Southern Affairs | January February 2024
There’s no shortage of fun and exciting things to do during winter in the South. There’s a festival for almost everything, ranging from classic bluegrass, jazz, and folk music, delicious food, fiber arts, and wildlife. There’s even a music festival centered around music icon, Elvis! And don’t forget about the biggest celebration of the year with Mardi Gras in New Orleans. No matter what you’re into, you can plan your next winter adventure in the South.
January 4-6
Jekyll Island New Year’s Bluegrass Festival
Jekyll Island, Georgia
This annual festival features talented bluegrass bands from around the country for a firsthand experience of the rich tradition of this genre. In addition to live performances, the festival offers workshops led by experienced bluegrass musicians. These interactive workshops provide valuable insights into the various aspects of bluegrass music, including instrument techniques, songwriting tips, and harmonizing skills. Headliners for this event include Rhonda Vincent, The Malpass Brothers, and Dailey & Vincent. This is sure to be a toe-tappin’ good time and a great way to ring in the new year!
jekyllisland.com/
January 5-7
Oklahoma Boat Expo
Tulsa, Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Boat Expo is held at The Cox Business Convention Center in downtown Tulsa and features the biggest dealers with the latest in boats, watercraft, water sports, and RV’s. You’ll find amazing deals and learn about the newest technology in outdoor recreational vehicles. The expo also features the latest golf carts, jet skis, and boating accessories like mats and inflatables. You can even learn more about services like boat insurance and pest control. There’s a reason this expo has been named the largest and best boat show in four states. If you’re wanting to upgrade to a new boat or RV, you definitely do not want to miss this event!
okboatexpo.com/
January 11-21
Restaurant Week South Carolina
Throughout South Carolina
During this 11-day event, participating restaurants in South Carolina will feature new menu items along with fan favorites and multi-course menus at discounted prices. Food lovers can enjoy amazing values during lunch and dinner at more than 100 restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining. Choose from a variety of cuisines, including Asian, French, American, Italian, Cajun, Southern Classics, and Homemade baked goods. Your taste buds will be delighted at every meal, whether you’re craving seafood, steak, sushi, barbecue, and anything in between. No tickets are required for the event as participating restaurants will offer special menus with value pricing.
restaurantweeksouthcarolina.com/
January 17-21
Oxford Fiber Festival
Oxford, Mississippi
Fiber artists, rejoice! The Oxford Fiber Festival aims to inspire, preserve, and develop fiber arts through a variety of hands-on classes and fiber vendors. Exhibits range from historic quilts, handmade crafts, and contemporary works. A wide selection of vendors will have fiber-related goods for sale, including hand-spun and indie-dyed yarns, wool and felt for rug making, handmade clothing, bags, and accessories, quilts and quilted items, dyes and dyed fabrics, tools for weaving, knitting, dyeing, spinning, felting, batting, and more! While the festival no longer features live animals due to their safety in the cold and unpredictable weather, many vendors offer farm tours and even overnight accommodations.
oxfordfiberfestival.com/
January 18-21
Ozark Mountain Music Festival
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
With the vibe of an outdoor festival on indoor stages, this winter music festival brings American Roots and Modern Folk music to the mountain town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Performances start on Thursday night and continue for four amazing days on multiple stages in the 1905 Basin Park Hotel. The festival also includes a popular Late-Night Jam on Friday and Saturday nights at the nearby Chelsea’s Corner Café & Bar. Previous headliners include Kitchen Dwellers, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Ben Miller Band, Tall Tall Trees, Dirtfoot, and many more! There is also a variety of fun activities at the festival, including Whiskey Tasting, Macrame, Ice Skating, Hatchet Throwing, Tie Dye, and the ever-popular Yoga & Mimosas on Saturday morning. This festival always sells out, so be sure to book your hotel room early!
ozarkmountainmusicfestival.com/
January 26-28
Clarksdale Film Festival & Music Festival
Clarksdale, Mississippi
This festival in historic Clarksdale, Mississippi features a curated collection of blues documentaries and Mississippi-connected films along with live music, special guests, and more! This annual festival is a staple in Clarksdale and takes place throughout several venues in the city. The festival also offers two History Bus Tours showcasing Clarksdale’s deep musical, literary, and civil rights history. Educational workshops and panel discussions give attendees opportunities to learn more about the important role blues music has played throughout Mississippi’s storied history.
clarksdalefilmfestival.com/
February 1-3
The Myrtle Beach Elvis Festival
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The Myrtle Beach Elvis Festival is the most comprehensive showcase of some of Elvis’ greatest performances. Taking place over three days and nights, you’ll be transported back to Elvis’ most iconic moments in his musical career as a variety of talented Elvis Tribute Artists re-enact different eras of the artist’s music. The event kicks off on Thursday afternoon with a fast-paced performance of Elvis in South Carolina, followed by an evening of Elvis’ greatest hits from his 1969-1972 Las Vegas residency. Friday afternoon features a reproduction of Elvis’ 1968 Comeback Special with an evening performance of selections from the peak of Elvis’ career in 1972. The last day of the festival presents a catalog of The King’s greatest movie and Hawaiian songs with a final performance of the music, life, and legacy of Elvis. Fans of The King don’t want to miss this spectacular festival!
myrtlebeachelvisfest.com/
February 1-3
The North Carolina Jazz Festival
Wilmington, North Carolina
The North Carolina Jazz Festival is one of the oldest jazz festivals in the United States. The 44th annual festival features internationally known jazz musicians from the United States, Australia, and Italy, and it is one of the largest traditional jazz festivals in the Southeast. Held at the Hotel Ballast Ballroom, the festival kicks off with a Special Event Night, which showcases different styles of jazz music and closes with a Traditional Jazz Jam. Friday and Saturday nights continue the celebration with 15 All-Star musicians playing in rotating sets for two nights of 4 ½ hour concerts. On Saturday morning, attendees can enjoy a jazz brunch with live music and delicious food. There’s even a special jam session where attendees who are also musicians can get the chance to play with the All-Stars!
ncjazzfestival.org/
February 2-4
Reelfoot Lake Eagle Festival
Tiptonville, Tennessee
This family-friendly festival at Reelfoot Lake is held during the winter, when hundreds of eagles call the lake home. Join experienced park naturalists on daily bald eagle and waterfowl bus or van tours. During the two-hour tours, visitors can see eagles perching, flying, or snatching fish from the lake. Telescopes for viewing and information about the natural and cultural history of the wildlife and area are provided. Reservations are required, and seating is limited, so don’t miss your chance for this amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these majestic birds in person!
reelfoottourism.com
January 6-February 13
Mardi Gras in New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
Fat Tuesday falls on February 13th this year, but the Carnival season in New Orleans starts with parades on January 6th! Experience the parties, parades, and king cakes by booking your stay in the heart of all the action in New Orleans’ French Quarter. The most popular parades in New Orleans Mardi Gras include Ancient Druids, Endymion, Okeanos, Zulu, and Rex, but there are more than 80 parades leading up to the spectacular final events on Fat Tuesday. Get the best views on the parade route with grandstand seating, which includes amenities such as easy access to restrooms, nearby parking, food packages, and more. This is a great option for first-time New Orleans Mardi Gras goers. Be sure to take some time to see the sights around historic Jackson Square, stop by Basin St. Station for a cemetery walking tour, and visit some of the top New Orleans live music venues on Bourbon Street.
mardigrasneworleans.com
February 19-25
Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
The Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival is a seafood lover’s paradise. Showcasing renowned chefs, rustic barbecue, bonfires, wine tastings, mixologists, special events, live music, and more, this festival is committed to providing an exciting and luxurious culinary adventure that honors the South’s rich heritage. The festival features fresh seafood specials crafted by local restaurants as well as unique opportunities to learn about local wildlife on this gorgeous island. This seafood celebration also provides contributions toward local organizations such as The Coastal Discovery Museum, Island Recreation Scholarship Fund, Gullah Heritage Museum, and many more. Visitors can partake in a variety of delicious seafood and drinks, all while supporting a good cause.
hiltonheadseafoodfestival.com/
February 21-24
Bourbon Classic
Louisville, Kentucky
This premier Bourbon event allows visitors to experience the best in culinary, cocktail, and Bourbon arts through a collection of interactive events. Enjoy exceptional Bourbon tastings, workshops, and signature events including the Cocktail & Culinary challenge, which pairs cocktails and small dishes from notable bartenders and chefs, educational sessions at Bourbon University, and TASTE, which is a unique opportunity to sample different Bourbons, meet renowned master distillers, and enjoy delicious cuisine from featured restaurants. This event has been named one of Travel & Leisure’s “7 Best Cocktail Festivals Around the
Country” and is sure to offer the experience of a lifetime for any Bourbon enthusiast.
bourbonclassic.com/
