SB NOTE: These suggestions are all made with social distancing and safety precautions in mind, and each event is subject to change depending on COVID in each location. Please look at websites and social media for updates, and check the most up-to-date CDC guidelines for the latest safety recommendations.
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Celebrate the newness that spring brings by attending these fantastic Southern events that are guaranteed to put a spring in your step. From blossoming blooms and art shows to live music and marathons, there is plenty of fun to be had this month. Enjoy these exciting April happenings!
There is plenty of springtime fun happening across the South this month. Image: Biltmore
14 Southern Events & Happenings: April 2021
April 1, 2021 – May 27, 2021: Biltmore Blooms — Asheville, NC
Experience the flowers of spring at the Biltmore Estate. Walk through thousands of awe-inspiring tulips, flowering trees and other brilliant blooms adorning the Walled Garden and estate grounds. The Biltmore’s Bloom Report, updated weekly, tells you what’s blooming (and when) in the gardens. The display is included in admission, which starts at $64 for adults. Children 9 and under receive free admission, and the garden is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. biltmore.com
April 2 & 3: Great Spring Art Hunt — Nashville, TN
Wander through Cheekwood Estate & Gardens and enjoy its spring flowers as you search for hidden bunnies at its Great Spring Art Hunt. The annual Spring Art Hop event has been reimagined to adhere to social distancing guidelines and invites guests to search for clever cottontails painted by Nashville artists. The event also includes themed activities and cheerful music. Admission for Cheekwood members is $10 for adults and $7 for youth, while admission for non-members is $22 for adults and $14 for youth. cheekwood.org
April 3, 2021: Easter at Honeywood Valley — Birmingham, AL
Head to Birmingham’s Honeywood Valley to participate in their first-ever Easter egg hunt on April 3. The event includes a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny, an egg hunt, arts and crafts, face painting stations, a photo booth, a petting zoo and special guest vendors. Tickets are $25 for adults and free for children under 12. A family picnic box that feeds four can also be added to your ticket for an additional $40. Masks are encouraged at this event. eventbrite.com
April 9 – 11, 2021: Poteet Strawberry Festival — Poteet, TX
For over 75 years, the Poteet Strawberry Festival has celebrated and supported Poteet’s endangered premier strawberries. In addition to strawberries available for purchase, enjoy live music and rodeo entertainment. Additionally, indulge in fair food provided by local nonprofit, civic, school and church organizations. Tickets are $10 on Friday and $20 on Saturday and Sunday. Discount tickets are also sold online starting at $5. Children 12 and under are free of charge. strawberryfestival.com
April 16 – 18, 2021: Art in the Loop — Memphis, TN
This three-day art festival in East Memphis features artwork from various vendors and artists. Peruse art made of metal and glass as well as jewelry, paintings and photography. The event also includes 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., and face masks are required. artintheloop.org
April 16 – 24, 2021: Come-See-Me Festival — Rock Hill, SC
Rock Hill’s Come-See-Me Festival is the city’s annual celebration of spring. Each year, this lively festival features over 80 action-packed events and activities to enjoy. Considered the largest, all-volunteer festival in South Carolina, this year’s event includes a virtual Broadway night, road races, a cornhole throwdown, a coloring contest and more. The festival is free to attend. comeseeme.org
April 21 – 25, 2021: Seabreeze Jazz Festival — Panama City Beach, FL
Named a “Top 10 Jazz Festival in the USA” by JAZZIZ Magazine, the Seabreeze Jazz Festival in Panama City Beach is a must-attend musical event. Enjoy a weekend jam-packed with jazz artists from all over the nation. This year’s schedule includes a spectacular lineup of award-winning jazz performers. Tickets for individual performances are $80, and four-day passes are $299. seabreezejazzfestival.com
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April 22 – 25, 2021: Vidalia Onion Festival — Vidalia, GA
Head to Vidalia, GA, to celebrate the state’s official vegetable: the Vidalia onion. This four-day festival is full of family-friendly activities and events, including the 43rd Annual Onion Run, an arts and crafts festival, the famous Vidalia onion-eating contest, a public onion recipe tasting, and a performance from country superstar Rodney Atkins. Admission prices vary based on the event. vidaliaonionfestival.com
April 23 & 24, 2021: North Carolina Pickle Festival — Mount Olive, NC
Experience the town of Mt. Olive, NC, the ultimate destination for pickle lovers! The town’s annual North Carolina Pickle Festival honors the most famous food brand in North Carolina: Mt. Olive Pickle Company. This year, the festival includes virtual events, such as an online recipe contest, a pickle-eating contest, a virtual 5K, and locally, a drive-in movie. All events are free with the exception of the 5K, and admission to the drive-in movie is a donation of five canned goods. ncpicklefest.org
April 23 – 25, 2021: Inman Park Tour of Gardens — Atlanta, GA
Take a guided tour of some of the most unique and unconventional yards in Inman Park! The Inman Park Tour of Gardens allows guests to view the innovative gardens of historic Atlanta homes. This socially distanced event holds surprises throughout the day, including dance troupe performances, live music and art. Proceeds from the Inman Park Tour of Gardens benefit the neighborhood and community. The tour starts at 4 p.m. on Friday and noon on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $25. inmanparkfestival.org
April 24, 2021: Margarita March — Miami, FL
Sip on the best margaritas Miami has to offer at the city’s annual Margarita March. Enjoy delicious margaritas at eight of Miami’s leading bars and restaurants, all included in your ticket purchase. Tickets start at $60 and must be picked up at the check-in location (TBD) between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. margaritamarch.com
April 24, 2021: Opening Night at Churchill Downs — Louisville, KY
Kick off Kentucky Derby week by attending opening night at Churchill Downs on Saturday, April 24, at 5 p.m. Entertainment includes live performances, musicians, visual artists and Thoroughbred races. Evening attire is “dress to impress,” so women are encouraged to wear party and cocktail dresses (and a hat, of course!), and men are encouraged to wear sharp pants and a dress shirt (a tie is optional). Tickets are $19 for general admission. kentuckyderby.com
RELATED: 4 Recipes for Springtime. Perfect for Picnics or Porches!
April 25, 2021: Austin Half Marathon — Austin, TX
Run the Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, and see Austin in a whole new way. Race along roads that pass famous Austin landmarks like UT Tower, the “I Love You So Much” mural and the Austin power plant, and run through iconic Austin neighborhoods such as Hyde Park and the SoCo District. After the race, attend the finish line festival featuring a downtown concert and other live music. Registration begins at $59, and virtual options are available as well. eventdog.com
April 25, 2021: Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival — Mt. Pleasant, SC
The Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival returns for its 34th year on April 25. The festival honors Mt. Pleasant’s local shrimping and fishing industry at Memorial Waterfront Park. The event includes a boat parade, live music, a craft show, Shag and shrimp-eating contests, and other family-friendly activities. The festival is free to attend and is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. experiencemountpleasant.com
Happy spring!
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