There’s only one thing better than springtime in the South: springtime in the coastal South.
Along with the perfect weather comes all sorts of festivals and events that are not only a good time, but a can’t-miss opportunity to plan that next beach getaway. From Gulf Shores, Alabama, to Fernandina Beach, Florida, we’ve got a roundup of eight festivals this will more than make your spring.
Annual Crawfish MusicFestival
Biloxi, Mississippi
April 21-23
Fun, food, and all sorts of festivities await at the 30th Annual Crawfish Music Festival. Hosted in Biloxi, Mississippi, on the grounds of the Mississippi Coast Coliseum, the event features an entertainment lineup you won’t find anywhere else, along with carnival rides, arts and craft vendors, and, of course, delicious coastal cuisine. Find out more about the annual festival here.
South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival
South Walton, Florida
April 27-30
Ready for four fabulous days all about wine? Then you’re ready for the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival! Hosted in South Walton, Florida, the event draws some of the most fabulous winemakers, distillers, chefs, and mixologists across the country. In addition to the opportunity to sip 600-plus different wines, attendees can learn from wine industry insiders and taste small bites from some of the best restaurants in South Walton in an idyllic Florida Panhandle community. Find out more about this annual event here.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
New Orleans, Louisiana
April 28-May 7
Whether you call it New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival or Jazz Fest, as the locals refer to it, one thing is certain: there’s no event that better showcases the unique culture and heritage of The Big Easy. Over the course of the seven days, and across 13 stages, a truly unbeatable lineup of artists take the stage—including bands like The Lumineers and solo artists including Robert Plant & Alison Krauss. Also included in the celebration are parades, arts and crafts vendors, and some of the city’s best culinary options. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind festival here.
Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival
Fernandina Beach, Florida
May 5-7
A little bit of history and a whole lot of shrimp converge in Fernandina Beach, Florida, each year for the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Hosted in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, the festival will feature a plethora of locally-prepared shrimp and seafood dishes, arts and crafts vendors, an antique show, live music, and even decorated shrimp boats sailing down the Amelia River. Find out more about why you should put this one on your calendar here.
SunFest
West Palm Beach, Florida
May 5-7
Downtown West Palm Beach comes alive the first weekend of May each year thanks to SunFest, the state’s largest waterfront music festival. The event draws more than 85,000 visitors every year for a music lineup that never disappoints. Check out the lineup and all of the details here.
St. Augustine History Festival
St. Augustine, Florida
May 10-14
St. Augustine is known as the oldest city in America, and it will be celebrating that fact at the St. Augustine History Festival. Put on by the University of Florida Historic St. Augustine, Inc., the event seeks to showcase the city’s storied history and share the unique story. Check out all of the events and exhibits planned for the festival here.
Sea Islands Shorebird Festival
Kiawah Island & Seabrook Island, Florida
May 11-12
Bird lovers, this spring is the time to flock to Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island. On May 11 through 12, the area will be hosting the first Sea Islands Shorebird Festival, which seeks to celebrate Kiawah and Seabrook Islands for their role in the migration of shorebirds, specifically the threatened Red Knot. During the two-day festival, attendees will travel all over the two islands to learn about these special coastal birds and their beautiful natural habitats. Learn more here.
Hangout Music Festival
Gulf Shores, Alabama
May 19-21
The ultimate springtime concert is held right on the beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama: The Hangout Music Festival. The annual event spans three glorious days of music, food, and festival atmosphere, all with the sand between your toes. Learn more about the sought-after event or check out this year’s lineup here.
