MAY
May 26-28 FOOD LION SPEED STREET Celebrating its 17th year, Food Lion Speed Street transforms the streets of Uptown Charlotte into a showcase of motor sports with non-stop entertainment on two stages, appearances by top Sprint Cup Drivers, dynamic exhibits for all ages and an amazing assembly of NASCAR show cars and simulators. Charlotte, N.C. 704/455-8888. 600festival.com.
May 27-29 FLORIDA FOLK FESTIVAL A three-day celebration of the music, dance, stories, crafts and food that make Florida unique. From Irish fiddle tunes and kumquat pie, to the wide varieties of music brought by immigrants, the state's cultural heritage reflects the lives of generations of Florida families and communities. Throughout the Memorial Day weekend more than 300 performances give voice and meaning to Florida's heritage. Artists, crafters and cooks share their talents; plus, statewide fiddle and banjo contest and hands-on activities. White Springs, Fla. 877/635-3655. floridafolkfestival.com.
JUNE
June 2-5 ST. PAUL’S SEAFOOD FESTIVAL Annual festival with good food and music is fun for the whole family. The event features arts and crafts, games, children's rides, games, silent auction, rides and of course. Local talent performs throughout the festival and much more. Food booths available on Fri. & Sat. Holy Family Parrish. Pass Christian, Miss. 228/871-5597. gulfcoast.org.
June 4 SWEETWATER CULTURAL ARTS FESTIVAL The highly anticipated Sweetgrass Festival will celebrate the rich Gullah Geechee cultural heritage and provides the most extensive showcase of sweetgrass baskets in the Lowcountry area. This year's event features an assortment of unique handmade arts & crafts, paintings, live performances, and documentary films. Festival-goers will enjoy a day filled with entertainment that includes gospel songs and praise dance, storytelling and Gullah Geechee skits, basket-making demonstrations and the Adande African Drummers and Dancers. Visitors will be treated to a variety of authentic Gullah cuisine, classic barbeque, fish, chicken and beverages offered for sale by more than 15 Lowcountry restaurants and food vendors. Children and adults will enjoy family friendly activities including a waterslide. Mount Pleasant, S.C. 843/856-9732. sweetgrassfestival.org.
June 4-5 BLESSING OF THE FLEET & FAIS DO-DO This much-loved Biloxi tradition features continuous live entertainment, hundreds of craft vendors, local artisans, and the best seafood in the entire world. The celebration continues Sunday with the ceremonial wreath dropping @ 2pm. Boats form in the west end of the Biloxi Channel near the Beau Rivage Casino and then parade east in the Biloxi Channel. Shrimp boats and recreational boats receive blessings for a safe and bountiful season. Biloxi, Miss. 228/435-6339. Gulfcoast.org.
June 4-26 SC FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS The Festival features a variety of music including bluegrass, beach, chorale and gospel, and a variety of children's activities including railroad museum tours and Kidfest. Park Seed Company, famous for its Trial Gardens, will be open to the public on June 25th, and featured along with a number of private home garden tours during this year's main festival weekend, June 24-26. Visit the arts & crafts fair, juried art show and photography exhibition. Sporting events abound with a fishing tournament, a swim meet, a 5K fun run, golf tournaments, a 62.5 bike ride through Greenwood County, plus an Olympic distance triathlon on beautiful Lake Greenwood. Greenwood, S.C. 864/223-8411. scfestivalofflowers.org.
June 9-12 TEXAS PETE TWIN CITY RIBFEST Four-day BBQ and music festival featuring BBQ teams from across the nation. This event also has thematic music days with two stages. Winston-Salem, N.C. 336/707-9188. twincityribfest.com.
Jun. 10-18 RIVERBEND FESTIVAL Fans can jam, juke, or just kick back and enjoy the music of every genre echoing down the Tennessee River. Children’s Village, great food and fireworks. Chattanooga, Tenn. 423/756-2211. riverbendfestival.com.
June 11-12 BLAIRSVILLE SCOTTISH FESTIVAL & HIGHLAND GAMES Festival goers can enjoy Scottish foods, music, dancing, athletic competitions, golf, kids’ events, falconry, costumed reenactors and storytellers. Blairsville, Ga. 877/745-5789. blairsvillescottishfestival.org.
June 11-July 23 SUMMERFEST Cultural arts festival features pottery, painting, wood carving, fiber, sculpture and more in juried fine arts and craft event. Also included: music, dance, kids’ activities, singer/songwriter showcase and a performance. Sautee Nacoochee, Ga. 706/878-3300. snca.org.
MORE FESTIVALS COMING SOON
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