Kentucky Bourbon Festival (Bardstown, KY | Sept 5-7)
Three days of bourbon tasting, live music, expert-led panels, and spirited celebration in the heart of Bourbon Country.
Bourbon & Beyond Music Festival (Louisville, KY | September 11-14)
An immersive weekend fusing iconic live performances, world-class bourbon tastings, and chef-curated culinary experiences.
Highland Jazz & Blues Festival (Shreveport, LA | September 13)
One full day of soulful sounds, tasty eats, and plenty of activities for music lovers and families alike.
Finster Fest (Summerville, GA | September 20-21)
A vibrant celebration showcasing over 60 folk, craft, and fine artists, along with live music, dance performances, and children’s art activities.
Live at the Station (College Station, TX | September 26)
A full-throttle country music festival featuring a Texas-sized lineup including Zach Top, Ella Langley, Corey Kent, Kolby Cooper, Bottomland, and Andy Buckner.
Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival (Franklin, TN | Sept 27-28)
One of the South’s most beloved festivals, known for its top-tier music, local artisans, and farm-to-table flavors.
Shoals Fest (Florence, AL | October 1-2)
A relaxed two-day music festival blending top-tier Americana talent with hometown charm on the banks of the Tennessee River.
John C. Campbell Folk School Fall Festival (Brasstown, NC | October 4-5)
A cherished annual event since 1974, showcasing the artistic traditions of the Appalachian region through interactive workshops, live entertainment, and a diverse array of handmade crafts.
Annual National Shrimp Festival (Gulf Shores, AL | October 9-12)
A fall must-do on the Alabama coast—this festival combines fresh seafood, live tunes by the shore, arts, and family fun into one unforgettable event.
DCWAF Harvest Wine & Food Festival (Watercolor, FL | October 16-19)
A four-day event that brings together wine enthusiasts and culinary aficionados for dinners, seminars, and a signature Grand Tasting, with proceeds supporting children’s charities in Northwest Florida.
The 40th Annual Natchez Balloon Festival (Natchez, MS | October 17-18)
Two days of breathtaking balloon launches, lively music, and festive activities for the whole family.
New Orleans Film Festival (New Orleans, LA | October 23-28)
An Oscar®-qualifying event featuring over 150 groundbreaking films, engaging discussions, and the rich culture of New Orleans.
Brunswick Porchfest (Brunswick, GA | November 9)
A free, community-driven music festival where the front porches of local homes become stages for a diverse lineup of folk, blues, jazz, and rock.
National Folk Festival (Jackson, MS | November 7-9)
Jackson’s debut as the proud host of a beloved celebration featuring over 300 artists, including musicians, dancers, storytellers, and craftspeople.
Charleston Literary Festival (Charleston, SC | November 7-16)
A dream event for book lovers, offering intimate talks and Q&A sessions with renowned authors at Charleston’s historic Dock Street Theatre.
SPOTLIGHTS:
LEAF Global Arts Festival (Asheville, NC | October 16-19)
Set in the rolling beauty of Western North Carolina, this soulful gathering is so much more than an event—it’s a truly immersive celebration of music, art, and community. With live performances, healing workshops, global cuisine, and a handcraft market, LEAF Global Arts Festival invites festivalgoers to explore, connect, and play in a variety of unique ways. From paddleboarding and pickleball to dance floors and drum circles, it’s a weekend full of meaning, magic, and memory-making in the heart of Asheville.
Tickets & Schedule: https://theleaf.org/leaf-october-festival/
Annual Georgetown Wooden Boat Show (Georgetown, SC | October 18-19)
If you’re craving a fall weekend that feels like stepping into a slower, saltier rhythm, we’ve got just the thing. Tucked along the waterfront in one of South Carolina’s most charming historic towns (p. __), the Annual Georgetown Wooden Boat Show is a ticket to go back in time. Throughout the event, over 100 wooden boats line the streets and docks, showcasing craftsmanship, community, and coastal heritage. Imagine boatbuilding contests and regattas, kids launching cardboard ships, knot-tying pros showing off century-old skills, and locals swapping stories over fresh shrimp and live bluegrass. Oh, and don’t forget the maritime art and nautically dressed dog parade. Needless to say, this experience is anything but ordinary!
Tickets & Schedule: https://woodenboatshow.com/
Grains & Grits Festival (Townsend, TN | November 1)
Set against the backdrop of Townsend, Tennessee—what locals lovingly refer to as the peaceful side of the Smokies—the Grains & Grits Festival is a spirited fall event that’s worth the mountain drive. For one unforgettable evening, some of the South’s best distillers and chefs come together to serve up smoky bites, smooth pours, and true hospitality. It’s for grown folks only (21 and up), aka the perfect excuse to escape the hustle and enjoy a night of good food, strong drinks, and easy company.
Tickets & Schedule: https://grainsandgritsfest.com/
NEW OPENINGS:
American Gardens
City: Charleston
Opening Date: October 2025
Charleston’s newest community greenspace, located in the heart of historic downtown.
The Gilmore – an AvantStay hotel
City: Nashville
Opening Date: May 2025
12 South’s first hotel, bringing Mediterranean charm, local design, and thoughtful hospitality to one of Nashville’s most beloved neighborhoods.
The Kingsway
City: New Orleans
Opening: Summer 2025
A new Asian fine-dining restaurant in Uptown New Orleans, honoring heritage, migration, and memory–and marking a chef’s first solo chapter.
Paulie’s
Location: Charleston, West Virginia
Opening Date: July 2025
Just steps from his flagship, a new neighborhood Italian restaurant honors James Beard winner Chef Paul Smith’s earliest inspiration—his grandfather.
