The Best Food, Music & Cultural Festivals in the South

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From vibrant music celebrations to mouthwatering food festivals, the South knows how to throw a party! Whether you’re seeking cultural experiences or just a good time, these top festivals are the perfect excuse for a road trip this year.

Editor’s Note: We’ll continue adding to this list, so keep checking back in the coming weeks.

Table of Contents

JANUARY – MARCH
APRIL – JUNE
JULY – SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER – DECEMBER

JANUARY – MARCH

January 15 — 18, 2026: Ozark Mountain Music Festival | Eureka Springs, AR

Set against the historic backdrop of the Basin Park Hotel in Eureka Springs, AR, the Ozark Mountain Music Festival (OzMoMu) offers a unique indoor music experience each January. Spanning four days, the festival features a diverse lineup of bluegrass, folk, Americana, and roots rock artists across multiple stages within the hotel. Attendees can enjoy intimate performances, late-night jams at nearby venues like Chelsea’s Corner Bar, and various themed activities. This creates a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere that draws music lovers from near and far.

A band performs on stage with vibrant lighting. The red backdrop highlights musicians playing guitars and violins, while the audience stands in silhouette, captivated by the performance. — A winter weekend like no other — the Ozark Mountain Music Festival brings bluegrass, folk, and Americana artists to the historic Basin Park Hotel for four days of intimate performances and late-night jams in the heart of Eureka Springs. Image: Facebook

January 31, 2026: Gasparilla Pirate Fest | Tampa, FL

Every January, Tampa transforms into a pirate’s haven during the Gasparilla Pirate Fest, a tradition since 1904. The festivities kick off with the Gasparilla Invasion, where the Jose Gasparilla II and its flotilla sail into Seddon Channel, leading to the city’s symbolic surrender. Following the invasion, the Parade of Pirates features over 140 units of krewes, floats, and marching bands along a 4.5-mile route down Bayshore Boulevard into downtown Tampa.

The celebration continues with live music and entertainment at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and MacDill Park, making it a must-attend event for locals and visitors alike.

Colorful flags flutter on tall ships at a lively waterfront festival in the South, as a crowd mingles under the shade of swaying palm trees. — The Jose Gasparilla II sails into Tampa Bay each January, leading a dramatic pirate invasion that kicks off one of the South’s most iconic parades. Image: Facebook

March 14 — 22, 2026: Highland County Maple Festival | Highland County, VA

Every March, Highland County, VA, transforms into a maple lover’s paradise during its beloved Maple Festival. Scheduled for March 14 to 15 and March 21 to 22, this county-wide event invites visitors to explore 10 working sugar camps to witness traditional syrup-making methods firsthand.

Beyond the sweet allure of maple, the festival boasts over 100 juried arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, and hearty meals featuring pancakes, buckwheat cakes, and the famed maple doughnuts. Recognized as Virginia’s official maple festival, it offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and culinary delight.

Various bottles of maple syrup are arranged on wooden shelves near a window with a view of the southern countryside, evoking the warmth and charm of local festivals. — Sweeten your visit to the Highland County Maple Festival by stopping at one of the many syrup booths, where bottles of fresh, locally made syrup capture the authentic taste of the region’s rich sugaring tradition. Image: Facebook

APRIL – JUNE

April 2026: Mule Day | Columbia, TN

Experience authentic Southern heritage at Mule Day in Columbia, TN, a tradition dating back to the 1840s. Every year in April, Maury County Park comes alive with mule shows, craft fairs, live music, and Southern cuisine. Additional events include the Mule Kick 5k, lumberjack contests, and the Mule Day Barn Bash. It’s a celebration of rural culture and community spirit.

Two mules in ornate harnesses participate in a parade, a highlight of the best festivals in the South, surrounded by enthusiastic spectators. — The Mule Day Parade in Columbia, TN, is a beloved tradition that fills downtown with mule-drawn wagons, marching bands, and patriotic pride — a vibrant showcase of rural heritage that draws thousands each April. Image: Facebook

April 24 — May 4, 2025: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival | New Orleans, LA

The 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival returns to the Fair Grounds Race Course from April 24 to May 4, featuring an eclectic lineup of over 100 artists across 14 stages. Headliners include Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Luke Combs, Lil Wayne & The Roots, Lenny Kravitz, Kacey Musgraves, and Santana. Beyond music, the festival celebrates local culture with food from 65 vendors, crafts, and cultural exhibits like the Louisiana Folklife Village and Congo Square African Marketplace.

Three performers on stage in colorful suits, with a vibrant backdrop featuring a star and trumpet players, capture the lively essence of Southern festivals. Two hold microphones while the third strums a guitar, enchanting the audience with their melodies. — Experience the soulful sounds of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, featuring everything from jazz and blues to rock, R&B, and gospel across 14 dynamic stages. Image: Facebook

May 12 – 18, 2025: Jimmie Rodgers Festival | Meridian, MS

It all started with a railroad man and a yodel. Known as the “Father of Country Music,” Jimmie Rodgers left a legacy that lives on each May in his Mississippi hometown. The Jimmie Rodgers Festival blends old-school soul with new sounds, spotlighting rising stars and honoring legends. Expect days filled with live music, local eats, and Southern storytelling — all wrapped in the charm of downtown Meridian. It’s not just a festival — it’s a front-row seat to music history.

At one of the best festivals in the South, a large crowd is seated on grass, soaking up the sun as musicians perform under the "Jimmie Rodgers Music Festival" banner. — Celebrate the legacy of the “Father of Country Music” with a week of live performances and community events at the 72nd Annual Jimmie Rodgers Music Festival in Meridian, MS. Image: Facebook

May 22 – June 8, 2025: Spoleto Festival USA | Charleston, SC

For 17 magical days each spring, Charleston, SC, becomes a stage — and the world’s most brilliant performers take their places. Spoleto Festival USA is a celebration of opera, theater, dance, and music that transforms historic venues and cobblestone streets into a cultural wonderland. From avant-garde to classical, it’s where tradition meets innovation, all wrapped in Lowcountry elegance. Come for the performances, stay for the romance of a city that knows how to put on a show.

A quartet performs on an outdoor stage with guitar, piano, saxophone, and drums during a lively festival in the South. The audience watches under dim lighting with scaffolding and trees in the background, soaking in the ambiance of this spirited event. — Experience the magic of Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, SC, featuring over 120 performances across disciplines like opera, theater, dance, and music. Image: Facebook / Julia Lynn Photography

June 4 – 8, 2025: Tupelo Elvis Festival | Tupelo, MS

Slip on your blue suede shoes and head to the birthplace of the King! Every June, Tupelo throws a hip-shakin’, heart-thumpin’ celebration of all things Elvis. Events at the Tupelo Elvis Festival include the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition, live concerts, Southern fare, parades, and family-friendly activities. Don’t miss highlights like the “Becoming Experience” Youth Day & Competition and “Running with the King” 5K race. Join fans from around the world for a weekend of music, history, and Southern hospitality.

On stage in a white jumpsuit, the performer raises a hand amid swirling smoke effects. A drum set stands ready to the side, echoing rhythms reminiscent of lively South festivals, as the audience watches in awe from the foreground. — Fans flock to Tupelo each summer to honor Elvis Presley with live music, vibrant parades, themed competitions, and a whole lot of rock ‘n’ roll spirit in the town where it all began. Image: Facebook

June 5 – 8, 2025: South Carolina Festival of Flowers | Greenwood, SC

Celebrate summer at the South Carolina Festival of Flowers in Uptown Greenwood, where 57 stunning topiary sculptures transform the streets into a vibrant outdoor gallery. Explore towering animals, whimsical designs, and intricate floral masterpieces that delight visitors year after year. Enjoy delicious food trucks, live music, a Garden Symposium, and family-friendly activities like the Fun Run and Garden Tours. Don’t miss the wine walk, a perfect evening of sips, music, and garden beauty during this annual June event.

A topiary elephant covered in greenery and flowers stands proudly next to a brick building, embracing the festive spirit of the South. Surrounded by landscaped plants, including vibrant yellow and red flowers, it basks under a partly cloudy sky. — From the towering elephant and playful ducks to the ever-popular Safari Jeep, the hand-crafted floral masterpieces at the South Carolina Festival of Flowers are made from thousands of colorful plants and blooms. Image: Facebook

June 5 – 8, 2025: CMA Fest | Nashville, TN

CMA Fest returns to Nashville from June 5 through 8, 2025, offering four days of live country music across multiple stages, including nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium. This year’s lineup features artists such as Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kelsea Ballerini, Keith Urban, and Megan Moroney. Beyond the music, attendees can explore Fan Fair X for artist meet-and-greets, merchandise, and interactive exhibits.

A portion of the proceeds supports the CMA Foundation’s music education initiatives. Tickets and schedules are available through the CMA Connect App and the official website.

A singer captivates the audience on an outdoor stage, set against the backdrop of urban buildings and a cloudy sky. The vibrant performance evokes the lively spirit typical of southern festivals. — Country music fans pack Nashville each June for CMA Fest, a four-day celebration featuring star-studded performances, artist meet-and-greets, and unforgettable moments at venues across the city. Image: Facebook

June 6, 2025: 1st Fridays | Springfield, TN

Head to historic downtown Springfield, TN, for 1st Fridays — a lively, free community event held the first Friday of each month from May through October (excluding July). From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., enjoy live music, food trucks, a kids’ zone, a specialty vehicle cruise-in, and shopping with 80+ local vendors. Proceeds support downtown beautification projects like public art, parks, and holiday displays. Set on the charming Springfield Square, this vibrant event has been drawing crowds and giving back since 2017.

A large crowd attends one of the best festivals in the South, enjoying an outdoor street festival with tents and vendor booths, under traffic lights and a clock tower in the background on a sunny day. — Live music, local eats, and small-town charm come together at Springfield’s 1st Fridays on the Square, a free monthly celebration that supports the beautification of historic downtown. Image: City of Springfield, TN

June 12 – 15, 2025: Bonnaroo | Manchester, TN

Set on a 700-acre farm in Manchester, TN, Bonnaroo is a four-day music and arts festival known for its eclectic lineup, round-the-clock programming, and immersive atmosphere. This year’s festival features over 150 performers across multiple stages, from major headliners to rising indie acts. Beyond the music, you’ll find morning yoga, late-night DJ sets, food trucks, craft vendors, and quirky experiences like the Bonnaroo Parade and Rootu’s Sanctuary. Whether you’re camping or glamping, the experience is as unforgettable as the lineup.

A lively crowd gathers beneath the glowing "Bonnaroo" sign at a nighttime outdoor concert in the South. The festival's vibrant energy is captured on large screens, where silhouetted figures dance against a colorful backdrop. — Sunset sets, epic crowds, and non-stop music — Bonnaroo transforms rural Tennessee into a vibrant, four-day celebration of sound, art, and community. Image: Facebook

June 20 – 22, 2025: AthFest | Athens, GA

AthFest Music & Arts Festival is a free, three-day event showcasing local and regional musicians across three outdoor stages, featuring artists like Bubba Sparxxx, Elijah Johnston, and Hallpass. The festival is a modern celebration of Athens’ long history of music headliners who call the area home — think R.E.M., the B-52s, and Widespread Panic. Explore a diverse market with visual artists and local makers, and enjoy family-friendly activities at the KidsZone. As night falls, the Club Crawl takes over local venues with over 70 performances.

The band played energetically on stage at one of the South's best festivals, captivating a large crowd in broad daylight. Trees and tents formed a vibrant backdrop as festival-goers soaked in the lively atmosphere. — Experience the vibrant energy of AthFest Music & Arts Festival in Downtown Athens, GA, where live performances, local art, and community spirit converge. Image: Facebook / DEADLYDESIGNS

JULY – SEPTEMBER

July 3 – 6, 2025: ESSENCE Festival | New Orleans, LA

Held each July in New Orleans, the ESSENCE Festival is one of the country’s largest celebrations of Black culture and music. The weekend features performances from major artists, panels with influential speakers, and a marketplace showcasing Black-owned businesses. Visitors can also explore New Orleans’s iconic food, fashion, and culture alongside the festival’s programming. It’s a dynamic mix of entertainment and empowerment set against the backdrop of a vibrant city.

A panel of women speaks to an audience at an event in the South, featuring a screen with speaker photos. The backdrop proudly displays "New Voices Family" branding, capturing the essence of community festivals and celebrations. — A panel discussion at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture brings together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers for dynamic conversations on culture, community, and commerce. Image: Facebook

July 10 – 12, 2025: Slugburger Festival | Corinth, MS

Corinth’s Slugburger Festival returns with three days of quirky fun and local flavor in historic downtown Corinth. Named after a Depression-era burger made with beef and soy grits, the event celebrates this regional favorite with food vendors, live music, a car show, an artisan market, and the popular Slug Idol singing competition. From carnival rides to deep-fried bites, it’s a unique taste of Mississippi hospitality and history that’s been bringing the community together for decades.

Two children ride a colorful amusement park ride shaped like a dragon or dinosaur under a blue sky, smiling and holding the handlebars—capturing the joyful spirit found at the best festivals in the South. — Bring the whole family to Downtown Corinth for summer fun at the Slugburger Festival — complete with carnival rides, live music, and delicious eats in a lively, small-town setting. Image: Visit Corinth

September 2 – 6, 2025: Tennessee Soybean Festival | Martin, TN

Every September, Martin, TN, celebrates its agricultural roots with the Tennessee Soybean Festival — one of West Tennessee’s largest and most anticipated events. The weeklong festival features concerts, a full carnival, a food truck park, arts and crafts vendors, and family-friendly events like a pet show and tractor parade. It’s also home to quirky favorites like the soy doughnut contest and soybean-themed games. Whether you’re into live music or local flavor, this small-town celebration offers big-time fun.

Children driving toy cars on an outdoor track at a lively festival in the South, with onlookers and traffic cones scattered in the background. — Last year’s Tennessee Soybean Festival featured the Fast and Furious Power Wheels Race! Image: Facebook

September 11 – 14, 2025: Bourbon & Beyond | Louisville, KY

Where rock legends, award-winning chefs, and master distillers converge, Bourbon & Beyond is the ultimate toast to Southern culture. Set in the heart of bourbon country, this Louisville fest pairs big-name music acts with small-batch sips and exceptional bites. This year’s lineup features over 120 acts, including Phish, The Lumineers, Jack White, Sturgill Simpson, Noah Kahan, and Megan Moroney. Beyond the music, expect rich culinary experiences and a wide selection of bourbon from local distilleries.

At a vibrant Southern festival, a bearded chef wearing sunglasses and a cap showcases his grilling skills. Flames leap from the grill as he expertly wields a bottle, captivating onlookers with his fiery culinary prowess. — In addition to live music, Bourbon & Beyond treats festival-goers to live cooking demos by celebrity chefs and expert-led bourbon tastings from Kentucky’s top distilleries. Image: Facebook

OCTOBER – DECEMBER

October 10 – 11, 2025: Peacemaker Music Festival | Fort Smith, AR

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Arkansas River, the Peacemaker Music Festival in Fort Smith blends top-tier talent with heartfelt purpose. Held from 1 p.m. until midnight Friday and Saturday at the Riverfront Amphitheater, this volunteer-driven, nonprofit event features a dynamic mix of Country, Rock, Red Dirt, and Americana artists. With performances by Sam Barber, Stephen Wilson Jr., and Southall, plus food vendors and family-friendly vibes, it’s more than a concert — it’s a community celebration that gives back to local and artist-supported charities.

A large crowd sits on lawn chairs facing an outdoor concert stage under a highway overpass at sunset during the Peacemaker Festival, one of the best festivals in the South. — Set along the banks of the Arkansas River, Peacemaker Festival brings big-name artists and a laid-back vibe to Fort Smith — all while supporting local charities with every beat. Image: Discover Fort Smith / Phil Clarkin

October 12 – 18, 2025: The Original Round Top Antiques Fair | Round Top, TX

The Round Top Fall Antiques Show in Round Top, TX, draws collectors and designers to over 11 miles of curated venues along Highway 237. Highlights include the Original Round Top Antiques Fair at the Big Red Barn (October 12 to 18) and Blue Hills, which opens earlier on October 4. Explore a vast selection of early American furniture, European antiques, vintage textiles, and artisan decor. With on-site shippers, air-conditioned venues, and free parking, it’s a must-visit for antique enthusiasts. Editor’s note: A Spring show is also held annually.

A vintage-style room with terracotta chairs, framed paintings on the wall, and chandeliers evokes a Southern charm. The white hutch displays pottery and various decorative items. — The Round Top Fall Antiques Show transforms rural Texas into an antique lover’s paradise, with miles of vintage finds, European collectibles, and one-of-a-kind pieces around every corner. Image: Facebook

October 18, 2025: Bridge Day | Fayetteville, WV

One day. One bridge. Endless adrenaline. Thousands flock to the New River Gorge Bridge every October — not just to admire the view but to leap off it. Bridge Day is the only day of the year when BASE jumpers take the 876-foot plunge while spectators watch in awe. Add in zip-lining, rappelling, live music, and food trucks galore, and you’ve got a sky-high celebration of wild beauty and fearless fun. Warning: it might just take your breath away.

Two people wearing gear jump off a platform with a forested valley below, capturing the scene with cameras on their helmets, as part of an exhilarating festival experience in the South. — Thrill-seekers leap 876 feet into the New River Gorge during Bridge Day, West Virginia’s largest single-day festival held every October. Spectators gather to witness over 700 BASE jumps and rappelling feats. Image: Facebook

October 31 – November 9, 2025: National Peanut Festival | Dothan, AL

The National Peanut Festival in Dothan, AL, returns to celebrate the region’s peanut harvest with a week of family-friendly events. Visitors can enjoy thrilling rides, live music, agricultural exhibits, and the beloved peanut parade. With activities ranging from pageants to livestock shows, the festival offers something for everyone — and for all ages!

Women and children in sashes and crowns stand and wave on a parade float adorned with produce and farm-themed items, embodying the spirit of the South's best festivals. — The National Peanut Festival Parade brings colorful floats, marching bands, and community pride to the streets of Dothan, while the annual pageant crowns local queens who represent the heart of peanut country. Image: Facebook

December 5 – 7, 2025: Art Basel | Miami, FL

Art Basel Miami Beach, held annually in early December, is a premier art fair that brings together 286 leading galleries from 38 countries to showcase contemporary artworks across various mediums. The event features diverse sectors, including Galleries, Nova, Survey, and Positions, each highlighting different aspects of the art world.

Beyond the main exhibition, attendees can explore large-scale installations, attend panel discussions, and experience performances that reflect current trends and themes in contemporary art. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Miami Beach, the fair offers an immersive cultural experience for art enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Three women are seated and speaking into microphones during a panel discussion. They are in front of colorful artwork in a room with wooden flooring. Bottles of water are on the floor and table. — Art Basel turns Miami Beach into a glittering canvas every December with bold installations, thought-provoking contemporary pieces, and galleries from across the globe. Image: Facebook

Let the festivities begin!

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About the Author
Kate Feinberg

Kate Feinberg is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor & Sponsored Content Specialist, based in Nashville. Kate is a plant-based foodie, avid runner, and fantasy reader.

The Best Festivals in the South