Southern Affairs | September October 2024
The fall season brings a plethora of festivals across the South, each offering its own unique blend of culture, tradition, and celebration. From the enchanting North Carolina Apple Festival in Hendersonville to the spine-tingling Legends and Lanterns Festival in St. Charles, Missouri, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a foodie, a music lover, an art enthusiast, or simply seeking family-friendly fun, these festivals offer unforgettable experiences and cherished memories. So, mark your calendars and get ready to embark on an exciting journey through the cultural tapestry of the South!
August 30-September 2
North Carolina Apple Festival
Hendersonville, North Carolina
This four-day festival showcases the abundant apple crop grown in Hendersonville, North Carolina, which produces 85 percent of all the apples produced in the state. The event features plenty of family-friendly activities, including a street fair with live musical performances, arts and crafts vendors, a Family Fun Zone with rides and inflatables, apple orchard tours, a parade, and over 40 varieties of fresh-picked apples. Located just 30 minutes outside of Asheville, this hometown celebration is the perfect way to spend your Labor Day weekend!
ncapplefestival.org
August 30-September 2
Big River Steampunk Festival
Hannibal, Missouri
The Big River Steampunk Festival is the largest steampunk celebration in the country, and it takes place each year over Labor Day weekend. Festivities kick off with an Opening Ceremony that includes a fun parade that anyone can participate in, as well as a Festival Blessing. More than 20,000 people attend the event, which features food and craft vendors, live entertainment, and plenty of exciting activities like Airship Races, Nerf and parasol dueling, teapot races, face painting, and a large block party on Saturday evening, General admission is free, but tickets are available for special events.
bigriversteampunkfestival.com
August 31-September 2
Japanese Festival at Missouri Botanical Garden
St. Louis, Missouri
The annual Japanese Festival is a three-day cultural adventure celebrating Japan’s fine arts, food and entertainment. The Missouri Botanical Garden has produced the event for more than 40 years in conjunction with the Japanese Activities Committee, and it draws thousands of visitors each year. Activities include taiko drumming, bon odori dancing, martial arts, thrilling samurai sword performances, candlelight walks through the Japanese Garden, and more! This festival takes place rain or shine over Labor Day weekend, and festival admission is required for Garden entry.
missouribotanicalgarden.org/japanese-festival
September 12-15
Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Festival
Rosine, Kentucky
The Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Festival takes place near Rosine, Kentucky, which is often touted as the birthplace of bluegrass music. Hosted by the Bill Monroe Bluegrass Foundation, the festival takes place on the grounds of the Bill Monroe Homeplace. Musical acts include Authentic Unlimited, Larry Sparks, Blue Highway, Kody Norris Show, Fast Track, and many more! The main stage is set just 400 feet from the Bill Monroe cabin in a shaded valley. Tall shade trees are sprinkled throughout the seating area, which is on a gentle slope for a clear view of the stage. A smaller stage is located across the road from the Monroe cabin, and visitors can listen to jam sessions throughout the day and night. Primitive RV and tent campsites are available, and alcohol is not allowed on the premises.
jerusalemridgefestival.com
September 13-15
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
Bristol, Tennessee
Since 2001, the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion has celebrated Bristol’s music heritage as the birthplace of country music. The festival takes place in Historic Downtown Bristol, which straddles the border between Tennessee and Virginia. Attendees can explore the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, which commemorates the historic 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings that launched the careers of legendary artists like The Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers. This event features a diverse lineup of artists representing various genres, including country, bluegrass, Americana, folk, blues, and rock. Performances take place on multiple stages throughout downtown Bristol, offering attendees the opportunity to discover new acts and enjoy established favorites. In addition to live music, the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion offers a range of activities for festival-goers, including food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, and children's activities.
bristolrhythm.com
September 20-21
Fort Payne Boom Days Heritage Festival
Fort Payne, Alabama
The Boom Days Heritage Festival celebrates the cultural, historical, and economic heritage of Fort Payne and its surrounding communities. It highlights the achievements and contributions of the people who shaped the region's development. The festival takes its name from the boom years of Fort Payne's history, which occurred during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this time, the region experienced significant growth and prosperity, particularly due to the rise of the textile industry and the establishment of numerous mills. The event offers a wide range of activities and attractions for all ages, including live music performances showcasing local talent, arts and crafts vendors selling handmade goods, historical reenactments depicting key moments in Fort Payne's history, food vendors offering delicious Southern cuisine, and family-friendly entertainment such as games and activities for children.
boomdays.com
September 26-29
Louder Than Life Music Festival
Louisville, Kentucky
The Louder Than Life Festival is a renowned annual music festival held in Louisville, Kentucky. It is known for its diverse lineup of rock and heavy metal music from both established and up-and-coming artists, as well as its vibrant atmosphere and wide range of attractions. Past headliners have included names like Guns N' Roses, Slipknot, Metallica, Rob Zombie, and many others. In addition to the music, the festival is known for its impressive selection of food and drink options. Attendees can sample a variety of culinary delights from local vendors, including a wide range of beverages, including craft beer, bourbon, and cocktails. Louder Than Life also features a range of attractions and activities to enhance the festival experience, such as artist meet-and-greets, interactive art installations, merchandise vendors, carnival rides, and more.
louderthanlifefestival.com
September 27-29
Q in the Lou
St. Louis, Missouri
Overall, Q in the Lou is a deliciously entertaining event that pays homage to St. Louis's barbecue heritage while offering attendees a chance to indulge in mouthwatering dishes, learn from the experts, and enjoy the company of fellow barbecue enthusiasts. The festival brings together some of the best pitmasters and barbecue restaurants from St. Louis and beyond to showcase their skills and signature dishes. Visitors can expect to indulge in a wide variety of barbecue styles, including ribs, pulled pork, brisket, sausage, and more. In addition to enjoying delicious barbecue, there are cooking demonstrations and workshops where pitmasters share their tips, techniques, and secrets for achieving mouthwatering barbecue at home. To complement the savory flavors of barbecue, the festival often features live music and entertainment, as well as a variety of beverages, including craft beer, cocktails, and other refreshments. Additionally, the festival may feature vendors selling barbecue-related merchandise, sauces, rubs, and other culinary products for enthusiasts to take home and enjoy.
greatriverroad.com/stl-events/q-in-the-lou
October 1-November 2
Jack O’Lantern Spectacular
Louisville, Kentucky
The Jack O'Lantern Spectacular in Louisville, Kentucky, is a dazzling display of thousands of intricately carved pumpkins illuminated in a mesmerizing outdoor setting. Hosted annually in Iroquois Park, this event has become a beloved tradition in the Louisville area, drawing visitors from near and far to experience its enchanting atmosphere. Each year, talented artists carve pumpkins into elaborate designs, ranging from traditional Halloween motifs to intricate portraits, scenes from popular culture, and works of art. These illuminated jack-o'-lanterns are then arranged along a walking trail, creating a captivating journey through a magical pumpkin wonderland. The Jack O'Lantern Spectacular offers something for everyone, with themes that vary from year to year to keep the experience fresh and exciting. Visitors can stroll along the illuminated trail at their own pace, marveling at the creativity and craftsmanship of the pumpkin carvings and enjoying the festive ambiance of the event. In addition to the stunning pumpkin displays, the Jack O'Lantern Spectacular features live entertainment, food and beverage vendors, and interactive activities for all ages, making it a fun-filled outing for families, couples, and groups of friends alike. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to the Louisville area, the Jack O'Lantern Spectacular is a must-see event that promises to delight and inspire with its enchanting display of glowing pumpkins and festive Halloween spirit.
jackolanternlouisville.org
October 5
Arkansas Goat Festival
Perryville, Arkansas
As the name suggests, the Arkansas Goat Festival is centered around goats, and everything associated with them. It serves as a platform to celebrate the role of goats in agriculture, as pets, and as providers of milk, cheese, and other products. The festival often includes educational exhibits and demonstrations about goat care, husbandry, and agriculture. Attendees have the opportunity to learn about different breeds of goats, their dietary needs, health care, and the various products that can be derived from goats. Festivities include goat-themed games and contests, such as goat costume contests, goat milking competitions, and goat agility courses along with crafters selling goat-related products, such as goat milk soap, goat cheese, goat milk fudge, and other goat-themed merchandise. Food vendors also offer dishes featuring goat meat or goat cheese, as well as other local culinary delights. Local musicians, dancers, and performers may take the stage to entertain attendees throughout the day.
arkansasgoatfestival.com
October 3-13
Georgia National Fair
Perry, Georgia
The Georgia National Fair in Perry is one of the largest annual events in the state of Georgia, offering a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. As an agricultural fair, the Georgia National Fair showcases the best of Georgia's farming and livestock industries. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring prize-winning livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry. There are also displays highlighting crops, produce, and agricultural equipment. Participants from various counties and regions of Georgia compete for prizes and recognition in categories such as livestock breeding, showmanship, and agricultural skills. The fair offers a diverse lineup of entertainment options for visitors, such as live music performances featuring local and national artists, carnival rides and games, stunt shows, circus acts, and more. There are also special attractions geared towards children and families, such as petting zoos, pony rides, and interactive exhibits. Fairgoers can indulge in a wide variety of delicious food and beverages available from several vendors throughout the fairgrounds. From classic fair favorites like corn dogs and funnel cakes to Southern specialties and international cuisine, there's something to satisfy every craving.
georgianationalfair.com
October 9-12
The King Biscuit Blues Festival
Helena/West Helena, Arkansas
The King Biscuit Blues Festival is an iconic annual event held in Helena and West Helena, Arkansas, celebrating the rich history and legacy of blues music in the Mississippi Delta region. It features performances by both established blues artists and up-and-coming talent, showcasing a diverse array of styles within the genre, including Delta blues, electric blues, soul blues, and more. Past headliners have included renowned artists such as B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Keb' Mo', Taj Mahal, and Bonnie Raitt, among others. Workshops, panel discussions, and educational programming explore the history and significance of blues music. In addition to the music, the festival offers a taste of Southern hospitality and Delta cuisine, with food vendors serving up delicious barbecue, soul food, and other regional specialties. Attendees can also explore arts and crafts vendors showcasing local handmade goods and cultural artifacts, providing a glimpse into the vibrant heritage of the Mississippi Delta.
kingbiscuitfestival.com
October 11-13
Fall for Greenville
Greenville, South Carolina
Fall for Greenville is an annual festival held in Greenville, South Carolina, that celebrates the city's vibrant culinary scene, diverse culture, and sense of community. The three-day event is renowned for its culinary offerings, featuring dishes from Greenville's top restaurants and eateries. Participating restaurants set up booths throughout the festival grounds, offering a wide variety of food and beverage options, including Southern specialties, international cuisine, and gourmet fare. Attendees can sample small plates or full meals, allowing them to taste their way through Greenville's culinary scene. In addition to the food, the festival features multiple stages where local and regional bands perform throughout the weekend, showcasing a wide variety of musical genres, including rock, jazz, blues, country, and more. The family-friendly event also includes children's activities, interactive exhibits, arts and crafts vendors, and more.
fallforgreenville.net
October 12-13, 19-20, 25-27
Legends and Lanterns Festival
St. Charles, Missouri
The Legends and Lanterns Festival is an annual Halloween-themed event held in St. Charles, Missouri, that brings history and fantasy to life through interactive experiences, entertainment, and storytelling. One of the highlights of the Legends and Lanterns Festival is the presence of historical characters who roam the streets, interacting with visitors and sharing tales from the past. These characters may include famous figures from history, folklore, literature, and pop culture, each bringing their own unique stories and personalities to the event. The festival also features a cast of costumed performers who entertain and engage with attendees throughout the event. The performers usually portray fantastical characters, mythical creatures, ghosts, and other creatures of the night, adding to the festive and immersive atmosphere of the festival. The event offers a variety of interactive experiences and attractions for visitors to enjoy, including themed displays, exhibits, and activities that allow attendees to step into the world of legends and folklore. From haunted houses and spooky mazes to scavenger hunts and theatrical performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
discoverstcharles.com/event/legends-%26-lanterns%C2%AE/2371/
October 18-19
Natchez Balloon Festival
Natchez, Mississippi
The Natchez Balloon Festival is an annual event held in Natchez, Mississippi, that celebrates the beauty and wonder of hot air balloons against the backdrop of the city's historic landscape. Throughout the festival, attendees can see the breathtaking sight of colorful balloons taking to the skies, creating a picturesque spectacle against the backdrop of Natchez's historic landmarks and natural beauty. Festival-goers have the opportunity to take tethered balloon rides or even embark on full flights, providing a unique perspective of Natchez and the surrounding countryside from high above. One of the highlights of the festival is the balloon glow event, where participating balloons are illuminated against the night sky. This mesmerizing display of light and color creates a magical atmosphere, drawing spectators from near and far. In addition to the balloon activities, the festival offers a variety of entertainment options for attendees to enjoy, such as live music performances, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors serving up delicious Southern cuisine, children's activities, and more.
natchezballoonfestival.com
October 19-20
Annual Jubilee Festival of Arts
Daphne, Alabama
The Jubilee Festival of Arts features a wide array of arts and crafts from talented artists and artisans. Attendees can browse booths and stalls showcasing a diverse range of handmade goods, including paintings, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, textiles, woodwork, and more. It's a fantastic opportunity to discover unique treasures and support local artists. In addition to admiring finished artworks, festival-goers can also observe live demonstrations by participating artists. These demonstrations provide insight into the creative process and allow attendees to see firsthand how various art forms are created. A lively entertainment lineup featuring local musicians, bands, dancers, and performers sets the mood as attendees explore the festival grounds. No festival is complete without delicious food and beverages, and the Jubilee Festival of Arts delivers on this front as well. Food vendors offer a tempting selection of culinary delights, ranging from classic festival fare like funnel cakes and barbecue to gourmet treats and international cuisine. The festival is designed to be family-friendly, with activities and attractions for attendees of all ages. Children can enjoy interactive arts and crafts stations, face painting, balloon animals, and other kid-friendly entertainment, ensuring that the whole family has a memorable experience.
thejubileefestival.com
October 26-27
Kimmswick Apple Butter Festival
Kimmswick, Missouri
The Kimmswick Apple Butter Festival takes place in the historic town of Kimmswick, which is found along the Mississippi River, just south of St. Louis, Missouri. At the heart of the festival is the time-honored tradition of making apple butter. Festival-goers can view demonstrations of apple butter being cooked in large copper kettles over open fires, using traditional methods and recipes passed down through generations. The aroma of simmering apples and spices fills the air, creating a nostalgic and inviting atmosphere. There are also a variety of arts and crafts vendors selling handmade goods, artisanal products, and fall-themed décor. Attendees can browse booths and stalls showcasing pottery, jewelry, woodwork, textiles, seasonal decorations, and more, providing the perfect opportunity to shop for unique gifts and souvenirs. Live music, entertainment, and activities add to the festive atmosphere of the Kimmswick Apple Butter Festival as musicians, dancers, and performers take the stage throughout the weekend. Of course, no visit to the festival would be complete without sampling freshly made apple butter, which can be purchased by the jar to take home and enjoy.
gokimmswick.com/events/apple-butter-festival
