14 Southern Events & Happenings: August 2025

Summer may be flying by, but the fun is far from over. From state fairs and music festivals to a world-class golf championship, August brings some of the South’s hottest events to explore. Here are a few of our favorites!

Through August 10, 2025: Shakespeare Festival — Louisville, KY

Hear ye, hear ye! Head to Central Park in Historic Old Louisville to enjoy the last days of Kentucky’s iconic Shakespeare Festival. Twelfth Night runs from July 30 through August 3, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, featuring the Louisville Ballet, runs from August 6 through August 10. Enjoy local food truck cuisine before performances begin at 8 p.m. kyshakespeare.com

August 2 & 3, 2025: Satchmo SummerFest — New Orleans, LA

This two-day celebration features multiple stages spanning traditional and contemporary jazz, a dedicated children’s stage, delicious Louisiana cuisine, and insightful lectures on Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong’s legacy. Admission is free, with highlights including an outdoor Jazz Mass followed by a spirited second line parade. frenchquarterfest.org

August 6 – 10, 2025: World Golf Championship-FedEx St. Jude Invitational — Memphis, TN

The World Golf Championship-FedEx St. Jude Invitational brings top-tier PGA action to Memphis while supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Held at TPC Southwind, this four-day event features world-class competition, including an appearance by the current world No. 1, Scottie Scheffler. fedexchampionship.com

August 7 – 10, 2025: South Carolina New Play Festival — Greenville, SC

The South Carolina New Play Festival showcases world-premiere plays and musicals from celebrated writers. The four‑day event features free staged readings, an outdoor variety stage, a Broadway cabaret, and the South Carolina’s Next Broadway Star scholarship contest for high‑school talent. For additional details, visit southcarolinanewplayfestival.org.

August 9 & 10, 2025: Sourwood Festival — Black Mountain, NC

This year’s Sourwood Festival runs from around 10  a.m. to 5  p.m., featuring live music, local vendors, arts and crafts, a carved-to-order memorial totem, and, of course, lots of sourwood honey samples. eventeny.com

August 14 – 23, 2025: Tennessee State Fair — Lebanon, TN

Dubbed “The Best 10 Days of the Year,” the annual Tennessee State Fair is a family-friendly event that offers everything from carnival rides to barrel racing, cooking competitions, and livestock shows. Gates open at 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. on Saturday, and noon on Sunday. Early general admission starts at $12. wilsoncountytnstatefair.com

August 14 – 24, 2025: Kentucky State Fair — Louisville, KY

The 2025 Kentucky State Fair takes place at the Kentucky Exposition Center, offering live music, thrilling rides, family shows, livestock and agricultural competitions, and the iconic World’s Championship Horse Show in Freedom Hall. To see the full schedule and grab tickets, visit kystatefair.org.

August 15 – 23, 2025: Georgia Mountain Fair — Hiawassee, GA

Celebrate the 75th Annual Georgia Mountain Fair at the scenic Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Guests can enjoy two weekends of live music at Anderson Music Hall, carnival rides, arts and crafts, pioneer village demonstrations, pig races, and more. For full event details, visit georgiamountainfairgrounds.com.

August 16, 2025: Chicken & Beer Festival — Memphis, TN

Celebrate the season at the annual Memphis Chicken & Beer Festival at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. This 21+ event features live music, yard games, inflatables, and delicious samples of beer and bites from top local spots. General admission is $54.35 and includes a souvenir tasting cup and beverage samples. memphischickenandbeer.com

August 16, 2025: Memphis Tri-State Blues Festival — Southaven, MS

The 22nd Annual Memphis Tri‑State Blues Festival returns to the Landers Center at 6:30 p.m. This year’s lineup brings soulful performances from Tucka, King George, Pokey Bear, Lenny Williams, West Love, J-Wonn, and more. Tickets start at $51. landerscenter.com

August 18 – 24, 2025: Sidewalk Film Festival — Birmingham, AL

The 27th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival, presented by Regions Bank, lights up Downtown Birmingham’s Historic Theatre District, showcasing 200+ indie features, shorts, documentaries, and engaging panels. With dozens of screenings across multiple venues, it’s a must-visit for film lovers seeking immersive cinema experiences. sidewalkfest.com

August 22 & 23, 2025: Queen Wilhelmina Rod Run — Mena, AR

The 50th Annual Queen Wilhelmina Rod Run rolls into Mena, drawing around 200 street rods and hot rods through the historic downtown and up the scenic mountain road to Queen Wilhelmina State Park and Janssen Park. Over the two-day event, attendees can enjoy Show‑n‑Shine contests, a street dance, live music, awards ceremonies, and breathtaking views of the Ouachita Mountains — the perfect celebration for car enthusiasts and families alike. queenwilhelminarodrun.com

August 23, 2025: Music City Brewers Festival — Nashville, TN

The 2025 Music City Brewers Fest takes over Walk of Fame Park from 4 to 9 p.m., offering a tasting experience for 21+ attendees with a souvenir cup and samples from 40+ breweries, plus seltzers, spirits, ciders, and alcohol alternatives. Enjoy live music and DJ sets, yard games, food trucks, a golf simulator, and even live sheep. Tickets start at $25. musiccitybrewersfest.com

August 29 – September 1, 2025: North Carolina Apple Festival — Hendersonville, NC

The 79th North Carolina Apple Festival takes place in downtown Hendersonville. It celebrates the region’s rich apple-growing heritage with a four-day, family-friendly street fair featuring over 200 vendors, live music, arts and crafts, and fresh apple treats. The festivities culminate with the annual King Apple Parade at 2:30 p.m. on Labor Day, with floats, marching bands, ensembles, antique cars, and fire trucks. ncapplefestival.org

Cheers to an amazing August!

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To see more great Southern events, visit our Happenings calendar.