Southern Affairs
Discover the coolest, hippest, and most enjoyable festivals, events, and shindigs all across the South.
Memphis International Blues Challenge
January 18th through 22nd
Head over to Memphis for a one-of-a-kind festival featuring five days of riveting blues. A music competition unlike any other, experience a lineup of the world's best blues performers, consisting of all ages and nationalities for a soul-shakin' Beale Street dance party. With over 10,000 music lovers, delve into the blues bands and solo/duo blues performers looking for their big break. Judged by blues professionals from across the world, with years of experience in listening to, producing, and creating blues music, the Memphis International Blues Challenge is a dream come true for jazz enthusiasts.
blues.org/international-blues-challenge
WinterFest Blowing Rock, North Carolina
January 27th through 30th
Located at Tomahawk Hill, the 24th Annual Blowing Rock Winterfest is the perfect place to celebrate the fun side of winter. Bring the Winterfest spirit home with a pinecone craft or test your skills at the WinterHawk Tournament Tomahawk Throwing Competition. Warm up at the firepit at Chetola Lake after an evening of outdoor winter festivities. Stroll through Blowing Rock and see all the gorgeous ice sculptures, showcasing one of only five Master Ice Carvers in the United States, Artisan Ice Sculptures. A Catch the interactive performance of the Carolina Snowbelles in Memorial Park in Downtown Blowing Rock. One of North Carolina's premier shopping destinations, Blowing Rock’s quaint downtown boutiques and Tanger Outlet Shoppes on the Parkway offers an abundance of shopping possibilities from art galleries to fine antiques, apparel to bookstores, home decor and so much more. This winter don't hibernate – celebrate at Blowing Rock’s Winterfest.
blowingrockwinterfest.com
New Orleans’ Carnival Season
January 6th through March 1st
Mardi Gras in style all season long. From Epiphany on January 6th until Fat Tuesday on March 1st, experience the decadence and indulge during the pre-Mardi Gras celebration known as Carnival. A time to eat, drink and be merry before the rigorous fasting and sacrifice during Lent, Carnival is filled with parades, balls, and other celebrations. Join the Phunny Phorty Fellows, a band of Twelfth Night revelers, on their annual ride on the St. Charles Streetcar on January 6, also known as Epiphany, or Twelfth Night. Followed by two other streetcar parades – the Funky Uptown Krewe, on the St. Charles line, and the Société des Champs Elysée, on the Rampart-St. Claude Streetcar – Celebrate Joan of Arc’s birthday with the Société des Champs Elysée parade on the Rampart-St. Claude Streetcar or with The Krewe of Joan of Arc, featuring historical characters in medieval dress throughout the French Quarter. Keep delighting your senses with some of the finest culinary creations in the South and discover the true meaning of “Laisse Les Bon Temps Roule” as you sit back, relax, and revel in the good times.
mardigrasneworleans.com
Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo
January 14th through February 5th
Get your cowboy on as you boot scoot and boogie through the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex this winter. One of the most authentic western lifestyle experiences, since 1896. A fun and exciting 23 days of what makes Fort Worth the greatest city in Texas – the rodeo action features the Best of the West Ranch Rodeo, Best of Mexico Celebración, Texas Invitational Mariachi Contest, Cowboys of Color Rodeo, Bulls Night Out Extreme Bull Riding, and the Rodeo X Extreme Team Competition. From livestock shows and horse shows to kid-friendly exhibits and incredible live music, embrace the excitement at Dickies Arena – the world’s most awesome venue. Experience the neon lights of the carnival midway, shopping, great food and so much more. Enjoy iconic rodeo competitions, like the calf scramble, plus a variety of other rewarding events, like the AG Robotics Challenge demonstrating robotics and engineering during a set of agricultural-related challenges. Discover the thrill at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo – This Thing is Legendary®!
fwssr.com
Coastal Virginia Wine Festival
February 5th & 6th
Experience the quintessential Virginia wine tasting at the Coastal Virginia Wine Festival. Savor Virginia's finest vintage wines, lounge in the craft beer garden, and enjoy live music. Raise a glass at the brand-new distillery den and taste your way through the Virginia Wine Trail. Gather the family and friends for a special occasion and enjoy the BEST wine festival in Virginia! With a portion of the proceeds benefiting a local charity, enjoy a weekend filled with entertainment, like live music and Grape Stomp Competitions, and vendors showcasing the best in arts and crafts and more. Celebrate good times with Virginia wines at the Coastal Virginia Wine Festival.
coastalvirginiawinefest.com
Colonial Faire and Muster
February 5th & 6th
Wormsloe State Park
Savannah, Georgia
Discover the history of the Isle of Hope throughout the centuries at the Colonial Faire and Muster at the Wormsloe State Historic Site. Beckoning visitors from near and far, the stunning live oak-lined avenue transports guests through the centuries as they learn about the founding of Georgia. Interact with historical interpreters and lose yourself in the museum filled with artifacts unearthed at Wormsloe. Take a stroll down the nature trail along the marsh and past the tabby ruins – the oldest standing structure in Savannah. At the Colonial Life area, watch as demonstrators display the tools and skills used in colonial Georgia. Highlighting the aspects of 18th-century life, like music, dancing, crafts, and military drills, the Colonial Faire and Muster at Wormsloe State Park welcomes audiences of all ages to enjoy special living history programs and demonstrations in a uniquely historic outdoor setting.
gastateparks.org/Wormsloe
West Virginia International Auto Show
February 11th & 12th
Charleston, West Virginia
Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center
Find all your favorites and discover the new love of your life at the West Virginia International Auto Show. Leisurely discover new cars, trucks, and SUVs in a non-selling, pressure-free environment. This is your chance to inspect engines, sit behind the wheel, and experience the latest in car technologies. Whether you’re a gearhead or just along for the ride, the West Virginia International Auto Show displays the vast range of vehicles, including sports cars, concept cars, and newly manufactured dream cars – this automotive exhibition is not to be missed.
westvirginiaautoshow.com
