With the first month of the new year already in the rearview, we’re welcoming February and all of the fun it brings. From an oyster festival to marathons, live music, and art exhibits, there is no shortage of fabulous Southern events this month. We hand-selected some of our top picks for where to go and what to do — let’s get out there and enjoy all that February has to offer!
24 Southern Events & Happenings: February 2023
Throughout February 2023: Dine Nashville: The Music City Way — Nashville, TN
Throughout February, Dine Nashville celebrates Music City’s diverse food scene while supporting Giving Kitchen, an organization providing emergency assistance to food service workers through financial support and resources. Events include one-night-only collaborations from Chef Dylan Lewis (Goo Goo Chocolate Co.), Chef Alyssa Gangeri (The Butter Milk Ranch), Chef Ford Fry (The Optimist), and more. Then, during Nashville Restaurant Week (February 20 to 26), enjoy prix fixe menus for lunch, brunch, and dinner, and special deals and discounts from over 50 Nashville restaurants. For more information and a complete schedule of events, check out visitmusiccity.com.
Through February 4, 2023: Winter Restaurant Week — Birmingham, AL
Participate in Birmingham’s tastiest event! Enjoy a multi-day celebration of local Birmingham restaurants featuring deals throughout town for all budgets. Participating restaurants include BLUEROOT, Slice Pizza & Brew, Roots & Revelry, Sol Y Luna, and more. bhamrestaurantweek.com
February 1 – 4, 2023: Colour of Music Festival — Charleston, SC
From baroque to classical and 20th-century music, the Colour of Music Festival celebrates some of the world’s most talented Black musicians. This year’s event in Charleston, SC, includes performances by Camron Gray, Marsha Thompson, Elizabeth Hill, and more. Tickets begin at $16.50, and performance times vary based on the day. colourofmusic.org
February 1 – 25, 2023: Black History Month Celebrations at the Carver Museum — Austin, TX
In honor of Black History Month, the Carver Museum hosts special events throughout the month of February. Following the theme of Black Resistance, events include discussions with prominent Black individuals, film screenings, kid-friendly activities, and more. To see a complete list of events, visit austintexas.gov.
February 1 – 28, 2023: 34th Annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival — Savannah, GA
The city of Savannah, GA, once again hosts its Black Heritage Festival. Activities and events include a memorial wreath service, documentary screenings, and more. The main event takes place on Saturday, February 18, at Savannah State University’s New Student Union. All performances and activities are free to attend. For a complete list of activities and events, visit savannahblackheritagefestival.org.
February 2 – 8 & 9 – 15, 2023: Living Centered Program — Cumberland Furnace, TN
Join Onsite for the Living Centered Program, a six-day emotional wellness workshop designed to help you bring your life back to center by connecting your current and past circumstances with how they affect you today. During the workshop, expert therapists guide you in rewriting your narratives and resolving areas of your life that keep you stuck, leading you to take back agency and access the life you want to live. Experience top-tier hospitality and culinary services and the country’s best therapeutic and clinical minds at Onsite’s boutique retreat center located just outside of Nashville. onsiteworkshops.com
February 3 – 5, 2023: Antiques & Garden Show — Nashville, TN
The annual Antiques & Garden Show returns to Nashville’s Music City Center! The event hosts over 150 vendors, offering everything from antiques to horticultural exhibits, gardens, and more. This year’s speakers include Aerin Lauder, Alice Naylor-Leyland, Christin Geall, and more. Early bird tickets are $30 and available until 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, January 29. antiquesandgardenshow.com
February 9, 2023: Intersections — Memphis, TN
Join pianist Zhu Wang and violinist Randall Goosby as they perform with Iris Collective. The chamber concert features music by Black and living Chinese composers, celebrating music’s ability to connect people to their past and families. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at Crosstown Theater. Tickets start at $30. iriscollective.org
February 10, 2023: Whiskey, Wine & Chocolates — Memphis, TN
Enjoy delicious chocolates from Memphis chocolatier Phillip Ashley as they’re paired with select whiskeys, wines, and craft beers. Perfect for a date night with your sweetheart, attendees can enjoy five full-size alcoholic drinks paired with chocolate, live music, and small bites. The fun begins at 7 p.m. at Memphis Botanic Garden. Tickets are $60 for garden members and $75 for non-members. membg.org
February 10 – 12, 2023: Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend — Birmingham, AL
The Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend has become a Birmingham tradition and is one of the South’s most notable running events. Race options include a half marathon, marathon, marathon relay, and 5K (Note: Registration for the kids’ fun run is closed.). Registration starts at $40, and prices increase after Friday, February 10. Races begin at 7 a.m. at Linn Park. mercedesmarathon.com
February 11, 2023: Give Shoes. Give Love. — Nashville, TN
Join Soles4Souls at the Give Shoes. Give Love. brunch and fashion show event. It’s a great way to kick off 2023 with a morning filled with local vendors, hair and nail delights, a delicious brunch, a mimosa bar, and more. Admission is $40, and all ticket proceeds benefit 4EveryKid, which provides brand-new athletic shoes to children experiencing homelessness in Nashville. The event begins at 11 a.m. at Fifth + Broadway. eventbrite.com
February 11, 2023: 31st Annual Works of Heart — Memphis, TN
The annual Works of Heart event displays heart-themed artwork from leading regional and local artists. You can bid on artwork starting Wednesday, February 8, at 8 a.m., and the fun culminates with a party at Memphis Botanic Garden on Saturday, February 11, at 7 p.m. The event includes complimentary wine, beer, appetizers, and more. General admission tickets are $100. memphiscac.org
February 11, 2023: Snowman Shuffle 4-Miler — Louisville, KY
The third and final race of the Polar Bear Grand Prix is a four-mile run/walk through Cherokee Park. Starting at Hogan’s Fountain, the race winds through Beargrass Creek, Big Rock Park, and the Scenic Loop. The fun begins at 9 a.m., and registration is $25. rivercityraces.com
February 11 – May 21, 2023: Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds — Charlotte, NC
As the first exhibit to explore Pablo Picasso’s engagement with landscape subjects, Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds is a can’t-miss event. Hosted by the Mint Museum Uptown, the exhibit includes over 40 works from Picasso’s privation collection as well as international museums. For ticket information and event hours, visit mintmuseum.org.
February 14 – 19, 2023: Annie — Louisville, KY
The hit broadway musical Annie is headed to Louisville’s Kentucky Center. With performances running from Tuesday, February 14, through Sunday, February 19, there are plenty of opportunities to see this spectacular show. Tickets start at $46.80. louisville.broadway.com
February 19, 2023: 16th Annual Mardi Gras Parade — Asheville, NC
Celebrate Mardi Gras early with a fun-filled parade! Taking place annually in Asheville, NC, this year’s theme is Out Of This World. The parade starts and finishes on the corner of Southside and Coxe Avenue. The fun officially kicks off at 3:05 p.m. ashevillemardigras.org
February 19, 2023: Call My Name 5K — Clemson, SC
Honor Black History Month and Black individuals who contributed to the development and success of Clemson University at the annual Call My Name 5K. Registration is $30 for the general public, and proceeds benefit Call My Name, a research project dedicated to telling the stories of Black men, women, and children throughout the university’s history. The race begins at 8 a.m. at the Carillon Garden. clemson.edu
February 20 – 26, 2023: Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival — Hilton Head Island, SC
Expand your culinary and cultural horizons at this one-of-a-kind festival. Over seven days, you can enjoy dinners prepared by celebrity chefs and Southern pitmasters, as well as cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and more. Tickets for individual events begin at $89. hiltonheadseafoodfestival.com
February 21 – 25, 2023: Southern Voices — Hoover, AL
Sponsored by the Hoover Public Library, Southern Voices is a five-day festival celebrating art, music, and writing. This year’s special guests include authors Elin Hilderbrand, Robin Peguero, Sarah Penner, and more. Start times vary based on the event. While some events are free to attend, others require an entry fee. To see the complete festival schedule, visit hooverlibrary.org.
February 22, 2023: Conversations at OZ — Nashville, TN
Conversations at OZ is an annual fundraiser that celebrates the art of conversation with Nashville community leaders and vibrant personalities. The event invites guests to engage in insightful dialogue on a variety of topics, including arts and culture, social issues, business, and government. The event takes place online, and this year’s speakers are yet to be announced. Visit ozartsnashville.org regularly for updates.
February 25, 2023: 11th Annual Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival — Atlanta, GA
Enjoy over 60 beers and 50 bourbons as you munch on delicious barbecue at Atlanta’s annual Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival. General admission tickets are $45 and include a souvenir tasting glass, unlimited samples of beer and bourbon, and access to live entertainment. The event takes place at Atlantic Station. atlanta.beerandbourbon.com
February 25, 2023: 34th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival — Sandestin, FL
Held at The Village of Baytowne Wharf, the annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival is one of the Florida coast’s largest and most popular winter food events. Attendees can enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, bloody Marys, and, of course, plenty of delicious gumbo. Pre-sale general admission is $45, and tickets purchased on the day of the event are $55. The festival begins at noon. sandestingumbofestival.com
February 25, 2023: Austin Oyster Festival — Austin, TX
Whether you prefer raw, grilled, roasted, or fried oysters, you’re guaranteed to get your fix at the Austin Oyster Festival. Attendees can also enjoy bloody Marys, beer, wine, and live music as they munch on other delicious seafood. The event begins at noon at Republic Square, and tickets start at $70. austinoysterfestival.com
February 27 – March 5, 2023: Louisville Restaurant Week — Louisville, KY
Presented by Louisville Tourism, Louisville Restaurant Week is an annual event that provides a unique celebration of culinary tourism in Derby City. Various eateries around town offer special three-course, prix fixe menus for seven days, allowing guests to experience a myriad of cuisine. Visit louisvillerestaurantweek.com for participating restaurants and more information.
Have a fabulous February!
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To see more great Southern events, check out our Happenings calendar!
