20+ Southern Events & Happenings: February 2026

February in the South is full of events to fall for. From delicious food festivals and inspiring art exhibits to thrilling rodeos and fun runs, here are our favorite ways to celebrate the season!

Throughout February 2026: Dine Nashville: The Music City Way — Nashville, TN

Dine Nashville is a month-long celebration of the city’s vibrant culinary scene, uniting top local chefs for one-night-only collaborations in support of CORE. Featured pairings include Chef Frank Pullara (Culaccino Nashville) with Chef Hal Holden-Bache (Lockeland Table), Chef Ana Aguilar (Tantísimo) with Kathleen Sharpe (All or Nothing), and many more. The festivities continue during Nashville Restaurant Week (February 24 through March 2), with participating restaurants offering prix-fixe menus for lunch, brunch, and dinner, plus exclusive specials. visitmusiccity.com

February 1 – 17, 2026: Mardi Gras Parades — New Orleans, LA

Mardi Gras comes alive in New Orleans, with parades, music, beads, costumes — and plenty of king cakes — taking over the streets. Highlights include the iconic Rex (King of Carnival) and Zulu (famous for its coconuts), alongside “Super Krewes” like Endymion, Bacchus, and Orpheus. With weeks of celebrations, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the energy, spectacle, and joy of this legendary holiday. neworleans.com

February 1 – 28, 2026: Savannah Black Heritage Festival — Savannah, GA

Savannah welcomes back its annual Black Heritage Festival, celebrating Black culture, art, and history. The festival features an art expo, live concerts, lectures, theater performances, and more. To see the complete list of festivities, visit savannahblackheritagefestival.org.

February 3 – 22, 2026: Edison Festival of Light — Ft. Myers/Naples, FL

Now in its 88th year, the Edison Festival of Light honors Thomas Edison’s legacy with nearly a month of fun and community. Highlights include the Edison Garden Festival, Crafts on the River, the Classic Car Show, and the Grand Parade — the Southeast’s largest nighttime parade, featuring illuminated floats, marching bands, and more. edisonfestival.org

February 4 – 7, 2026: Colour of Music Festival — Charleston, SC

The annual Colour of Music Festival showcases the brilliance of Black musicians, spanning baroque, classical, and 20th-century repertoire through vocal, piano, organ, chamber ensembles, quartets, and orchestra recitals. To see the complete list of performances and purchase tickets, visit colourofmusic.org.

February 5 – 7, 2026: North Carolina Jazz Festival — Wilmington, NC

Wilmington rolls out the red carpet for jazz lovers as it hosts the 46th Annual North Carolina Jazz Festival. Set along the Cape Fear River, this historic coastal city pairs daytime exploring — shops, galleries, museums, and nearby beaches — with evenings of electrifying performances by some of the world’s finest traditional jazz musicians. ncjazzfestival.org

February 5 – 8, 2026: Savannah Book Festival — Savannah, GA

One of the largest book festivals in the South, the Savannah Book Festival takes place amid the city’s iconic historic streets, Spanish moss, and blooming azaleas. Festival Saturday offers 30-minute presentations by nationally recognized authors across museums, churches, and theaters in Telfair, Wright, and Chippewa Squares, with Q&As and book signings. Headliner Addresses at the Historic Trustees Theater feature 45-minute talks on authors’ creative processes, followed by Q&As and signings. savannahbookfestival.org

February 5 – 16, 2026: Florida State Fair — Tampa, FL

The Florida State Fair returns for 12 days of rides, food, animals, and unforgettable family-friendly fun. This year, the fair adds a patriotic twist with red, white, and blue surprises, honoring America’s 250th birthday in true Florida style. floridastatefair.com

February 6-8, 2026: Athens Wine Weekend — Athens, GA

Athens Wine Weekend at The Classic Center pairs chef-driven cuisine with exceptional wines from around the world. This beloved downtown Athens gathering features artful tastings, educational seminars, a multi-course gourmet dinner, and a sparkling wine brunch to close the weekend. Proceeds benefit the Classic Center Cultural Foundation, supporting arts and hospitality education throughout the community. classiccenter.com

February 7, 2026: Works of Heart — Memphis, TN

This lively art auction and party features heart-themed, gallery-quality works by top regional artists, all available to bid on via an easy-to-use online platform. Guests can enjoy complimentary wine, Grind City Brewing Co. beer, appetizers, and live tunes from DJ Alpha Whiskey, while WMC-TV’s Joe Birch hosts the evening. General admission tickets are $100. memphiscac.org

February 7 & 8, 2026: Carolina Chocolate Festival — Morehead City, NC

The Carolina Chocolate Festival at the Crystal Coast Civic Center is a weekend full of chocolate-filled fun, celebrating charity and community. Explore 25+ vendors offering truffles, fudge, and chocolate-covered treats, enjoy cake auctions, pudding-eating contests, and the Pro/Am Bake Off, and kick off Saturday with the 5K Cocoa Run/Walk. carolinachocolatefestival.com

February 8, 2026: Lunar New Year Fair — Memphis, TN

The Memphis Lunar New Year Fair lights up the Agricenter with a lively celebration of Asian culture and tradition. Visitors can marvel at Lion and Dragon dances, enjoy live performances, explore arts and crafts, and savor a feast of flavors from across Asia. memphislunarnewyear.com

February 13 – 15 & 18 – 21, 2026: Dixie National Rodeo & Livestock Show — Jackson, MS

The 61st Annual Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo returns to the Mississippi State Fairgrounds, celebrating the spirit of the West alongside America’s 250th anniversary. The largest rodeo east of the Mississippi River, this “Genuine Mississippi” tradition unites rodeo fans, 4-H and FFA members, and visitors. Highlights include livestock and equine competitions, the Dixie National Rodeo, the Sale of Junior Champions, parades in downtown Jackson, expos, and live concerts by Bayker Blankenship, Tanya Tucker, Muscadine Bloodline, and more. dixienational.org

February 13 – 15, 2026: Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) — Charleston, SC

Since 1983, The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) has showcased the finest in wildlife art and the spirit of the great outdoors. Explore fine art, handcrafted goods, live demonstrations, and Lowcountry flavors while connecting with artists, collectors, and outdoor enthusiasts. sewe.com

February 13 – 16, 2026: Lone Star Rodeo — Bowling Green, KY

A beloved rodeo tradition returns to the WKU Ag Expo Center, marking 44 years of high-energy Western excitement. Fans can expect all the classic thrills — from bareback and saddle bronc riding to bull riding, barrel racing, roping, and steer wrestling — alongside nonstop laughs from crowd-favorite rodeo clown Mighty Mike Wentworth. lonestarrodeoco.com

February 17 – 22, 2026: The Sound of Music — Memphis, TN

The Sound of Music takes to Memphis’ Orpheum Theatre stage in a North American tour that brings Maria and the von Trapp family’s timeless story to life. Directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), this beloved Rodgers & Hammerstein classic delights audiences with themes of love, resilience, and the power of music. orpheum-memphis.com

February 21, 2026: Sketchers Hot Chocolate Run — Nashville, TN

At Nashville’s iconic Sketchers Hot Chocolate Run, choose a 5K, 10K, or 15K and finish in a chocolate lover’s paradise! Upgrade to the VIP Cocoa Club for premium swag, exclusive treats, and a cozy post-run lounge. All participants are invited to celebrate after the finish with rich chocolate fondue and more sweet surprises. hotchocolate15k.com

February 21 – 28, 2026: First in Freedom Festival — Eastern North Carolina

The inaugural North Carolina First in Freedom Festival celebrates over 250 years of American history and culture through the lens of eastern North Carolina. Local communities, historians, arts organizations, and businesses come together to highlight historic sites, exhibits, and programs, culminating in the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge. ncfirstinfreedomfestival.com

February 23 – March 1, 2026: Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival — Hilton Head Island, SC

The Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival is the ultimate celebration of the South’s coastal flavors and hospitality. Guests can savor the freshest Atlantic seafood, watch renowned chefs in action, enjoy barbecue under the stars, sip fine wines and cocktails, and gather around marshside bonfires. Beyond the plate, the festival offers wildlife excursions, hands-on cooking classes, and opportunities to connect with Hilton Head’s natural beauty. Tickets begin at $20. hiltonheadseafoodfestival.com

February 25 – 28, 2026: Bourbon Classic — Louisville, KY

Bourbon Classic returns as Kentucky’s premier celebration of bourbon, cocktails, and culinary craft. Guests can explore tastings, workshops, and interactive experiences with master distillers, chefs, and mixologists, diving into the state’s rich bourbon heritage. Highlights include the Cocktail & Culinary Challenge, Bourbon University sessions, and TASTE, an exclusive tasting of dozens of bourbons paired with gourmet dishes. bourbonclassic.com

February 28, 2026: Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival — Atlanta, GA

Atlanta’s going “whole hog” for its 14th Annual Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival at Atlantic Station. Celebrate with beer, bourbon, barbecue, and all things pork with whole hogs, ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and more. Each guest receives a souvenir glass for unlimited beer and bourbon tastings while exploring food vendors, live music, and DJ sets. beerandbourbon.com

Here’s to a fun-filled February!

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To see more great Southern events, check out our Happenings calendar.