Welcome the arrival of spring with an exciting lineup of events happening across the South! From storied festivals and marathons to live music and blooming landscapes, we’ve rounded up 15 must-attend events to enjoy this April.
April 3 – 6, 2025: Mule Day — Columbia, TN
Saddle up for Mule Day, Columbia, TN’s beloved annual tradition celebrating the town’s title as the “Mule Capital of the World,” with four days of festivities. What began in 1840 as “Breeder’s Day” has grown into an event attracting over 200,000 visitors, featuring mule competitions, Appalachian food, live music, and dancing. Highlights include the Mule Day Craft Fair, live music on the Main Stage, and exciting competitions like the Old-Fashioned Log Pulling. muleday.com
April 3 – 12, 2025: Come-See-Me Festival — Rock Hill, SC
Rock Hill’s annual Come-See-Me Festival returns for spring celebrations, kicking off with the Come-See-Me Parade and featuring live music, food, and signature events like the Beach Bash, Road Races, and Gourmet Gardens with food trucks. The celebration concludes with the Tailgate Party and Fireworks Extravaganza, making it a must-attend tradition for the Rock Hill community and Southeast. comeseeme.org
April 5, 2025: Mutt Strut — Birmingham, AL
The annual Mutt Strutt is a dog-friendly 5K and one-mile fun run at Homewood Central Park. This year’s theme is retro wear, so grab your leg warmers, headbands, and your furry companion for a day of fun in the outdoors. Whether running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, participants support Hand in Paw’s Animal-Assisted Therapy. Registration starts at $25, and races begin at 9 a.m. handinpaw.org
April 5 & 6, 2025: 41st Annual Bloomin’ Festival — Cullman, AL
The annual Bloomin’ Festival Arts and Craft Fair at St. Bernard Abbey and Preparatory School has been recognized as a “Top Twenty Event in the Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society and is a two-day juried art event that draws over 25,000 visitors. More than 150 artists display and demonstrate their handcrafted work against the backdrop of Alabama’s only abbey. bloominfestival.com
April 11 – 13, 2025: 78th Annual Poteet Strawberry Festival — Poteet, TX
The annual Poteet Strawberry Festival is a cherished community event, and features live music performances, a carnival, and plenty of strawberry-themed foods. Festival hours are Friday, 6 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Advance tickets are available online at discounted rates: $15 for Friday and $20 for Saturday or Sunday; children 12 and under receive free admission. poteetstrawberryfestival.com
April 11 – 13, 2025: 88th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival — Atlanta, GA
The annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival brings a weekend full of art, music, and entertainment to Piedmont Park. The nationally recognized Artist Market hosts hundreds of artists from across the country, offering works in a multitude of styles and mediums. Attendees can also enjoy live performances, cultural programs, and family-friendly activities. The festival also features the Atlanta High School Art Exhibition, booths with games and giveaways, and a roundup of food vendors and beverage stands. Event hours are Friday, noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Note: A $5 donation is recommended upon entry.) dogwood.org
April 11 – 13, 2025: 4 Bridges Arts Festival — Chattanooga, TN
4 Bridges Arts Festival marks its 25th anniversary in Chattanooga at First Horizon Pavilion! This juried fine art show features over 140 artists from across the country, with the chance to explore and purchase local and national works from the arts community. Recognized as one of the nation’s top 30 fine art festivals, the event also awards over $20,000 in prizes. The festival runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a $5 entry fee at the gate. Students and children under 18 attend for free. avarts.org
April 12, 2025: Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival — Nashville, TN
Celebrate the beauty of spring at the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival! Taking place at Public Square Park, enjoy a full day of cultural performances and activities. Attendees experience music, dance, martial arts, a cosplay contest, and Kaminari Taiko. The festival also features Japanese merchandise, artwork, anime, and “Taste of Japan” with a variety of traditional foods. nashvillecherryblossomfestival.org
April 12, 2025: Thunder Over Louisville — Louisville, KY
Kick off this year’s Kentucky Derby Festival at Waterfront Park! Sit back and enjoy North America’s largest annual fireworks display with the whole family. The event is free to attend with a 2025 Pegasus Pin. thunderoverlouisivlle.org
April 17 – May 11, 2o25: 10th Annual Southeastern Designer Showhouse — Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles is once again bringing together designers from across the Southeast to celebrate the beauty of Atlanta. This year’s showhouse benefits Hope Heals, a nonprofit that provides resources to children and families experiencing disabilities. The showhouse is located in Buckhead’s highly sought-after Tuxedo Park and features designs by Millárd, Imani James Interiors, The Iron Gate, and many more. For event hours and to purchase tickets, visit southeasternshowhouse.com.
April 22 & 24 – 27, 2025: Vidalia Onion Festival — Vidalia, GA
Head to Georgia to celebrate the state’s official vegetable: the Vidalia onion. This four-day festival is full of family-friendly fun, including the annual Onion Run, an arts and crafts show, the famous Vidalia onion-eating contest, and performances by country singers like Clint Black and Ernest. For ticket options, visit vidaliaonionfestival.com.
April 25 & 26, 2025: Double Decker Arts Festival — Oxford, MS
The annual Double Decker Arts Festival showcases Oxford’s long history of honoring the arts. During the free two-day event, you can enjoy everything from art demonstrations to local food vendors and live music. This year’s musical lineup includes artists like Charley Crockett, Houndmouth, and Grace Potter. doubledeckerfestival.com
April 25 & 26, 2025: Brewgaloo Festival — Raleigh, NC
Brewgaloo, NC’s largest craft beer festival and the second biggest in the U.S., returns to Downtown Raleigh. The two-day event features over 110 North Carolina craft breweries, local food trucks, vendors, and live music. The festival starts Friday at 6 p.m. with a sampler event showcasing limited releases, barrel-aged, and sour beers. On Saturday, from noon to 8 p.m., Fayetteville Street transforms into a bustling street festival, drawing over 60,000 attendees to enjoy great beer, delicious food, and live performances on two stages. shoplocalraleigh.org
April 26, 2025: Bourbon & Bubbles Fest — Nashville, TN
Bourbon & Bubbles Fest brings together an unforgettable tasting experience, the Iroquois Steeplechase Fashion Show, and a lively celebration — all in one event! Taking place at the Steeplechase Grandstands from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., this gathering offers a variety of bourbon, bubbles, wine, and spirits to sample, plus live entertainment from Greenwood Rye. Guests are encouraged to dress their best and don their finest hats for a night of elegance and fun. bourbonbubblesfest.com
April 26 & 27, 2025: St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon — Nashville, TN
Get ready for Nashville’s favorite spring race series! Lace your running shoes and join St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for its annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series. Race options include a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, one-mile fun run, kid’s race, and the Doggie Dash. Registration begins at $30, or free when you sign up to run as a St. Jude Hero. runrocknroll.com
April 27, 2025: 32nd Annual Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival — Memphis, TN
The Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival, presented by Valero, returns to Downtown Memphis from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. along Riverside Drive. As the largest one-day crawfish festival outside Louisiana, this free, family-friendly event kicks off spring in Memphis with live music, games, local food trucks, and plenty of fresh Louisiana crawfish. More than 30,000 attendees come together to enjoy the festivities while supporting Porter-Leath, with 100% of proceeds benefiting essential services for over 36,000 local children and their families. porterleath.org
Here’s to a month of fun!
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To see more great Southern events, check out our Happenings calendar!
