Celebrate the newness that spring brings by attending these fantastic Southern events that are guaranteed to put a spring in your step. From budding blooms and art shows to live music and marathons, there is plenty of fun to be had this month. Enjoy these exciting April happenings!
Through May 25, 2023: Biltmore Blooms — Asheville, NC
Experience spring flowers at the Biltmore Estate. In addition to awe-inspiring tulips and greenery, Biltmore Blooms offers complimentary wine tastings, access to 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds, and more springtime fun. Be sure to check the Bloom Report before visiting, as it’s updated weekly and tells you what’s blooming (and when) in the gardens. Admission begins at $65, and the garden is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. biltmore.com
April 6 – 8, 2023: Nashville Home Show — Nashville, TN
Looking to refresh your home this spring? Head to the annual Nashville Home Show at the Music City Center for inspiration! The vibrant marketplace hosts home-related exhibitors that offer everything from home decor to furniture, appliances, and more. Plus, this year’s event includes an appearance by HGTV’s Patric Richardson. Show hours are Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $12, and children 12 and under are free. (Note: You can save $2 when you purchase tickets online through Wednesday, April 5.)
April 13 – 22, 2023: Come-See-Me Festival — Rock Hill, SC
Rock Hill’s Come-See-Me Festival is the city’s annual spring celebration. Each year, this lively event features over 80 action-packed activities. Featured events include the annual parade, Hops at the Park, a movie night in Fountain Park, the Teddy Bear Tea Party, and many more. While some events are free to attend, others require an admission fee. Visit comeseeme.org to see the complete schedule.
April 14 – 16, 2023: 76th Annual Poteet Strawberry Festival — Poteet, TX
For over 70 years, the Poteet Strawberry Festival has celebrated and supported endangered strawberries. During the festival, attendees can enjoy live music, rodeo entertainment, fair food, and, of course, plenty of delicious strawberries. Tickets are $10 on Friday and $20 on Saturday and Sunday (if purchased online). Festival hours are Friday, 6 p.m. to midnight, and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. strawberryfestival.com
April 14 – 16, 2023: Art in the Loop — Memphis, TN
Peruse jewelry, paintings, photography, and more unique artwork at this free art festival. Art in the Loop also offers live entertainment and food trucks. Event hours are Friday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free event takes place on Ridgeway Loop Road (between Briarcrest Avenue and Ridge Bend Road) in East Memphis. artintheloop.org
April 14 – 16, 2023: 87th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival — Atlanta, GA
Join hundreds of artists from around the country as they celebrate spring at the annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival. For more than 80 years, the event has offered everything from fine art to arts and crafts, face painting, live music, and more. The festival takes place at Piedmont Park, and 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. While admission is free, VIP upgrades are available for purchase. dogwood.org
April 15, 2023: 13th Annual Funky Fish Fry — Birmingham, AL
Avondale Brewing Co. once again hosts the annual Funky Fish Fry to support Autism Awareness Month. Live music from The Drennen Brothers, Livewire, Automatic Slim, and Murph provides funky tunes as you enjoy fried catfish and delicious brews. Kids’ activities complete the event, and proceeds benefit the Autism Support of Alabama and Mitchell’s Place. Tickets begin at $10, and the fun starts at 11:30 a.m. funkyfishfry.com
April 15, 2023: The Fillies Derby Ball — Louisville, KY
Head to Louisville Marriott Downtown to enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing, and live entertainment. The Derby Ball’s cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., and tickets are $300 each. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation. discover.kdf.org
April 15, 2023: Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival — Nashville, TN
Celebrate the beauty of spring at the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival. The annual event includes the Cherry Blossom Walk, children’s activities, sumo suit wrestling, and the Pups in Pink Parade. The free event begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Nashville Public Square. nashvillecherryblossomfestival.org
April 20 – 23, 2023: 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, a performance by country singer Gabby Barrett, and much more. Tickets begin at $40. vidaliaonionfestival.com
April 20 – 23, 2023: Crawfish Music Festival — Biloxi, MS
For over two decades, the Crawfish Music Festival has offered some of the best entertainment and family-friendly fun in the Southeast. In addition to delicious crawfish and the much-anticipated crawfish cookoff, this year’s event includes headlining acts like Jordan Davis, Dwight Yoakam, Bailey Zimmerman, and more. While some events are free to attend, others require an admission fee. To see the complete schedule and ticket prices, visit mscoastcoliseum.com.
April 21 – 23, 2023: 4 Bridges Art Festival — Chattanooga, TN
4 Bridges Arts Festival is an annual juried art show that attracts hundreds of visual artists nationwide. The three-day event hosts 145 artists, offers over $20,000 in cash prizes, and has been named one of the top fine art festivals in the country. Guests can peruse work by artists specializing in glass, metal, basketry, wood, and more. The celebration kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 21, with a preview party and continues all weekend long. Event hours on Saturday and Sunday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $5, and individuals under 18 are free. avarts.org
April 22, 2023: 13th Annual Mutt Strut — Birmingham, AL
The annual Mutt Strutt is a dog-friendly 5K and one-mile fun run at Homewood Central Park. Registration starts at $25, and proceeds from the event benefit Hand in Paw, a nonprofit organization that works to improve human health and well-being through animal-assisted therapy. Races start at 9 a.m. classy.org
April 22, 2023: Thunder Over Louisville — Louisville, KY
The kickoff event of the Kentucky Derby Festival returns to Waterfront Park. Thunder On The Ground and the Family Fun Zone open at 11 a.m., the air show begins at 3 p.m., and the fireworks show starts at 9:30 p.m. The annual event is free to attend. thunderoverlouisivlle.org
April 22 & 23, 2023: St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon — Nashville, TN
Nashville’s favorite spring race series is back! On Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23, lace up 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, 6.15-mile run, 5K, one-mile run, children’s race, and the Doggie Dash. Registration begins at $25, or it’s free when you sign up to run as a St. Jude Hero. runrocknroll.com
April 23, 2023: Donuts & Dogs Five-Miler — Memphis, TN
A race that includes donuts and dogs? Count us in! Head to Wiseacre Brewing Company on Broad Avenue for this dog-friendly 5K. The race is a part of the Krispy Kreme Challenge, which encourages runners to run 2.5 miles, eat 12 donuts, and then run another 2.5 miles in under an hour. The race begins at 1:30 p.m., and registration starts at $22. Spectator tickets are also available. You can register for the event HERE.
April 25, 2023: Taste of Derby Festival — Louisville, KY
From 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Louisville Slugger Field, attendees of the Taste of Derby Festival can enjoy samples from more than 60 celebrated Louisville restaurants, bourbon distilleries, and beverage companies. The event is open to ages 21 and older; tickets are $90. daretocare.org
April 29, 2023: 12th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival — Bessemer, AL
Head to DeBardeleben Park this spring to enjoy Bob Sykes BBQ & Blues Festival. The annual event includes award-winning blues musicians, delicious barbecue, family-friendly activities, a designated art and vendor area, and more. Gates open at 11 a.m., and the festival begins at noon. General admission is $20. bobsykes.com
April 29, 2023: North Carolina Pickle Festival — Mount Olive, NC
Experience the town of Mount Olive: the ultimate destination for pickle lovers! The city’s annual Pickle Festival honors the most famous food brand in North Carolina: Mt. Olive Pickle Company. The event includes the Cuke Patch 5K, pickle eating and recipe contests, the Tour de Pickle, and live music. All events are free, with the exception of the 5K and Tour de Pickle. The main event starts at 9 a.m. in downtown Mount Olive. ncpicklefest.org
April 29 & 30, 2023: Brooksville Blueberry Festival — Brooksville, FL
Head to downtown Brooksville to peruse unique artwork and gifts as you much on delicious blueberries. This two-day festival also includes plenty of live entertainment, and this year’s event includes performances by musicians like Colt Ford, the Leesburg Blues Brothers Tribute Band, Crossfire Creek, and many more. Event hours are Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festival is free to attend. brooksvilleblueberryfestival.com
Have a fabulous April!
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To see more great Southern events, check out our Happenings calendar!
