February 11-12, 2023, ArtsFest, Florida, https://www.martinarts.org/programs-events/events/artsfest/, A hometown celebration of arts and culture, the 2-day event provides the area with exceptional fine art and fine craft exhibitors, culinary arts, hands-on activities for the family, and a variety of live musical and theatrical performances. Since its inception in 1988, ArtsFest has grown to become one of the most cherished and well-attended community events on the Treasure Coast. 2024 Dates: February 10-11, 2024
March 18-27, 2023, Macon, Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival, Georgia, https://cherryblossom.com/, Each March, Macon becomes a pink, cotton-spun paradise as over 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees bloom in all their glory with an annual festival celebrating this wonderous event. Originally a sleepy southern town, Macon has now become a bustling center of beauty and international friendship. 2024 Dates: March 15-24, 2024
March 26-27, 2023, 42nd Annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival, Georgia, https://www.georgiahorsepark.com/p/calendar-of-events/conyers-cherry-blossom-festival,Swing into Spring at the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival! The 2024 event marks 43 years of the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival in Conyers. Shop among unique art and craft exhibitors, eat your way through the multiple food courts, enjoy cultural performances, listen to live music, and play in the children’s area. The Cherry Blossom Festival originated as a way to encourage cultural understanding and friendship through international music, dance, games, food and crafts. The cherry blossom is a symbol of short-lived beauty in Japan, and the City of Conyers embraces this tradition as well. The blooming of the cherry trees offers a time to reflect upon our lives. Like the blooming of the trees, life is short, so this festival encourages an appreciation to embrace it. 2024 Dates: March 23-24, 2024
April 21-23, 2023, Baton Rouge Blues Festival, Louisiana, https://www.brblues.org/, The Baton Rouge Blues Festival is a free weekend-long annual celebration of the swamp blues in the downtown Baton Rouge area. Originating in 1981, the Baton Rouge Blues Festival is one of the oldest blues festivals in America, first held on the campus of Southern University. The festival, produced by the Baton Rouge Blues Festival and Foundation, honors fundamental blues music origins and legendary home-grown blues artists like Slim Harpo, Rudy Richard, Silas Hogan, Whisperin’ Smith, Guitar Kelly, Schoolboy Cleve, Chewin’ Gum Johnson and Raful Neal. BluesFest has brought in nationally and internationally recognized names like Bobby Blue Bland, Marcia Ball, Phil Guy, Larry Garner and Charlie Musselwhite—including a hometown favorite, the legendary Buddy Guy in 2016 and Louisiana darling, Mavis Staples in 2019. Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to further their Baton Rouge blues experience beyond the festival at hangouts like Phil Brady’s (with the longest-running 21-year Thursday night blues jam around) and the inimitable Teddy’s Juke Joint in Zachary, Louisiana.
April 22, 2023, Hospice Foundation of the South’s Crawfish Cook-Off, Louisiana, https://thehospicehouse.org/events, The Hospice Foundation of the South’s signature event! This event is a huge part of the main budget supporting the Hospice House. Every April, the HFOS hosts the Crawfish Cook-Off. The largest one-day event on the Northshore boasts over 40,000 pounds of crawfish. Crawfish are boiled by 60 teams competing for the title of “Best Crawfish in St. Tammany Parish.” Celebrity judges as well as the teams themselves decide the winners. 3 locally well-known bands entertain crowds of 7,000-plus people every year. The admission includes all the crawfish you can eat and the concert event. 2024 Date: April 20, 2024
April 28-29, 2023, Double Decker Arts Festival, Mississippi, https://doubledeckerfestival.com/, The 26th annual Double Decker Festival was held in Spring, 2023. Originally inspired by the Double Decker bus that Oxford imported from England in 1994, the festival showcases Oxford as a town that supports the arts and has grown to be one of the champion events in the region. Double Decker started with the bed of an old pickup truck serving as the stage for music, and only hosted a handful of art and food vendors. Today, the event is centered around the historic Courthouse Square, and boasts a crowd of more than 60,000 people. Now in a two-day format, Double Decker kicked off on that Friday with art demonstrations around the Square and the evening with music. Saturday was the all-day affair featuring over 100 art and 20+ local food vendors while a generous mix of touring musicians took to the stage. 2024 Dates April 26-27, 2024
June 10, 2023, Porchfest, Kentucky, https://www.facebook.com/events/518722073288463, it’s time to get ready for one of the coolest live music events of the year, y’all! PorchFest 2023 will bring out thousands of people for a day and night of live music from the front porches of some of the most beautiful homes in Owensboro. This year’s event was held on Saturday, June 10 from 3 p.m.-10 p.m. PorchFest will feature musicians from numerous genres this year, including rock, jazz, folk, country and more! Taking place along Griffith Avenue from Frederica Street to Robin Road, you can set up lawn chairs or blankets in front of different houses to hear the sounds from a variety of musicians throughout the day. The porches are referred to as “stages,” so you can check out the full musical lineup right here, which includes details regarding which artist will play on which stage. This FREE event will feature more than 40 different musicians, tons of food trucks and lots of fun, so you won’t wanna miss out!
June 30-July 4, 2023, Charleston Sternwheel Regatta, West Virginia, https://charlestonregatta.com/, “Ya Gotta Regatta!” was the phrase on everyone’s lips when the City of Charleston and the Regatta Commission announced the return of the beloved Charleston Sternwheel Regatta. After a 12-year hiatus, the festival resumed with a five-day event June 30-July 4, 2022, that built on the nostalgia of the original Regatta while incorporating fresh events and attractions. Visitors were treated to more than 100 activities, including free concerts featuring internationally known acts, traditional sternwheeler races, and a kids’ carnival. To promote this multifaceted event, the Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website and mobile app prominently featured Regatta events. A sternwheeler logo invited users to explore all Regatta events, which were listed first among other calendar events. This feature was available from the Regatta announcement March 31 through the end of the event July 4. Using information gathered through the app and other resources, the CVB was able to generate economic impact numbers and attendee information beneficial to itself, the Regatta Commission, and the City of Charleston.
August 11-12, 2023, Bluegrass in the Park Folklife Festival, Kentucky, https://bluegrassinthepark.com, Bluegrass in the Park Folklife Festival is strictly a music festival. The music aspect of the festival (which is still central to the theme) has grown from very humble beginnings to now being recognized as one of Kentucky’s major summer events. The festival attracts people from all over the United States and it has even attracted people from other parts of the world, including Australia, France, England, Italy, Russia, Brazil, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, and many more.
September 3, 2023, Landry Vineyards Grape Stomp, Louisiana, https://landryvineyards.com/, Get ready to stomp! The Landry Vineyards Grape Stomp celebration is back. Each year this event celebrates the harvesting of the grapes for the season. The event was inspired by the famous I Love Lucy episode that involved Lucy stomping grapes. The event quickly caught on with the locals and now Landry Vineyards hosts the Grape Stomp each year to showcase their locally made grapes and wine. The day is filled with a wide range of activities. Get ready to dance to live music during the celebration. Bring a picnic blanket, chair, and a friend! This year’s grape stamp concert will feature classic rock by the band Smackwater. During the concert, guests can try the traditional winemaking process of stomping grapes and experience first-hand how wine is made! Attendees can even make their own keepsake by placing their footprint on a Landry Vineyard’s t-shirt. Guests are also invited to participate in the Lucy Look-A-Like contest. Dress in your best Lucille Ball attire and get ready to embody the spirit of Lucy! Prizes are given out to the top three Lucille Ball costumes. End the day with a wagon tour of the vineyard and browse a variety of food trucks. “People love to be involved in the process and stomping grapes is not something that most people get a chance to do unless you live near a vineyard. People just love stomping in the grapes and putting their footprints on t-shirts,” said Libby Landry, owner of Landry Vineyards. This year’s Grape Stomp celebration will be held on September 3rd. Don’t miss out on all the fun!
September 14-16, 2023, Mississippi Science Festival, Mississippi, https://www.mssciencefest.org/, The Mississippi Science Festival (MSF) is the LeFleur Museum District’s (LMD) signature 3-day event presented by C Spire, taking place annually beginning on the third Thursday in September. MSF brings the community together to celebrate careers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math), and has introduced children of all ages to the wide variety of STEAM concepts and industries that are available in Mississippi. Events take place over three days, in both the LeFleur Museum District in Jackson and at the Mississippi Children’s Museum – Meridian. Saturday’s festival is open to the public, and participation is encouraged statewide. MSF’s initiative for science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) is showcased by special guests from various science-based industries from across the state. From civil engineers to robotics specialists and web developers, these experts provide interactive, hands-on experiences to inspire children to discover and achieve their potential. Careers in STEAM fields are growing, and Mississippi needs more leaders in these industries. The goal of this festival is to get young children to explore scientific concepts in hands-on ways. By bringing these experts together, MSF shows children the range of career opportunities that exist while also sparking their curiosity, excitement, and interest in STEAM.
October 13-15, 2023, Fall for Greenville, South Carolina, https://www.fallforgreenville.net/, Indulge in a weekend full of flavor and discover a world of tempting tastes, tunes, and taps, as mouthwatering aromas as you traverse along Greenville’s Main Street.
October 14-15, 2023, Wooden Boat Festival, Louisiana, https://maritimemuseumlouisiana.org/wbf, The Wooden Boat Festival held in St. Tammany Parish began 32 years ago with a primary objective: to build and sustain the Maritime Museum. Year after year, it generates over $150,000 in revenue, contributing to the museum’s operational expenses and facilitating the creation of new exhibits. Additionally, proceeds are allocated to the restoration of the iconic Tchefuncte River Lighthouse, an endeavor that perpetuates the region’s cultural heritage. From its humble beginnings, where it attracted approximately 12,000 visitors, the Wooden Boat Festival has blossomed into a grand celebration that entices over 30,000 enthusiasts to Madisonville. With its rich history, profound cultural significance, and commitment to preserving Louisiana’s maritime heritage, this event has become a beacon of joy, unity, and celebration. Its ability to enchant both young and old, while simultaneously fostering community engagement and raising vital funds for Maritime Museum Louisiana, exemplifies the very essence of what makes a festival truly remarkable.
October 27-28, 2023, Festival d’Avion, North Carolina, https://www.festivaldavion.com/, A celebration of freedom and flight, the Festival d’Avion features military aircraft, precision flyovers (from the Bandit Flight Team and other aircraft), vintage planes, parachute jump teams, X-wing and helicopter sightseeing tours, live music, the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Chorus, local vendors, a Junior Pilot KidsZone (with massive inflatables and games, tons of free candy for the kids), a Halloween costume contest, food and beverages and so much more.
November 3-4, 2023, Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival, Georgia, https://www.jekyllisland.com/signature-events/shrimp-grits-festival/, A coastal favorite, the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival combines the classic southern dish with family-friendly entertainment, artists market, live music, food, and more. The island comes alive during this fun-filled festival, so mark your calendars for this award-winning event held in the Historic District of Jekyll Island, Georgia.
November 9-12, 2023, Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals, South Carolina, https://www.dickenschristmasshow.com/, The Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals is a national award-winning event that was started 42 years ago with the main purpose of bringing business to the Myrtle Beach area in the holiday season. The event went on even during the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Chamber of Commerce of Myrtle Beach named the event and its presenting company the Pioneers of the Year for 2020. The Show and Festivals have a Victorian Period Holiday Theme. Whether you attend by yourself or with a group, the options are many. From a one-day excursion to a multi-day adventure, the Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals provides a Victorian themed shopping experience featuring 350 period-clad vendors having everything from arts and crafts, boutique clothing, jewelry, imported gifts, gourmet foods, collectibles, holiday décor and much, much more!
November 18-19, 2023, Englewood Beach Waterfest, Florida, https://englewoodbeachwaterfest.com/, Join Us for the 2023 Englewood Beach Waterfest which is scheduled to take place from Thursday, November 16th through Sunday, November 19th at various locations throughout Englewood, Florida. Englewood Beach Waterfest Inc. is a 501c3 Florida Corporation whose mission is to stage spectator events, participant competitions and educational forums that showcase Englewood’s unique water resources and recreational opportunities. All proceeds benefit local charities, with a focus on water conservation and recreation. Waterfest is a group of local businesspeople, citizens, civic groups, and charities who work together in this all-volunteer organization. While most of the events and activities are executed in the fall, year-round planning, fundraising, permitting, marketing, coordination and publicity require tens of thousands of volunteer hours per year. As evidenced by the following list of Board Members, the Waterfest initiatives are competently represented by the accomplished talents of its leaders and their respective local businesses which they own, manage or represent. 2024 Dates: November 16-19, 2024
November 18, 2023-January 8, 2024, Speedway Christmas, North Carolina, https://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/, Speedway Christmas is a spectacular drive-thru Christmas light display that takes place at Charlotte Motor Speedway and runs on select nights from November through January each year. The NASCAR track is transformed into a 3.75-mile epic light display, with 4-million lights that ash along with music. Visitors can also enjoy a Christmas village that boasts a series of vendors selling souvenirs, free crafts, pictures with Santa, and food for purchase. There’s a large screen inside which features holiday-themed movies, and outside the village, there are a series of re pits surrounded by chairs where visitors can enjoy hot chocolate and a s’mores kit. The combination of holiday magic and the excitement of driving on an actual NASCAR track truly make this one of the most unique experiences in North Carolina.
November 23,2023-January 8, 2024, Holly Jolly Jekyll, Georgia, https://www.jekyllisland.com/signature-events/holly-jolly-jekyll/, It’s the best time of the year! A time filled with lights, festive fun, and lots of cheer. Every day of the holiday season is filled with joy and merriment, so whether you’re visiting Jekyll Island for the day or the month, we’ll have a holly jolly lineup for you. 2024 Dates: November 24, 2024-January 7, 2025
December 7-10, 2023, Dickens on Centre, Florida, https://www.ameliaisland.com/dickens, Travel back in time December 7-10, 2023, during the ninth annual Dickens on Centre festival in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, Florida, on beautiful Amelia Island. Free to the public, this Victorian holiday festival is sure to enliven your Christmas spirit. Throughout the weekend, feel the spirit of the holiday with Victorian-inspired entertainment on two stages. Families will enjoy a plethora of fun including Tiny Tim’s Kids Zone, visits with St. Nick, holiday entertainment and shopping, festive food and drink, costumed characters, holiday movies and plenty of Christmas inspiration. This Christmas, come make memories. 2024 Dates: December 8-10, 2024