January 2020
January 3-February 25, 2019, Mardi Gras Southwest Louisiana, Lake Charles, LA, www.swlamardigras.com
If you are looking for an extravagant setting to enjoy Mardi Gras, Southwest Louisiana is it! The area hosts the second largest Mardi Gras in the state with more than 60 Krewes and tons of excitement. What can you look forward to? For starters, the annual 12th Night Celebration kicks off the event as royal courts usher in the new year donning spirited costumes. Later on, Laissez les bons temp rouler as the festivities continue through Fat Tuesday on February 25. Enjoy parades, cook-offs, balls and galas, the Iowa Chicken Run, live music and more. Each year there are new costumes to see, new Krewes riding in the parades and new King Cake flavors to taste. Make your plans early and don’t miss the fun!
January 10-11, 2020, Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival, Cameron, LA, www.visitlakecharles.org
Highlighting local, natural resource industries in the area, this 62nd annual event caters to the whole family with parades, a Gumbo Cook-Off, pageants, a 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk, dances, Cajun music, exhibits and amusement rides. Plan on enjoying unique contests like duck and goose calling, trap setting, nutria and muskrat skinning, oyster shucking and skeet shooting as well as dog trials—a favorite among hunters. Festival proceeds benefit the Cameron Parish Junior Livestock Program along with the valedictorian scholarship program for the local high schools. This year the festival will honor the energy industry and will be held on the fairgrounds in downtown Cameron. More information is available at www.lafurandwildlifefestival.com.
January 10-12, 2020, Annual Stuart Boat Show, Stuart, FL, https://stuartboatshow.com/
Come and enjoy wandering the Stuart Boat Show featuring more than 175 local, national and international exhibitors displaying hundreds of boats both in-water and on land. A myriad of boat brands will be represented at the annual show including the latest models of motor yachts, cruisers, center consoles, speedboats, sport fishing boats and pontoons in varying sizes. Additional displays will include personal watercraft, marine electronics, outboard and inboard engines, safety equipment, accessories, boat lifts, fishing gear, nautical clothing and jewelry along with financing and insurance companies. The Sea Tow Foundation will be on-hand to provide PFD-borrowing stations for children before entry onto the docks. Also, new seminars will cover navigation, boat safety, destinations for boaters and fishing. (NOTE: kids attending a fishing seminar will receive a free fishing pole.) INFINITI mobile experience trailer will be back as well, with a larger lounge area and a champagne bar for guests.
January 16-19, 2020, Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival, Fellsmere, FL, https://www.froglegfestival.com/
Come experience this larger-than-ever festival set to break records again for “The Most Frog Legs Served” in the course of one business day and the “Largest Frog Leg Festival in the World.” For 29 years, this favorite Florida festival has been held in the proudly proclaimed Frog Leg Capital of the World, holding the two aforementioned records. Experience mouth-watering frog legs and gator tail dinners as well as hundreds of gift booths, music and fun rides. With 80,000 attendees serving over 7,000 pounds of frog legs and 2,000 pounds of gator, this January tradition may be your new favorite too!
January 17-20, 2020, Martin Luther King Jr. Festival, Lake Charles, LA, www.visitlakecharles.org
In its 36th year of honoring the courageous efforts of Martin Luther King Jr., the MLK Coalition, The Vibe 105 Foundation and KZWA 104.9 FM will sponsor the commemorative festival that gives area students scholarship opportunities and pays homage to local leaders exuding King’s ideals: Peace, Justice and Brotherhood. Festivities kick off with a Memorial Breakfast recognizing outstanding community individuals. Additional activities include an MLK Community 5K Run/3 Mile Walk as well as a Health and Awareness Fair. Look for an MLK Community Clean-Up along with other fun, family events such as Monday’s Family Day Festival (free for kids under 12) bursting with entertainment from a parade and music to a Celebrity Gumbo Cook-Off, local vendors, exhibits, arts and crafts, and loads of Creole and Cajun food.
January 18, 2020, St. Simons Land Trust Annual Oyster Roast, St. Simons Island, GA, https://sslt.org/
From a backyard party to the best annual event on St. Simons Island, the St. Simons Land Trust Annual Oyster Roast is celebrating its 20th year! A favorite for both locals and visitors, the oyster roast features fantastic food and drinks from more than 50 vendors offering samplings of their specialty dishes and oysters. Enjoy the beautiful canopied oak setting of Gascoigne Bluff Park with live music and dancing, noting that the event is a fundraiser for the St. Simons Land Trust. Proceeds raised will be used to support the mission of protecting scenic and historic treasures as well as preserving the beauty and charm of the island for generations to come.
January 22-27, 2020, Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival, Titusville, FL, https://scbwf.org/
Join this 23rd annual, six-day festival located near Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Cape Canaveral National Seashore at Eastern Florida State College in Titusville. Alongside more than 82 exhibitors from across the globe, you’ll find knowledgeable speakers, spotlight presentations, workshops, pontoon and airboat activities and a photography strand. Field trip offerings total some 85 opportunities and showcase the best in coastal east central Florida. And, this year you’ll garner extraordinary information from a leading woodpecker expert and writer of the Peterson Guide to Woodpeckers as this bird is the focal point of the 2020 festival. Additionally, the 2nd annual Space Coast Family Wildlife Adventure Day will feature Nature Nick!
January 25, 2020, 19th Annual African American Cultural Celebration, Raleigh, NC, https://www.ncmuseumofhistory.org/aacc-2020
North Carolina kicks off Black History Month with the Museum of History’s 19th annual African American Cultural Celebration (AACC) featuring free family-fun, engaging activities, performances and presentations showcasing the state’s cornerstones in music, drama, history, literature, film, art, food, education and scholarship, and service. Learn about the past and present through festival activities such as Jonkonnu drummers, a U.S. Colored Troops reenactment group and color guard, and a young, local drumline. Take advantage of firsthand opportunities to learn about the state’s African American culture with dancers, singers, storytellers and other presenters. Don’t worry about the kiddos, they’ll be busy with hands-on activities also.
January 25, 2020, Port Salerno Seafood Festival, Port Salerno, FL, http://www.portsalernoseafoodfestival.org
Celebrate the fishing heritage of the Port Salerno area at their own Seafood Festival conducted by the Port Salerno Commercial Fishing Dock Authority. They will be serving fresh, local seafood that is mainly prepared by Port Salerno fishermen along with their families, friends and other volunteers. Aside from the fabulous culinary aspects, there is an interactive children’s area with educational booths and a variety of bands performing throughout the event. The Port Salerno Seafood Festival offers water taxi service to guests coming to the venue and your little ones will love the Kid’s Fun Zone. This year the mermaid and pirate themes will entice vendors to become involved with prizes awarded to the best costume.
January 30-February 1, 2020, Southwest District Livestock Show & Rodeo, Lake Charles, LA, www.visitlakecharles.org
Dubbed “The Greatest Show on Dirt,” the Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo comes back to the Burton Complex once again with the Western Heritage parade and trail ride kicking things off on January 30. Stay all weekend and experience rodeo performances, livestock shows, a Queen’s Pageant, a stick-horse rodeo, a petting zoo, pony rides, an appearance by Miss Rodeo Louisiana and more. You’ll enjoy the “mane” attraction each evening—a professional rodeo with bucking broncos, thundering hooves, cheering fans and the like.
February 2020
January 31-February 1, 2020, Southern Invitational Truck and Tractor Pull, Murfreesboro, TN, http://www.southernmotorsports.net/
The Southern Invitational Truck and Tractor pull races into year 14 and will be held, once again, at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum. Come feel the energy at this high-speed invitation-only pull produced by Southern Motorsports Promotions. Close to 200 competitors from across the nation will participate in exciting events with nail-biting finishes. Come join the fun!
February 1, 2020, Double Bridge Run, Pensacola, FL, www.doublebridgerun.com
Participants in the Pensacola Double Bridge Run will enjoy amazing views in a premier 15K race presented by Publix. The run treks over two bridges, across Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound offering looks at the downtown area’s historic district and Bayfront Parkway as well as Gulf Breeze and onto Pensacola Beach. Are you signed up?
February 1, 2020, Wilmington Coffee Fest, Wilmington, NC, www.wilmingtoncoffeefest.com
Are you a coffee or tea enthusiast? Perhaps a sweet treat fan? Either way, you’ll love a shared experience to educate like-minded individuals in the crafts of these industries. Recognizing these three rituals allows for the creation of stories and cultural experiences to be shared and celebrated by everyone from baristas to bakers and artisans. Come prepared to enjoy demonstrations, tastings and individual uniqueness from participants. This year, unlike previous years, there are two locations where the local coffee shops, roasters, artisans and crafts industry will have vendor booths. This allows for better involvement with space accommodating demos and competitions.
February 1-2, 2020, Brooksville Native American Festival, Brooksville, FL, www.brooksvillenativeamericanfest.com
Enjoy various dance styles from different tribal nations, the teaching of primitive skills and contemporary Native musicians as you experience the best in Native American art, history and culture at the Brooksville Native American Festival. This year welcomes back crowd-favorites Shelley Morningsong (award-winning singer/songwriter) and Fabian Fontenelle (founding member of the Native American Dance Company. This 7th annual event will be held at Florida Classic Park.
February 8-9, 2020, ArtsFest, Stuart, FL, https://www.martinarts.org/
ArtsFest is one of the area’s longest running art events at 33 years and counting. Located in downtown Stuart, the quality and diversity of the attractions, as well exhibits, continues to escalate yearly as the ArtsFest Committee and the Arts Council staff has intentionally selected well-suited folks to cater to newer, bolder artistic expressions. As the 40th Anniversary of the Martin County Arts Council approaches, you will see the noteworthy occasion reflected in the 2020 ArtsFest. The week prior (February 1) will hold an early kick-off 40th Anniversary Gala dubbed “Carnevale di Martin” and local artists will be creating some 200 Venetian Carnevale-inspired masks in celebration. “ARTivity” is the kids zone area focused on free arts projects for kids joining ArtsFest and the live mural competition that began last year—”ArtsFest Off the Wall”—continues with a new “Paint Out” component with plein air painters scattered throughout the venue on Sunday. Look for three stages of performing arts with rotating entertainment, music, dance and expanded hours for ArtsFest 2020 (10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday with Sunday remaining the same 10 a.m.-5 p.m.).
February 18-23, 2020, Florida Bluegrass Classic Car & Music Festival, Brooksville, FL, https://www.facebook.com/floridabluegrassclassic/
Evans Media Source presents the Bluegrass Classic with national touring Bluegrass and Classic Country acts along with six days of activities such as a super Classic Car Show, seeing ‘Grand Ole Opry’ stars and listening to award-winning music. New artists to the 2020 festival include Johnny Counterfit, Doug Stone, Teea Goans, Kenny and Amanda Smith, Keith Bass & the Florida Bluegrass Express, Remedy Tree and more! (Note: camping available on-site.)
February 20-22, 2020, 9th Annual Retro 80s Weekend, Beech Mountain, NC, https://beechmtn.com/9th-annual-retro-80s-weekend/
Get ready for a totally radical time as the Town of Beech Mountain and Beech Mountain Resort team up for the annual celebration of all things 80s. Dress in your best 80s garb and enjoy nightly 80s music, retro events (think cosmic tubing and neon dayglo slope rides) and lots of other throwback activities.
February 22, 2020, Krewe of Lafitte Mardi Gras Parade, Pensacola, FL, Krewe of Lafitte Mardi Gras Parade, Pensacola, FL, www.pensacolamardigras.com
Join locals and visitors alike for the only illuminated nighttime Mardi Gras parade in Pensacola. You’ll love the entertainment—marching bands, lighted floats and great throws (get you some beads!). Plan on visiting for the Krewe of Lafitte kick-off parade for Pensacola Mardi Gras celebrations.
February 23, 2020, Krewe of Wrecks Mardi Gras Parade, Pensacola, FL, www.pensacolamardigras.com
Come celebrate a Mardi Gras parade with an island atmosphere with the Krewe of Wrecks Mardi Gras Parade in Pensacola. Enjoy the best in floats with an abundance of beads, candy and doubloons. No one leaves beadless! Afterwards, partake in after-parade parties on the boardwalk and elsewhere! Put on your dancing shoes and party on the island for a Mardi Gras event you won’t soon forget!
February 24, 2020, Lundi Gras Parade, Bay St. Louis, MS, www.mkotsh.com
The Monday night before Fat Tuesday, you can enjoy the Lundi Gras Parade—an evening event featuring golf carts alongside walking groups. Folks in Bay St. Louis love this event that includes favorites like the Raw Oyster Marching Club and the Bay Ratz Marching Battery kids’ community band.
March 2020
March 4-7, 2020, A Mountain Quiltfest, Pigeon Forge, TN, www.mypigeonforge.com/event/quiltfest
Quilt lovers flock to Pigeon Forge each year for A Mountain Quiltfest event, held at the LeConte Center and offering classes for all levels of quilting expertise, a large vendor area and more that 500 quilts on display. Admission is free to the quilt show, but there are fees for classes. This year brings high-profile instructors who are known worldwide, so plan a visit if quilting is your jam.
March 6-8, 2020, Weeki Wachee Swampfest, Weeki Wachee, FL, https://swampfestweekiwachee.com/
The first full weekend in March annually brings the Weeki Wachee Swampfest to remind everyone that ‘we’re still here’ following the devastating “No Name Storm” of March 13, 1993. Swampfest is a craft show that also has lots of swamp food, music and fun for all. Held at Linda Pederson Park, some 400 volunteers work throughout the year to bring this festival to life each March. All monies go back into the community through charities, projects and scholarships. Come bring the family and experience this event where each year brings a new mascot and an art contest with prizes for adults and students.
March 7-8 and 14-15, 2020, Rock City’s Shamrock City, Lookout Mountain, GA, https://www.seerockcity.com/events/shamrock-city/
Don your green and head for Rock City’s 12th Irish celebration and festival with music, food, a green waterfall and other fun entertainment. Several bands will be performing in the Pot of Gold Pavilion and Irish food never tasted so good (including Rock City’s famous fudge gone green). Enjoy specialty beer, too, all while supporting the Chattanooga district of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
March 9-14, 2020, 2020 Hilton Head International Piano Competition, Hilton Head Island, SC, https://www.hhipc.org/
The Hilton Head International Piano Competition (HHIPC) is one of the top 5 international piano competitions in the nation and is presented by the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. There will be 20 of the world’s best pianists competing for $22,000 in cash prizes, a return performance with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra in addition to other performance opportunities. In its 25th year, the competition plans to have some special events this year including some with Steinway & Sons, the competition’s piano sponsor.
March 12-14, 2020, Southeastern Young Adult Book Festival, Murfreesboro, TN, https://www.seyabookfest.com
Once upon a time, four public school librarians had a vision of sharing their love of young adult literature with as many students as possible, and thus, the Southeastern Young Adult Book Festival (aka SE-YA Festival) was born. In its 5th year, the event is held at Middle Tennessee State University campus over three days. Middle and high school students as well as the general public have the opportunity to interact with authors from local to award-winning status. There will be panel discussions, workshops and book signings. (Please note that Thursday and Friday are for students and Saturday is open to the public.) As the first Young Adult Book Festival in the state, the SE-YA Festival implements new programs each year in hopes of inspiring the next generation of writers. This year the festival will offer Free Writing Workshops with well-known writers and open to everyone.
March 14, 2020, The Single Fin Showdown, Stuart, FL, http://www.ohanasurfshop.com
Bring your family to the Single Fin Showdown where participants in this annual event ride 60s and 70s Single Fin Shortboards (provided) for the shortboard divisions plus any board 9’ and up for the Longboard divisions. This fun surf and skim festival attracts tons of competitors and spectators, mostly water enthusiasts, and brings the community together for a large amateur Florida event. This year all proceeds benefit Brooke Thabit, a former Team Ohana Surfer who suffered paralysis diving into shallow water in 2012. Additionally, new for this year will be an environmental emphasis and the Skim Board portion of the event will be the start of the Skim USA (largest skimboarding organization in the world) contest.
March 14-15, 2020, 36th Annual Art in the Park, Brooksville, FL, https://www.hernandoarts.org/
The Hernando County Fine Arts Council presents the annual juried arts and crafts show—Art in the Park—featuring more than 130 artists and crafters, a juried student art show, live stage entertainment and art activities for children. New in 2020 will be the “Chalk It Up” Walking Trail drawn by middle and high school Hernando County students and on display during the event.
March 14-15, 2020, Forsythia Festival, Forsyth, GA, http://www.forsythiafestival.com/
Enjoy a free, family-friendly event held annually in downtown Forsyth to kick off-spring. There are two days of fun featuring arts and crafts, a children’s fair, 5K run, live entertainment, music, food and more. Out-of-towners may find special pricing and packages with local hotels as well as restaurant deals. The Festival, in its 33rd year, has some special events that are a hit including Hello, Yellow! where the locals decorate with yellow, the Forsythia Food Truck Frenzy including inflatables, food and music, and the Forsythia Student Art Show.
March 20-21, 2020, Iowa Rabbit Festival, Lake Charles, LA, www.visitlakecharles.org
Southwest Louisiana proudly celebrates the economic and culinary impact that rabbits offer with the 34th annual Iowa Rabbit Festival. A unique, one-of-a-kind event, this festival features a rabbit show, a rabbit cook-off (minimum inclusion of 50% rabbit in an assortment of dishes), more carnival rides than ever and the “Miss Bunny” beauty pageant. Family-friendly and bursting with local Cajun and Zydeco music, the entire family will enjoy this outing where all proceeds support the Iowa community as well as various other youth organizations, schools and not for profit groups.
March 20-21, 2020, Wilmington NC Marathon, Wilmington, NC, https://www.wilmingtonncmarathon.com/
Lace up those running shoes and head out to the NHRMC Wilmington, NC Marathon, in its 11th year in Eastern New Hanover County. This year the majority of the race course will be on Wilmington roads with a world-class, point-to-point route that will take runners from the coast of Wrightsville Beach to historic Cape Fear Riverfront’s finish line and post-race celebration. Enjoy a weekend packed full of events from the pre-race expo, half and full marathons, marathon relay, 5K Health Possible, Inc. (510-c-3), Eli’s 1-Mile Fun Run and finish line celebration.
March 21, 2020, Annual Classics at the Beach Car Show, Stuart, FL, https://elliottmuseum.org/
If you are a car enthusiast, head to the Elliott Museum on Hutchinson Island for the free annual Classics at the Beach Car Show. A juried show featuring Best in Show, Best in Class and other awards, be prepared to see unique, extraordinary, exotic, classic, race-prepared and/or vintage beauties. Visitors will have full access to the museum, including the featured auto exhibition. This year the Elliott will be showcasing more of their collection at the event’s forefront and there will be the Elliott’s Pit Crew Lounge, a new space focused on vehicles in art and opportunities for kids.
March 21, 2020, Battle of the Gumbo Gladiators, Shreveport, LA, https://gumbogladiators.com/
Battle of the Gumbo Gladiators Cook-Off is the largest gumbo cook-off in north Louisiana and held at Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport. The cook-off teams are made up of tailgating cooks, caterers, professional and home chefs all vying for prizes. This tasty event, supporting the Volunteers for Youth Justice, is free (admission, but $2 for gumbo samples), open to the public, and attracts thousands of visitors each year. Come ready to nosh on traditional seafood, chicken/sausage and a lagniappe gumbo. Also, look for a pre-event in 2020 and don’t miss the children’s area.
March 21, 2020, ShamRockin’ For A Cure, Alpharetta, GA, http://www.shamrockinforacure.com/
Help fight Cystic Fibrosis by participating in ShamRockin’ for a Cure, a night of food, music and dancing at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre. Regular tickets include food, beer, wine, cocktails and giveaways, and don’t miss the live and silent auctions with everything from trips and dining to jewelry, gift certificates, a raffle and more. Last year over 25 restaurants participated and this year looks for more new restaurants as well.
March 21-22, 2020, Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival, Conyers, GA, www.conyerscherryblossomfest.com
The Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival continues to develop the friendship and exchange of Japanese Culture since its inception in 1982. Held at the Georgia International Horse Park, the venue is able to accommodate a growing festival like this one. Expect to see hundreds of arts and crafts booths as well as food booths and entertainment. This year the two-day festival celebrates 39 years with a theme of “PINKALICIOUS!” along with new sponsorships, more auxiliary events and even more fabulous entertainment than ever before. Also, enjoy re-vamped trolley service that will better serve every guest.
March 21-22, 2020, Lake Charles Civic Ballet’s Assemblé 2020, Lake Charles, LA, www.visitlakecharles.org
What a treat for locals and visitors to attend Assemblé 2020 – Sleeping Beauty presented by the Lake Charles Civic Ballet (LCCB) and the Southwest Louisiana arts community. The beloved fairytale will no doubt offer dazzling costumes, immersive sets and striking visuals, all created by an entourage of community members with like-minded thoughts of sharing culture through the arts. Assemblé 2020 highlights composers, singers, dancers and choreographers under the artistic direction of Lady Holly Hathaway.
March 26-April 4, 2020, 80th Annual Columbus, Mississippi Spring Pilgrimage, Columbus, MS, https://visitcolumbusms.org/
Mississippi Spring Pilgrimage highlights historic homes and gardens in one of the longest running Pilgrimages in the Southeast. The organization partners with both Columbus Air Force Base and The W, bringing hundreds of volunteers together to make this the largest cultural overnight event in the area. For year 80, the Kick-Off Party will celebrate Tennessee Williams’ birthdate and the Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center will be open for tours with a birthday party for America’s Favorite Playwright as well. Also, look for antebellum home and garden tours, cottage tours, cultural craft demonstrations by the Chickasaw Nation Homeland Affairs in addition to living history presentations.
March 27-29, 2020, Blessing of the Fleet, Darien, GA, www.blessingofthefleet.com/
Darien-McIntosh County Chamber of Commerce annually hosts the Blessing of the Fleet to toast their largest industry, shrimping. Come celebrate alongside locals with a three-day event that includes an art show, food and drink vendors, arts and crafts, a YMCA 5K, activities for children, a classic car show, Lion’s Club street parade, nightly live entertainment and a marine parade. Sunday is the official day for blessing the shrimp boat captains for a safe and prosperous season. The largest Blessing of the Fleet (for commercial fishing vessels) on the East Coast, this festival will work with Keep McIntosh Beautiful this year to become a more eco-friendly event by bringing awareness to the affects of trash on an eco-system and commercial fishing. Bring the kiddos for games and swag suited just for them.
March 27-April 5, 2020, Macon, Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival, Macon, GA, https://cherryblossom.com/
Every year in March, Macon becomes a pink paradise with more than 300,000 Yoshino Cherry Trees in full blossom. For 10 days, festival-lovers are treated to a stunning display of springtime color in the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World. Joining the glorious blooms is a combination of music and dancing along with neighbors joining at a communal table. The festival works hard to continuing attracting returning guests each year in addition to newbies. Expect to see crowd favorite events (like the harvest-style dinner, Pasta on Poplar) as well as some new options from free to paid seating. Come share in the excitement with locals and guests from across the globe as they make incredible memories at the Pinkest Party on Earth!
March 28, 2020, West Virginia Grand Bash, Morgantown, WV, www.wvgrandbash.com
Here’s your chance to win major prizes and give back to the community at the West Virginia Grand Bash! This event gives away over $650,000 in prizes and provides thousands of dollars to four Greater Morgantown community organizations. This year guests can expect a newer, better way to purchase tickets online and see an all-new food and beverage menu. Also, experience live entertainment, activities and raffles.
March 28-29, 2020, Poplar Grove Plantation Herb & Garden Fair, Wilmington, NC, www.poplargrove.org
Looking for a fabulous place to purchase locally grown plants from herbs to vegetables and absolutely everything in between? Check out the grounds of Poplar Grove Plantation during the Herb and Garden Fair. This year, an admission price will include live music, activities for kids, free classes and nature trail walks in this two-day event. Sample Greek food or choose from wraps, seafood, hamburgers, hotdogs, smoothies and baked goods while learning from local historians, herbalists and basket-makers. Take home some new hanging baskets, vegetable starts, houseplants, garden art or other crafts along with an April copy of ‘Our State” magazine.