Welcome to your best summer yet! It’s time to slow things down a bit and handpick a few Southern events to attend this June. Savor the season at these fabulous — and distinctly Southern — events!
There isn’t a more delicious way to enjoy June than at the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival! Image: Atlanta Food & Wine Festival
30 Southern Events and Happenings in June
Through June 2, 2019: Atlanta Food & Wine Festival — Atlanta, GA
The much-anticipated 9th Annual Atlanta Food & Wine Festival returns to Midtown, Atlanta from May 30 through June 2 for a weekend filled with more than 150 of the South’s best chefs, sommeliers, mixologists and pit masters. The festival is centrally located at the Loews Atlanta Hotel with tasting tents at Piedmont Park and events around the city. Atlanta Food & Wine Festival provides guests with endless ways to know the South through immersive learning experiences, all-you-can-indulge tasting tents and unique dinners/parties. Whether you attend Atlanta Food & Wine Festival to learn or to indulge, there isn’t a more delicious way to experience the South! Tickets start at $55. Visit atlfoodandwinefestival.com for more info.
Through June 1, 2019: Riverbend Festival — Chattanooga, TN
Spend the week on the banks of the Tennessee River listening to nearly 100 different artists on five different stages. (Click here to see the full lineup.) General admission tickets start at $55. Learn more at riverbendfestival.com.
June 1, 2019: Nissan Taste of Music City Festival — Nashville, TN
June 1, 2019: Slicefest — Birmingham, AL
Slice Pizza and Brewhouse is pleased to announce that the eighth annual edition of Slicefest, presented by Birmingham Budweiser, is set to take the stage Saturday, June 1, 2019. As Birmingham’s largest food and music block party, Slicefest will take place outside of the Slice restaurant in Lakeview on 29th Street South from 1 p.m. to midnight. Slicefest will again feature a strong lineup of local and regional jazz-inspired musicians – to be announced in the coming weeks. Attendees will also have access to a wide selection of local, craft beer and numerous slices of specialty pizza, along with additional food and drink options from nearby restaurants and supporting sponsors. Community is one of Slicefest’s greatest areas of focus, and as such, the festival will again give back a portion of proceeds to the Suki Foundation. For more information, visit slicefest.com
June 1, 2019: National Trails Day — Nationwide
If you love being outdoors, then you will love National Trails Day! Outdoor enthusiasts come together for educational exhibits, trail dedications, gear demonstrations, instructional workshops and trail projects for this holiday. Although this takes place across the country, you can celebrate locally at state parks as they will be offering a variety of ranger-led hikes. For specific events near you, visit their website at americanhiking.org.
June 2, 2019: Charlotte Mimosa Festival — Charlotte, NC
It’s an afternoon of unlimited mimosa tastings, great music, entertainment, pop up shops, and awesome food from some of Charlotte’s finest food trucks. Doors open at The Unknown Brewing Co. at 1 p.m. for the general public, with VIP admission beginning at noon. General admission tickets are $40 and include unlimited mimosa tastings from flavored mimosa bars. For more info, visit eventbrite.com.
June 2: 2019 VIVA HEALTH Starlight Gala starring Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra — Birmingham, AL
June 6-9, 2019: CMA Fest — Nashville, TN
June 6-9, 2019: Festival of the Bluegrass – Lexington, KY
Can you believe the Festival of the Bluegrass is now in its 46th year? This year’s traditional Bluegrass Music Festival will take place in the heart of the bluegrass at the Kentucky Horse Park Campground in Lexington, KY. The family-run festival, established in 1974, has been described as a “family reunion on steroids.” There is a little something for everyone – camping, food and craft vendors, climbing, clogging and of course, bluegrass music. This year’s lineup consists of The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Turning Ground, Dave Adkins, Newtown, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out and many more. Four-day tickets start at $100. For more information, visit festivalofthebluegrass.com.
June 7, 2019: Live at the Garden: KANSAS — Memphis, TN
Live at the Garden is one of Memphis’ most known events. To kick off a summer of performers, KANSAS will take the stage. So grab some friends, snacks and drinks and head down to Memphis Botanic Garden for this classic Memphis summer event! Season passes are $170 and tickets for individual shows are $41. liveatthegarden.com
June 7 & 8: 2019: Louisville Greek Fest 2019 — Louisville, KY
It’s all Greek to us on June 7 and 8 for the Louisville Greek Fest. Enjoy authentic Greek food, live traditional music and dancing, a marketplace, cooking demonstrations and culture tours. This event is free to attend. facebook.com
June 7-9, 2019: Louisville Tango Festival — Louisville, KY
The 4th annual Louisville Tango Festival combines a breathtaking venue with the very best dancers, teachers and musicians. Although you’ll be at The Seelbach, the authentic Argentinian food and drink bring the feel of Buenos Aires. This three-day event will highlight Argentine tango dancing to live music and guest DJs. You will also enjoy workshops and private lessons. Class and party times vary throughout the weekend. Tickets start at $299, and a cash bar that includes Argentine wine and beer will also be available. louisvilletangofestival.com
June 7, 2019: Atlanta Moon Ride – Atlanta, GA
The city’s first night-cycling event will include a thrilling six-mile bike ride through some of Atlanta’s coolest neighborhoods. The ride will start at 7 p.m. and all proceeds will support the work of the local charity Bert’s Big Adventure. Bert’s Big Adventure is a nonprofit organization that provides a magical, all-expenses-paid, five-day journey to Walt Disney World® for children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families. Registration starts at $35 and also includes a t-shirt! For more information on the event, visit atlantamoonride.com.
June 7-9, 2019: Norfolk Harborfest – Norfolk, VA
Norfolk Harborfest® is America’s largest, longest-running, free maritime festival and is now in its 43rd year! This historic waterfront festival will offer a weekend packed with thrilling activities on both land and sea. Attendees will see tall ships, the Parade of Sail, artisan foods and beverages, workboat races, unique and unusual performances, one of the largest fireworks show on the East Coast, family games and regional entertainment. Learn more at festevents.org.
June 8, 2019: Bourbon by the Bridge — Louisville, KY
If you’re in the mood to drink for a cause, listen up! CASA of the River Region is hosting a premiere bourbon tasting event benefiting abused and neglected children. Guests will enjoy a wide variety of distilleries that will offer all-you-can-taste pours and cocktails. Live music will set the perfect mood as the sun sets over the river. Ladyfingers Catering will also provide heavy hors d’oeuvres. The event will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. under the Big Four Bridge, and tickets are $75 and $25 for designated drivers. casariverregion.org
June 11, 2019: Dog Day Nights at Slugger Field — Louisville, KY
Who let the dogs out? Slugger Field did! On June 11, the Louisville Bats invite you to a baseball game with your pup. Tickets are $8 for people and $3 for dogs, with all proceeds from dog tickets going to the Kentucky Humane Society. kyhumane.org
June 13, 2019: Yoga on the Field — Memphis, TN
How often do you get to do yoga on the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium field? Hot Yoga Plus is bringing Yoga on the Field to Memphis on Thursday, June 13 with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the first class beginning at 6:30 p.m. With the class being taught by Margaux Bartosch from Hot Yoga Plus and Charlie Hayden from Our Yoga in the Park, you will have a satisfying workout. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. yotf901.com
June 13-16, 2019: Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival– Manchester, TN
Which music festival draws 80,000 fans? Only Bonnaroo! It’s four days of festivities that are sure to blow your mind. More than 150 musical performances, along with comedy, cinema, sustainability workshops and more. It’s a wonderland of music and art, and it’s all just down the street from Nashville! Visit visitmusiccity.com for more information.
June 14, 2019: Art on The Rocks — Birmingham, AL
June 14-15, 2019: Jefferson St. Jazz & Blues Festival — Nashville, TN
Celebrate community, music and culture at the 19th Annual Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival. For two days in two different Nashville locations, jazz, blues and R&B artists will take the stage and wow the crowds! On Friday, June 14, join for the Bridging the Gap Mixer at 5th Ave South and Demonbreun to enjoy a festive evening of musical performances and food, cocktails and more, beginning at 4 p.m. Then on Saturday, from 3 to 11 p.m., enjoy all the fun at Bicentennial Mall Park including fabulous jazz performances and plenty of vendors with delicious bites and great products for sale. Tickets purchased in advance of the Bridge the Gap Mixer are $5, General Admission tickets on Saturday are $20 and VIP access tickets are $35. General Admission weekend passes are $35 and VIP weekend passes are $55. VIP tickets include preferred seating, no lines and bottomless Coke and water. Get your ticket and be ready to groove! nashvillejazzandbluesf
June 14-16, 2019: American Artisan Festival — Nashville, TN
June 14-16, 2019: Father’s Day Weekend Celebration at Graceland — Memphis, TN
There’s no better place or time to celebrate Father’s Day than Graceland! If the dad in your life loves BBQ, live music and Elvis, now is the time to plan the weekend. Spend an unforgettable weekend filled with food, hand-rolled cigars, whiskey tastings, a Father’s Day Blues Brunch and so much more! Packages start at $140. graceland.com
June 14-23, 2019: Hampton County’s 77th Watermelon Festival – Hampton, SC
Hampton County’s place among the state’s top watermelon producers is what gave birth to this festival. From the beginning, this festival has been a celebration of, for and by the people of this friendly county and is timed to the melon harvest every summer. The festival has grown into a course of events including a beauty contest, Battle of the Towns, Mud Run, parade, arts and crafts and more! For more information about this event, visit hcmelonfest.org.
June 19-23, 2019: Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic – Sandestin, FL
The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin® takes place every June off the Florida panhandle and has set the precedent for world-class, million dollar sportfishing tournaments. The tournament is timed to coincide with the peak of the Gulf Coast’s blue marlin season. In addition to the main event, there are other events taking place during the tournament including a golf scramble and Taste of Wind Creek. For more information and ticket prices, visit fishecbc.com.
June 21-23, 2019: 22nd Annual AthFest Music and Arts Festival — Athens, GA
Head to the birthplace of R.E.M. and enjoy a three-day weekend filled with fabulous music and visual art by some of the most talented local and regional musicians and artists! Events take place through downtown Athens and celebrate AthFest Educates which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing funding for music and arts education for youth. Venue events require tickets, but outdoor stages are free for all! Learn more at athfest.com.
June 22, 2019: Charlotte Caribbean Children Carnival — Charlotte, NC
This is an educational festival for the kiddos. Come and enjoy a parade of the islands, face painting, hula hooping, live entertainment, food and drinks on June 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The best part? The talent show competition for elementary and middle school children. For more info, visit eventbrite.com.
June 22, 2019: Kentucky Craft Bash — Louisville, KY
For one day this summer, the Kentucky Guild of Brewers and HopCat will transform Louisville’s Waterfront Park into the state’s largest, most exclusive taproom. Yep, that’s right! The Kentucky Craft Bash is back this year at Waterfront Park. This event will feature over 40 Kentucky breweries and more than 100 varieties of beer. Not only will you be able to enjoy the Kentucky brews you’ve come to love, but you will also be able to sample unique, experimental beers too. General admission tickets are $45, VIP tickets are $55 and DD tickets are just $10. VIP ticket holders are admitted at noon and all others are allowed entry at 1 p.m. with tastings and fun lasting until 5 p.m. kycraftbash.com
June 23, 2019: Craft Food & Wine Festival — Memphis, TN
Showcasing locally-produced breads, cheeses, fruits, preserves and cured meats is the Craft Food & Wine Festival. This 21 and up event will begin at 4 p.m. and will be held at The Columns at One Commerce Square, at 40 South Main. There will be live entertainment and tasting sessions. The tasting sessions are split in two times of 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Each session runs for 2 hours. Tickets range from $60 to $115 and VIP tickets are available for $115. Each admission includes a small tasting board and wine glass. craftfoodandwinefestiva
June 28-30, 2019: Bayou Boogaloo – Norfolk, VA
The Bayou Boogaloo Music & Cajun Food Festival is Norfolk’s annual love fest with New Orleans’ vibrant spirit, and it captures the melting pot of Bayou culture. This widely popular three-day festival delivers the heart and soul of Louisiana to visitors of Town Point Park in true Cajun and Creole style. There will be two stages featuring national recording artists that will provide diverse cultural musical entertainment. The Arts Council of New Orleans and Norfolk Festevents handpick one-of-a-kind artists from Louisiana to share their crafts. This year, various mediums will be represented, including art, jewelry and sculpture. Festival-goers are in for a real treat as they will have the opportunity to feast on fresh crawfish, jambalaya, gumbo, etouffee, alligator and beignets. Tickets range from $10 to $20. For more information, visit festevents.org.
June 28 & 29, 2019: Sandstock: A Tribute to Rock & Roll – Virginia Beach, VA
This tribute to rock and roll is a beach-inspired variation of Woodstock. National and regional tribute artists will cover songs from some of the greatest rockers in history. All performances, which are free to the public, are held on two “dueling stages.” For more information and full lineup, visit beachstreetusa.com.
We hope you enjoy this first month of summer!
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