Traveling to a new destination can be so exciting because of the mystery of an unexplored location. Then there are ways to travel with a purpose to add even more fun to your adventure. There are so many events, festivals, celebrations, and more that are worth experiencing as a tourist! Summer is one of the best times to appreciate the outdoors and all the different landscapes you can find across the southern states so take time to celebrate by admiring the flowers or wishing upon the stars. There’s no wrong way to satisfy your southern vacation dreams. 

July 1 – 7, 2019 
Franklin-Simpson Co. Bicentennial 
Franklin, KY 

200 years ago, Simpson County was formed from parts of neighboring Warren, Logan and Allen Counties.  Now it’s time to pay tribute to the amazing people, places and things that have defined and continue to define Simpson County. A week-long celebration to include fireworks, a parade, historical tours of local sites, hot air balloon rides, concerts, and so much more at the Franklin-Simpson County Bicentennial. Bring the whole family for a step back in time and a celebration to the future. 
fs200.net 

July 12 – 14, 2019 
Red Wing Roots Music Festival 
Mt. Solon, Virginia 

The 7th annual Red Wing Roots Music Festival is a family-friendly celebration of multiple stages with dozens of high-quality national and regional bands, kids’ events and activities, bike rides in the scenic Shenandoah Valley and close access to great hiking and fishing. The 2019 lineup includes First Aid Kit, The Wood Brothers, Mandolin Orange, Peter Rowan's Carter Stanley's Eyes, The Tim O'Brien Band, The Gibson Brothers, Della Mae, and more! On-site camping is encouraged. 
redwingroots.com 

July 12 – 20, 2019 
Kingsport Fun Fest 
Kingsport, Tennessee 

The summer festival commonly known as Kingsport Fun Fest is a nine-day festival free of charge and open to the general public. All ages of fun seekers can find an event they’ll enjoy during Fun Fest so it’s perfect for the whole family. Explore the best part of summer in Tennessee with sporting events, musical performances, children's activities and much more. Test your speed skills during the Crazy 8’s Road Race, the world’s fastest 8K and don’t miss the chance to meet the mascot, Festus. 
funfest.net 

July 19 – 21, 2019 
Green Country RV Show 
Tulsa, Oklahoma 

The Green Country RV Show is three days of the exploring the latest and greatest in outdoor recreation. Guests will enjoy 260,000 square feet of motor homes, fifth wheels, travel trailers, camping equipment and more. From the newest models and products to special appearances and living exhibits. Be sure to bring the entire family for free face painting, balloon animals, bouncy house, and more! Newly revamped for 2019, this show promises to be bigger and better, so don’t miss it! 
greencountryrvshow.com 

July 25 – 28, 2019 
Whole Hawg Days & Poker Run 
Eufaula, Oklahoma 

Whole Hawg Days & Poker Run in Eufaula is a celebration of summer that includes a parade, car show, barbecue cook-off and much more. This annual event held for over 20 years, features the much-anticipated Whole Hawg Poker Run. Pick up cards at participating marinas around the lake, then return to the starting point to see which lucky player has created the best five-card stud poker hand to win cash prizes. 
eufaulachamberofcommerce.com 

August 1 – 4, 2019 
World’s Longest Yardsale 
(Multiple States) 

The 127 Yard Sale takes place the first Thursday-Sunday in August each year. It’s literally, The World’s Longest Yard Sale! The route spans 6 states Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and is 690 miles long. Enjoy a scenic drive that allows you to appreciate the beautiful countryside of these states all while enjoying the fun and excitement of The World’s Longest Yard Sale. This unique event draws hundreds of thousands of people including shoppers and vendors each year from all around the country.
127yardsale.com 

August 9-11, 2019 
Night Sky Festival in Shenandoah National Park 
Luray, Virginia 

Celebrate the valuable resource of dark skies through presentations by astronomy experts, Astronaut Tom Jones, NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Greg Redfern, National Park Service (NPS) Ranger Programs, and viewing the captivating night skies that NPS protects. The festival will include constellation tours, solar scope viewing, telescope viewing, Junior Ranger programs, audio-visual presentations, and hands-on activities throughout the park. Make sure to stay at Big Meadows Lodge, Skyland, or Lewis Mountain, for convenient, in-park lodging closest to the activities! 
goshenandoah.com 

August 16-25, 2019 
Peak of the Bloom Celebration 
Mercer County, West Virginia 

For ten days in the month of August in the beautiful hills of West Virginia, there are annual wildflowers in their peak bloom. Fields of these flowers are tucked in a remote area of the beautiful Camp Creek State Park and it’s one of the best kept secrets of this area. Guided photo hikes, picnics, plein air painting, wildcraft & beekeeping demos, music in the park, photo & songwriting contests, public art projects, and other special events will make up the annual celebration. 
peakofthebloom.com 

August 17-18, 2019 
Piedmont Park Arts Festival 
Atlanta, Georgia 

The Piedmont Park Summer Arts Festival is a 2-day outdoor event with an emphasis on the visual arts and family fun featuring up to 250 painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metalwork, glass blowers, jewelers, and crafters! The Festival will also offer artist demonstrations, live acoustic music, an Emerging Artists Pavilion, a children’s play area, and festival foods and beverages with healthy alternatives. Named as one of the TOP 100 Arts Festival in the Nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine, this event is a cant miss summer happening! 
piedmontparkartsfestival.com 

August 22-25, 2019 
Killer Nashville 
Franklin, Tennessee 

The Killer Nashville International Conference brings together forensic experts, writers, and fans of crime and thriller literature for a weekend full of learning, networking, and a killer good time. The annual event features over sixty educational sessions, a moonshine and wine tasting, agent and editor roundtable sessions, a mock crime scene designed by special agents, live music performances, presentations from NYT bestselling authors, and more. The 2019 featured guests are Joyce Carol Oates, David Morrell, and Alexandra Ivy. 
killernashville.com