With summer in full swing, it’s time to slow things down and handpick a few destination events to attend this season. From delicious food to live music, festivals, and more, there’s something for everyone in this list of fun, distinctly Southern events. Welcome to your best summer yet!
June 4 – 7, 2025: Tupelo Elvis Festival — Tupelo, MS
Tupelo’s annual Elvis Festival honors the life and legacy of “The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” This year’s celebration hosts a handful of Elvis tribute artists, live music, a 5K, and more. Venue locations vary based on the event; individual tickets start at $41.50. For additional details, visit tupeloelvisfestival.com.
June 5 – 8, 2025 Steel City Smooth Jazz Festival — Birmingham, AL
The Steel City Smooth Jazz Fest returns to Birmingham, AL, this month, kicking off with a free Line Dance Soirée at historic Legion Field. The fun continues with a lineup of can’t-miss performances at Linn Park. Individual day passes start at $100.50. For a complete schedule of events, visit steelcityjazzfest.org.
June 5 – 8, 2025: CMA Fest — Nashville, TN
One of Nashville’s most anticipated music festivals returns for another year. A four-day event, the 2025 CMA Fest includes performances by The Red Clay Strays, Megan Moroney, Dierks Bentley, Kelsea Ballerini, and more. You can also attend Fan Fair X for additional performances, shopping, and games. While most daytime performances are free to attend, tickets are required for evening performances at Nissan Stadium and Ascend Amphitheater. cmafest.com
June 5 – 8, 2025: South Carolina Festival of Flowers — Greenwood, SC
Celebrate the start of summer at the South Carolina Festival of Flowers, an annual tradition that showcases Southern charm with vibrant floral displays, local events, and community fun. Presented by the Greenwood SC Chamber of Commerce, it’s a free and award-winning “blooming good time” for all ages. For additional details, visit scfestivalofflowers.org.
June 6, 2025: Zoo Brews — Birmingham, AL
Experience brews from all over Alabama and the Southeast while strolling through the Birmingham Zoo. Enjoy a fantastic selection of beverages from breweries and wineries. Food is also available, and the fun begins at 6 p.m. General admission tickets start at $50. (Note: This is a 21-and-up event.) birminghamzoo.com
June 6 – 8, 2025: Blanco Lavender Festival — Blanco, TX
The annual Blanco Lavender Festival returns to the Historic Old Blanco County Courthouse this month. In addition to the beloved Lavender Market, which offers lavender plants and products, arts and crafts, and other handmade items, attendees can enjoy live music, beer, and wine. Event hours are Friday, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. blancolavenderfest.com
June 6 – 8, 2025: Taste of Charlotte — Charlotte, NC
As Charlotte’s largest food festival, Taste of Charlotte features samples from some of the best local restaurants. Taking place in Uptown Charlotte, the free event also includes live performances and kid-friendly activities. To see a full list of events, visit tasteofcharlotte.com.
June 7, 2025: LA Peach Festival — Ruston, LA
The much-anticipated Louisiana Peach Festival returns to Downtown Ruston this summer. Featured events include the Peach Curated Market, Peach Hunt, Peachy Sidewalk Sale, and Run for the Peaches 5K. A complete schedule of events can be viewed at lapeachfest.com.
June 9 – 15, 2025: National Bourbon Week Celebrations — Bardstown, KY
Take a day trip to the Bourbon Capital of the World for exclusive tastings, cocktail classes, culinary events, and more from world-class distilleries. New this year is The Mash Up, a one-night event pairing distillers with local chefs. On June 14, head downtown for National Bourbon Day festivities with family fun, free samples, and live music. nationalbourbonweek.com
June 12 – 15, 2025: Bonnaroo — Manchester, TN
Bonnaroo returns to Manchester, TN, this month. The 2025 lineup includes popular musicians like Luke Combs, Glass Animals, Olivia Rodrigo, Hozier, and many more. Beyond music, the festival offers a village market, parades, yoga, and camping. Tickets start at $169. bonnaroo.com
June 14 & 19, 2025: Juneteenth Festival & Celebration — Oxford, MS
Commemorate Juneteenth in Oxford, MS, with two free celebrations. On June 14 at 4 p.m., the city hosts a Juneteenth Festival at Oxford Intermediate School, complete with food trucks, vendors, and waterslides. Then, on June 19, head to City Hall Pocket Park at 5 p.m. to enjoy music by CJ’s Music Box, food trucks, and more. oxfordjuneteenth.org
June 20 – 22, 2025: AthFest Music & Arts Festival — Athens, GA
AthFest offers a full weekend of live music, art, food, and family fun in Downtown Athens. This free three-day festival celebrates the city’s vibrant creative culture with performances from local and regional musicians across three outdoor stages. athfest.com
June 25 – 28, 2025: ROMP Music Festival — Owensboro, KY
Bluegrass fans should make plans to visit Owensboro, KY, for the annual ROMP Music Festival. The 2025 lineup includes performers like Wynonna Judd, Del McCoury Band, Molly Tuttle, and The Steeldrivers. Single-day tickets start at $44.52. rompfest.com
June 28, 2025: Love Well 5K & Festival — Memphis, TN
Race for a great cause by participating in the annual Love Well 5K & Festival. The annual event raises money for local Memphis charity organizations to spread love around the city. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. at Semmes Murphey Clinic. For additional details and to register for the race, visit raceroster.com.
June 28, 2025: Kentucky Craft Bash — Louisville, KY
The Kentucky Guild of Brewers returns to Waterfront Park with hundreds of craft beer, cider, sake, and seltzer samples solely from Kentucky breweries. The brewers and brewery staff pour the suds, allowing attendees to meet the people behind the products. The bash runs from noon to 5 p.m., and general admission is $55. kycraftbash.com
Have a fabulous June!
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To see more great Southern events, check out our Happenings calendar!