MARCH
APRIL
Through April 17 FESTIVAL OF HOUSES AND GARDENS Explore the interiors and gardens of some of the finest private residences in America during the 62nd annual event which offer guests the rare opportunity to glimpse beyond the facades of these magnificent properties and into their resplendent interiors and gardens. Each Festival tour allows you to visit eight to ten properties dating from the American colonial period, through the antebellum and Victorian years of architecture, to the early 20th century. The month-long festival will features 11 colonial and antebellum neighborhoods during the peak of the city's blooming season. Charleston, S.C. historiccharleston.org.
Through April 24 SPRING CELEBRATION AT CALLAWAY GARDENS Each of the Spring celebration weeks features activities for enjoying the natural beauty and breathtaking spring blossoms at Callaway Gardens. Hands-on activities, educational experiences, guided hikes and much more offer spring fun at its best for all ages. Pine Mountain, Ga. callawaygardens.com.
Through April 30 HUNTSVILLE BOTANICAL GARDEN’S SPRING FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS Colorful event welcomes the season with 60,000 bulbs in bloom. Garden tours, horticultural classes, fashion shows, children’s workshops and a gigantic “Bunny Bonanza” Easter egg hunt. Huntsville, Ala. 256/830-4447. hsvbg.org.
Through May 16 FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS AT BILTMORE ESTATE The gardens will be bursting with color and fragrance – thousands of tulips, flowering shrubs and trees, and spring bulbs dazzle your senses. Enjoy music in the gardens and in Biltmore House along with bright floral displays, springtime dining specials, and unique shopping opportunities. The festival features a wide variety of events for all ages including seminars on cooking, gardening, wine and more, plus children's activities including the popular annual grape stomping and many other activities. Asheville, N.C. biltmore.com.
Through June 5 SPRINGFEST This springtime celebration is packed full of fun for nearly three months. Witness the vibrant flowers, dogwoods, red buds and other spring trees blooming across the Smoky Mountains. See some of the area's finest Appalachian crafters and artisans, listen to mountain music and enjoy a variety of other activities. Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 865/429-7350. mypigeonforge.com.
April 5-17 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. historic-columbus.org.
April 9-18 SMOKIN' & ROCKIN' ON THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST Features more than 30 of the biggest and fastest racing boats on the Mississippi Sound and an air-show of helicopters hovers as close as 25 feet from boats. Gulf Coast, Miss. 228/896-6699. gulfcoast.org.
April 9-30 KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL Blast off with one of the largest fireworks extravaganzas in the nation. Features include just-for-kids activities, sports events and non-stop concerts. Louisville, Ky. 502/584-6383. kdf.org.
April 15-17 RIVERS & SPIRES FESTIVAL The home of the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles pays tribute to military heroes with parades, pageants, five stages, International Streetfest, Kidz Zone and Jazz’N Wine on the Cumberland River. Clarksville, Tenn. 931/245-4344. riversandspires.com.
April 15-18 BLUE RIDGE WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL Wine tastings, food competitions, seminars and more. Taste over 100 wines from N.C. and beyond in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Blowing Rock, N.C. 877/295-7965. BlueRidgeWineFestival.com.
April 15-18, 22-25 MS COAST COLISEUM CRAWFISH FESTIVAL Hot foods and spicy music highlight this Cajun celebration overlooking the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico. Carnival games, sky-high rides, cooking competitions and headliner music on the beach. Biloxi, Miss. 228/594-3700. mscoastcoliseum.com.
April 15-24 COME SEE ME FESTIVAL Beach bash, Moonlight Jazz & Blues, Gourmet Gardens, skydiving, fireworks, Teddy Bear Tea Party, kids’ carnival, concerts, sporting events. Rock Hill, S.C. 800/681-7635. comeseeme.rockhill.net.
April 16-17 PICKENS AZALEA FESTIVAL Enjoy arts and crafts, entertainment, helicopter and amusement rides, an annual car show and more at this family oriented community festival. Pickens, S.C. 866/615-6603. pickensazaleafestival.org.
April 16-18 BLESSING OF THE FLEET This three-day festival celebrates the blessing of the oldest shrimp fleet in Georgia and includes live entertainment, arts and crafts vendor, antiques, fireworks, a parade, events for kids, derby, tricycle and duck races plus more. Darien, Ga. blessingofthefleet.com.
April 16-18 WORLD GRITS FESTIVAL Grits lovers gather to enjoy three days of true grits fun including a parade, grits meals, arts and crafts, street dancing, clogging, a carnival, a grits eating contest and even a rolling-in the-grits contest. St. George, S.C. worldgritsfestival.com.
April 17-18 BRADFORD COUNTY STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Highlighting everyone’s favorite freckled fruit with home grown fun to include games, rides, music, shopping options and a ‘Legends’ show featuring Elvis and Patsy Cline. Starke, Fla. 904/964-5278. mainstreetstarke.com.
April 17-June 6 GEORGIA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Medieval merriment includes kings, castles, thatch-roofed cottages, pubs, elaborately adorned shops, royal feasts, jousting, armor and weapons exhibits, visits with Da Vinci and Wives of Henry III. Fairburn, Ga. 770/964-8575. georgiarenaissancefestival.com.
April 22-24 ROSE SHOW AND FESTIVAL Enjoy roses, roses, and more roses, plus parades, live music, fantastic food, exciting sporting events, arts & crafts and everything from an elegant plantation ball to a family-oriented street dance. Thomasville, Ga. 229/227-7020. downtownthomasville.com.
April 22-25 ROLEX KENTUCKY THREE DAY EVENT One of three Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing races with awards in dressage, cross-country and jumping. The highlight of any rider’s career, but horse sense isn’t required; everyone enjoys this magnificent event! Lexington, Ky. 859/233-2362. rk3de.org.
April 23-24 GEORGIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Enjoy dinner and gospel music on Friday evening and a day of fun at the Strawberry Festival on Saturday. Festival events include a teddy bear parade, a grand parade featuring antique cars and tractors, over 100 selected artists and craftsmen, a strawberry cook-off, lawn mover races, live entertainment and more. Reynolds, Ga. ga-strawberry.org.
April 23-24 TWILIGHT CRITERIUM AND FESTIVAL The Twilight Criterium attracts a crowd of over 30,000 spectators as well as some of cycling’s top racing stars to the streets of Athens each year. It is a favorite spot on the national cycling tour circuit, both for its unique evening format and a full range of festival activities. The Twilight Kids Criterium features races for kids ages 5-14 with kids 5 and under riding in the Big Wheel and Tricycle races. All participants are invited back to ride a Kids Criterium Parade, a one-lap ride around the Twilight Criterium course in front of the crowd. Athens, Ga. athenstwilight.com.
April 23-25 FAYETTEVILLE DOGWOOD FESTIVAL Three days of fun featuring live music, street dances, arts and crafts vendors, a classic car show, midway rides and sports events. Fayetteville, N.C. 910/323-1934. FayDogwoodFestival.com.
April 24-25 ALPHARETTA ARTS STREETFEST Presenting the work of artists from throughout the U.S., Arts Streetfest is a yearly celebration of the. Downtown streets close and are filled with original high-quality art from artists throughout the U.S. This colorful festival features live jazz & acoustical music, cultural arts performances, theatre in the park & festival cuisine. Alpharetta, Ga. 678/297-6078. alpharetta.ga.us.
April 24-25 INMAN PARK SPRING FESTIVAL AND TOUR OF HOMES The festival’s centerpiece is the Tour of Homes, featuring turn-of-the-century Victorian painted ladies and craftsman bungalows as well as original contemporary designs and loft conversions. Highlights include: Atlanta’s biggest street market, a juried arts and crafts show, the city’s quirkiest and most colorful Parade, Kelly’s Seed and Feed Marching Abominable Band, clowns, jugglers, live entertainment, a dance, children’s activities – with a giant slide, cool obstacle course, relays – and more. 770/635-3711. inmanparkfestival.org.
April 24-25 NATIONAL CORNBREAD FESTIVAL South Pittsburg becomes an open-air shoppers' mall where the streets are filled with live entertainment, juried arts and crafts and mouth-watering foods to taste. South Pittsburg, Tenn. 423/837-0022. nationalcornbread.com.
April 28- May 2 VIDALIA ONION FESTIVAL This five-day event offers a pageant, an onion-eating contest, a truck show and sports fans can enjoy an Onion Scramble Golf tourney and Rodeo and Run. Vidalia, Ga. 912/538-8687. vidaliaonionfestival.com.
April 30-May 1 WHISTLE STOP FESTIVAL & ROCKET CITY BBQ COOK OFF Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned cook-off attracts 35,000 hungry folks with music, kids’ fun and 130 cooking teams to sample on the historic Depot grounds. Huntsville, Ala. 256/564-8100. thewhistlestopfestival.com.
April 30-May 2 BEALE STREET MUSIC FESTIVAL Three huge outdoor stages and a massive blues tent – the whole town’s into tunes, with 65 acts from all music genres. Art, crafts and clothing booths, jewelry, great food. Memphis, Tenn. 901/525-4611. memphisinmay.org.
April 30-May 2 ISLE OF EIGHT FLAGS SHRIMP FESTIVAL Scrumptious celebration includes sidewalk sales, live music, Blessing of the Fleet, boat decorating contest, juried arts and crafts show, walk/runs, fireworks and shrimp cooked every which way. Fernandina Beach, Fla. 866/426-3542. shrimpfestival.com.
April 30-May 2 LOVE AFFAIR FINE ARTS FESTIVAL A celebration of performing and visual arts in Fulwood Park, located in the heart of the Tifton. Last year, over 25,000 festival attendees enjoyed shopping the quality art booths, watching an array of excellent performances and socializing among the tall Georgia pines. Tifton, Ga. 229/391-4820. tiftonloveaffair.com.
April 30-May 2 MANSIONS & MOONLIGHT Three-days and three tours. Each year the neighborhoods rotate, revealing new homes, gardens and areas of interest. Free seminars by garden-experts keep guests engaged and informed. Macon, Ga. 478/742-8155. hayhouse.org.
April 30-May 2 PENSACOLA CRAWFISH FESTIVAL The bayou meets the beach at this crawfish boil at historic Bartram Park. Fun in the sun includes Cajun and Zydeco music, dancing and kid’s areas. Pensacola, Fla. 850/433-6512. fiestaoffiveflags.org.
April 30-May 2 SPRING FLING One of the Upstate’s largest street festivals. The free 3-day event attracts over 75,000 people who come out to enjoy the food, entertainment, crafts show, professional bicycle race, the antique car show, and special attractions. Spartanburg, S.C.
spartanburgspringfling.com.
MAY
Throughout May ATLANTA JAZZ FESTIVAL This year’s festivities will be held throughout the month of May in three Atlanta neighborhoods over three consecutive weekends culminating over Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-25, in Grant Park, 840 Cherokee Drive at Sydney and Boulevard in historic East Atlanta. The Atlanta Jazz Festival will feature local and national jazz greats, a Neighborhood Jazz Series, Youth Jazz Band Competition, a Kids Zone, 31 Days of Jazz and many other family friendly events and activities. Atlanta, Ga. atlantafestivals.com.
May 1-2 MAY-RETTA DAZE ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL 2009 This annual two-day Arts and Crafts festival draws artists and craftspeople from many southern states, as well as local Georgia artists to Glover Park in the historic Marietta Square. In addition to a wide variety of arts and crafts items, the festival also includes children's activities and live entertainment. Marietta, Ga. mariettaga.gov/departments/parks_rec/.
May 1-2 SHADY DAYS IN GAY Held on the grounds of the Old Cannery, Shady Days in Gay will host some of the most fabulous exhibitors in the Southeast. Bring your family and meander through the shade trees and enjoy some wonderful exhibits. There is always great country cooking available for the hungry shopper and live entertainment to enjoy. Also a great kids area. Gay, Ga. 706/977-8548. shadydaysingay.com.
May 1-2 TABBY & TILLANDSIA GARDEN WALK WEEKEND The third annual walk weekend celebrates the horticultural beauty of the St. Simons/Sea Island coastal area. The name of the tour was selected to recognize St. Simons Island’s cultural heritage by spotlighting the tabby slave cabins on historic Gascoigne Bluff and their magnificent setting among the ancient oaks covered with tillandsia (Spanish moss.) The cabins are maintained by Cassina Garden Club, Inc. Proceeds are placed in a trust for the preservation and maintenance of the tabby cabins and the surrounding grounds. Sea Island and St. Simons Island, Ga. cassinagardenclub.org.
May 1-2 THE COTTON PICKIN’ FAIR Family event includes fine arts, antiques, quilts, linens, leathers, metal arts, garden accessories, music, dancing, country foods, puppetry, magicians and more. Gay, Ga. 706/538-6814. cpfair.org.
May 7-8 INTERNATIONAL BAR-B-Q FESTIVAL Two days of smokin’ heaven on the downtown riverfront, with three stages of bands, carnival games and rides, vendors, pageants, car show, backyard barbecue competitions and fun for kids. Owensboro, Ky. 270/686-7757. bbqfest.com.
May 7-8 MARKET STREET FESTIVAL Two-day gala featuring more than 200 arts, crafts and food vendors and dozens of special events. Columbus, Miss. 662/328-6305. marketstreetfestival.com.
May 7-9 ARTISPHERE Enjoy Brian Olsen's painting to music, the Culinary Arts Café and Artists of the Upstate. Greenville, S.C. 864/271-9398. artisphere.us.
May 7-9 INTERNATIONAL DOGWOOD FESTIVAL Free event boasts two stages of entertainment, Youthfest Battle of the Bands, illuminated night parade, sports tourneys, auction, car and tractor shows, art exhibits, food and crafts booths, kids’ zone. Winchester, Tenn. 866/967-2532. winchesterdogwoodfestival.com.
May 7-30 AMELIA ISLAND CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL Sixty world-class artists serenade with the classics in an intimate and historic setting. Fernandina Beach, Fla. 904/261-1779. aicmf.com.
May 13 TASTE OF ALPHARETTA Dine at over 70 restaurants in one unforgettable night that’s become an annual tradition. Sample delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts, experience the new Culinary Arts area featuring chef’s competition, cooking demonstrations and exhibits. Bring a blanket to the new concert lawn for live jazz, rock and contemporary music. Play at the Kids Zone or Fun Zone for older kids. Old Milton Parkway at Wills Park, Alpharetta, Ga. 678/297- 6000, ext. 1006. alpharetta.ga.us.
May 13-15 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BARBECUE COOKING CONTEST Over 100,000 hungry folks get all fired up as 250 grilling teams get a chance to bring home the bacon at this satisfying event. Memphis, Tenn. 901/525-4611. memphisinmay.org.
May 14-15 LIMESTONE SHERIFF'S RODEO One of the top rodeos in the Southeast includes Queen & Cowboy contest, bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, calf roping and chuck wagon races. Athens, Ala. 256/232-0111. limestonesheriffrodeo.com.
May 14-15 BLOOMIN' BARBEQUE & BLUEGRASS Crafts, kids games and great food. Admission and concerts are free. Sevierville, Tenn. 865/453-6411. BloominBBQ.com.
May 22-24 THE TRAIL OF HONOR: A TRIBUTE TO AMERICAN VETERANS Interactive and educational exhibits, armor and weapons displays, motorcycle expedition, Navajo Code Talkers, ex-POWs, reenactments of battles from the French and Indian War to Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Jackson, Miss. 601/372-5770. trailofhonor.org.
May 27-30 SUMTER IRIS FESTIVAL South Carolina's oldest continuous festival and is ranked among the top festivals in the Southeast. The 3-day festival includes concerts, an arts and crafts show, a golf tournament, a flower show, a food tasting, the crowning of the Iris Festival king and queen, and a number of contests and children's activities. Sumter, S.C. 803/436-2640.
irisfestival.org.
May 28-31 FREEDOM WEEK ALOFT Scores of multicolored hot-air balloons, bike rides, fun runs, crafts, beach blast (real sand), Frisbee Dog National Qualifier, rides, food court, live music and dancing in the streets. Simpsonville, S.C. 864/399-9481. freedomweekend.org.
May 28-June 13 SPOLETO FESTIVAL USA World renowned event brings over 120 performances to historic theatres, churches and outdoor spaces. Dance and visual arts, theatre, opera, chamber, symphonic, choral and jazz music. Charleston, S.C. 843/579-3100. spoletousa.org.
May 29-30 ALABAMA JUBILEE HOT AIR BALLOON CLASSIC Features balloonists from around the country racing across the sky. Stunning Balloon Glow with 55 illuminated crafts, antiques show, classic cars, concerts, great food. Decatur, Ala. 256/340-1534. alabamajubilee.net.
May 29-30 DECATUR ARTS FESTIVAL 145 artists are featured from across the U.S. Children and teen activities abound in downtown Decatur. Decatur, Ga. 404/371-9583. decaturartsalliance.org.
JUNE
June 3-6 "SAINTS & SHRIMP" SOUTHERN STYLE "St. Paul's Seafood Festival," "Fais Do Do," "Blessing of the Fleet" and lavishly decorated boats help kick-off the shrimping season. Gulf Coast, Miss. 228-896-6699. gulfcoast.org.
Jun. 3-13 MS COAST COLISEUM SUMMER FAIR Rides and shows, water flume, Pirates of the Caribbean High Dive Show, Ice Carving Competition, music, dancing in the sand, karaoke, petting zoo, pig races, and tons of seafood. Biloxi, Miss. 228/594-3700. mscoastcoliseum.com.
June 4-6 YELLOWBANKS DULCIMER FESTIVAL The mountain dulcimer has been designated as Kentucky's official state instrument and this fest celebrates this mechanism, plus many more, offering free workshops and performances. Owensboro, Ky. 270/684-1631. yellowbanksdulcimer.org.
June 4-26 THE "MIRACLE WORKER" Acted on the grounds of the Helen Keller Home, this 49th production spellbinds audiences in this thoughtful re-enactment of the Helen Keller story. Tuscumbia, Ala. 800/344-0783. colbertcountytourism.org.
Jun. 10-12 SMOKY MOUNTAINS STORYTELLING FESTIVAL Join 5,000 folks who love to listen at Belle Island Village for tall tales, ghost stories, poems, soliloquies, and country comedy shared by professional storytellers. Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 865/429-7350. mypigeonforge.com.
June 10-12 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.
June 10-13 HYDRANGEA FESTIVAL The Marquis de Lafayette will be surrounded by a profusion of pink and blue blossoms when the 10th annual festival blooms on LaGrange Square. Festival highlights are an old-fashioned garden party and wine tasting at a pre-Civil War garden at Hills Dales Estate and an outdoor "Picnic with the Pops" concert performed by the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra. Other festival fun includes a Parisian Marketplace featuring the original works of Southern artists, an open-air Market on Main for farm-fresh vegetables, colorful flowers and fresh-baked goodies, a "Color Wheels" family-friendly bike ride, private garden tours, musical entertainment, children's hands-on art activities, Saturday morning chicory coffee and beignets - and masses of hydrangeas decorating the square and for sale in three-gallon pots. The fun kicks off on Thursday when 1,600 visitors peddle into town as part of the Bicycle Riders Across Georgia's annual trek and are met with entertainment and the debut of Fifi, the French skunk - mascot of the Hydrangea Festival. LaGrange, Ga. lagrangechamber.com.
June 11-12 JUNE SUMMER BLUES OUT AND ART WALK Carriage rides, train rides and local artisans displaying their works are all highlights of this local tradition. Take part in the rib eating, pie eating and crayfish eating contests. Picayune, Miss. 601/799-3070. picayunemainstreet.com.
Jun. 11-19 RIVERBEND FESTIVAL More than 650,000 fans jam, juke, or just kick back and enjoy the music of every genre echoing down the Tennessee River. Expanded Children’s Village, great food - fireworks, too. Chattanooga, Tenn. 423/756-2211. riverbendfestival.com.
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