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.
Southern Events & Happenings
StyleBlueprint finds fun things to do in the South each month. No matter if you live in Virginia or Louisiana or somewhere in-between, you will find events perfect for a road trip or to embrace in your own backyard
June 14-16: Father’s Day Weekend Celebration — Memphis, TN
There’s no better place to celebrate Father’s Day than Graceland! If the dad in your life loves BBQ, live music and Elvis, this weekend-long celebration will be a gift he won’t soon forget — way more memorable than another necktie. Packages start at $140 and include food, hand-rolled cigars, whiskey tastings, a Father’s Day Blues
June 19-23: 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
June 21-23: 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
June 22: Feast on the Farm Gala — Memphis, TN
Grab some gal pals or a hot date for a “country chic” evening at the Feast on the Farm Gala. The event will feature some of Memphis’ finest chefs, live entertainment, dancing and a silent auction, with all proceeds benefiting the educational programs of Agricenter International, a nonprofit dedicated to agricultural research, education and conservation.
June 22: 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 14-23: 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
June 23: Craft Food & Wine Festival — Memphis, TN
The Craft Food & Wine Festival, showcasing locally-produced breads, cheeses, fruits, preserves and cured meats, is one of our favorite events on the Memphis summer calendar. This 21-and-up event will begin at 4 p.m. and will be held at The Columns at One Commerce Square, located at 40 South Main. There will be live entertainment
June 28-30: 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
June 28 & 29: 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.
July 3 & 4: U.S. National Whitewater Center’s 4th of July Celebration — Charlotte, NC
The U.S. National Whitewater Center’s 4th of July Festival is a two-day celebration perfect for the adventurous spirit. This event features tours, yoga, live music and spectacular firework displays. Enjoy musical performances that will take place in the afternoon and evening on both days, followed by stunning firework displays over the world’s largest man-made whitewater
July 3: Fireworks Extravaganza — Memphis, TN
Grab the family and head over to the Bartlett area for some live music and a firework display! Start your night with live musical entertainment, activities for all ages including a car display, children’s activities and concessions followed by a fireworks show. All activities will take place on the lawn of Bartlett Performing Arts &
July 3: Memphis Stars and Stripes 5K — Memphis, TN
Time to lace up those running shoes and make it out to Memphis Botanic Garden! The annual Memphis Stars and Stripes 5K will benefit the American Red Cross while also honoring our local military, fire, law enforcement and first responders — all of whom are vital to our city. There will be live music and
July 4-7: Graceland’s All American Getaway — Graceland, TN
There’s nothing more American than Elvis, fireworks, and BBQ. In honor of the holiday, Graceland will be home to many special parties and events this weekend, as well as host the famous and fabulous Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo on the Soundstage. So, grab your pals and head on over to Graceland for a weekend
July 4: The Annual Fireworks Show at Vulcan Park and Museum — Birmingham, AL
To be apart of one of Birmingham’s best Fourth of July celebrations, head to Thunder on the Mountain at Vulcan Park and Museum! Bring your family and friends, grab a blanket or two and find the perfect place to watch this spectacular 20-minute firework show set to a soundtrack of patriotic tunes. The show will
July 4: 14th Annual Music City Hot Chicken Festival — Nashville, TN
Celebrate the birthday of our country and a true culinary staple of Nashville at the 14th Annual Music City Hot Chicken Festival. This free event in East Park is one of our favorites to celebrate 4th of July while acknowledging some of the best local spots for Nashville’s famous hot chicken. The event will include a Fire Truck
July 4: Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th — Nashville, TN
Major music stars like Lady Antebellum, mouth-watering food, family fun AND one of the country’s largest firework displays all on one of the best days of the year?! The Let Freedom Sing! Music City Independence Day bash is definitely one you don’t want to miss. The concerts are free and the fun lasts all day. Let
July 5-7: Poorcastle Festival — Louisville, KY
Louisville attracts top-notch musical talent every year to the Forecastle Festival, but not everyone in the city can drop top dollar to see them play. Enter the Poorcastle Festival at Breslin Park. Poorcastle Festival brings together the Louisville community in support of local music with all proceeds benefitting the nonprofit radio station Crescent Hill Radio
July 5: Songs of the Songwriters — Nashville, TN
Head to The Fontanel, the beautiful southern mansion in Whites Creek Valley of Nashville on the first Friday every month for Songs of the Songwriters! On July 5, you’re invited to come eat, drink and enjoy the stories behind songs from Brice Long, Phillip White and Kent Blazy. The show kicks off at 7:30 p.m.
July 6: Chalk the Walk ARTsplosion – Virginia Beach, VA
The Chalk the Walk ARTsplosion makes the Virginia Beach boardwalk a colorful canvas from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. where artists of all ages and skill levels can create their very own chalk drawing masterpiece! During this special event, artists’ chalk drawings are evaluated by a panel of judges who score the drawings according to
July 6: FirstBank First Saturday Art Crawl — Nashville, TN
If you’ve been in Nashville for long, you have probably heard about First Saturday Art Crawl. This monthly event features art galleries through town as they host over 1,000 people and open their doors to beautiful displays from both local and world-famous artists. Admission is free for this event as you are able to explore
July 11-13: Atlanta Shortsfest — Atlanta, GA
The Ninth Annual Atlanta Shortsfest, held at Synchronicity Theatre, showcases a diverse mix of short films by ultra-talented filmmakers from across the globe. All films are under 45 minutes with genres including comedy, animation, documentary, experimental, horror & sci-fi, fantasy, drama — and just about anything else you can imagine. Visit the website to buy tickets,
July 12-14: Forecastle Festival — Louisville, KY
Break out your favorite boho-chic festival outfit and get your dancing shoes ready: It’s music festival season. Forecastle Festival is back this year with a great musical lineup. The three-day festival features The Killers, The Avett Brothers, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Portugal. The Man, Maggie Rogers, Tyler Childers, Playboi Carti, Judah & The
July 12 & 13: Lebowski Fest — Louisville, KY
The 18th Annual Lebowski Fest will take place July 12 & 13 at Executive Lawn, 911 Phillips Lane. On Friday July 12, there will be music by Paul & The Tall Trees, soundtrack tribute by The Deloreans followed by a screening of The Big Lebowski at 8 p.m. On Saturday, July 13, there will be a bowling
July 13: Atlanta Field Day — Atlanta, GA
Remember recess? Take a day off from boring adulthood and enjoy a throwback day to grade school instead. With adults in mind, all the classics — tug of war, relay races, obstacle courses, etc. — will be there. The day works on a point system (per win), so grab some friends to make a team
July 14: Charlotte French Culture Festival — Charlotte, NC
For a day, Nevin Park gets transformed into a Parisian paradise for an afternoon of French culture and celebration. Discover French wine and pastries (and of course crepes!), play at the pétanque tournament, get absorbed in live music and entertainment, take a stroll at the French style market and enjoy almost any other activity your
July 15 & July 29: Open Fire: Summer Supper at Pursell Farms — Birmingham, AL
Throughout the summer, Pursell Farms will be featuring a smaller sampling of their signature Open Fire cooking demonstrations with their Open Fire: Summer Supper Series. On July 15 and July 29, Executive Chef Andrea Griffith will be offering some evening menu specials cooked on their Sea Island Forge kettles on the Arrington Vista. Watch as
July 18: 27 Live at L27 Rooftop Lounge — Nashville, TN
Mark your calendar now because 27 Live is back this summer! On the first Thursday each month from May through October, head to L27 Rooftop Lounge at The Westin Nashville for this highly anticipated summer music series. A DJ will kick off each evening at 7 p.m., followed by a featured artist or band performing until 11
July 19: Full Moon Pickin’ Party — Nashville, TN
Full Moon Pickin’ Party season is in full swing and it’s a southern event you don’t want to miss! On July 19, join in for the beloved bluegrass music series, drawing families, friends and dog lovers all over to enjoy a fun evening of outdoor music under the moon at Percy Warner Park. Mark your
July 20: 2nd Annual Taste of Memphis Vegan Food & Drink Festival — Memphis, TN
Please your taste buds at this year’s Taste of Memphis Vegan Food & Drink Festival! This event features the endless possibilities the vegan culinary world of Memphis has to offer. Some of the best chefs and restaurants in the Mid-South will be making an appearance at this amazing festival held at Cook’s Lake. Grab some
July 24-28: World Golf Championship – FedEx St. Jude Invitational — Memphis, TN
Known as the FedEx St. Jude Classic, a gold tournament held in Memphis, Tennessee as a regular event on the PGA Tour, now has new sponsorship and is known as the WGC (World Golf Championship) and will continue to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Still held at TPC Southwind, you have will have four
July 27 & 28: Soul Cleanse Festival — Louisville, KY
The Soul Cleanse Festival is a unique opportunity to deepen your practice by stretching your mind, body and spirit. Fifteen regional teachers will be leading workshops and classes focusing on postures, different yoga styles, meditation and yoga philosophy. This year, join the festival overnight and attend Saturday’s events including crystal workshops, reiki healing sessions and
July 27: Norfolk Latino Music Festival – Norfolk, VA
While the sun goes down, Town Point Park will heat up for the 19th Annual Norfolk Latino Music Festival! Let loose from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at this his fun and free event. Enjoy the hottest salsa, meringue and guaguancó dancing on the East Coast along with live Latin music by local, regional and
July 27: Music City Brewer’s Fest – Nashville, TN
Nashville breaks out the big beers for one of the biggest and best beer festivals in the country – Music City Brewer’s Fest! Not only will you get to sample refreshing brews from over 40 local, regional, national and imported breweries, but there will also be vendors, food trucks, live music, games and more in
July 27: Atlanta Ice Cream Festival — Atlanta, GA
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM! Satisfy your sweet tooth with an all-day ice cream extravaganza at Piedmont Park! The ATL Ice Cream Festival wishes to promote a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle but does it in style by offering everyone’s favorite frozen treat! From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy all types
July 28: Alabama Music Awards — Birmingham, AL
The Alabama Music Awards Organization will host the 5th Annual Alabama Music Awards featuring entertaining performances and local artist recognition. There will even be a live performance by local artist, Big Ro Williams. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Bessemer Civic Center, and tickets are $25 in advance. For more information, visit alabamamusicawardsshow.com.
August 17 & 18: Piedmont Park Arts Festival 2019 — Atlanta, GA
Looking for a summer festival to browse arts and crafts and appreciate Atlanta’s largest park? Piedmont Parks Arts Festival will have a wide variety of art, local food trucks and live acoustic performances on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry to the festival is free. piedmontparkartsfestival.com
Sept 21-22: Buckhead Fine Arts Festival 2019 — Atlanta, GA
Want to experience art at its finest? Head to The Buckhead Fine Arts Festival to enjoy two days of the best art Atlanta has to offer. Featuring approximately 100 painters, photographers, sculptors, metalwork, glass artists, jewelers and more! The Festival will also offer artist demonstrations and live acoustic music. This free festival takes place from
Oct 12-13: Fall Festival on Ponce 2019 — Atlanta, GA
The Fall Festival on Ponce is an Atlanta arts and crafts festival held in Olmsted Linear Park.Over 20,000 visitors will come to experience over 125 pieces from Atlanta’s finest artists.There will be a children’s area, local gourmet food and a stage for live music.This celebration of Atlanta’s one-of-a-kind creator culture takes place from Saturday 10:00
November 2: Walk to End Alzheimer’s — Charlotte, NC
Get ready to be decked out in purple for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, where you’ll take steps to help fight Alzheimer’s disease and bring awareness to the community. The fundraiser is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the BB&T Ballpark. For more information on how to sign up as a walker
