiques & Garden Show, A 7,000 square foot garden tent filled with everything from the essentials to the whimsical accessories for the house and garden is just part of the show. See what nationally and internationally renowned antiques and landscape design exhibitors have to share. Lexington , Ky. 859-253-0362
March 10 Dec. 31 I Can't Stop Loving You: Ray Charles & Country Music, His Fender Rhodes Suitcase 88 electric piano, his Braille slate, a 1955 78-rpm recording and so much more all on display at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's new Ray Charles exhibit which showcases the life of the genius of soul. Nashville , Tenn. 615-416-2001
March 11 12 and 18 19 Highland Maple Festival, The open air replica of an old-time sugarhouse provides a glimpse of a vanishing way of American life. Blue Grass and Country music, 150 artisans and local food fare are among the entertainment and exhibits offered at the event designated a Local Legacy by the Library of Congress. Monterey , Va. 540-468-2550
March 14 18 13 th Annual A Mountain Quiltfest, Many beautiful and unique quilts on display, along with vendors offering quilt and craft related items and more than 70 classes and seminars draw more that 20,000 visitors every year. Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 800-251-9100
March 23 25 Blue Lizard Pole Day, Called one of the toughest and most challenging stops on the tour for its competitors, the Bristol Speedway draws people from 50 states and 12 foreign countries to what has been called the world's fastest half-mile. Bristol , Tenn. 423-989-06900
March 15 18 Mal's St. Paddy's Parade and Festival, What began as an impromptu event to celebrate spring 25 years ago has become the fourth largest St. Paddy's parade in the nation. Events include a pet parade, children's parade and festival, adult street festival and much more. Jackson , Miss. 601-948-0888 or 601-984-1972
March 16 18 Amite Oyster Festival, Local participation, a chili cook-off and great entertainment are among the festivities here. This tribute to the local oyster industry has become a very popular, family oriented event. Amite , La. 985-748-7156
March 16 25 - Macon, Georgia's International Cherry Blossom Festival, The event, held at a the time of year when the town's 300,000 Yashino cherry trees are in bloom, features activities including parades, concerts, arts and crafts and amusement rides. Macon , Ga. 478-751-7429
March 17 Warrenton Hunt Point to Point Races, A family equestrian event featuring Timber races, steeplechases and hunting hounds, as well as the thoroughbreds, all in the wonderful Warrenton at springtime climate. Warrenton , Va. 540-219-1400
March 17 19 54 th Annual Fairhope Arts & Craft Festival, This event features more than 245 exhibitors from throughout the U.S. , Canada and Great Britain . Featured live, local entertainment and classic festival foods make this event one of the top ten activities held in the State of Alabama . Fairhope , Ala. 251-621-8222
March 21 25 Festival of Flowers, The premier garden event of the gulf coast, covering over eight acres, features the World Flower Exhibit of blossoms from around the globe, life-sized landscaped gardens, seminars and demonstrations and the annual new plant debut for the region. Mobile , Ala. 251-639-2050 or 877-777-0529
March 22 25 Robert Osborne's Classic Film Festival, Robert Osborne will introduce nine classic feature films to be seen the way they were meant to be seen. The films, projected on a 60 foot screen in 35 mm will bring viewers back to days gone by. A special children's matinee will take place on Saturday. Guests include film critics, directors, producers and more. Athens , Ga. 706-542-5038
March 22 April 1 Chasco Fiesta, Eleven days of food and fun are offered in this traditional Native American Pow Wow. Activities include street and boat parades, eight nights of free music and country concerts featuring national recording artists. New Port Richey , Fla. 877-424-2726
March 24 April 29 Spring Celebration at Callaway Gardens, The breathtaking sight of 40 acres of azaleas blooming in the world's largest azalea garden make springtime at Callaway Gardens a special event. Many activities are planned, including a Plant Fair, Easter Eggstravaganza Egg Hunts and more each weekend. Pine Mountain , Ga. 800-255-5292
March 26 April 7 Columbus Mississippi Annual Spring Pilgrimage, Antebellum homes bring thousands of visitors to historic Columbus each year. Many pre-civil war homes, gardens and churches will be featured this year, along with a Tales from the Crypt graveyard tour and a series of vignettes featuring local citizens who have contributed to the history of the area. Columbus , Miss. 800-920-3533
March 30 April 1 Summerville Family YMCA Flowertown Festival, Stretching over a mile on Main Street, this three-day event offers more than 200 craft vendors and artisans, specialty gourmet vendors, a golf classic, 10K, 5K and 1 mile Fun Run and more. Summerville , S.C. 843-871-9622 x 100
