Top Events, Fairs, Festivals in June across Southeast
Southeast Tourism Society highlights events in 12 states
June is a prime month for special events and festivals, and the Southeast Tourism Society has identified a dozen of the best in eight states for its Top 20 Events in the Southeast program. Travelers are encouraged to check with individual events for any schedule changes before starting travel. Use the festival fashion tips found on page 16 to get ready for the big event!
June 6, 20 and July 11, 25 Sounds of Summer: Columbus, Miss. www.columbusmainstreet.com — Bring your lawn chair for the official start of summer with the sweet sounds of free music while overlooking the Tombigbee River. Contact: amberm@columbusmainstreet.com
June 7-9 20th Annual North American Sand Soccer Championships: Virginia Beach, Va. www.sandsoccer.com — More than 900 professional and amateur teams compete on 61 seaside sand fields. Food, boardwalk music, rock climbing, fireworks and more. Contact: sandsoccervb@aol.com
June 8-9 10th Annual Blairsville Scottish Festival and Highland Games: Blairsville, Ga. www.blairsvillescottishfestival.org — Bagpipes, drums and Highland music fill the air while athletes compete in traditional games. Haggis, tartans and scones abound in north Georgia. Free kids’ activities inside the park. Contact: info@blairsvillechamber.com
June 14-16 North Carolina Blueberry Festival: Burgaw, N.C. www.blueberryfestival.com — Highlighting the first cultivated blueberries grown in the state, this celebration features a ‘Tour de Blueberry’ bike event, 5K run/walk, vendors and entertainment. Contact: info@burgawchamber.com
June 21-23 Let The Good Times Roll Festival: Shreveport, La. www.rhoomega.com — Celebrate the music, arts and food of African American culture in the downtown plaza. Also included is a health education area and family movie night. Contact: fredmossfred@bellsouth.net
June 19-23 AthFest 2013: Athens, Ga. www.athfest.com — This event is in the historic downtown combines performances from nearly 200 local bands with the visual arts of more than 50 local artists, as well as local films and children’s activities. Contact: info@athfest.com
June 22-29 Dazzling Daylilies Festival: Owensboro, Ky. www.wkbg.com — Daylily sales, art exhibitions and hot-air balloons offering tethered flights over the garden and city are all part of this tradition. Contact: info@visitowensboro.com
June 27-29 ROMP: Bluegrass Roots & Branches Festival: Owensboro, Ky. www.rompfest.com — A celebration of all things bluegrass! This hidden treasure showcases non-stop performances by legendary bands from North America, Europe and the Far East. Contact: info@visitowensboro.com
June 27-30 Helen Keller Festival: Tuscumbia, Ala. www.helenkellerfestival.com — Honoring the life and accomplishments of famous town-native, Helen Keller, this celebration includes a parade, entertainment, arts and crafts, an art auction, historic tours, athletic events and more. Contact: colberttourism@comcast.net
June 28-29 53rd Annual Beaufort Old Homes & Gardens Tour: Beaufort, N.C. www.beauforthistoricsite.org — Charming colonial seaport towns open private homes, gardens, churches, graveyards and inns for living history events. Antiques show and sale features more than 400 dealers. Contact: pr@beauforthistoricsite.org
June 29-30 White Lightning Trail Festival: Cumberland Gap, Tenn. www.claibornecounty.com — From the Civil War to modern days, this event commemorates the area’s historic culture. Race cars, games, Appalachian crafts, food and dance, mountain music and more are sure to entertain. Contact: carl.nichols3@yahoo.com