With the end of the school year behind us, it’s time to slow things down and handpick a few destination events to attend this season. From delicious food to live music, festivals, and more, there’s a little something for everyone in this list of fun, distinctly Southern events. Welcome to your best summer yet!
June 1, 2024: LA Peach Festival — Ruston, LA
The much-anticipated Louisiana Peach Festival returns to Downtown Ruston this summer! Featured events include the Peach Art Market, Peach Hunt, Peachy Sidewalk Sale, and Run for the Peaches 5K. A complete schedule of events can be viewed at lapeachfest.com.
June 1 & 2, 2024: Flying Colors Butterfly Festival — Roswell, GA
Enjoy butterfly- and pollinator-related events at the annual Flying Colors Butterfly Festival. Taking place at the Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC), the fundraiser includes butterfly encounters, tasty food, live entertainment, and lessons from pollinator experts. Tickets are $25; event hours are Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. chattnaturecenter.org
June 6 – 9, 2024: Tupelo Elvis Festival — Tupelo, MS
Tupelo’s annual Elvis Festival honors the life and legacy of “The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” This year’s celebration hosts 30 Elvis tribute artists, live music, after-parties, and more. Venue locations vary based on the event; individual tickets start at $25. For additional details, visit tupeloelvisfestival.com.
June 6 – 9, 2024: CMA Fest — Nashville, TN
One of Nashville’s most anticipated music festivals returns for another year! A four-day event, the 2024 CMA Fest includes performances by Megan Moroney, Priscilla Block, Thomas Rhett, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hannah Ellis, Lee Brice, and many more. Be sure to also attend Fan Fair X for additional performances, shopping, and games. While most daytime performances are free to attend, tickets are required for evening shows at Ascend Amphitheater and Nissan Stadium. cmafest.com
June 6 – 9, 2024: South Carolina Festival of Flower — Greenwood, SC
Celebrate the beginning of summer at the South Carolina Festival of Flowers. The annual event features a juried art show, food trucks, a car show, and garden tours. Plus, attendees can view 55 live topiaries throughout Greenwood that depict everything from an elephant to a safari Jeep. To see a full schedule of events, visit scfestivalofflowers.org.
June 7 – 9, 2024: Blanco Lavender Festival — Blanco, TX
The annual Blanco Lavender Festival returns to the Historic Old Blanco County Courthouse this June! In addition to the Lavender Market — which offers lavender plants and products, arts and crafts, and other handmade items — attendees can enjoy live music, beer, and wine. Event hours are Friday, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. blancolavenderfest.com
June 8, 2024: The Mahler Experience: The Song of the Earth — Hattiesburg, MS
Celebrate the music of composer Gustav Mahler at this unique symphony event. Taking place at The University of Southern Mississippi at 7:30 p.m., the evening includes a reduced version of Mahler’s The Song of the Earth. Adult tickets are $30, and children (ages 12 and under) are $10 with a ticketed adult. visithburg.org
June 8, 2024: Zoo Brews — Birmingham, AL
Experience brews from all over Alabama and the Southeast while strolling through the Birmingham Zoo. Enjoy a fantastic selection of beverages from breweries and wineries. Food is also available, and the fun begins at 6 p.m. General admission tickets are $50, and designated driver tickets are also available. (Note: This is a 21-and-up event.) birminghamzoo.com
June 8, 2024: Linen on the Law: Oxford Juneteenth Festival — Oxford, MS
Commemorate Juneteenth in Oxford, MS, with a free concert from The Soul Tones while enjoying food trucks and refreshing cocktails. The event takes place at Old Armory Pavilion at 6 p.m. oxfordjuneteenth.org
June 8, 2024: Natchez Bicycle Classic — Natchez, MS
Calling all cycling enthusiasts! The Natchez Bicycle Classic is an annual event offering courses that range from 16 to 62.5 miles in length. Trails wind through the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway, and the race kicks off at 8 a.m. Registration is $65. Be sure to stick around for the post-race party, too! visitnatchez.org
June 12 – 19, 2024: Lowcountry Juneteenth Week — Charleston, SC
Lowcountry Juneteenth Week highlights local Black-owned businesses and includes curated events throughout Charleston, such as musical performances from Goodie Mob and Experience Unlimited. To see a complete list of events and purchase tickets, visit lowcountryjuneteenthweek.com.
June 14, 2024: Swing for Hope: Jake Hayes Memorial Golf Tournament — Birmingham, AL
Tee up with the team at Cahaba Brewing Company as they celebrate the life and legacy of Jacob “Jake” Arthur Hayes. All proceeds benefit the Hope for Autumn Foundation, a local nonprofit that supports families battling childhood cancer and funds research and treatment options. The driving range opens at 7 a.m., and registration fees begin at $200. cahababrewing.com
June 15, 2024: Crafts & Drafts Summer Market— Memphis, TN
Head to Crosstown Concourse to enjoy a day of free, family-friendly fun! The Crafts & Drafts Summer Market hosts over 80 local makers and artists, along with local drinks and food. The fun begins at 10 a.m. memphiscraftsanddrafts.com
June 20 & 21, 2024: Smokey Robinson with the Nashville Symphony — Nashville, TN
Acclaimed singer-songwriter and GRAMMY Living Legend Award recipient Smokey Robinson returns to the Schermerhorn stage for the first time in nine years! Hear unforgettable hits, including “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Ooo Baby Baby,” “The Tracks of My Tears,” and many more. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m., and tickets start at $78. nashvillesymphony.org
June 22, 2024: Love Well 5K & Festival — Memphis, TN
Race for a great cause by participating in the annual Love Well 5K & Festival! The annual event raises money for local charity organizations to spread love around the city of Memphis. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. at Semmes Murphey Clinic. Registration is $25. raceroster.com
June 29, 2024: Kentucky Craft Bash — Louisville, KY
The Kentucky Guild of Brewers returns to Festival Plaza with hundreds of craft beer, cider, sake, and seltzer samples solely from Kentucky breweries. The brewers and brewery staff pour the suds, allowing attendees to meet the people behind the products. The bash runs from noon to 5 p.m., and admission starts at $10. kycraftbash.com
Here’s to a fun-filled June!
**********
To see more great Southern events, check out our Happenings calendar!
