Southern Byways

What’s On the Calendar This Weekend

by Apryl on September 25th, 2008

It’s the last weekend of September, and you shouldn’t be sitting at home. With the cooler weather, it’s a great time to be out and about. And if you need anymore reason, there’s a lot of fun things happening in the South, including a presidential debate (possibly.)

If you enjoy music, head to…

• the “Austin City Limits” Music Festival happening in, well, Austin, Texas, on September 26-28 in Zilker Park. Featuring over 100 musical acts, the festival also includes Soco Art Market featuring wares from local vendors. And of course, no festival is complete without ample food.
• the Foggy Hollow Bluegrass Gatherin’ in Webster Chapel, Ala., located between Gadsden and Anniston. The event, on September 26-27, features two days of bluegrass music.
• the 13th Annual Flat Rock (N.C.) Music Festival isn’t a typical music festival. It’s more laid-back, but filled with talent. Taking place on September 26-28 at Camp Ton-A-Wandah, there is something at the festival for the whole family. Aside from musical acts, there’s also a kid’s village and various workshops.
• the Fortune Williams Music Festival in Stauton, Va., is another can’t-miss this weekend. The three-day event (September 26-28) is filled with eclectic performers.

If you love arts and crafts, be sure to check out…

• the 3rd Annual Eureka Springs (Ark.) Studio Tour taking place on September 26-28. This self-guided tour takes you through 12 working studios.
• the 33rd Annual Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival, September 26-28, features over 100 artists. Happening at Huntington Beach State Park near Murrells Inlet, S.C., the event also includes live entertainment and Lowcountry food.
• the 19th Annual Hyde Park Village Art Festival in Tampa, Fla. Highlighting over 150 artists, there is a little of everything for everyone’s budget. The festival is scheduled from September 27-28 at Hyde Park Village.

If it’s good food you want - well, you won’t be disappointed with these choices, such as…

• the Wing Dang Doodle Festival in Forest, Miss., combines the best of both worlds: chicken wings and the blues. Taking place on September 27, the festival features a chicken wing cook-off, arts and crafts, and more.
• And while you’re in Mississippi, don’t miss out on the Mississippi Pecan Festival in Richton. This three-day festival, September 26-28, has everything from mule pulls to arts and crafts, and yes, even pecan pies.
• the 20th Annual Taste of the Bayou in Bayou La Batre, La., will have you asking, “does it get any better than this?” And with one answer, “no.” This event, on September 27, highlights area seafood and the dishes made from them. Be sure to bring your appetite.
• the 4th Annual Homestead Apple Festival in Crossville, Tenn., serves up apple cider, apple pie and plain apples. The festival, on September 27, also has crafts and live entertainment
• the 19th World Chicken Festival in London, Ky., is more than a festival, it pays homage to a certain man in a colonel suit.  And the rest was history. Well, the festival ends on September 28, and you still have time to get your chicken dinner from the World’s Largest Skillet. The event also includes live entertainment and a kid’s area.
• the Irmo (S.C.) Okra Strut Festival on September 26-27. A true southern delicacy, the festival includes eating contest, live entertainment and more.
• the 5th Annual Western NC BBQ Festival, a KCBS sanctioned event, takes place on September 26-27. Aside from good ole barbecue, the festival also has an outdoor market and live entertainment.
• the 31st Annual Pensacola (Fla.) Seafood Festival celebrates the goodness that is Gulf Coast seafood. The three-day event, September 26-28, features all kinds of seafood dishes, as well as live entertainment and art vendors.
• the Great Miller Lite Chili Cook-Off takes place in Stone Mountain, Ga., on September 27. Featuring around 300 chili teams, this event is the chili cook-off event in the South. Not only is there a chili division, but also a Brunswick Stew and Cornbread.

Perhaps you are a fan of state fairs, and there are two you shouldn’t miss, like…

• the Texas State Fair. Yep, this weekend kicks out the fair of all fairs in Dallas. Now don’t worry if you can’t make it this weekend, the fair runs through October 19. When you do go, there are a two things that you have to do: see Big Tex (you can’t miss him) and try some fair food. This isn’t your funnel cake and cotton candy variety either. Nope, here at the Texas State Fair, you can sample such treats as Deep Fried S’mores, Ignited Moon Pies, and Chicken Fried Bacon.
• the State Fair of Virginia that kicks off on September 25. The fair includes rides, shows, entertainment, and yes - food. Be sure to sample some Fried Coke.

But - wait! That’s not all. Don’t forget about…

• 35th Annual Cave Springs Day Fall Festival, Cave Springs, Ark., September 26-27
• Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, Birmingham, Ala., September 26-28
• Ava Gardner Museum Fest, Smithfield, N.C., September 24-27
• 35th Annual Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend, Virginia Beach, Va., September 26-28
• 1st Annual Amelia Island Film Festival, Amelia Island, Fla., September 25-28
• 10th Annual Florida Keys Birding and Wildlife Festival, Marathon, Fla., September 26-28.

 Photo credit: DIY Planner - Franklin Covey Compact Size, flickr, creative commons by shuttercat7

Share This

Related Stories

What’s on the Calendar This Weekend (Non-Holiday Events)It’s Happening in the South…Kentuck Festival of the ArtsWhat’s Happening in the South This Weekend

POSTED IN: Festivals, Fairs, and Events, Southern Byways, Things to See in Alabama, Things to See in Arkansas, Things to See in Florida, Things to See in Georgia, Things to See in Kentucky, Things to See in Mississippi, Things to See in North Carolina, Things to See in South Carolina, Things to See in Tennessee, Things to See in Virginia, Things to See in the South