APRIL
Through April 20 SPRING CELEBRATION For five sensational weeks, Callaway Gardens celebrates spring in a big and colorful way–with 20,000 azaleas and more! Starting the week of March 22, visitors will be awestruck by the world's most spectacular collection of azaleas, mountain laurel, dogwoods, daffodils and daisies. This breathtaking setting provides the backdrop for exciting hands-on activities, fascinating educational experiences and invigorating guided hikes. Pine Mountain, Ga. callawaygardens.com.
April 1-30 HUNTSVILLE BOTANICAL GARDEN’S SPRING FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS Banish the “Brr” of winter during this month-long salute to spring. Garden tours, horticultural classes, fashion shows, children’s workshops and a gigantic “Bunny Bonanza” Easter egg hunt. Huntsville, Ala. 256/830-4447. hsvbg.org.
April 5-May 18 FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS AT BILTMORE ESTATE Biltmore's Festival of Flowers features a wide variety of events for all ages including classical music performances, seminars on cooking, gardening, wine and more, plus children's activities including the popular annual grape stomping and many other activities. Asheville, N.C. 800/411-3812. biltmore.com
April 12-June 1 GEORGIA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Step back in time to the 16th century and thrill to jousting knights on horseback, a magnificent Birds of Prey Show, endless entertainment, craft demonstrations, delectable food, 32 acres of elaborately adorned shops and, new this year, a grand finale showcasing the Royal Lipizzan Stallions. Sat. and Sun. plus Memorial Day. Go I-85 to Exit 61 (Peachtree City/Fairburn) and follow the signs. Fairburn, Ga. 770/964-8575.
April 17-26 COME-SEE-ME FESTIVAL This 10-day spring festival includes live entertainment, the annual parade, Beach Bash, Moonlight Jazz, Mayor’s Frog Jump, a Tailgate Party, a Fireworks Extravaganza and more. Rock Hill, S.C. 800/681-7635. comeseeme.rockhill.net.
April 17-20, 24-27 MS COAST COLISEUM CRAWFISH FESTIVAL Succulent foods and spicy music highlight this Cajun celebration along the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico. Carnival games, spectacular midway, sky-high rides, cook-offs, headliner music and more. Biloxi, Miss. 228/594-3700. mscoastcoliseum.com.
April 18-19 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. pickenschamber.org.
April 18-20 OLDE TOWNE ARTISAN'S FAIR Located in a picturesque living history park, this juried invitational show features a wide array of fine artists and skilled artisans displaying items for sale, craftsmen demonstrations, food and music. Living History Park, North Augusta, S.C. www.colonialtimes.us.
April 22-27 VIDALIA ONION FESTIVAL Big celebration with small-town appeal fills five days with cook-offs, pageants, auto and cycle shows, children’s parade, sporting tourneys, arts and crafts, rodeo, live music and street dancing. Vidalia, Ga. 912/538-TOUR. VidaliaArea.com.
April 24-26 87th ANNUAL THOMASVILLE ROSE SHOW & FESTIVAL Family fun among the flowers – thousands of roses of every variety. Elegant plantation ball; Sizzling 70s Street Dance; parades and pageants; art in the park; entertainment. Thomasville, Ga. 229/227-7020. downtownthomasville.com.
April 24-27 BEAUFORT WINE & FOOD WEEKEND Vintners, winemakers and celebrity chefs highlight this world class event featuring over 300 wines, art exhibits, concerts, bottle signings and auctions in the coastal city. Beaufort, N.C. 252/728-5225. beaufortwineandfood.com.
April 25-27 ONB MAGIC CITY ART CONNECTION Celebrating its twenty-fifth year, contemporary arts festival draws 25,000 with interactive workshops for kids and adults; 215 juried artists; Corks & Chefs food and wine tastings; live music. Birmingham, Ala. 205/595-6306. MagicCityArt.com.
April 25-27 VIDALIA ONION FESTIVAL In anticipation of the harvest of the Vidalia Sweet Onion, this annual festival held during the last weekend in April includes a street dance, onion eating contest, rodeo, Onion Fun Run, children’s parade, air show, fireworks, the Vidalia Onion Arts and Craft Festival (April 28th and 29th) and more. Vidalia, Ga.
April 26-27 FRANKLIN MAIN STREET FESTIVAL Fifteen blocks of family fun featuring 200 artisans, four stages of music and dance, two carnivals and delectable ethnic foods on a designated “Great American Main Street.” Franklin, Tenn. 615/591-8500 x17. historicfranklin.com.
April 26-27 MELBOURNE ART FESTIVAL Over 250 artists show, sell and compete for $25K in cash awards at this outdoor event drawing an audience of 50,000 fans. Grammy-winning performers, 5K run and children’s events. Melbourne, Fla. 321/722-1964. melbournearts.org.
MAY
May 1-August 31 HUNTSVILLE BOTANICAL GARDEN’S WINGS, WARTS AND WONDER Tour the nation’s largest butterfly house and nature center filled with winged wonders, frogs, turtles, lizards – even snakes. Concerts; educational programs and special events. Huntsville, Ala. 256/830-4447. hsvbg.org.
May 2-3 MARKET STREET FESTIVAL Over 40,000 revelers enjoy 200 arts and crafts vendors and food booths; live music; petting zoo and pony rides; 5K run and the popular Hands-on Market of fine artisans. Columbus, Miss. 662/328-6305. marketstreetfestival.com.
May 2-4 ORANGEBURG FESTIVAL OF ROSES Edisto Memorial Gardens is the center of activities for this annual festival, which celebrates the rose blooming season with arts and crafts, food vendors, entertainment, sporting events and much more. Orangeburg, GA.
May 2-4 24th ANNUAL PENSACOLA CRAWFISH CREOLE FIESTA Cajun fun in the beachside city’s historic Bartram Park includes bayou country entertainment, expanded children and family areas and the largest crawfish boil in the state. Pensacola, Fla. 850/433-6512. fiestaoffiveflags.org.
May 2-4 SPRING FLING Spartanburg's longest running festival is an arts, crafts, culinary and music festival that celebrates the community and downtown Spartanburg offering something for everyone. Spartanburg, S.C. 864/596-3105. www.cityofspartanburg.org
May 2-10 NORTH CHARLESTON ARTS FESTIVAL Over 30,000 enjoy free performances on four stages: Cultural Heritage; Children’s Entertainment; Bands and General Audience. Juried crafts; art workshops; Outdoor Sculpture Competition & Exhibition. North Charleston, S.C. 843-745-1087. charlestonlowcountry.com.
May 3 CAMERON ANTIQUES FAIR Over 350 dealers, 12 antiques shops and historic sites draw 5,000 visitors looking for treasures while enjoying a day of American history in this picturesque railroad town. Cameron, N.C. 910/245-3055. antiquesofcameron.com.
May 3 MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST KITE FESTIVAL Oh, go fly a kite. But first, learn how to make one at this fun festival that features children’s games, sandcastle building; waterfront stages and fresh seafood. Long Beach, Miss. 228/604-0014. mscoastchamber.com.
May 3 A TASTE OF BEAUFORT Local participating restaurants will serve Lowcountry favorites such as shrimp burgers, shrimp 'n grits and crab cakes, as well as traditional American favorites. Beaufort, S.C. 843/525-6644. www.atasteofbeaufort.com.
May 3-4 FAIR ON THE SQUARE For 32 years, this family festival has turned up the fun with one-of-a-kind arts and handmade crafts, a petting zoo, kids’ activities, music and delicious southern foods. Collierville, Tenn. 901/861-3229. geocities.com/faironthesquare.
May 3-4 THE COTTON PICKIN' FAIR Return to 1910 where the farmhouse, the cotton gin, and the cotton warehouse form a unique backdrop for a great day of 21st century fun. Amidst skilled artisans and antique specialists, the fair shares remnants of farm life in days gone by. Gay, Ga. cpfair.org.
May 8-10 AIKEN BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Enjoy three days of bluegrass music by a variety of performers. At Highfields in Aiken, S.C. aikenbluegrassfestival.org.
May 9-10 GREER FAMILY FEST This family oriented festival includes a hands-on children’s area, a popular Bass Tournament, crafters and artist vendors, a beach music concert, fireworks, food and more. Columbia, S.C. 864-235-5525. mainstevents.com.
May 9-11 CARTHAGE BUGGY FESTIVAL Celebrate the rich heritage of Carthage and carriages that were so essential to life in rural North Carolina. Classic cars; arts, crafts and antiques; live bands and traditional foods. Carthage, N.C. 910/947-2331. thebuggyfestival.com.
May 10 SALUTE. THE NORTH CAROLINA WINE CELEBRATION Tasty event brings together 37 wineries in a unique, urban setting to promote NC vineyards. Bistro dining; chef-owned restaurants; art galleries and eclectic shopping. Winston-Salem, N.C. 336/354-1500. salutencwine.com.
May 10, 11 COLORS FESTIVAL OF ARTS Fine arts and original crafts will fill the historic Roswell Town Square as well as children’s entertainment and activities, festival foods and more. A great way to celebrate Mom’s special day. Roswell, Ga. 770/640-3253.
May 16-18 CHARLESTON HARBOR FEST On land enjoy pirate camps, classic wooden boat displays, sailing, rowing, children's village, family boat-building, maritime art, music, food and more, while majestic tall ships from around the globe descend on the waterfront in a parade. Charleston, S.C. 843/722-1030 ext. 12. charlestonharborfest.org.
May 23-25 GULLAH FESTIVAL Held on the weekend before Memorial Day, the Gullah Festival of South Carolina celebrates the history, customs, cultures, and accomplishments of the African Americans of the Lowcountry. Beaufort, S.C. gullahfestival.org.
May 23-25 IRIS FESTIVAL South Carolina's oldest continuous festival includes concerts, an arts and crafts show, a golf tournament, a flower show, a food tasting, children's activities and more. Sumter, S.C. 803/436-2640 or 800/688-4748. irisfestival.org.
May 23-26 FREEDOM WEEKEND ALOFT Up, up, up go over 100 rainbows of hot air balloons, sky-high fireworks – even Frisbees. Beach blast complete with sand; Kidzone; rides; vintage car show and live music. Simpsonville, S.C. 864/399-9481. freedomweekend.org.
May 23-June 8 SPOLETO FESTIVAL USA 2008 Spoleto Festival fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces each spring with over 120 performances by renowned artists as well as emerging performers in disciplines ranging from opera, theater, music theater, dance, and chamber, symphonic, choral, and jazz music, as well as the visual arts. Charleston, S.C. 843/579-3100. spoletousa.org.
May 24-25 DECATUR ARTS FESTIVAL Decatur's biggest arts event kicks off with the unveiling of the official arts festival poster and culminates with the main events on Memorial Day Weekend. This community event features a fine arts exhibit, an artists market, performances and more. Decatur, Ga. 404/371-9583. decaturartsalliance.org.
JUNE
June 5-13 FIESTA DAYS CELEBRATION & BOAT PARADE Celebrate the founding of historic Pensacola, beginning with a light-hearted re-enactment of the 1559 surrender of the seaside city to Spanish explorer, Don Tristan DeLuna, Pensacola, Fla. 850/433-6512. fiestaoffiveflags.org.
June 5-15 MISSISSIPPI COAST COLISEUM SUMMER FAIR Twenty-two years of fun for the entire family! Rides and shows; water flume; Pirates of the Caribbean high dive show; ice carving competition; music; seafood and carnival fare. Biloxi, Miss. 228/594-3700. mscoastcoliseum.com.
June 6-7 17th ANNUAL SHANNON STREET BLUES & HERITAGE FESTIVAL Jackson’s “Art and Soul” – Historic Downtown – comes alive with blues music, BBQ cook-off, 5K run, motorcycle races and Make A Wish Kids Zone. Jackson, Tenn. 731/427-7573. downtownjackson.com.
June 6-7 YELLOWBANKS DULCIMER FESTIVAL Free concerts in lovely English Park; folk instrument instruction; clogging workshops; handmade crafts; traditional foods. It all celebrates the beautiful music from Kentucky’s state instrument – the mountain dulcimer. Owensboro, Ky. 800/489-1131. visitowensboro.com.
June 6-9 BILLY BOWLEGS PIRATE FESTIVAL Get ready for the pirate uprising at the 53rd annual festival in Ft. Walton Beach. Events include local and regional bands, food, arts and crafts, pirates, a treasure hunt, a torchlight parade, children activities, fireworks and more. Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. www.fwbchamber.org.
