JUNE
June 2-5 "SAINTS & SHRIMP" SOUTHERN STYLE Features two long time traditional festivals and a boat parade. St. Paul's Seafood Festival offers visitors freshly cooked food seafood, live music, carnival rides, and arts and crafts. Blessing of the Fleet/Fais Do Do offers visitors an arts and crafts fair along with a boat parade where decorated boats parade for the opening of the shrimping season. Gulf Coast, Miss. 228/896-6699.
June 2-4, 9-11, 23-25, 30, July 1-2 LAND OF SPIRIT FOLK LIFE PLAY Spellbinding portrayals of real-life stories capture the spirit and celebrate the culture of Northeast Georgia’s heritage. Lavonia, Ga. 706/356-1926. lavonia-ga.com. landofspirit.org.
June 4 SWEETGRASS CULTURAL ARTS FESTIVAL Festival-goers can enjoy entertainment including gospel songs and praise dance, storytelling and Gullah Geechee skits, Adande African drummers and dancers. Also featured are unique handmade arts and crafts, documentary films, basket-making demonstrations, authentic Gullah cuisine, barbeque and more. 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 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-August 7 SMOKY MOUNTAIN TUNES AND TALES Summer-long street performance event featuring costumed musical performers, storytellers and artisans portraying time periods as far back as 1800. Gatlinburg, Tenn. 800/568-4748. eventsgatlinburg.com.
June 11-13 SUMMERFEST & 12 RIVERS ART FESTIVAL The mountains of Northeast Georgia have long been an arts destination, and the Sautee Nacoochee community celebrates that heritage with the second annual juried festival of fine art and craft. The event will feature the work of artists from throughout the Southeast – many demonstrating their craft – in a sun-dappled, strollable environment. Food, craft beer and wine booths on site will enhance the creative experience. Admission is free. Nacoochee, Ga. snca.org.
June 11-12 BLAIRSVILLE SCOTTISH FESTIVAL AND HIGHLAND GAMES An opening ceremony with Massed Bands and the Parade of Tartans will kick off the weekend followed by workshops, clan gatherings, athletic competitions, pipe and drum bands, falconry, sheepdog herding, Highland cattle, ancient weaponry and historical re-enactors. Also included: exhibits, demonstrations, concerts, Highland dancing, children's activities, Scottish food and more. Blairsville, Ga. 877/745-5789. blairsvillescottishfestival.org.
June 17-18 SECRET CITY FESTIVAL This 9th annual award-winning event includes concerts featuring Village People and Ricky Skaggs, the south’s largest WWII Reenactment, Manhattan Project site tours, juried arts show, antiques and collectibles, expanded children’s area, food and more. Oak Ridge, Tenn. 865/425-3610. secretcityfestival.com.
June 17-Aug. 13 SMOKY MOUNTAINS TUNES & TALES™ Summer-long street performance event featuring costumed musical performers, storytellers and artisans portraying time periods as far back as 1800. Gatlinburg, Tenn. 865/436-0509. eventsgatlinburg.com.
June 18 RC MOON PIE FESTIVAL A jam-packed day of fun for the whole family awaits you. There is plenty of country and bluegrass music, a parade, clogging dancers, Moon Pie games, crafts, and the ever popular "synchronized wading extravaganza". Cutting of the worlds largest Moon Pie rounds out the day. Bell Buckle, Tenn. 931/389-9663. bellbucklechamber.com.
June 22-26 ATHFEST Music & Arts Festival annual arts and music festival held each June in historic downtown Athens, GA, a town long renowned for its thriving music scene. A showcase of the best in local, regional, and nationally recognized Athens-based talent. Also included this year is a kidfest, filmfest, artist market and expanded stages. Athens, Ga. 706/338-9019. athfest.com.
June 23-26 HELEN KELLER FESTIVAL Festival honors the life, achievements and influence of "America's First Lady of Courage." Performance of “The Miracle Worker,” juried arts and crafts show, athletic events, parades and musical entertainment. Tuscumbia, Ala. 256/383-0783 or 800/344-0783. helenkellerfestival.com.
June 24-25 BEAUFORT OLD HOMES & GARDENS TOUR 51st annual walking tour of private historic homes and gardens, Beaufort historic site buildings and the Old Burying Ground. Highlights include narrated bus tours, concerts and an antique car show. Held in conjunction with the tour is an Antiques Show & Sale (June 24-26) at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City, this event features more than 40 booths of antiques and collectibles, as well as a gourmet Tea Room. Beaufort and Morehead City, N.C. 800/575-7483. beauforthistoricsite.org.
June 24-26 CHEROKEE POW WOW A three-day explosion of authentic Indian dancing, drumming and tribal regalia. Dance competitions kick the excitement up even higher. Cherokee, N.C. 828/497-8122. cherokee-nc.com.
June 24-26 SC FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS The fragrant festival features a variety of music, children's activities, arts and crafts, sporting events and more. Sporting events include a fishing tournament, swim meet, 5K fun run, golf tournaments, an Olympic distance triathlon, and a 62.5 bike. Greenwood, S.C. 864/223-8411. scfestivalofflowers.org.
JULY
July 1-3 CHEROKEE ART MARKET 5th annual showcase of the best Native American artists from across the country, the annual Cherokee Art Market is the perfect opportunity to marvel at and purchase prize-winning art in all mediums directly from the artists. Cherokee, N.C. 828/497-8128. Cherokee-nc.com.
July 1-4 RED, WHITE AND BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL The four day festival takes place in celebration of Independence Day with a full line-up of Americana Bluegrass music rounded off on July 4th with a fireworks display. Programming includes live music over four days, a bluegrass camp for children, and family fun. Morganton, N.C. 828/439-1866. redwhiteandbluegrassfestival.com.
July 1-30 AN APPALACHIAN SUMMER A multi- and inter-disciplinary arts festival presenting and producing programs in music, theatre, dance, film and visual arts. The festival will forge a unique national identity through artistic excellence, innovative programming, commissioning new works, and educational opportunities. Boone, N.C. 828/262-6084 ext. 103. appsummer.org.
July 2-4 MISSISSIPPI DEEP SEA FISHING RODEO Billed as the largest family friendly fishing rodeo in the world, this event features fireworks, fishing, fellowship, vendors, and fun. Contestants fish the Gulf waters for days, competing for cash and prizes in 30 categories of both saltwater and freshwater fish. Gulfport, Miss. 228/863-2713. mississippideepseafishingrodeo.com.
July 3-4 SPIRIT OF AMERICA FESTIVAL Enjoy live stage entertainment, an action-filled children’s area and our new scouting celebration area that will feature hands-on activities and demonstrations in celebration of the Boy Scouts of America’s 100th birthday. The weekend finishes up with a fireworks display that will delight and dazzle as the night sky is. Decatur, Ala. 800/232-5449. spiritofamericafestival.com.
July 7-9 SC FESTIVAL OF DISCOVERY Discover a weekend of food, fun, music, amusement rides and learn about the history, traditions, folklore, arts and crafts, music and dance, and vernacular culture of Greenwood. Also featured is the unique musical sound and rich tradition of the blues and the great taste and flavor of Carolina Barbeque and traditional Black Kettle Hash. Greenwood, S.C. 864/942-8448. festivalofdiscovery.com.
July 8-10 UNCLE DAVE MACON DAYS This 34th annual old-time music and dance festival features highly charged acoustic, instrumental and dance competitions, a juried arts & crafts, a nostalgic “motorless parade” featuring horse and mule drawn vehicles and more. Murfreesboro, Tenn. 615/893-2369. uncledavemacondays.com.
July 15-23 FUNFEST A family oriented festival featuring sporting events, children’s activities, concerts, hot air balloons, pet dog show, and much more. There are more than 100 different activities for all ages in locations throughout the Kingsport area. Kingsport, Tenn. 800/743-5282. funfest.net.
July 15-24 GATLINBURG CRAFTSMEN’S FAIR Art, crafts and music lovers can find almost 200 booths featuring some of the nation's finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skills, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Live Country & Bluegrass entertainment. Gatlinburg, Tenn. 865/436-7479. craftsmenfair.com.
July 20-30 GEORGIA MOUNTAIN FAIR Southern-flair fair features a Pioneer Village with “old ways” demonstrations and a Craft Village filled with unique arts. Headliner entertainment, cloggers’ convention, agri-exhibits, Miss Georgia Fair pageant. Hiawassee, Ga. 706/896-4191. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com.
July 21-31 FOLKMOOT USA Two-week celebration of the world's cultural heritage through folk music and dance. Held each summer across the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina, Folkmoot features performances, a parade and workshops by nearly 350 performers from ten to twelve countries. Waynesville, N.C., 828/452-2997. folkmootusa.org.
July 22-31 W.C. HANDY MUSIC FESTIVAL A week-long tribute to the “Father of the Blues,” W.C. Handy. Great Jazz and Blues music can be heard throughout the Shoals at restaurants, theatres, malls, parks and other locations. The week will include over 100 events perfect for the jazz and blues enthusiast as well as great family entertainment. Florence, Ala. wchandymusicfestival.org.
July 23-24 BUTTERNUT CREEK FESTIVAL One of the finest juried arts and crafts shows in the Southeast, this two-day festival showcases the work of 65 artists and craftsmen in categories from basketry, fine art, fabric art, and decorative painting, to glass, jewelry, metal working, photography, pottery, scrimshaw, and woodturning. Blairsville, Ga. 706/835-1948. butternutcreekfestival.com.
July 27-30 NORTH CAROLINA WATERMELON FESTIVAL Celebration of the heart-smart melon includes a largest watermelon contest, free watermelon slices, watermelon games, carnival rides, crafts, street dancing, food and more. Murfreesboro, N.C. 252/398-5922. murfreesboronc.org.
July 29-31 BELE CHERE FESTIVAL 33rd annual 3-day festival on the streets of historic downtown Asheville features four stages of free live music and an impressive array of arts and crafts; as well as entertainment and activities for children. Asheville, North Carolina. belecherefestival.com.
July 30-31 BRAGG JAM FESTIVAL Summer music festival where over 40 bands take on multiple stages and put on unforgettable shows in one jam-packed, rock, blues and soul-infused night. During the day, Bragg Jam's Arts @ the Park hosts a free daytime event that features art, food and beverage vendors, live music and community performances and nature-oriented activities. Macon, Ga. 800/768-3401. braggjam.org.
July 30-31 MANGOMANIA TROPICAL FRUIT FESTIVAL 15th annual summer festival and celebration of Pine Island's Mangos and other tropical fruits, complete with concerts, rides, family-friendly competitions and kid's activities. Cape Coral, Fla. 239/283-0888. mangomaniafl.com.
AUGUST
MORE FESTIVALS COMING SOON
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