Home > Top 20 Events
Southeast Tourism Society's TOP 20 EVENTS in the Southeast USA
January 2009
Jan. 1, Polar Bear Dip. Fun-run around the infamous Flora-Bama warms you up from your chilly swim with hot music on the beach, steaming bowls of black-eyed peas, and frothy New Year’s toasts! Perdido Key, Fla., 850-492-6838; info@florabama.com. (florabama.com)
Jan. 6-Feb. 24, Mardi Gras of Southwest Louisiana. The 2,000 royal members of 45 area krewes command you to party in the streets, jump around wildly, and grab for glittering throws from miles of colorful floats on parade! Lake Charles, La., 800-456-7952. (isitlakecharles.org)
Jan. 10-17, 19th Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week. Explore the history, mystery, past, present, and future of the Great Smoky Mountains with fly-fishing workshops, music lessons, photography contest, and historical reenactments for everyone to enjoy! Pigeon Forge, Tenn., 865-429-7350; events@mypigeonforge.com. (mypigeonforge.com/wildlife)
Jan. 15-24, Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival. Cultural event for all ages features speakers, films, musicians, artists, poets, authors and craftspeople. An entertaining blend of African and African-American art, history and heritage. Tampa, Fla., 888-224-1733, x143; distribution@tampablackheritage.org. (tampablackheritage.org)
Jan. 16-19, Dream 365 MLK Celebration. A show of unity to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., celebrates the principles of freedom and justice with music, galas, comedy, fashion shows and awards banquet. Columbus, Miss., 662-327-0052; thejoshuaproject@mainevents.com. (dream365.org)
Jan. 23-30, Augusta Futurity. Western event flavored with southern hospitality includes cutting horse competitions, a $1M purse, Western Family Fun Festival, cowboy parade, and championship bull riding. Buy quarter horses, western wear, jewelry, tack, and custom haulers. Augusta, Ga., 706-823-3362; noell.inman@augustafuturity.com. (augustafuturity.com)
Jan. 25, 26th Annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival. Delicious tribute to the mighty mollusk that comes with a side order of good times! Lowcountry treats, local spirits, and open-air fun for the kids. Charleston, S.C., 843-805-3084; kwood@charlestonCVB.com. (charlestonrestaurantassociation.com)
Jan. 29-Feb. 1, Antiques in the Heart of Aiken. Dealers from around the country come to this upbeat event to show and sell museum-quality merchandise. Lectures, preview party, and fund-raisers to benefit the area’s arts programs. Aiken, S.C., 803-641-9094; acaexecdir@bellsouth.net. (aikencenterforthearts.org)
Jan. 31-Feb. 22, Edison Festival of Light. Commemorating the life and innovations of the famous inventor with science fairs, parades, marching band competitions, sporting events, and fireworks. Fort Myers, Fla. 239-334-2999; edison@edisonfestival.org. (edisonfestival.org)
Top 20 Events – February 2009
Feb. 1-28, Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration. Preserving the rich traditions, culture, and legacy of Gullah descendants through storytelling, music, dance, local foods, and native arts and crafts. Hilton Head Island, S.C., 877-650-0676; nibcaainfo@aol.com. (gullahcelebration.com)
Feb. 5-7, 70th District Livestock Show & Rodeo/Western Heritage Days. “The Greatest Show on Dirt” thrills thousands with rodeo events, livestock shows, Wild West Gun Fights, and a live cattle drive! Lake Charles, La., 800-456-7952; debraharper@centurytel.net. (harperrodeo.com)
Feb. 5-8, Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville. The capital city unites renowned experts in antiques, gardening, decorative arts, and landscape design. Seminars, and displays of rare antiques and horticultural treasures available for purchase. Nashville, Tenn., 800-891-8075; antiquesgarden@cheekwood.org. (antiquesandgardenshow.cor)
Feb. 7-24, Bayou Lafourche Mardi Gras. More than a dozen parades, sequined celebrations, royal galas, elaborate floats, picnics in the park, live music, and BBQ and seafood feasts! Lafourche Parish, La., 877-537-5800; info@visitlafourche.com. (visitlafourche.com)
Feb. 7, Krewe of Janus Mardi Gras Parade. Join half a million merry-makers jumping for beads and doubloons during this family-friendly, alcohol-free parade of over 100 floats and marching bands. Monroe, La., 318-338-3172; krewofjanus@comcast.net. (kreweofjanus.com)
Feb. 13-15, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE). The largest wildlife art and nature event in the country features educational shows by the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, retriever and raptor demonstrations, 400 international artists, and conservation exhibits. Charleston, S.C., 843-723-1748; sewe@sewe.com. (sewe.com)
Feb. 19-22, Kentucky Crafted: The Market 2009. We got it made in Kentucky! Pottery, paintings, baskets, metal works; the finest traditional, folk and contemporary crafts; two-dimensional visual art, musical recordings, books and great food. Frankfort, Ky., 888-KYCRAFT; artscouncil@ky.gov. (artscouncil.ky.gov)
Feb. 20, Krewe of Lafitte Mardi Gras Parade Catch carnival madness at the only illuminated parade in the city! Miles of marching bands and colorful floats bearing masked mystics tossing trinkets, treats and doubloons! Pensacola, Fla., 850-436-7638; dannyzuf@aol.com. (pensacolamardigras.com)
Feb. 22, Krewe of Wrecks Mardi Gras Parade.. The biggest after-party on the boardwalk takes place when the last float drifts out of sight! Mix with the mystics for carnival celebration with a tropical twist! Pensacola Beach, Fla., 850-932-1500; webmaster@kowrecks.com. (kowrecks.com)
Feb. 21, Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade. “Throw me somethin’, Mister!” One of the country’s original Mardi Gras parades attracts 100,000 people to this kaleidoscope of floats, bands and moonpie mayhem! Pensacola, Fla., 850-436-7638;
dannyzuf@aol.com. (
pensacolamardigras.com)
Top 20 Events – March 2009
Mar. 2-9, Hilton Head International Piano Competition. Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra presents 20 contestants ages 18-30 vying for $33K in prizes. Enjoy a variety of concerts during this acclaimed competition sponsored by Steinway & Sons. Hilton Head Island, S.C., 843-842-5880; pianocomp@hhipc.org. (www.hhipc.org)
Mar. 5-8, BB&T Charleston Food + Wine Festival. Quintessential Lowcountry fare paired with southern succulence in 50+ events! Bubbles & Sweets, Gospel Brunch, BBQ, Blues & Brew, Culinary Village, guest chefs, sommeliers and more! Charleston, S.C., 843-722-9998, x2; info@charlestonfoodandwine.com. (charlestonfoodandwine.com)
Mar. 5-8, George Lindsay UNA Film Festival. Join George “Goober” Lindsay and a host of directors from across the nation for screenings, workshops, panel discussions, parties, and film-themed events on the University of North Alabama campus. Florence, Ala., 256-764-4661; Lindsey@visitflorenceal.com. (d2championship.com)
Mar. 6-7, Black Heritage Festival. Cultural and performing arts weekend highlights the achievements of African-Americans and benefits area scholarship programs. Gospel singing, R&B, Kids’ Zone, fashion shows, pageants, visual arts and empowering seminars. Lake Charles, La., 800-456-7952; info@visitlakecharles.org. (bhflc.org)
Mar. 6-8 (Columbia, S.C.), Mar. 13-15 (Richmond, Va.), Mar. 27-29 (Chantilly, Va.), Craftsmen’s Classic Arts and Crafts Festival. Artists and crafters gather to present original contemporary and traditional works, from paintings, glass and pottery, to jewelry, furniture and folk art. 336-282-5550; contact@gilmoreshows.com. (craftshow.com)
Mar. 7-8, Gulf Coast Renaissance Faire. Eat, drink and be medieval merry at this royal weekend of strolling minstrels, costumed dancers, jousting knights, swashbucklers, jesters, jugglers, wizards, Celtic music, and gypsy dancers! Pensacola, Fla., 877-429-8462; gcrenfaire@aol.com. (gcrf.net)
Mar. 7-8, Jerry Brown Arts Festival. Learn from masters as ninth-generation potter Jerry Brown welcomes artisans of every medium plying their trades, showing their skills, and teaching you the southern traditions of lost-art crafting. Hamilton, Ala., 205-921-3632; festivalinfo@jbaf.org. (jbaf.org)
Mar. 11-15, 15th Annual A Mountain Quiltfest. Needle artists from around the Great Smoky Mountains show off their techniques, unique patterns and materials, along with quilting classes, and hundreds of displays showcasing beautiful cloth creations. Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 800-251-9100; events@cityofpigeonforge.com. (mypigeonforge.com)
Mar. 14-15, Forsythia Festival. Celebrate spring at historic Courthouse Square surrounded by thousands of bright yellow blossoms. Free days filled with arts and crafts, friendly competitions, children’s fair, rare book sale, photography exhibits, and homemade goodies. Forsyth, Ga., 478-994-9239; Beverly@forsyth-monroechamber.com. (forsythiafestival.com)
Mar. 14-16, Iowa Rabbit Festival. Hop on over to this family-friendly weekend of live music, carnival rides, parades, petting zoo, pony rides, Miss Bunny Pageant, sporting events, cook-offs and a variety of homegrown foods. Iowa, La., 800-456-7952; iowarabbitfestival@yahoo.com. (visitlakecharles.org)
Mar. 17, First Ever Sixth Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Pub Crawl. Green fireworks, Celtic music, and the Irish Order of Elvi (Elvis lookalikes). Oh, just start laughing now! Hot Springs National Park, Ark., 501-321-2027, x5098; cegleston@hotsprings.org. (www.hotsprings.org)
Mar. 19-Apr. 18, 62nd Annual Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens and Antiques Show. The Historic Charleston Foundation guides you through 150 colonial and antebellum private residences showcasing stunning architecture, furnishings, and beautiful sculptured gardens. Charleston, S.C., 843-722-3405; lhandall@historiccharleston.org. (historiccharleston.org)
Mar. 20-29, Macon, Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival. Pink is definitely your color at this outdoor extravaganza, when nearly 300,000 Yoshino Cherry bloom all around the city.Balloon fests, air shows, fireworks, parades, and street party fun! Macon Ga., 478-751-7429; scampbell@cherryblossom.com. (cherryblossom.com)
Mar. 21-22, Rappahannock River Waterfowl Show. Unique festival showcasing original and antique waterfowl art, including oil paintings, watercolors, bronze sculptures, decoys, taxidermy, photography, and handcrafted jewelry. Enter the decoy carving contest! White Stone, Va., 804-435-6355; info@rrws.org. (rrws.org)
Mar. 24-28, Charleston Fashion Week. Runway shows feature the fashion creations of 30 local retailers and 100 designers, along with chic after-parties, a Finale Gala, and proceeds going to the Charleston chapter of Dress for Success. Charleston, S.C., 843-971-9811; Naomi.russell@charlestonmag.com. (charlestonfashionweek.com)
Mar. 24-Apr. 5, 67th Annual Columbus Spring Pilgrimage. Charming city opens the doors of impeccably maintained antebellum mansions, sculptured gardens, and historic churches. Carriage rides, artisans’ market, and “Tales from the Crypt” at Friendship Cemetery. Columbus, Miss., 800-920-3533; chr@historic-columbus.org. (www.historic-columbus.org)
Mar. 25-29, Festival of Flowers. This feast for all your senses enchants, entertains, and educates, with blossoms from around the globe, life-size landscapes, Children’s Venue, Art in the Park, designer tablescapes, environmental plantings, and workshops. Mobile, Ala., 877-777-0529; fofinfo@festivalofflowers.com. (festivalofflowers.com)
Mar. 27-28, Springtime Tallahassee. Community event draws 200,000 celebrants for the Downtown GetDown, Jubilee in the Park, Children’s Park, seafood, beer gardens, crafts, and big-name entertainment. Tallahassee, Fla., 850-224-5012; staff@sprinngtimetallahassee.com. (springtimetallahassee.com)
Mar. 28-29, Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival. Fun is free and in full bloom at this artsy event voted “Best Festival in the Southeast” at the International Festivals & Events 2006 Kaleidoscope Awards! Conyers, Ga., 770-860-4188; rebecca.hill@conyersga.com. (conyerscherryblossomfest.com)
Mar. 31, Taste of Mississippi: Homegrown Hunger Relief. Area restaurants serve up a delicious charity event benefitting the area’s poor, elderly, and disabled, along with auctions, music, and shopping specials at Highland Village. Jackson, Miss., 601-353-2759; sfrazier@stewpot.org. (atasteofms.org)
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