January
January 1, Polar Bear Dip, Perdido Key, FL, www.FloraBama.com
Looking for a memorable way to jump-start the New Year? Take an ice-cold plunge off of Perdido Key’s shore at the annual Polar Bear Dip. The Flora-Bama Lounge, on the Florida-Alabama state line, hosts this popular splash every year in the Gulf of Mexico. Afterwards everyone joins in the southern tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day and warms up with good music and beverages.
January 2, 2016, AutoZone Liberty Bowl, Memphis, TN www.LibertyBowl.org
Since 2004, Memphis-based AutoZone has served as the title sponsor of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. Watch top SEC and Big 12 teams duke it out on the gridiron in the birthplace of Rock n’ Roll. With more than 50,000 people in attendance, this is a big game fans won’t want to miss. This is also an event with a cause. The Liberty Bowl partners with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to increase awareness of their lifesaving work to help cancer-stricken children.
January 6- February 9, 2016, Mardi Gras Southwest Louisiana, Lake Charles, LA www.VisitLakeCharles.org/events
Southwest Louisiana hosts the second largest Mardi Gras in Louisiana and with more than 60 krewes, they make sure the whole family has something to celebrate. The excitement kicks off on January 6 with the annual 12th Night Celebration, as the royal courts from 2015 usher in the New Year in style with their extraordinary and intricate costumes. This nearly month long event is jam-packed with parades, cook-offs, balls, galas and more. Don’t miss the Fat Tuesday celebrations on February 9th starting with the Iowa Chicken Run followed by live music and Gumbo. Afterwards, reserve your spot for the grand finale of SWLA Mardi Gras, the Krew of Krewes Parade featuring elaborate floats, costumes and plenty of beads that winds through Lake Charles.
January 7-10, 2016 Elvis Presley’s Birthday Bash at Graceland, Memphis, TN www.Graceland.com/events/birthday.aspx
Each year, Graceland and the city of Memphis come together for a birthday celebration fit for a king. Come celebrate Elvis Presley’s birthday with the brand new “Elvis in Hollywood VIP Exhibit” which honors Presley’s time on the silver screen. From live entertainment, memorials, and birthday cake, they throw a party that would still make the king of Rock n’ Roll proud.
January 7-9, 2016 58th Annual Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival, Cameron, LA www.LAFurandWildlifeFestival.com
The 58th Annual Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival will highlight all the local and natural resource industries in beautiful Cameron, Louisiana. The festival is fun for the whole family, featuring parades, pageants, dances, Cajun music, exhibits and a carnival. Don’t forget about the unique contests like trap setting, nutria, muskrat skinning, oyster shucking and skeet shooting. Always a favorite among hunters are the dog trials. With all of the competitions and entertainment, visitors will understand why people keep coming back to Southwest Louisiana’s, “oldest and coldest” festival.
January 15th & 18th, 2016, Martin Luther King Jr. Festival, Lake Charles, LA www.VisitLakeCharles.org/events
Lake Charles, Louisiana hosts the Martin Luther King Jr. festival to honor the courageous efforts and sacrifices of Dr. King. The festivities kick off with a memorial breakfast held at Trinity Baptist Church Friday, January 15, which honors outstanding individuals in the community. The celebration continues on Monday, January 18, with the Family Day Festival where guests can enjoy live local and national entertainers in the R&B, Blues and Southern Souls genres. Kids of all ages will get a chance to catch throws at the parade, which will be departing from the Lake Charles Civic Center. The Martin Luther King Jr. Festival is a celebration for the whole family! For more information and for the band line up, visit www.KZWAFM.com
January 15-17, 2016, Annual Stuart Boat Show, Stuart, FL www.MIATC.com
The 42nd Annual Stuart Boat Show is the largest of its kind on the Treasure Coast. This interactive event features hundreds of boats of all shapes and sizes, including powerboats, cruisers and yachts. Boats are displayed in the water and on land. The show is a must for any boat lover or anyone interested in the marine industry. You will see every marine accessory imaginable from manufacturers worldwide. Fair food takes on an entirely new meaning with features like seafood paella and fresh lobster tails. The show spans over four locations and has a boat parade and poker run as part of the festivities. Don’t forget to grab a spot on one of the floating docks and enjoy the sailing regatta.
January 20-25th, 2016, Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival, Titusville, FL www.SpaceCoastBirdingAndWildlifeFestival.org
Titusville, Florida is a remarkable place full of marshlands, cypress swamps, oak hammocks, rivers and lakes. It is the home of The Space Coast Birding and Wildlife festival, which allows visitors to explore acres of undisturbed nature and wildlife. The festival includes 100 photography activities and is for those who record natural events. Get up close and personal with insects, birds, whales and fish. This festival will also have its regular field trip adventures to splendid locations and features fascinating talks given by top experts. Adventurers will also enjoy art shows, socials, exhibits and boat trips.
January 26-30, 2016, International Blues Challenge, Memphis, TN www.Blues.org/international-blues-challenge
The International Blues Challenge brings musicians from all over the world to Beale Street to compete for top titles. This Memphis competition attracts only the best musicians, as Blues acts cannot enter without being sponsored by a Blues Foundation Affiliate. The same act cannot compete three consecutive years, assuring that guests get to listen to a variety of talents each year they visit. Come listen to the best musicians pick out the best of the Blues.
January 30, 2016, 15th Annual African American Cultural Celebration, Raleigh, NC www.NCMuseumOfHistory.org
North Carolina’s African American heritage is rich and diverse. Throughout history, black residents have played an integral role in shaping North Carolina politics, education, literary and arts traditions. That’s why the North Carolina Museum of History and the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission are teaming up to put on the 15th Annual African American Cultural Celebration. This event brings together cultural organizations and presenters from across the state for a day of free programs that highlight the state’s African American history and culture. Enjoy art, live demonstrations, dramatic performances and film screenings. Visitors can also listen to authors share their work in the Spoken Word Area of the museum. The celebration is the official statewide kickoff to Black History Month.
January 30-31, 2016 Cape Fear Model Railroad Society’s 19th Annual Model Railroad Show & Sale, Wilmington, NC www.CapeFearModelRailroadClub.org
All Aboard! Hit the tracks at the Cape Fear Model Railroad Society’s 19th Annual Model Railroad Show & Sale in Wilmington, North Carolina. This is the annual fundraiser held for the purpose of promoting model railroading. Vendors will be offering trains, scenic supplies and railroading memorabilia. There will be operating layouts and free clinics offered both days. Come see what makes model railroading a hobby that will last a lifetime!
February
February 4-6, 2016, Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo, Lake Charles, LA, www.VisitLakeCharles.org/events
Called “The Greatest Show on Dirt,” the Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo returns to the Burton Complex with rodeo performances, livestock shows, Queen’s Pageant, stick-horse rodeos and more. The “mane” attraction is the professional rodeo performances that kick into gear each night featuring bucking broncos, thundering hooves and cheering fans. Don’t miss the Western Heritage Days celebrating cowboys, the great outdoors and all things Western. There’s also a shoot-out, petting zoo and more! Be sure to trot on over to the SWLA Western Heritage Rodeo Trail Ride and Parade on Thursday. This event has the nostalgia of a country fair with everything from livestock to live music.
February 5, 2016, Krewe of Lafitte Mardi Gras Parade, Pensacola, FL, KreweofLafitte.com
The Krewe of Lafitte Mardi Gras Parade is the only illuminated nighttime parade in Pensacola. The Krewe of Lafitte is the largest Krewe in the greater Pensacola area and is made up of 275 “Gentlemen Pirates.” Enjoy 12 lit up floats as the pirates deliver their spoils to the crowd. Marching bands add to this one-of-a-kind pirate party as the Krewe of Lafitte kicks off the Mardi Gras celebrations.
February 6, 2016, Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade, Pensacola, FL, www.PensacolaMardiGras.com
One of the country’s original celebration sites, Pensacola hosts this family-oriented Mardi Gras parade in the historical downtown area. The Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade is the largest and most extravagant parade in Pensacola. This parade attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year. Expect great throws, music and floats. With special kid-friendly sections, this parade is an unforgettable event for the whole family!
February 6-7, 2016, 15th Annual Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts, Hobe Sound, FL, www.HobeSound.org
Hobe Sound will transform four blocks of Florida’s famous A1A into a living, breathing, art gallery for two days during the Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts. Life-size sculptures, spectacular paintings, one-of-a-kind jewels, photography, ceramics and much more make for one fabulous weekend. The festival features over 200 artists from around the country, plus a craft festival with local green market booths displaying handmade items. Watch as the Hobe Sound Murals group paints a brand new mural during the festival, which will be transported to downtown Hobe Sound upon completion.
February 6, 2016, 22nd Annual St. Marys’ Mardi Gras Festival, St. Marys, GA www.VisitStMarys.com
The Annual St. Marys’ Mardi Gras Festival is a rich Coastal Georgia tradition and a favorite for both locals and tourists alike. The festival is in its 22nd year and will follow a sports theme to coincide with Super Bowl Weekend. The theme will be followed throughout parade floats and costumes. The day features family friendly activities beginning with a 7 a.m. run, parade, vendors and a hydrosports water show that will take place on the St. Marys River. Once the sun goes down, an adult-only celebration begins at the annual Mardi Gras Ball where a new King and Queen will be crowned.
February 10-13, 2016, National Farm Machinery Show, Louisville, KY, www.FarmMachineryShow.org
For 50 years, the National Farm Machinery Show has offered the most complete selection of cutting-edge agricultural products, equipment and services available in the farming industry. Business professionals from around the world come here to gain knowledge and hands-on access to various technological advancements needed for the upcoming farming season during the four-day show. The Kentucky Exposition Center is filled with 860 exhibitors, making it the country’s largest indoor farm show. Nearly every major line of farming equipment will be on display, allowing attendees to compare products side by side. The most innovate technology and new product launches are available to agribusiness professionals, as well as alternative energy information and solutions to the challenges facing today’s agribusiness industry. In addition to seeing the newest products on the market, visitors can attend free seminars led by industry experts. Seminar topics include: unmanned aerial vehicles, cloud-based data handling and weather commodity trends. More than 300,000 people the National Farm Machinery Show each year.
February 10-13, 2016, Championship Tractor Pull, Louisville, KY, www.ChampPull.org
High-octane intensity explodes into Louisville, Kentucky’s Freedom Hall as pulling trucks and tractors battle it out at the Championship Tractor Pull. This invitation-only event stars the nation’s best drivers and their machines — Pro Stocks, Super Stocks, Modified, and Alcohol Tractors as well as Two-Wheel and Four-Wheel Drive Trucks. The drivers compete in five exciting performances. Drivers gear up for the thrill of winning at this nationally recognized pull, but also for the chance to bring home a share of more than $200,000 in prize money. With more than 75,000 fans packing Freedom Hall to experience five pulse-pounding performances, the nation’s oldest indoor tractor pull has a vivid history to share with its loyal supporters.
February 13, 2016, Double Bridge Run, Pensacola, FL www.DoubleBridgeRun.com
The Pensacola Double Bridge Run is one of the premier 15K races in the country. The 15K carries runners over two bridges, across Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound. It will run from downtown Pensacola with a tour that includes the historic district, and picturesque Bayfront Parkway, a run through Gulf Breeze, and onto Pensacola Beach. A 5K course welcomes both runners and walkers and a Kids Fun Run wraps up the action along the Gulf of Mexico. No matter which course runners choose, there are breathtaking views wherever their shoes take them. With its natural beauty, outdoor enjoyment, history, art and entertainment, this event is an ideal winter getaway.
February 19-February 21, 2016, Clearwater Sea-Blue Festival, Clearwater, FL www.Facebook.com/clearwaterseablues/
The Clearwater Seafood and Blues Festival features world-class blue musicians and the best seafood from the Clearwater and Tampa Bay area. One of the few remaining free music festivals, Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival is the perfect winter get away. Past performers have included Buddy Guy, Johnny Lang and Amos Lee. The top-notch music and freshly caught seafood draws over 26,000 people each year. Watch dozens of musicians take the stage while chowing down on the best catches the Gulf has to offer at the Clearwater Seafood and Blues Festival.
February 20-21, 2016, 28th Annual ArtsFest, Stuart, FL, www.MartinArts.Org/index.html
Since 1988, the Arts Council of Martin County has hosted ArtsFest in the beautiful downtown of Stuart Florida. ArtsFest attracts more than 125 artists to participate in this juried art show. Over 30,000 patrons enjoy everything from paintings, photography, sculptures, jewelry and ceramics. The art show may be the main attraction but the Arts Council incorporates all components of the arts to give guests a unique experience. This year, local chefs will compete in a “Chopped” culinary competition preparing a meal on site from a box of mystery ingredients. A painted piano in the park will bear a sign that reads “PLAY ME” inviting guests to show off their own talents and graffiti artists will create a masterpiece live during the Artfest for patrons’ enjoyment.
March
March 3-13, 2016, Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City, FL www.FLStrawberryFestival.com
With nearly 10,000 acres of strawberries grown annually in Plant City, Florida, the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, it’s only appropriate that their harvest be given a proper celebration. Since 1930, the Florida Strawberry Festival has strived to provide visitors from around the globe with a family-friendly event that has something to offer every member of the family. This year the festivals theme is, “Come Join the Party!” as they celebrate their 80th birthday. The festival is full of star power with 22 headline acts including: Martina McBride, Merle Haggard and The Band Perry. With a midway of 90+ attractions, seven livestock shows, hundreds of concessionaires, and fun competitions, this is a birthday party both strawberry and festival lovers will not want to miss!
March 4-6, 2016, Black Heritage Festival, Lake Charles, LA www.VisitLakeCharles.org/events
The annual Black Heritage Festival in Lake Charles, Louisiana features live entertainment, mouthwatering food and great family fun. The festival brings together the cultures of Africa and Southwest Louisiana and highlights the best in the community. Celebrating diversity, culture and education, the festival is filled with legendary Jazz, R&B and Gospel performers. This year’s festival will include educational workshops, magic shows and food booths featuring Louisiana Creole and traditional African-American foods, including gumbo, jambalaya and barbecue.
March 4- December, 2016, First Friday, Gadsden, AL, www.DowntownGadsden.com/first-friday
Historic Downtown Gadsden is THE place to be the first Friday of each month. The streets of the downtown business district are closed, classic cars roll in and the party begins. Shops are open late into the evening and downtown rocks with live entertainment, special events, sales and food and beverage for everyone’s taste buds. Specialty shops offer beer and wine tastings and the downtown restaurants are filled to capacity. Bands of all different genres take five separate stages to keep the party rolling. First Friday is a free, family friendly and fun event where you see old friends and meet new ones.
March 4- December, 2016, Florence First Fridays, Florence, AL, www.FirstFridaysFlorence.org
Join friends, family or co-workers to experience the wonderfully festive atmosphere of First Fridays in Downtown Florence! On the first Friday of each month from March through December, Historic Downtown Florence comes alive with art, music, shopping and entertainment for the whole family! In its 10th year, the event has grown to include dozens of artisans and craftsmen. Browse through jewelry, leather goods, folk and fine art, woodwork and blown glass. Enjoy live music while walking down beautiful Court Street. Don’t miss the birthday celebration in August, First Friday will be complete with a dunking booth, local celebrities, a classic car show and a large birthday cake!
March 4- 6, 2016, Kentucky Crafted: The Market 2016, Lexington, KY http://www.artscouncil.ky.gov/KentuckyArt/2016Market.htm
Nowhere in Kentucky, let alone the nation, will you find such a convergence of high quality art, craft, literature, music, film and food as you will at Kentucky Crafted: The Market. When you attend this show, prepare yourself for an exciting sensory experience. Kentucky Crafted: The Market is one of the only state-sponsored shows of its kind to showcase traditional and contemporary fine art and crafts along with Kentucky-related books, musical recordings, films and specialty food products. The Market has been chosen as the number one Fair & Festival by readers of “AmericanStyle” magazine four years in a row. It has also been named a Top 10 Event by Kentucky Tourism Council. Come to the beautiful Convention Center and enjoy all this unique show and downtown Lexington have to offer.
March 5-6, 2016, Gulf Coast Renaissance Faire, Pensacola, FL www.VisitPensacola.com
Travel to beautiful Pensacola, Florida and back in time to the Gulf Coast Renaissance Faire. Thousands gather to witness the spectacle of armored combat, the swirl of dancer’s costumes and to sample the wares of merchants who have traveled from afar. Watch real live jousting on horseback with medieval knights. The Faire goes on rain or shine, the first weekend of March. Come and meet Their Majesties, see fabulous characters and experience a historically good time on the Gulf Coast!
March 5-6, 2016, Jerry Brown Arts Festival, Hamilton, AL www.JBAF.org
The Jerry Brown Arts Festival (JBAF) is an indoor, juried arts festival headlined and named in honor of Hamilton, Alabama resident and Smithsonian potter, Jerry Brown. Brown is a ninth-generation potter and was awarded in 1992 the National Heritage Fellowship and in 2003 received the Alabama Heritage Award from the Alabama State Council on the Arts. Artists throughout the region participate in this two-day festival celebrating the show’s theme, “Reflections of the South.” This festival provides top-quality artists who demonstrate their talents giving many people their first opportunity to see the creation of various art forms in this rural area. This is an event with a cause, the proceeds from the festival benefit art education in the local area.
March 7-14, 2016 Hilton Head International Piano Competition, Hilton Head Island, SC, www.HHIPC.org
The Hilton Head International Piano Competition, one of the leading international competitions in the United States, holds its 21st annual competition March 7-14, 2016. Presented by the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, 20 pianists ages 18-30 from around the world will compete for $34,000 in a cash prizes plus a Winner’s Recital at Carnegie Hall. The mission of the Hilton Head International Piano Competition is to encourage and support excellence in the performance of classical piano music by showcasing the talents of young pianists on the threshold of their careers in a competition adjudicated by internationally acclaimed judges. Only a few locations in the United States host a piano competition at this level of musical excellence and international renown. There’s a reason the HHIPC is one of the top-three tourist attractions on the island. This is an event music lovers and their ears cannot afford to miss!
March 10-13, 2016, Festival of Flowers, Mobile, AL www.FestivalOfFlowers.com
Savor one of Alabama’s most “scentsational” experiences! Mobile’s Festival of Flowers is the largest outdoor flower show in the Southeast. This year’s festival is titled “Taking Flight to a World of Gardens” and showcases creative interpretations of breathtaking landscape and architectural designs unique to the area. The Festival of Flowers continues to enchant, entertain and educate visitors of all ages with over eight acres of exhibits under tent and sky. Visitors will be delighted by a few new venues and will be pleased by the return of many old favorites, such as Designer Tablescapes, Floral Design Showcase and World of Flowers exhibit.
March 12-13, 2016, Forsythia Festival, Forsyth, GA www.ForsythiaFestival.com
Kick off spring with the Forsythia Festival in downtown Forsyth, Georgia. This free, family-fun event features a two-day arts-and-crafts show, children’s fair, 5K, one-mile fun run, sporting tournaments, a fashion show, live entertainment and much more. Enjoy mouth-watering foods, beautiful wares and a fun time for the whole family. Don’t miss FaithFest, which starts Saturday night and is a faith-based singing competition. Celebrate the whole month leading up to the festival weekend with community events such as the Forsythia Beauty Pageant and family comedy night.
March 18-20, 2016, Louisiana Nursery Festival, Forest Hill, Louisiana www.LouisianaNurseryFestival.com
Each year, the Louisiana Nursery Festival draws thousands of people from across the state and the region to the small village of Forest Hill, the Nursery Capital of Louisiana. Shop the festival grounds and local plant nurseries for everything needed to make even the wildest landscaping dreams come true. Rides, crafts and great food make the Louisiana Nursery Festival the perfect Spring outing for the entire family.
March 18-19, 2016, Iowa Rabbit Festival, Iowa, LA, www.VisitLakeCharles.org/events
Celebrating the economic and culinary impact rabbits have in Southwest Louisiana, the annual Iowa Rabbit Festival is a one-of-a-kind event. From the rabbit gumbo to crowning the new Mis Bunny, who will go on to represent the festival at other state-wide festivals and competitions, this festival fun for all. The family-friendly event has some of the best music in the area from the Iowa High School Marching to local Cajun favorites. This festival packed with great food, live music and cook-offs. All proceeds from the festival go to support the community of Iowa and various other youth organizations, schools and not for profit groups. Don’t miss this hare-raising good time!
March 19, 2016, Southwest Florida Reading Festival, Fort Meyers, FL www.ReadFest.org/attend.aspx
There really is something for all ages to experience at the Southwest Florida Reading Festival. Walk around to the multiple stages with celebrity authors who share the ‘inside scoop’ about their latest books. Attendees will be able to buy books and have the authors personalize and sign them too. Find numerous book and educational vendors offering the latest in services and new ideas. One of the highlights of the event is the FREE book given to every Child and Teen. Each kid can pick out the book they want to keep! There’s also a Children’s Craft & Activities Tent where kids make treasures to take home. Also enjoy face painting, readings, drawings and so much more. It will be a day families will thoroughly enjoy and one they will want to repeat every year!
March 19, 2016, St. Patrick’s East End Pub Crawl, Charleston WV CharlestonEastEnd.com/events/east-end-st-patricks-pub-crawl-2015
For the best St. Patrick’s Day part, head to Charleston, West Virginia’s East End. East End is the most historic and diverse neighborhood Charleston and is home to the 5th annual East End St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl. This special event takes place over several shutdown streets, highlighting local food and drinks, live music as well as event games and prizes. Free shuttle rides will be provided. This is a party you won’t want to miss!
March 19-20, 2016, Lake Charles Civic Ballet Assemble’ 2016, Lake Charles, LA, www.VisitLakeCharles.org/events
The Lake Charles Civic Ballet is proud to once again join forces with Southwest Louisiana arts organizations and individuals to present the Lake Charles Civic Ballet Assemble’. This year’s show will feature a variety of music and dance styles including a contemporary piece choreographed by Golden Wright of Lamar University. Be dazzled as performers kick out the can-can and the classical & tap ballet Amen. This diverse show will also feature local singers and a swing dance number. This is a one-of-a-kind show that will have attendees dancing along in their seats!
March 20, 2016, Taste of Athens, Athens, GA, www.TasteOfAthens.com
Entering its 23rd year as the primary fundraiser of Community Connection of Northeast Georgia, Taste of Athens has grown into the premier food event in a town dubbed “the foodie capital of the Southeast.” Taste of Athens boasts over 1,000 attendees and participation by some of the most beloved restaurants in the Northeast Georgia region, along with support from music, artisan, and artist communities, which makes Athens, Georgia a unique destination site. Taste 2015 saw the inclusion of wine pairings by a James Beard award-winning sommelier and the first ever cocktail competition featuring signature cocktails from eight of the best bar programs in the city. Come eat and drink your way through one of the tastiest towns in the South!
March 18-20, 2016, Cape Fear Wildlife Expo, Wilmington, NC www.CapeFearWildLifeExpo.com
The 7th Annual Cape Fear Wildlife Expo is the perfect outing for any outdoor enthusiast. This family event in Wilmington, North Carolina features wildlife art, decoy displays, hunting and fishing products, decoy carving demonstrations, hand-crafted duck decoy and turkey calls, hand-crafted knives, dough bowls, jewelry, and more. There will also be fly-fishing demonstrations. Kids will enjoy interactive activities such as Mallard Madness Laser Shooting and the archery range. Guests will also get to take a walk on the wild side with a raptor flight, beautiful snakes on display and rescued bobcats and wolves on site.
March 27, 2016, Easter Sunrise Service, Stone Mountain, GA, www.StoneMountainPark.com/events/Easter-Sunrise-Service
Experience serenity and peace as the Stone Mountain Sunrise Association presents two simultaneous, non-denominational Easter services at the top and base of the Mountain. The event began in 1944, before the land around Stone Mountain was officially owned by the State of Georgia. Lucile Lanford from Stone Mountain First United Methodist Church suggested that the church’s youth group climb to the top of Stone Mountain on Easter morning to watch the sunrise. The event grew from that one youth group to thousands ascending the mountain every Easter since. A new set of ministers will be speaking at both the top and bottom of the mountain this year. Both services will also feature sign language interpreters for hearing impaired guests. Make this Easter one you and your family will never forget at Stone Mountain.
March 28-April 9, 2016, 76th Annual Columbus Spring Pilgrimage, Columbus, MS www.VisitColumbusMS.org
The Columbus Spring Pilgrimage has been recognized as one of the best and most authentic home tours in the South. For 76 years, this cultural heritage event has featured tours of resplendent antebellum mansions, gardens and churches, as well as recreated activities of the 1800’s and exquisite period costumes. In addition to historic home tours featuring unparalleled hospitality, activities include: Tales from the Crypt, a garden party, carriage rides, a heart-pumping half-marathon race and the popular Catfish in the Alley event. Recognized recently as “Editor’s Choice” in “Garden and Gun” magazine, this event hosts a full day of blues music, artisans’ alley, catfish and other local fare. Don’t miss this award-winning, one-of-a-kind event in Columbus, Mississippi.