Whether it’s the sweet surprises of spring or the mouthwatering aroma of Southern dishes, Georgia delivers fun-filled events your group will enjoy. Here are just a few examples:
Martin Luther King March and Rally, Atlanta, January
On Dr. King’s birthday, celebrate the life and achievements of the human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner. Walk the street where he was born in the largest such holiday celebration in the country.
Peaches to the Beaches Yard Sale, McRae, March 8-9
Georgia’s largest yard sale stretches over 200 miles on the Golden Isles Parkway from Barnesville to Brunswick. Along the parkway your group will be greeted by over two dozen communities eager to sell antiques and collectibles.
International Cherry Blossom Festival, Macon, March 15-24
It’s no surprise how this town became known as the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World, with over 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees blooming every spring. For 10 days, festival-seekers can enjoy the pink paradise and extravagant display of springtime color.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, Savannah, March 16
Your group should wear green or be ready to get pinched at the city’s 189th annual celebration. Attracting over 400,000 visitors, Savannah holds the second largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the nation, boasting a three-hour parade featuring over 350 units.
www.savannahsaintpatricksday.com
Savannah Music Festival, Savannah, March 21-April 6
This 17-day event is Georgia’s largest musical arts festival. The musical performances cross genres and feature 400 classical, blues, jazz and bluegrass artists along with dance, film and narrative performances.
Blessing of the Fleet, Darien, April 12-14
This three-day festival attracts thousands of people to witness a tradition dating hundreds of years to Mediterranean fishing port looking toward a productive season. A tradition in Darien for 45 years, the Blessing of the Fleet holds a 5K run, scholarship pageant, live entertainment, carnival and marine parade.
Georgia Renaissance Festival, Atlanta, April 13-June 2
Delight in a 16th century European kingdom with medieval jousting, sword-swallowing, glass blowing demonstrations and over 1,000 costumed characters. Celebrate 27 years of festival fun by stopping in at a pub and enjoying a turkey leg or by strolling through the 32-acre Artisan Market.
Annual Rose Show and Festival, Thomasville, April 25-27
This 92nd annual Southwest Georgia tradition held in historic downtown Thomasville attracts more than 20,000 visitors. The festival features a breathtaking rose show, two parades, art in the park, a truck show and golf tournament.
www.downtownthomasville.com/?page_id=23
Sweet Auburn Springfest, Atlanta, May 11-12
Boasted as “The Grandest Festival of the Year on the Greatest Street on the Planet,” this festival recognizes African-American culture and business on Auburn Avenue, which remains an important center for the civil rights movement. The largest free outdoor event attracts over 350,000 visitors for the weekend and features live entertainment, kids fun zone, an artist market and a literary marketplace.
Georgia National Fair, Perry, October 3-13
This 11-day event is chock full of family fun featuring live concerts, festival food, street performers, carnival rides, art competitions and livestock shows. Founded in 1990, the fair celebrates all things Georgia and is regularly seen on Southeast Tourism Society’s list “Top 20 Events for October.”
The National BBQ Cup, Cumming, November
Over 10,000 people visit this small town near the North Georgia Mountains to participate in barbecue contests benefiting local charities. Voted as one of the top 10 barbecue cities by Livability.com, Cumming offers one barbecue restaurant for every 1,000 citizens. Besides barbecue, the festival also offers live entertainment, a kids zone, product demonstrations, and arts and craft vendors.
For more information on top events in Georgia, visit http://www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-georgia.html.
