Home > Top 20 Events
Southeast Tourism Society's TOP 20 EVENTS in the Southeast USA
JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2003
JULY 2003
July 4-Dahlonega's 28th Annual Family Day-July 4 Celebration-Dahlonega, GA-The celebration includes gold panning, a pet show, blacksmithing, free watermelon, Colonial demonstrations, tours, arts & crafts exhibits, clogging, and the big bang of fireworks at North Georgia College; 706-864-3365; Mrs. Ella Ray Oakes; dahlonega@alltel.org; http://www.dahlonega.org/.
July 4-5-The Official State and National Championship Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival-Smithville, TN-Little ol' Smithville becomes the nation's center of old time Appalachian music, featuring fiddlin' competition, bluegrass, buck dancing, old-time fiddle band, five-string banjo, autoharp, dulcimer, dobro, flat-top guitar, and a fiddle-off for the grand championship; 615-597-8500; Neil Dudney; http://www.smithvilletn.com/jamboree/ or smithville.com.
July 4-Shoals Spirit of Freedom Celebration-Florence, AL-Bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets, beach towels and sunscreen and enjoy hot sounds and family fun in the sun. The event features a strong lineup of country, comedy and classic rock music with a spectacular fireworks show at the end; 256-740-4141/888-356-8687; Ms. Alison Stanfield; http://www.flo-tour.org/.
July 4-WSB TV Salute 2 America Parade-One of America's greatest Fourth of July celebrations for more than 40 years. More than 300,000 turn out to enjoy a star-spangled tribute featuring ABC-TV stars, nearly 100 colorful floats, award winning marching bands, and special guests; 404-897-7385; Hobie Pileski, Mary Ford, Barkley Russell; http://www.wsbtv.com/.
July 11-12-Blue Angels Air Show-Pensacola Beach, FL-The United States 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; 850-932-1500; Ms. Shelia Waites; shelia-waites@sria-fla.com.
July 11-27-Florida International Festival-Daytona Beach, FL-For three decades the London Symphony Orchestra has called this area its "Official Summer Home." The extended summer tour continues this year with the LSO performing along with featured artists Arturo Sandoval, Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder and the Dukes of Dixieland; 386-252-1151 ext. 2487; Ms. Terri Evans; http://www.fif-lso.org/.
July 11-21-South Carolina Peach Festival-Gaffney, SC-Just follow I-85 until you see the giant peach and you're almost where the fun is. Do you like peaches? Well, there's the Peach Dessert Contest, Peach Jam, Peach Beach and Peach Reach Concerts, Peach Fair, Golf Tournament, and more; 864-489-5716; Dennis Fowler; http://www.scpeachfestival.org/.
July 11-13-Uncle Dave Macon Days Old-Time Music and Dance Festival-Murfreesboro, TN-More than 40,000 fans flock to pioneer village Cannonsburgh to hear an old-time banjo-pickin' and singin' tribute to one of the Grand Ole Opry's first superstars, Uncle Dave. See many Opry regulars plus the National Championships in banjo, buck dancing and clogging; 800-716-7560, 615-893-2369; Ms. Gloria Christy; wbryant@rutherfordchamber.org; http://www.uncledavemacondays.com/.
July 12-13-Battle of Huck's Defeat (at Historic Brattonville)-McConnells, SC-Step back in history to the American Revolution and experience first-hand the reenactment of great battles at the site of Mel Gibon's movie, The Patriot. Brattonville is a 775-acre living history village and Revolutionary War battle site with 29 historic structures; 803-684-2327; Jeannie M. Marion; hbratton@infoave.net; http://www.yorkcounty.org/.
July 14-27-North Carolina International Folk Festival, Inc.-Folkmoot USA-Waynesville, NC-This festival transforms a small mountain city into a national cultural center. Talk with a villager from Katmandu or watch a Tahitian dancer or join hand in hand with a Turk doing a friendship dance; 877-FOLKUSA (365-5872); 828-452-2997; Ms. Judity Bromley; folkmoot@pobox.com; http://www.folkmoot.com/.
July 17-20-26th Annual Virginia Lake Festival-Clarksville, VA-The skies over Buggs Island fill with hot air balloons and boats skip across the water as clowns, line dancers, gymnasts and musicians perform, along with a tethered balloon race for kids, plus mouth-watering Southern and ethnic food; 800-557-5582; Stacie Goodman; clarksville@kerrlake.com; http://www.clarksvilleva.org/.
July 19-20-16th Annual Cajun Music and Food Festival-Lake Charles, LA-A true celebration of the Cajun heritage, highlighting all aspects of Cajun life, including food, dance contests, live music, amateur accordion contest, and a Louisiana Purchase Bicentennial exhibit; 800-456-7952; Ms. Louis Roy; cfma_lake_charles@hotmail.com.
July 19-28-Paducah Summer Festival-Paducah, KY-Riverfront concerts featuring popular up-and-coming country, pop and classic rock recording artists, Yesterday's Negro League Baseball players reunion, the 101st Airborne parachute jumpers, a lawn mower race, hot air balloon glow, and a fireworks finale; 800-723-8224; Brian Uthoff; http://www.paducahsummerfestival.com/.
July 25-August 1-Neshoba County Fair-Philadelphia, MS-Mississippi's Giant House Party sparkles with politicians making fiery speeches-the Fair is THE political forum for the State of Mississippi-plus harness racing, livestock shows, a game-filled midway, and country music concerts; 601-656-8480; Doug Johnson; ncfa@netalpha.net; http://www.neshobacountyfair.org/.
July 25-27-Upper Ohio Valley Italian Festival-Wheeling, WV-The largest Italian Festival in West Virginia-third largest in the United States-turns downtown Wheeling into an Old World culture center with entertainment, Italian food, pasta and sauce making exhibits, homemade wine tasting and making, a bocce tournament and more; 304-233-1090; Mr. Mary Ann Cerminara; http://www.italyfest.com/.
July 26-August 10-Virginia Highlands Festival-Abingdon, VA-More than 300,000 are expected to experience the culture of Virginia's Blue Ridge Highlands through arts and crafts, antiques, creative writing, literature workshops, fine foods, drama, concerts, nature walks, historical tours, and a Celtic Weekend; 800-435-3440, 276-676-2282; Steve Galyean; acvb@abingdon.com; http://www.vahighlandsfestival.org/.
July 27-August 2-W.C. Handy Music Festival-Florence, AL-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, "Street Strut" (peoples' parade), and educational events; 256-766-7642; Nancy C. Gonce; handyfst@bellsouth.net; http://www.wchandyfest.org/.
July 31-August 2-48th Annual Robbins Farmers Day-Robbins, NC-The largest horse parade on the east coast-more than 600 horses-highlights this celebration of the heart of America, plus the Bull Blast Rodeo, NC Mule Association Mule Show, arts & crafts, antique farm equipment demonstrations, and live music; 910-464-1290; Jarius Garner; http://www.robbinsfarmersday.com/.
July 31-August 3-Street Rod Nationals-Louisville, KY-More than 11,000 of the finest examples of street rods (modernized vehicles of 1948 and earlier manufacture) make Louisville a car lover's heaven. Besides looking at the cars, visitors will be able to drive the Indy-style Quaker State Power Crew Simulator, plus a trade show with more than 250 manufacturers and dealers; 901-452-4030; http://www.nsra-usa.com/.
July 31-August 4-Satchmo Summer Fest-New Orleans, LA- "What a Wonderful World" you'll discover at the French Quarter celebration honoring New Orleans' native son, 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; Ms. Sandra Dartus; feedback@fqfi.org; http://www.fqfi.org/.
AUGUST 2003
August 1-2-47th Annual Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair-Burnsville, NC-Escape the August heat in Burnsville, elevation 2,185 feet above sea level, and enjoy the oldest, largest outdoor crafts fair in the mountains. Includes 225 crafters plus live gospel, bluegrass and country music; 800-948-1632; http://www.yanceychamber.com/; info@yanceychamber.com.
August 1-3-Marshland Festival-Lake Charles, LA-Southwest Louisiana is famous for its marshes that nourish its people as well as sea life in general. The fest features Cajun food, much of it harvested in those very marshes, live entertainment, and arts and crafts exhibits; 800-456-7952; Steven Racca; hackffa@aol.com; http://www.visitlakecharles.org/.
August 1-2-Performance on the Green-The Montgomery Ballet-Montgomery, AL-Families bring picnics and enjoy the Montgomery Ballet's "gift" to the city, a free annual performance on the grounds of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and Museum of Fine Arts; 334-409-0522; Priscilla Crommelin-Ball; montgomeryballet@yahoo.com; http://www.montgomeryballet.com/.
August 2-9-Corridor 127 World's Longest Outdoor Yardsale-Covington, KY-From Mainstrasse Village to Alabama, this internationally-known sale brings shoppers from as far away as Japan to browse yard sales along 450 miles of U.S. Highway 27. Anything can be found-quilts, old furniture, antiques, maybe even a good "yard car"; 859-491-0458; Ms. Donna Kremer; http://www.mainstrasse.org/.
August 2-3-Pleasant Hill Craft Fair-Harrodsburg, KY-The Shaker Village hosts 75 outstanding artisans from across Kentucky, the South and Midwest demonstrating their art and fine crafts at America's finest, and most completely restored Shaker community; 859-734-1545/800-734-5611; Diana Ratliff; http://www.shakervillageky.org/.
August 6-17-Georgia Mountain Fair-Hiawassee, GA-The mountains fill with country, Bluegrass and gospel music, while historians at pioneer village give demonstrations on mountain crafts, antique farm equipment is on display, and artists and craftsmen display a host of goods; 706-896-4191; Hilda Thomason; gamtfair@alltel.net; http://www.georgia-mountain-fair.com/.
August 7-10-Ballet Under the Stars-Lexington, KY-Bring lawn chairs and a picnic supper to Woodland Park for an evening of professional dance. The only outdoor professional ballet production in the state, similar to those found in Chicago or New York City; 859-288-2925; Ms. Amber Luallen; www.lfucg.com/ParksRec/Culture/Buts.asp.
August 9-17-Elvis Week 2003-Memphis, TN-Each August, fans of all ages come from around the world to celebrate the music of The King, Elvis Presley. Events include a gospel concert performed by Elvis' backup singers and other special guests, Gospel Brunches, Candlelight Vigil in Graceland Plaza and more; 800-238-2000, 901-332-3322; glsales@elvis.com; http://www.elvis.com/.
August 14-24-Kentucky State Fair-Louisville, KY-The World Championship Horse Show is the highlight of this huge event but there's more; livestock shows, concerts, competition ranging from cooking to bull breeding, the special Kentucky Cookbook Tent, mock trials and the Thrillway. 502-367-5000, 502-367-5002; Harold Workman; http://www.kystatefair.org/.
August 15-23-Wilson County Fair-Lebanon, TN-The Fair has its version of reality TV with "Survival-Fittest of the Fair II," with 10 contestants on "Fair Island" competing and voting one participant off each night plus other contests ranging from Bluegrass to Barbeque cooking, arts and crafts and more; 615-443-2626; Randall Clemons; http://www.wilsoncounty.com/fair/.
August 15-16-Franklin County Watermelon Festival-Russellville, AL-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; franklincounty@charter.net; http://www.franklincountychamber.org/.
August 16-17-Virginia Wine Festival-The Plains, VA-Forty Virginia wineries offer tastings as well as gourmet foods for all tastes. Enjoy shopping for fine arts and crafts, and listen to some of the Washington Metropolitan area's most talented musicians in the green rolling hills of Virginia hunt country; 800-520-9670; http://www.showsinc.com/.
August 20-30-65th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration-Shelbyville, TN-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 they will see 20 World Champions named; 931-684-5915; Jimmy Burton; twhnc@twhnc.com; http://www.twhnc.com/.
August 20-24-East Coast Surfing Championships-Virginia Beach, VA-The second oldest surfing contest in the world and oldest continuous contest in North America is part beach party, part music festival, part athletic event, including beach volleyball, skimboarding golf tournament, and live music on a beachfront stage; 800-861-7873; Ms. Maggie Douglas; info@surfecsc.com; http://www.surfecsc.com/.
August 23-Fleming County Covered Bridge Festival-Flemingsburg, KY-With three of Kentucky's 13 remaining covered bridges, Fleming County is known as the Covered Bridge Capital of Kentucky. The fest features artists and craftsmen dressed in period clothing demonstrating skills from spinning to blacksmithing; 606-845-1223; Mary Jo Litton; FlemingChamber@pqisp.net; http://www.flemingkychamber.com/.
August 23-Summerfest-York, SC-York's Historic District becomes a day-long extravaganza with music and dancing, outstanding arts and crafts fair along the beautiful tree-lined streets, classic car shows, and giant-sized model airplane fly-in; 803-684-2590; Lynn B. Crane; yorkchamber@rhtc.net; http://www.yorksc.com/
August 28-September 1-Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival-Morgan City, LA-Time Magazine says it's one of the best, the most unusual, the most down-home, the most moving and the most fun (fests) the country has to offer. Lawrence Park in comes alive with the smells of Cajun cooking and the sounds of Cajun music; 985-385-0703; Rose Arceneaux; info@shrimp-petrofest.org; http://www.shrimp-petrofest.org/.
August 19-31-West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival-Clarksburg, WV-Authentic Italian cuisine, top name entertainers such as Connie Stevens, Kathy Mattea, Jo Dee Messina, Dion and Fabian-all free of charge, 15th National Pasta Cookoff, sporting events, and a special children's area with special stage of their own; 304-622-7314; Ms. Rachel L. Torchia; benvenuto79@aol.com; http://www.wvihf.com/.
August 30-31, September 1-2-Stonewall Jackson Heritage Arts & Crafts Jubilee-Jackson's Mill, WV-The boyhood home of Gen. Robert E. Lee's "right arm," Gen. Stonewall Jackson, is the site for this celebration of Appalachian heritage that includes 100 musicians, a fine arts, quilt, photo and needle arts show, turkey calling, marble shooting, and more; 800-296-1863; Ms. Petty Doyle; http://www.jubileewv.com/.
August 30-September 28-Virginia Beach Neptune Festival-Virginia Beach, VA-More than 600,000 enjoy the beach, the sea and 35-plus events, including a major naval air show, military displays, the North American Sand Sculpting Championship, Seafood Feast, Wine Festival, four stages of entertainment, and a huge fireworks display; 757-498-0215; Whit Collins; wbc@neptunefestival.com; http://www.neptunefestival.com/.
SEPTEMBER 2003
September 4-7-Yellow Daisy Festival-Stone Mountain, GA-The wild Yellow Daisy blooms each September but only within a 50-mile radius of that great granite monolith, Stone Mountain and it's a cause for celebration. The nation's No. 1 arts and crafts show features 440-plus of the nation's top crafters, Creative Children's Corner, and lots of good, southern food. 770-498-5690; Jeanine Battle; http://www.stonemountainpark.com/newsite/default.asp.
September 5-7-Mainstrasse Village Oktoberfest-Covington, KY-Oom Pah Pah! Strike up the band and celebrate life with great German and American food and drink, outstanding entertainment on three stages, ranging from German to Rock and "Kinderplatz" activities for youngsters; 859-491-0458, 513-357-6246; http://www.mainstrasse.org/.
September 5-14-Tennessee Valley Fair-Knoxville, TN-A showcase for East Tennessee arts, crafts, domestic goods and livestock with extras, including: 94.3 Extreme Radio's Battle of the Bands, Bluegrass festival, tractor pull, U.S. Clogging Championship, and good food; 865-214-1479; Pat Dawson; fair@tnvalleyfair.org; http://www.tnvalleyfair.org/.
September 6-Chevy Rock and Roll 400-Richmond, VA-The prestigious NASCAR Winston Cup Series returns to Richmond International Raceway for the 2003 season finale. Known for incredible racing action "under the lights," this race will be even more intense being so close to the end of the season; 804-345-RACE (7223); ririnfo@rir.com; http://www.rir.com/.
September 6-7-2003 Winston-Salem First Flight Centennial-Winston Salem, NC-Featuring the flying, modified replica of the 1911 Wright Brothers' Model "B" airplane. The airshow is highlighted by more than a dozen military and civilian aerial acts, static aircraft displays, war bird displays, and military fly-bys; 336-767-6361; Ed Cox; http://www.smithreynolds.org/
September 17-21-Kentucky Bourbon Festival-Bardstown, KY-Celebrates the passion, history and art of making Kentucky Bourbon with 30 major events, including Bourbon Q Cookoff, distillery tours, live entertainment, Bourbon cooking school and Bourbon Barrel Relay; 800-638-4877; Pamela Gover; info@kybourbonfestival.com; http://www.kybourbonfestival.com/.
September 18-October 25-27th Annual Fall Candlelight Tour of Homes & Gardens-Charleston, SC-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 20th century. Eighteen fabulous tours each night; 800-968-8175, 843-722-4630; Cynthia C. Jenkins; preserve@preservationsociety.org; http://www.preservationsociety.org/.
September 19-21-Trail of Tears Commemoration & Motorcycle Ride-Florence & Waterloo, AL-Some 100,000 cyclists will ride from Chattanooga to Waterloo along the route of the tragic Trail of Tears. The emotional event includes a Native American Pow Wow and live entertainment; 888-356-8687, 256-740-4141; Alison Stanfield; alisons@flo-tour.org; http://www.al-tn-trailoftears.org/.
September 19-21-Florida Music & Film Harvest-Live Oak, FL-A film extravaganza with four stages, more than 70 bands and 600-plus acres for camping, attacting the most talented and well-known national acts. 386-364-1683; Marshall Lowe; http://www.musicharvest.com/.
September 20-32nd Annual Scottish Games & Highland Gathering-Charleston, SC-The Gathering of the Clans takes place at Boone Hall, a Southern plantation. Find your own tartan, watch the games, hear the pipes calling and be sure to sample a little haggis; 843-529-1020; Bill Pitt; http://www.charlestonscots.com/.
September 20-21st Annual March of Dimes NC Chili Championship & Rubber Duck Regatta-Clemmons, NC-Chili cooks from across the South do their best to fire up the taste buds while visitors enjoy top country music entertainment, browse arts and crafts exhibits and watch thousands of rubber ducks float down the Yadkin River for valuable prizes; 336-723-4386; Nell Jo Hall; http://www.ncchilichampionship.com/.
September 20-21-DeSoto Carverns Park's 28th Annual Fall Indian Dance & Crafts Festival-Childersburg, AL-Native Americans from different tribes in full regalia, Indian dancing, more than 100 crafts booths, both Indian and country, great food and more; 256-378-7252; Allen W. Mathis III; fun@desotocavernspark.com; http://www.desotocavernspark.com/intro.htm.
September 20-21-Ocmulgee Indian Celebration-Macon, GA-Honors the heritage of the Southeast's indigenous people, called the "Five Civilized Tribes" (Creek, Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw and Seminole) with dancers, artists, storytellers, and Navajo-Ute flutist Carlos Nakai performing with the Macon Symphony Orchestra; 478-752-8257; Jim David; http://www.nps.gov/ocmu/.
September 20-21-JapanFest 2003-Stone Mountain, GA-A celebration of Japanese culture featuring vocal, dance, and drum performances, martial arts, Japanese food and workshops such as how to fly a Japanese kite; 404-842-1400; Clark Wisenbaker; info@japanfest.org; http://www.japanfest.org/.
September 25-27-Mayberry Days-Mount Airy, NC-Celebrate the Andy Griffith Show and reunite with some of your favorite characters. Stars on hand include: Maggie Peterson, "Charlene Darling;" Howard Morris, "Ernest T;" Betty Lynn, "Thelma Lou," and Doug Dillard of the Darling Boys; 336-786-7998, 800-286-6193; Tanya Rees; tanya@adri.net; http://www.surryarts.org/main/displaypage.php?page=main/indexframe.html.
September 25-28-Preston County Buckwheat Festival-Kingwood, WV-How about buckwheat cake and sausage dinners for a start, plus arts and crafts exhibits, livestock shows, Fireman's Day Parade, School Day Parade, Farmer Day Parade, live entertainment and more; 304-329-0021; Lucille H. Crogan.
September 25-28-World Chicken Festival-London, KY-Col. Harlan Sanders opened his first Kentucky Fried Chicken cafe here and now it hosts an egg-citing weekend that features live entertainment on four stages, Col. Sanders lookalike contest, the world's largest skillet (filled with chicken), crowing, strutting and clucking contest and more; 800-348-0095, 606-878-6900; Ken Harvey; tourism@lltc.net; http://www.chickenfestival.com/.
September 26-28-Pensacola Seafood Festival-Pensacola, FL-Sample a huge variety of mouth-watering seafood and then ease your conscience with the 5K run. Also offers 180 selected arts & crafts vendors and children's activities, including puppet shows and hands on arts and crafts, 850-433-6512; Angie Irvin; info@fiestaoffiveflags.org; http://www.fiestaoffiveflags.org/.
September 26-November 1-Dollywood Harvest Celebration-Pigeon Forge, TN-An arts and crafts area covering 2500 square-feet and daily demonstrations by area craft guilds, musicians and storytellers, the 7th Annual Southern Gospel Jubilee, and fall food favorites such as Fried Green Tomatoes, Fresh Baked Apple Pies and Skillet Potatoes; 800-DOLLYWOOD; http://www.dollywood.com/.
September 28-CalcaChew Food Festival-Lake Charles, LA-Behold the wonders of Louisiana cuisine prepared by the best cooks of Calcasieu Parish. Cajun Foods with homemade candies, cakes, arts and crafts exhibits, live music and a French Mass; 800-456-SWLA; Mary Martin; http://www.visitlakecharles.org/.
