Home > Top 20 Events
Southeast Tourism Society's TOP 20 EVENTS in the Southeast USA
October / November / December
OCTOBER 2004
Oct. 1-2, Boaz Annual Harvest Festival, Boaz, AL – This festival offers arts and crafts, an antique car show and folklife exhibits, plus great shopping at nearby factory outlets. 256-593-8154, Bill Osborn, boazchamber@charter.net
Oct. 1-3, Destin Seafood Festival, Destin, FL – Enjoy free concerts, car & motorcycle displays, over 100 arts & crafts vendors, “Tadpole Town” for the kids, and “A Taste of Destin,” which provides a sampling of local restaurant delicacies. 850-837-2711 ext 2, Carolyn Folley, www.destinchamber.com
Oct. 1-3, Gretna Heritage Festival, Gretna, LA – The largest music and food festival on the West Bank of the Mississippi River offers national headliners, a fabulous array of local food, a children’s carnival area, a 5K Run/Walk and more. 504-361-7748, Dodie Rackley, info@gretnafest.com
Oct. 1-3, The Kentucky Woolfest Festival, Falmouth, KY – “Ewe” are in for a great time at this event which celebrates everything about sheep – from herding and shearing to wool spinning. Bring the whole herd for this good time which offers live demonstrations of goat milking, sheep shearing events, sheep herding with dogs, and over 160 juried crafters. 859-654-3378, David Pridble, www.pendletoncountyky.com, plowdrey@fuse.net
Oct. 1-3, 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 Coleman, www.stjamescourtartshow.com
Oct. 2, Fall for Fairfax, Fairfax, VA – Enjoy the cooler temperatures and the crunch of leaves under your feet as you marvel at the arrival of autumn colors in this northern Virginia town. You and your family can paint pumpkins, make scarecrows, take a hayride, snack on goodies from the farmer’s market and meet furry critters at the petting zoo. 703-324-3247, Stephen King, www.fallforfairfax.com
Oct. 3-4, Unicoi County Apple Festival, Erwin, TN – Some 80,000 locals and visitors fill the streets of downtown Erwin to enjoy live entertainment, gospel and popular music, watch apple butter and cider making, browse 300 arts & crafts exhibits and enjoy good southern food. 423-743-3000, Chris Peterson, www.unicoicounty.org, chris@unicoicounty.org
Oct. 6-17, Mississippi State Fair, Jackson, MS – This is one of the South’s largest fairs featuring amusement rides, concessions, entertainment by national recording artists and a variety of agricultural and livestock competitions. 601-961-4000, Mike Brinkley, rharris@visitjackson.com
Oct. 7-10, Annual National Shrimp Festival, Gulf Shores, AL – Held on the beach in Gulf Shores, this event honors the shrimping industry with live entertainment, fine arts and crafts, sandcastle contests, and of course, shrimp cooked any way you can imagine. 251-968-6904, Ginger Parnell, www.nationalshrimpfestival.com, festival@gulftel.com
Oct. 7-10, 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 include 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, John Rice Irwin, www.museumofappalachia.com, musofapp@icx.net
Oct. 8-17, Georgia National Fair, Perry, GA – A celebration of the best of Georgia with thousands of entries in horse, livestock, horticultural, youth, home and fine arts categories, individual and family entertainment, free circus performances, nightly fireworks, and Southern food galore at the sparkling, 628-acre Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter. 478-987-3247, Michele Treptow, www.georgianationalfair.com, mtreptow@alltel.net
Oct. 10, Taste of Charleston, Charleston, SC – Fifty restaurants give participants the chance to enjoy some of the best foods the Lowcountry has to offer plus: Waiter’s Wine Race, Ice Carving demos, music, Chef’s Corner, beer and wine tasting tent, kid’s events and Live Entertainment on Stage. 843-577-4030, Kathy Britzius, www.boonehallplantation.com
Oct. 14, Canton Flea Market Arts & Crafts Show, Canton, MS – An arts and crafts show so popular that crowds begin shopping before daylight with flashlights and lanterns! Food of all kinds tempts even the most ardent shopper. Over 75,000 will enjoy shopping the booths and gift and antique shops in historic downtown Canton. 601-859-1307, Linda Case, www.cantontourism.com
Oct. 15-17, Show, Shine, Shag & Dine and the East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame, Henderson, NC – This event is an antique/classic car show with nostalgia cars on display along with live entertainment, shag dancing, and awards in 40 classes. Also includes an awards show and induction ceremony honoring drag race legends from the ‘50’s thru ‘70’s. 252-438-2222, Nancy Wilson, vctourism@gloryroad.net, www.kerrlake-nc.com
Oct. 16, 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, Diane Jones, www.vagoldcup.com
Oct. 16, New River Gorge Bridge Day, Fayetteville, WV – This is the only day that you can legally walk out on the bridge that spans the spectacular New River Gorge. Take advantage of the breathtaking views and watch BASE jumpers from around the globe (who use a parachute to jump from fixed objects) make their amazing leaps. 800-927-0263, Cynthia Dragon, www.oficialbridgeday.com
Oct. 16-17, Colonial Times: A Day to Remember, North Augusta, SC – See what daily life was like for the people who settled colonial South Carolina at this authentic living history park. Watch live demonstrations of pottery, weaving, spinning, candle making, quilting, blacksmithing and meat curing. 803-279-7560, Lynn Thompson, lynn@colonialtimes.us, www.colonialtimes.org
Oct. 21-24, Biketoberfest, 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, such as concerts, charity rides, expos and celebrity appearances. 866-296-8970, Janet Kersey, info@daytonabeachcvb.org, www.biketoberfest.org
Oct. 8-17, Georgia Mountain Fall Festival, Hiawassee, GA – Ten days and nights of entertainment, including gospel, clogging, country music and Georgia’s Official State Fiddlers Convention. Also enjoy Pioneer Village with demonstrations of soap and grits and moonshine making, plus over 60 arts and crafts booths. 706-896-4191, Hilda Thomason, gamtfair@alltel.net, www.georgia-mountain-fair.com
Oct. 23, The Barbeque Festival, Lexington, NC – Features North Carolina’s best pork barbecue plus live entertainment on five stages and over 300 artisans and craftsmen, and children’s rides and games. 336-956-1880, Stephanie Saintsing Gryder, ss@barbecuefestival.com www.barbecuefestival.com
NOVEMBER 2004
Nov. 4, 15th Annual Winterfest Kickoff, Pigeon Forge, TN – Louise Mandrell will host this year’s event which kicks off Pigeon Forge’s award-winning Winterfest. Plenty of food for hungry appetites, plus performers from Pigeon Forge theaters entertain with selections from their holiday shows. Hollywood legend Debby Reynolds will be on hand to light up the 500 million light display. 800-251-9100, Lila Wilson, www.mypigeonforge.com
Nov. 6-7, Peter Anderson Memorial Arts, Crafts & Food Festival, Ocean Springs, MS – The works of 300 regional artists 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, Margaret Miller, mail@oceanspringschambr.com www.oceanspringschamber.com
Nov. 7, Churchill Downs Chili Cook-Off, Louisville, KY – Over 15 local restaurants will have their best chili available for sampling and judging. Guests can also enjoy local bands and thoroughbred racing all day. 502-636-4400, Jennifer Haas, info@churchilldowns.com www.churchilldowns.com
Nov. 10-14, 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, Barb Hauser, info@fmbchamber.com, www.fmchamber.com
Nov. 11, Avenue of Flags, Lake Charles, LA – More than 600 American casket flags stir in the morning breeze in honor of Veterans Day. A ceremony is conducted by the Sons of the American Revolution to remember those who gave their lives for our country. This is the nation’s largest display of memorial flags. 800-456-7952, Ted Harless, touristinfo@visitlakecharles.org www.visitlakecharles.org
Nov. 11-21, Frank Brown International Songwriter's Festival, Pensacola, FL – Musicians from all over the world gather, including hit writers and aspiring newcomers. Music of all genres will be performed throughout the event. 850-492-7664, Reneda Cross, fbisf@fbisf.com www.fbisf.com
Nov. 13-14, Covington Three Rivers Art Festival, Covington, LA – A free, outdoor juried art and crafts festival in historic downtown Covington. Original works by 150 artists are for sale and visitors can watch ongoing live artist demonstrations at the Arts Alive! Stage while enjoying local entertainment. 985-871-4141, www.threeriversartfestival.com, threeriversart@gallinghouse.com
Nov. 13-Dec. 30, A Southern Christmas, Stone Mountain Park, 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. 800-317-2006, cchadwick@stonemountainpark.com, www.stonemountainpark.com
Nov. 13-21, West Virginia University Mountaineer Week, Morgantown, WV – A celebration of West Virginia and Appalachian heritage and culture including a craft fair and quilt show, a Country Vittles Dinner Buffet, a Fiddler’s Contest, clogging competition and train display. 304-293-2702, Sonja Wilson, sonja.wilson@mail.wvu.edu, www.wvu.edu/mountaineer_week_2003
Nov. 13-Jan. 2, 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, jaykf@co.forsyth.nc.us, www.tanglewoodpark.org
Nov. 19-Jan. 1, Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights, Chattanooga, TN – This award-winning light extravaganza features more than 25 holiday scenes that transform Rock City’s natural daytime splendor into a nocturnal fantasyland. Over 500,000 lights illuminate the age-old rock formations along the enchanted trail. 706-820-2531, Karen Baker, genih@chattanoogacvb.com, www.seerockcity.com
Nov. 20, Christmas Parade, Owensboro, KY – In it’s 68th year, this is the largest Christmas parade in the tri-state area. Features floats, clowns, high school and middle school bands, beauty queens, Boy and Girl scouts and much more. 270-684-4142, info@christmasparade.net, www.christmasparade.net
Nov. 20, Appalachian Potter’s Market, Marion, NC - Over 60 potters from the southeast participate in the state’s longest running clay-work only show and sale. A myriad of styles are shown including Raku, sgraffito, decorative stoneware, earthen cookware and traditional folk pottery. 828-652-8610, Gina DeGrechie, www.mountaintreasures.net
Nov. 20-Dec. 30, Magical Nights of Lights, Atlanta, GA – The world’s largest animated light show with millions of twinkling lights along a six and one half mile drive through this breathtakingly beautiful 1,100-acre resort at beautiful Lake Lanier. Visit Santa’s Workshop and roast marshmallows in the bonfire. 770-932-7200, Mauri Berry, hospitality@llimail.com www.lakelanierislands.com
Nov. 20-Jan. 8, Light Up Ocala, Ocala, FL – The Holiday season makes Ocala glow with Christmas lights, plus 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. 352-368-5550, Jennifer Blair, jblair@ocalafl.org, www.ocalafl.org
Nov. 22-Jan. 1, Children's Garden Christmas and Kid's Walk, Orangeburg, SC – This drive-through light display in the beautiful Edisto Memorial Gardens hosts thousands of lights in still and animated displays, plus a Kid’s Walk which features interactive light displays. Kids can also visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in Centennial Park. 803-533-6020, Jacquelyn Fogle, jfogle@orangeburg.sc.us, www.orangeburg.sc.us
Nov. 25-Dec. 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, www.hsvbg.org
Nov. 26-31, Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens and Home, Theodore (Mobile), 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. 800-247-8420, bellingrath@bellingrath.org, www.bellingrath.org
Nov. 26-Jan. 2, Old Salem Holiday Season, Winston-Salem, NC – This event brings to life the practices of the Moravian religious community of Salem which dates back to the 1700’s. Includes puppet shows for children, evening candlelight tours, a magic lantern show and visits from St. Nicholas himself. 336-721-7300, webmaster@oldsalem.org, www.oldsalem.org
Nov. 27, Chitlin Strut, Salley, SC – This festival celebrating the Southern food of “chitterlings” has been recognized by USA Today and the A & E network. Even if you don’t have the courage to sample the chitlins (which are fried pork intestines), come and get in on the fun with the “Hawg” Calling Contest, Chitlin Queen beauty contest, carnival rides and live entertainment. 803-258-3485, N.R. “Bob” Salley, Sr., salley2@pbtcomm.net, www.chitlinstrut.com
DECEMBER 2004
Nov. 26-Dec. 23, Victorian Christmas Festival, Canton, MS – Take a horse and buggy ride around the historic town square, or a carousel ride among the twinkling Christmas lights and feel yourself immersed in the charm of this quaint town’s holiday spirit. And don’t miss the animation museums, which feature 150 life-size mechanical figures in a variety of scenes, such as 24 hours in the life of Santa Claus! 601-859-1307, Linda Case, www.cantontourism.com
Dec. 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, Laurie Toups, feedback@fqfi.org, www.fqfi.org
Dec. 1-31, Santa’s Village, Huntsville, AL – Alabama Constitution Village is converted into a holiday fantasyland. Santa’s village is complete with live reindeer, elves, dancing teddy bears, and the main man himself – Santa Claus. The village is decked with over 30,000 holiday decorations and lights. 256-564-8120, www.earlyworks.com
Dec. 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, www.visitlakecharles.org
Dec. 1-Jan 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, www.christmasincharleston.com
Dec. 3-5, 14th Annual Victorian Seaside Holiday Tour, Amelia Island, FL – Tour elaborately decorated Victorian bed and breakfast inns in historic Amelia Island. Visitors are welcomed by innkeepers dressed in period attire, serving fresh-baked cakes, cookies and candies along with hot cider. 866-426-3542, Nancy Barnes, tourismworks@msn.com, www.ameliaislandinns.com/christmas-tour.html
Dec. 3-5, Christmas Candlelight Tour at Historic Brattonsville, 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, www.chmuseums.org
Dec. 3,4,5,10,11,12,17,18,19, Christmas Shop at Gumdrop Square, Warrenton, VA – Old Town Warrenton rolls out the red carpet for Santa, who greets children and listens to their Christmas wishes. After chatting with Santa, you can take a wagon ride, shop in the Secret Shop and listen to live entertainment. 540-349-8606, Becky Crouch
Dec. 3-31, Old Fashioned Christmas in Dahlonega, Dahlonega, GA – Enjoy the holiday season in this scenic mountain village all decked out for the season. The turn of the century buildings and one of Georgia’s few remaining public squares will beckon you to a simpler time while you stroll the streets, shop for gifts and antiques and sample holiday goodies. 800-231-5543, Lee Ann Roy, info@dahlonega.org, www.dahlonega.org
Dec. 3-Jan 2, Holiday House at the Edison-Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers, FL – Each year the estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford host more than 30,000 visitors during the holiday season. More than one million lights transform the grounds into a holiday wonderland, along with nightly entertainment and holiday refreshments. 239-334-7419, Helena Finnegan Suter, www.edison-ford-estate.com
Dec. 4, Light Up Durham Holiday Extravaganza, Durham, NC – This all-day event features a parade that brings Santa to town, live seasonal entertainment, food and fun; culminating in the tree lighting ceremony that will thrill all ages. 919-595-5023, Marion Youngblood, myoungblood@durhambulls.com, www.lightupdurham.org/index.html
Dec. 4-5, 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, Theresa Jenkins, www.mariettasquare.com
Dec. 4-5, Frontier Christmas, Washington, KY – Old Washington welcomes the holidays with dulcimers, fiddles, harps, bagpipes and carolers, six museums open to the public, wonderfully decorated antique and gift shops and more; 606-564-5604, Mrs. Bobbie Brothers, www.washingtonky.com
Dec. 4-6, Christmas in Collierville, Collierville, TN – Go back in time to the 1800’s at Collierville’s historic town square where you’ll enjoy entertainment in the bandstand, strolling Victorian characters, double-decker bus rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, vendors and hot beverages. Children can decorate an ornament or cookie or listen to Christmas stories read by celebrity elves. 901-853-1666, Laura Todd, mnstreetcv@aol.com, www.collierville.com/
Dec. 9-10, 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, sharlene@rose.net, www.downtownthomasville.com
Dec. 10-12, Giles County Home for the Holidays Festival, Pulaski, TN – Enjoy a host of events during this weekend which includes horse drawn carriage rides, a historic home and farm tour, a Sunday Victorian brunch at Miss Butler’s bed and breakfast, pictures with Santa, and entertainment in the courthouse rotunda. 931-363-3789, Diana Steelman, gctourism@bellsouth.net www.gilescountychamber.com
Dec. 11, 7th Annual Just One More Invitational Arts 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 www.downtownmarket.com
Dec. 11-12, Dickens of a Christmas, Franklin, TN – Historic Downtown Franklin is transformed into a Victorian Village, surrounded with the sights, sounds and aromas of that era. Costumed characters mingle with the crowds, strolling minstrels and “Living Windows” entertain, street vendors hawk 19th Century wares and food and everyone joins the Town Sing of traditional Christmas music. 615-595-1239, Shelly Spragins, sspragins@historicfranklin.com www.historicfranklin.com
Dec. 11-12, Holdiay 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. 904-810-5635, Sherri Crews, info@sahitour.com www.sahitour.com
Dec. 11-18, Winterfest Boat Parade, 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, www.winterfestparade.com
