Southern Affairs | Festivals, Events, & Things to Do
Railbird Music Festival | Lexington, Kentucky
August 28th & 29th
Guaranteed to have music lovers reveling in every note, the Railbird Music Festival in Lexington is unlike any other Kentucky festival. Located on the historic grounds of Keeneland, an internationally renowned racecourse and auction house, the Railbird Music Festival brings together world-class artists and music aficionados in the Bluegrass State. Taste and celebrate the spirit of Kentucky with curated bourbon tastings and culinary demonstrations located throughout the Festival. With headliners like My Morning Jacket, Dave Matthews Band, and Jason Isbell, the second annual Railbird Music Festival is making waves. Enjoy the music in style with a VIP weekend pass. Relax all day with exclusive access to elevated experiences, like exclusive lounges with shade, prime seating, complimentary hors d'oeuvres, and reserved parking.
Hang on the rail and get ready for a music-filled weekend at the Railbird Music Festival.
railbirdfest.com
Lost Colony: Outdoor Drama | Manteo, NC
Through August 2021
Experience an 84-year-old musical under the magical night sky at Lost Colony: Outdoor Drama. Offering a refreshed production of the original symphonic drama by Paul Green, Lost Colony explores a nearly 450-year-old mystery with theatrical flair. Located on the Roanoke Island sound front, become immersed in the compelling dramatic production full of stunning choreography and dynamic musical talent. Follow the historically important story of the 117 English men, women, and children who attempted to establish a permanent settlement in the New World in what is known as America’s oldest mystery. Witness the pageantry of the court of Queen Elizabeth I and be swept away in one of the most beloved experiences in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
thelostcolony.org
Shoals Spirit of Freedom Celebration | Florence, AL
July 4th, 2021
Culminating in one of the largest fireworks shows in the Southeast, celebrate America's Independence on the banks of the Tennessee River at the Shoals Spirit of Freedom Celebration in Florence, Alabama. With family-friendly events during the day, plus live music and incredible food vendors, there’s no better way to spend America’s birthday while in Alabama.
visitflorenceal.com
Louisiana Soul Food Festival | Shreveport, Louisiana
August 27th & 28th
Filled with food for the soul, the Louisiana Soul Food Festival is a delightful three days of Southern cuisine, live music, and culinary excellence. Located at the Louisiana State Fairgrounds in Shreveport, this inaugural festival showcases local and national recording artists, acclaimed chefs, and talented artisan vendors. Bring the family for a fun and tasty day of good food, good music, and inspiring art. A full-blown weekend of soul food, music, and mayhem, the Louisiana Soul Food Festival combines the best of culture and cuisine in the South.
louisianasoulfoodfallfestival.com
Johnson County Peach Festival | Clarksville, Arkansas
July 22nd through July 24th
The oldest festival in Arkansas, the Johnson County Peach Festival is a free, family-friendly environment full of entertainment for the whole family. Search for hidden treasure during the festival's scavenger hunt, discover an incredible local artisan, and watch the daredevil stunts of the skateboard competition. Cool down with the frozen t-shirt contest and water balloon toss, let the kids run wild with the greased pig chase, and get a taste of the Natural State at the Johnson County Peach Festival's peach eating contest, peach cobbler bake-off, and peach pie eating contest. Enjoy the fruit in a new way with the Salsa Competition – whether it’s savoring the juicy stone fruit, being inspired by its fuzz exterior and unique color, or enjoying a county-wide festival with the family, the Johnson County Peach Festival is sure to wow.
jocopeachfest.com
Tomato Art Fest | Nashville, Tennessee
August 13th & 14th
Free to attend, East Nashville's two-day-long Tomato Art Fest has been uniting the wild and wacky community since 2004. Located in the Historic Five Points, enjoy an inspiring weekend of wacky contests and fantastic live music. Taste the culinary delights from favorite local food trucks and let the kids get creative with a wide range of musical and artistic activities. Uniting fruits and vegetables annually, the Tomato Art Fest attracts visitors from all over the globe with themed art, local entertainment, eye-catching costumes, and unique vendors.
tomatoartfest.com
Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival | Norfolk, Virginia
August 20th & 21st
Coastal Virginia's longest-running outdoor jazz festival, the Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival is a fan-favorite of Town Point Park. Featuring the legendary music of leading jazz and R&B artists, sit back, relax, and enjoy the smooth sound of jazz surrounded by gorgeous views of the water. With one-of-a-kind vendors offering food, wine, crafts, retail merchandise, and more, the Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival is downtown Norfolk's top summertime festival.
festevents.org/events/2021/jazz-fest-2021
Hope Melon Festival | Hope, Arkansas
August 5th through 7th
With their refreshing juice and intoxicating flavor, watermelons have long been a calling card for the City of Hope. Bite into the juicy sweet fruit at the Hope Watermelon Festival and dive into the family fun and entertainment of southwestern Arkansas. Featuring numerous activities like arts & crafts, and live music, the Hope Watermelon Festival is home to a 5k race, dog show, and car show. Belt some tunes and show off those pipes at Watermelon Idol. Get juiced up at the Watermelon Olympics, participate in the seed spitting contest, and let the kiddos loose in the Kid Zone – everyone is sure to have a delicious time at the Hope Watermelon Festival.
hopewatermelonfest.com
Georgia Mountain Fair | Hiawassee, Georgia
August 13th through 21st
The perfect summer getaway away from the city, a trip to the Georgia Mountain Fair is Hiawassee offers two weeks of unbridled fun and world-class entertainment. With performances by top recording artists, the Georgia Mountain Fair is more than just a music festival. Discover the skill of a 3,00-year-old art form at the Hot Glass Academy glass blowing demonstrations, get an up-close and personal look into the life of North Americas' most prestigious predator, the Alaskan Grizzly Bear at A Grizzly Experience. Meet Yogi, a 7-year-old 600-pound Grizzly Bear, and two Juveniles, Dottie and Lea, as they delight crowds of all ages with their impressive sizes and amazing behaviors. From soap making and cider squeezing to quilt making, blacksmithing, moonshining, and more, the Old Ways demonstrations and the Pioneer Village give visitors to the festival a glimpse into the ways and life of Georgia’s Mountain folk.
georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/localevents/fair
Discover more amazing fairs, festivals, and events all across the South this summer!
