February is the month of love, and it’s packed with events to adore across the South. From foodie festivals and art exhibits to rodeos and road races, here are some of our top picks for the season!
Throughout February 2025: Mardi Gras Parades — New Orleans, LA
Mardi Gras Day falls on March 4 this year, but the celebration starts long before with parades and festivities hosted throughout New Orleans. Highlights include the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus, Krewe du Vieux, and Krewe of Muses — all taking place in February. With events spanning several weeks, there’s no shortage of opportunities to join the excitement. neworleans.com
Throughout February 2025: Dine Nashville: The Music City Way — Nashville, TN
Dine Nashville is a month-long celebration of Music City’s diverse culinary scene, featuring collaborative chef experiences, a restaurant week, and exclusive discounts from local food retailers. Highlighted events include special one-night-only dining experiences with top chefs such as Maneet Chauhan (Morph Hospitality), Arnold Myint (International Market), Vivek Surti (Tailor Nashville), and Chris Crary (1 Kitchen Nashville). Proceeds benefit the Music City Inc. Foundation, supporting CORE and Big Table. For more information and to see a complete schedule of events, check out visitmusiccity.com.
February 1 & 2, 2025: Carolina Chocolate Festival — Morehead City, NC
Indulge in a weekend of chocolate bliss at the Crystal Coast Civic Center. The Carolina Chocolate Festival is a sweet celebration that features over 25 premier chocolate vendors. Kick off the festival with Friday’s Pro/Am Bake Off, then enjoy Saturday’s cake auctions, slices for sale, and the 5K Cocoa Run/Walk. For event hours and to purchase tickets, visit carolinachocolatefestival.com.
February 1 – 23, 2025: Savannah Black Heritage Festival — Savannah, GA
The city of Savannah once again hosts its annual Black Heritage Festival. The schedule includes a Black art expo, concerts, lectures, theater performances, and more. To see a complete list of activities and events, visit savannahblackheritagefestival.org.
February 1 – May 21, 2025: Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: Save the Humans Exhibition — Memphis, TN
Experience the magic of Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: Save the Humans this spring at Memphis Botanic Garden. Presented by International Paper and produced by Imagine Exhibitions, this larger-than-life fairytale follows six young trolls who band together to teach humans how to rediscover nature and live in harmony with the earth. To see event hours and purchase tickets, visit membg.org.
February 5 – 8, 2025: Colour of Music Festival — Charleston, SC
From baroque to classical and 20th-century music, the annual Colour of Music Festival celebrates some of the world’s most talented Black musicians. This year’s event in Charleston includes performances by Janinah Burnett, Kayden Kelly, Mickey Terry Thomas, and more. Tickets begin at $16.50. colourofmusic.org
February 6, 7 & 12 – 14, 2025: Mayberry Valentine’s Dinner Theater — Granville, TN
Join Wildwood Resort and TB Sutton’s General Store for a special Valentine’s dinner theater series. Featuring A Plaque for Mayberry and A Wife for Andy, spend a heartfelt evening with some of The Andy Griffith Show‘s characters. All shows begin at 5:30 p.m., apart from February 12, which begins with matinees at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person. wildwoodresorttn.com
February 6 – 8, 2025: North Carolina Jazz Festival — Wilmington, NC
Celebrate the 45th anniversary of one of the Southeast’s largest traditional jazz festivals! Kicking off Thursday evening, the festivities continue Friday and Saturday nights with four-hour concerts featuring seven sets led by different musicians, showcasing talent from around the globe. General admission tickets start at $65. ncjazzfestival.org
February 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2025: Winterfest at The Capitol — Bowling Green, KY
A free, family-friendly event, Bowling Green’s Winterfest invites attendees to enjoy live music, snacks, beer, and wine every Friday in February. This year kicks off with the featured band Wolf, and the fun begins weekly at 7 p.m. at the Capitol Arts Center. visitbgky.com
February 7 – 10, 2025: Lone Star Rodeo — Bowling Green, KY
The annual Lone Star Rodeo makes its way to Bowling Green this February. Taking place at the L.D. Brown Ag Expo Center, contests include bareback bronc riding, calf roping, steer Wrestling, and more. Events begin at 8 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets start at $22. lonestarrodeoco.com
February 7 – 16, 2025: Dixie National Rodeo & Livestock Show — Jackson, MS
The largest rodeo event east of the Mississippi River returns to the Mississippi State Fairgrounds and Coliseum this February! Apart from 60 professional rodeo contests, the event features live performances by country music stars like Sam Barber, Lorrie Morgan, Zach Top, Ella Langley, and more. New this year is a high school rodeo event, offering local students a chance to compete alongside the pros. Attendees can also enjoy livestock shows, equestrian events, and a lively parade in Downtown Jackson as part of the festivities. dixienational.org
February 8, 2025: Snowman Shuffle 4-Miler — Louisville, KY
The third and final race of the Polar Bear Grand Prix offers a four-mile run (or walk!) through the scenic beauty of Cherokee Park. Beginning at 9 a.m., the course winds along Beargrass Creek to Big Rock Park before looping around the Scenic Loop. Registration is $30. rivercityraces.com
February 8, 2025: Works of Heart — Memphis, TN
The 33rd Annual Works of Heart art auction and party, benefitting the Child Advocacy Center, begins at 7 p.m. at the Memphis Botanic Garden. Presented by Stern Cardiovascular, this event features an auction of heart-themed, gallery-quality artwork by top regional artists. Guests can also enjoy complimentary wine, beer, appetizers, and live entertainment. Tickets start at $100. (Note: Online bidding begins February 4.) memphiscac.org
February 17 – 23, 2025: Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival — Hilton Head Island, SC
The Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival invites you to a week-long celebration of Southern hospitality, coastal heritage, and unforgettable flavors. From chef demonstrations and delicious barbecue to fine wines, craft cocktails, and fresh Atlantic seafood, every moment is designed to delight. Explore the island’s natural beauty with exclusive wildlife excursions, hone your skills in master classes, and immerse yourself in nearly two decades of celebrating the best of the South. Tickets begin at $10. hiltonheadseafoodfestival.com
February 22, 2025: Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival — Atlanta, GA
Now in its 13th year, this beloved festival returns to Atlantic Station with beer, bourbon, barbecue, bacon, biscuits, bluegrass, and more. General admission tickets begin at $45 and include access to over 60 beers, 40 bourbons, and live music. beerandbourbon.com
February 23, 2025: Hot Chocolate Run 5K — Nashville, TN
Are you ready to participate in one of the South’s sweetest races? The Hot Chocolate Race starts and ends at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, offering 5K, 10K, and 15K options. Plus, participants are invited to a post-race celebration with music, vendors, and plenty of hot cocoa. Registration begins at $67.95, and races start at 7 a.m. hotchocolate15k.com
February 22 & 23, 2025: Sea & Sand Festival — Folly Beach, SC
The 33rd Annual Sea & Sand Festival returns to Folly Beach for a weekend of family-friendly fun. On “Salty Saturday,” Center Street closes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., transforming into a vibrant hub featuring local bands, a variety of vendors, local restaurants and bars, and a dedicated kids’ area. Then, festivities on Sunday kick off with an exciting sand sculpture competition! Admission is $10 in advance ($15 at the door) and free for Folly residents and children 12 and under. visitfolly.com
February 28, 2025: 4th Annual Jester’s Ball — Vicksburg, MS
Head to the Vicksburg Convention Center on February 28 to enjoy an evening of food, music by Doctor Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster, and plenty of Mardi Gras-themed revelry. General admission tickets are $40 if purchased in advance. The event begins at 6:30 p.m., and VIP tickets are also available. visitvicksburg.com
Wishing you a February full of fun and fabulous moments!
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To see more great Southern events, check out our Happenings calendar!
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