Home > Top 20 Events
Southeast Tourism Society's TOP 20 EVENTS in the Southeast USA
OCTOBER, NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2003
OCTOBER 2003
October 3-4-Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention-Athens, AL-The Granddaddy of Mid-South Fiddlers Conventions will draw 15-20,000 fans to the beautiful campus of Athens State University to enjoy great competition; fiddles - of course - guitars, harmonicas, mandolins, bluegrass banjos, dulcimers and old-time singing; 256-233-8100; Rick Mould; rmould@athens.edu; http://www.athens.edu/.
October 3-5-BayFest-Mobile, AL-A vast array of renowned musical talent-more than 100 live national, regional and local acts -performing on seven stages for three days. Features jazz, rhythm & blues, rock, country, soul, folk, urban, alternative, dance, bluegrass, zydeco, Latin and gospel; 251-208-7835; Robert O. Bostwick Jr.; http://www.bayfest.com/.
October 3-12-Georgia National Fair-Perry, GA-A celebration of Georgia's youth, agriculture and heritage with competitive and educational exhibits-horse, livestock, horticultural, youth, home and fine arts categories-midway rides, games, free circus and nightly fireworks at Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter; 478-987-3247; Michele Treptow; mtreptow@alltel.net; http://www.georgianationalfair.com/.
October 3-5-St. James Court Art Show-Louisville, KY-Nearly 250,000 will attend one of the largest art shows in the country with over 700 artists from every corner of the country featuring paintings, drawings, prints, watercolors, ceramics, pottery and hand decorated porcelain, jewelry, floral arrangements, metal work, wood work, furniture, toys, crafts, stained glass and art glass, windows, clothing, needlework, quilts, leather goods, enamel work and more; 502-635-1842; Susan C. Coleman; http://www.stjamescourtartshow.com/.
October 4-33rd Running of Steeplechase at Tanglewood Park-Clemmons, NC-A great family event. Enjoy the spectacle of thoroughbreds jumping fences and the side spectacle of extravagant tailgate parties; 336-777-3900; Tom Hamilton/Cathy Caudle; cccaudle@cbs.com.
October 4-5-Oz Day and Harvest Fest at Beech Mountain-Beech Mountain, NC-Stroll down the yellow brick road and meet Dorothy (and Toto), the Wicked Witch, Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow and the Tin Man, the munchkins and see Auntie Em's farm before and after the storm; 800-468-5506/828-387-9283; chamber@beechmtn.com.
October 5-12-Cruisin' The Coast-Ocean Springs, Biloxi, D'Iberville, Gulfport, Long Beach & Bay St. Louis, MS- Car enthusiasts from over 35 states and Canada drive to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to showcase and to cruise a variety of antique, classic and hot rod automobiles. Also includes drag races, top-name entertainment, Automotive Swap Meet, Automotive Displays & Cruises, Poker Runs and more; 888-808-1188/228-385-3847; Gene Oswalt; http://www.cruisinthecoast.com/.
October 9-12-Museum of Appalachia's Tennessee Fall Homecoming-Norris, TN-The most extensive and authentic gathering of old-time musicians and pioneer-type craftspeople in the country. Demonstrations of frontier, mountain, and rural activities plus traditional, folk, early country and bluegrass musicians, including such nationally famous folks as Ralph Stanley, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Isaacs and many more; 865-494-7680/865-494-0514/865-494-7325; John Rice Irwin/Elaine I. Meyer; musofapp@icx.net; http://www.southeasttourism.org/top%2020/www.museumofappalachia.com.
October 10-11-Mansion by Candlelight at Blennerhassett Island-Parkersburg, WV- Spend an enchanted evening on Blennerhassett Island. Let the candlelit mansion cast its spell on you as you become a guest at an 18th-century party. See dancing, hear mysterious stories, listen to delightful music, and reserve your spot at the pig roast; 304-420-4800; Pam Salisbury; http://www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com/.
October 11-Sweet Potato Festival-Darlington, SC-The longest-running festival in Darlington County draws thousands to take part in games for the children, crafts, music, live entertainment, and plenty of sweet potato pie! 843-395-2940; Miriam Campbell.
October 12-Taste of Charleston-Charleston, SC-Fifty restaurants give participants the chance to enjoy some of the best foods the Lowcountry has to offer and there are other enticements: Waiter's Wine Race, Ice Carving demos, music, Chef's Corner, beer and wine tasting tent, kid's events and Live Entertainment on Stage; 800-774-0006; http://www.charlestoncvb.com/.
October 16-19-Biketoberfest 2003-Daytona Beach, FL--The final "ride" for enthusiasts before they put up their bikes for the winter season, the fest features racing at Daytona Speedway plus more than 200 separate events, plus motorcycling celebrities such as Evel Knievel and Peter Fonda; 866-296-8970/386-255-0415; Tangela Boyd; http://www.biketoberfest.org/.
October 16-Clearwater Jazz Holiday-Clearwater, FL-Four days and nights of the world's best jazz artists on the waterfront at Coachman Park. Free concerts feature artists such as Woody Herman, Jeff Berlin, Steve Reid, Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars, Chick Corea and Ghetto Love Sugar; 727-461-5200; Wayne Garcia; jan@clearwaterjazz.com; http://www.clearwaterjazz.com/bin/site/wrappers/splash.asp.
October 17-November 2-State Fair of Louisiana-The 98th Annual State Fair of Louisiana will attract some 250,000 with its arts and crafts, livestock shows, petting zoo with exotic animals, midway rides, special music and the great Cajun and Creole cooking of the area;
318-635-1361; Sam Giordano; info@statefairoflouisiana; http://www.statefairoflouisiana.com/.
October 18-The International Gold Cup Races-The Plains, VA-Scheduled for the peak of fall colors in Fauquier County, crisp atmosphere, country tweeds and an elegant Hunt Country backdrop sets an outdoor stage for 30,000-plus to enjoy the excitement of top steeplechase jockeys competing for prizes; 540-347-2612/800-69RACES; Diane Jones; http://www.vagoldcup.com/.
October 18-19-Stone Mountain Highland Games & Scottish Festival-Stone Mountain, GA-The picturesque grounds of Stone Mountain Park will once again sing with the sounds of bagpipes, fifes and drums and blaze with the plaids of the clans as Scots from around the world don the family tartans and flock to the gathering. 770-521-0228; Gerald Larkey; http://www.smhg.org/.
October 18-19-16th Annual SUNCOM Town Point Virginia Wine Festival-Norfolk, VA-Experience the taste of some of Virginia's finest wines as more than 25 of the state's premier wineries offer a sampling of their finest wines. Gourmet, made-in Virginia food items -scrumptious seafood, incredible pastas, fresh fruits, international cheeses, crisp salads, homemade soups, fresh baked breads, delectable deserts and much more-will also be available; 757-441-2345; Kerry Shehan; http://www.festeventsva.org/.
October 18-20-October Court Day-Sterling, KY-The Fall is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of one of earlier traditions-Court Day. Mount Sterling delights in this long-standing tradition when more than 100,000 people from all parts of the country gather to enjoy arts and crafts of the people of Mount Sterling; 859-498-8732; Gerald Atkinson; mtourism@mis.net; http://mountsterling-ky.com/tourism/
October 22-26-80th Annual Cal-Cam Fair-Sulphur, LA-A good old fashioned country fair featuring livestock competitions, food booths, pageants, carnival rides, live entertainment, baked and canned goods competitions and more; 800-456-7952; Margarette Johnson; touristinfo@visitlakecharles.org; http://www.visitlakecharles.org/.
October 25-15th Annual Jack Daniel's International Invitational Barbecue Cook Off-Lynchburg, TN-The most prestigious barbecue competition in the world. Teams from across the United States and around the world compete to cook the best Pork Ribs, Pork Shoulder, Whole Hog, Beef Brisket and Chicken. Enjoy roasted corn, fried fruit pies, and other delicacies and compete in the Country Dog Contest (canines only!), the Ladies Rolling Pin Toss, Bung Pitching, and Butt Bowling; 931-759-6180; Roger E. Brashears Jr.; http://www.jackdaniels.com/.
NOVEMBER 2003
November 1-2-Peter Anderson Art Festival-Ocean Springs, MS-The works of 250 regional artists-oil painting and watercolors, raku pottery and metal works-cover historic, tree-lined downtown Ocean Springs in a tribute to master potter Peter Anderson. Also enjoy live music, Coast and ethic food and the Walter Anderson Museum of Art; 228-875-4424; Gave Aultman; http://www.oceanspringschamber.com/.
November 6-9-Mistletoe & Moss Holiday Market-Lake Charles, LA-A Holiday Market offering housewares, clothing, accessories, furniture, food and more that includes private shopping, continental breakfast, and discounts, happy hours, and children's activities. Proceeds support Junior League community projects; 800-456-7952/337-494-7115; Denise Wilkinson; touristinfo@visitlakecharles.org; http://www.visitlakecharles.org/.
November 6-February 28-Pigeon Forge Winterfest-Pigeon Forge, TN-Our four-month festival brings the magic of the season closer to home. Nestled in the foothills of the Smokies, Pigeon Forge is an easy family escape with dazzling light displays, entertainment, food and surprise special guests; 800-251-9100; http://www.mypigeonforge.com/.
November 7-9-Fort Myers Beach Sandsculpting Festival-Fort Myers Beach, FL-The experts say Fort Myers Beach has the finest sand in the country, something the country's master sand sculptors can't resist as they compete to see who can create the most brilliant masterpiece from a 20x20-foot pile of sand. Also includes an amateur workshop where spectators can learn sand sculpting; 239-454-7500/800-782-9283; Barb Hauser; info@fmbchamber.com; http://www.fmbchamber.com/.
November 7-16-West Virginia University Mountaineer Week-Morgantown, WV-The premiere event in West Virginia that encompasses the unique aspects of Appalachian life, music, food, crafts and programs. Highlight is the Craft Fair that features traditional and contemporary crafts of Appalachia; 304-293-2702; Sonja Wilson; sonja.wilson@mail.wvu.edu; http://www.wvu.edu/
November 8-Lake Charles Veterans Day Military Ball-Lake Charles, LA-Black tie dinner featuring an orchestra, dancing, and military ceremony to honor veterans and current servicemen. Civilians dress is formal, military-dress uniforms. 800-456-7952/337-479-2677; Captain Joe Hill; touristinfo@visitlakecharles.org; http://www.visitlakecharles.org/.
November 9-Charleston Cup-Charleston, SC-One of the premier sporting events in the Lowcountry, offering thoroughbred horse racing over fences and hedges and sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association. Pack your picnic baskets and spend the day; 843-577-5006; www.soireecharleston.com/chascup.html
November 11-16-World Cup Golf-Kiawah Island, SC-The world returns to Kiawah Island Golf Resort for the World Golf Championship's fourth jewel. This two-man team event will take place on the newly renovated Ocean Course. Unlike the previous World Cup played at The Ocean Course in 1997, this international event is far bigger and more prestigious as it is now sanctioned by the International Federation of PGA Tours. 877-942-4020; Steve Wilson; http://www.worldgolfchampionships.com/
November 13-16-22nd Annual Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals-Myrtle Beach, SC-Lavish Victorian decorations and costumed Dickens characters set the tone for this festival that honors Charles Dickens. Features The Beggars Ball, Victorian Teas, live performances, Historic Holiday Plantation and Port Tours; 843-448-9483; Brooke Baker; dickensshow@sc.rr.com; http://www.dickenschristmasshow.com/.
November 14-December 30-A Southern Christmas-Stone Mountain, GA-Majestic Stone Mountain will stand out even more than usual as more than a million lights illuminate the park, including the entire town of Crossroads. See the Song of the Trees musical light show, watch for the "Snow Angel," take the kids to The Great Barn, enjoy live music and more; 770-498-5690; http://www.stonemountainpark.com/newsite/default.asp.
November 14-16-Native American Intertribal Powwow-Tullahoma, TN-Learn about Native American culture through demonstrations, dancing, music, storytelling and hands-on experience. See native dance competition and enjoy the music of Grammy Award winning Native American flutist Joseph Firecrow; 931-455-5321; Patti Wimsatt; sojack@midtnn.net; http://www.southjackson.org/.
November 15-January 4-Tanglewood Festival of Lights-Clemmons, NC-Tanglewood's rolling countryside becomes a winter wonderland of giant snowflakes and whimsical scenes through the magic of nearly a million lights. Enjoy the magic and splendor of the Southeast's largest holiday light Show. 336-778-6300; Kevin Jay; http://www.tanglewoodpark.org/.
November 15-16-Highlands & Islands Association 18th Annual Scottish Games-Gulfport, MS-Highlight is the Mississippi State Championship Men's Athletic Competition, plus music and dancing entertainment. Also includes Clans Tents (look for your family name), Artisans, Craft Village, Genealogy Tent, Scottish Food Vendors, Celtic gifts and merchandise, Medieval Village, Living History, Children's Games, Children's mini Athletic Competition; 228-452-7569; Karen Green; http://highlandsandislands.batcave.net
November 18-December 20-Christmas at Labrot & Graham-Versailles, KY-Guests are treated to heirloom recipes crafted by chef-in-residence David Larson, plus a one-of-a-kind shopping experience and a personal tour of the beautifully decorated distillery where the super-premium bourbon, Woodford Reserve, is made; 859-879-1812; David Larson; mary_perkins@b-f.com; http://www.woodfordreserve.com/
November 21-December 31-Christmas on the Rocks-Gadsden, AL-A fantastic display of more than two million twinkling lights. Enjoy the excursion train ride through the lights, Historic Pioneer Village and the spectacular view of Noccalula Falls; 256-547-0783; Quent & Barbara Pavey.
November 22-Light Up Ocala 20th Anniversary-Ocala, FL-The Holiday season makes Ocala glow with Christmas lights, the JuniorSunshine Christmas Parade, live musical entertainment, children's performances, face painting, clowns, pony rides, crafts exhibits, the grand opening of the ice skating arena and more; 352-629-8401; Jennifer Blair; jblair@ocalafl.org.
November 27-January 1-Celebration in Lights-Newport News, VA-Light up your holidays with a two-mile drive-through of 200 spectacular scenes, 70 of them animated, aglow with 650,000 lights in Newport News Park. View whimsical toys, elegant swans, leaping reindeer, multi-colored snowflakes and scenes from Virginia's past portrayed in a kaleidoscope of dazzling color; 888-493-7386; http://www.newport-news.org/.
November 27-December 31-Galaxy of Lights-Huntsville, AL-Enter through a poinsettia wreath into the biggest holiday light extravaganza in the Tennessee Valley, a twinkling fantasy world where lamp posts are shooting stars and Santa flies high through the night sky. The magnificent one-mile lighted drive features more than 150 exhibits in five major theme areas; 256-830-4447; Sharon Jordan; http://www.hsvbg.org/.
November 28-January 1-100 Miles of Lights-Richmond, Williamsburg, Newport News, Hampton, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, VA-Millions of lights and hundreds of holiday events will entertain visitors to Central and Southeast Virginia as 100 Miles of Lights shines brightly. Drive-through and walk-through light shows, lighted boat parades, city illuminations, music festivals, theatrical performances and living history re-enactments; 757-926-1429/888-493-7386; Suzanne Pearson; http://www.newport-news.org/groupinfo/100milesoflights.htm.
November 28-December 31-Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens and Home-Theodore, AL-Bellingrath Gardens and Home brings to life the magic of Christmas with millions of twinkling lights, festive music performances, holiday food, Nativity and more. Rekindle your holiday spirit and begin a tradition for the entire family; 251-973-2217/800-247-8420; http://www.bellingrath.org/.
DECEMBER 2003
December 1-31-Southwest Louisiana Christmas Lighting Festival-Lake Charles, LA-Southwest Louisiana mascot Gumbeaux Gator heads up a schedule of events with a spiced-up "Cajun night before Christmas." Highlights include the Lighting Ceremony, a lighted boat parade, Christmas music, bell choirs, carolers, Kossa Indian Dancers, arts and crafts and Cajun and Creole cuisine. 800-456-7952; Shanna Landry; touristinfo@visitlakecharles.org; http://www.visitlakecharles.org/.
December 1-31-Christmas New Orleans Style-New Orleans, LA-Amidst twinkling lights and garland-draped lacework of French Quarter balconies, strolling carolers herald the season while historical characters share tales, New Orleans chefs share culinary secrets in free demonstrations, majestic St. Louis Cathedral hosts concerts and much more; 504-522-5730/800-673-5725; Laurie Toups; laurie@fqfi.org; http://www.christmasneworleans.com/.
December 1-26-Christmas Town, U.S.A.-McAdenville, NC-Almost overnight this small textile town along the South Fork River is transformed as more than 375 trees come to life in glowing red, white and green splendor, so beautiful it even gained notice by the late CBS legend, Charles Kuralt; 704-824-3551, x 261/704-823-2330 (media); Vicky Alexander; http://www.mcadenville-christmastown.com/
December 1-January 1-Christmas in Charleston-Charleston, SC-Residents of the historic area get into the spirit by decorating homes to rekindle the spirit of Christmas past. Delight in the Holiday Festival of Lights, Plantation Days at Middleton Place, Gospel Christmas, walking tours, concerts and more; 800-868-8118; Katie Chapman; http://www.charlestoncvb.com/
December 4-6-Majestic Middle Tennessee Plantation Christmas Tour of Homes-Columbia, TN-Explore the beautiful interiors of some of the finest homes in the area, festively decorated for Christmas. Don't miss the 14-foot tree at the Frierson-Hardison home, filled with 7,000 lights and 4,000 ornaments; 931-381-4822; Byron Cox; http://www.athenaeumrectory.com/.
December 4-14-Festival of Trees-Florence, AL-A holiday spectacle at historic Coby Hall on the University of North Alabama's campus with majestically decorated Christmas trees, mantles and tables, plus original hand-crafted items from the artists of North Alabama and food in the Festival Tea Room; 256-765-4201; Carol S. Lyles; www.una.edu/alumni/events.htm.
December 5-7-27th Annual Chimneyville Crafts Festival-Jackson, MS-More than 140 regional craftsmen display their works, including quilts, jewelry, blown and stained glass, wood carving, furniture, decorative accessories, baskets, beadwork, handwoven wearable art, pottery, homemade paper, metal arts, toys and more; 601-981-0019; Kit Davis Barksdale; mscraftsmen@aol.com.
December 5-7-Christmas Candlelight Tour at Historic Brattonville-McConnells, SC-See over 70 costumed interpreters re-enact a multitude of holiday scenarios, including a slave wedding, 19th Century dance lessons, gift preparation, carolers, storytelling, bonfires; 800-866-5200; hbratton@comporium.net; http://www.yorkcounty.org/.
December 5-Gatlinburg "Fantasy of Lights" Christmas Parade-Gatlinburg, TN-Enjoy lighted floats, marching bands, giant helium balloons, Christmas music and live entertainment. Be sure to attend Santa's pre-parade autograph party at Riverbend Mall; 865-436-0500; George Hawkins; http://www.gatlinburg-tn.com/.
December 6-7-Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour-Marietta, GA-Go behind closed doors into Marietta's historic homes, for a tour of six private homes, lovingly restored and decorated for the season, and eight heritage public buildings; 770-429-1115/800-835-0445; Theresa Jenkins; http://www.mariettasquare.com/.
December 6-7-Old Wilmington by Candlelight-Wilmington, NC-Tour a dozen of Wilmington's finest historic homes and churches decorated for the holidays, connected by streets lined with luminaries and resounding with festive music; 910-762-0492; Cathy Myerow Boettcher; latimer@latimerhouse.org; http://latimerhouse.org/ctour2003.php.
December 6-14-Festival of Trees and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Christmas Parade-Atlanta, GA-Stroll through 150,000 square feet of decorated trees, wreaths and decorator vignettes created by the city's top artists and designers. Also features gingerbread houses, specialty shops, children's activities and continuous live entertainment; 404-325-NOEL; Saundra Minnich; http://www.choa.org/festival/.
December 7-Plantation Christmas-Tuscumbia, AL-Belle Mont, North Alabama's only mansion that is open to the public on a daily basis, celebrates Christmas as it was done in the early 1800s with decorations inside and out with period live greenery, fruits and berries while vocalists, accompanied by the melodeon, Celtic harp, recorder and harpsicord, sing Christmas songs and guests enjoy homemade cookies, cakes, fruit tarts and hot cider; 256-383-0783/800-344-0783; ctourism@hiwaay.net.
December 11-12-Victorian Christmas-Thomasville, GA-Take a carriage ride or stroll down Thomasville's famous brick Main Street with costumed locals, join in street corner caroling, sample seasonal delicacies and let the kids visit with Saint Nicholas aboard his reindeer-pulled sleigh; 229-227-7020; Sharlene Celaya; mainstrt@rose.net; http://www.downtownthomasville.com/.
December 13-Christmas on the Coosa-Wetumpka, AL-As dusk falls, Wetumpka welcomes the holiday as only a river town can. A flotilla of brightly lighted, beautifully decorated boats parade down the dark waters of the Coosa River, followed by a spectacular fireworks show. Also features a street parade and fireworks; 334-567-1313; Hazel Jones; wetumpkaevents@bellsouth.net.
December 13-Cingular Wireless Winterfest Boat Parade Presented by Nokia-Fort Lauderdale, FL-More than 100 elaborately decorated yachts parade along a decorated shoreline from Fort Lauderdale to Pompano Beach, creating a holiday spectacular on and off the water. Festivities include the Winterfest Black Tie Ball, Intracoastal Decorating Extravaganza and fireworks; 954-767-0686; Lisa Scott-Founds; info@winterfestparade.com; http://www.winterfestparade.com/.
December 13-'Just One More' Invitational Art Festival-Tallahassee, FL-Tallahassee's richest historic area provides a cultural playground for nearly 100 artists and craftsmen to show their talent with live entertainment to add to the pleasure of the moment and great food to sustain the body and spirits; 850-980-8727; Susan Stratton; susan@downtownmarket.com.
December 13-Holiday Tour of Historic Inns-St. Augustine, FL-St. Augustine's 26 historic bed and breakfast inns, each paired with one of the city's top restaurants, invite you for a merry taste of hospitality where visitors can sample specialty treats and enjoy seasonal entertainment. Includes a keepsake Bed & Breakfast Recipe Book; 904-824-0887; Kathleen Hurley; http://www.staugustineinns.com/.
December 13-14-Colonial Christmas-Wilmington, NC-The Burgwin-Wright Museum House, built in 1771, is decorated for the Holidays in traditional Colonial style and celebrates with period music, Colonial food demonstrations, hot wassail and re-enactments to enhance the visitor's experience; 910-762-0570; Jackie Margoles;
December 31-Gatlinburg's New Year's Eve Ball Drop and Pyrotechnic Show-Gatlinburg, TN-All eyes go to the Space Needle in the center of Gatlinburg as midnight approaches and the throng of 35,000 anticipates the drop of the lighted ball from the 365-foot-high structure. Then the fireworks start as the old year ends and the New Year begins. 865-436-0500; George Hawkins; http://www.gatlinburg-tn.com/.
