Southern Festivals in Late Summer

Summer festivities don't halt after June but continue well into July and August, giving Southerns plenty of chances to enjoy their favorites. From music to culinary, to craft festivals, and more, we've collected some of the most exciting festivals to visit during late summer.

The annual Sweetgrass Festival in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, celebrates the contributions of the Gullah Geechee people's history, culture, traditions, and sweetgrass basket art that originated in Mount Pleasant and continues to exist there. Admission is free every year on July 22nd, and the festival aims to bring awareness to this critical, historical, and culturally significant art form.

There is entertainment and activities and a chance to peruse some of the beautiful artwork created by local basket makers to locals and cultural tourists worldwide. Informative and exciting education sessions to share information and interact with the Gullah Geechee people are held throughout the festival during your stroll through the Sweetgrass Basket and Craft show.

Held roughly between August 19th and 20th in Atlanta, Georgia, the Piedmont Park Arts Festival is considered one of the best outdoor festivals in Atlanta. The two-day festival emphasizes the visual arts and family fun presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces for people of all ages, customs, and interests. Piedmont is also considered home to one of metro Atlanta's largest and most enthusiastic art-buying communities.

The Arts Festival's goal is to give back to the community through art and bring the art festival's tradition to the midtown community while holding a festival by artists for artists. The festival can feature up to 250 painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metalwork, glass blowers, jewelers, and crafters. You can also find artist demonstrations, live acoustic music, an emerging Artists pavilion, a children's play area, and delectable festival foods and beverages with plenty of healthy alternatives.

Held in Bardstown, Kentucky, in early September, America's original bourbon festival is unique. Tickets to this festival begin selling in May and sell out incredibly fast. The Bourbon Festival offers VIP packages, weekend general admission tickets, and Sunday-only access. The celebrations draw not just American Bourbon enthusiasts but enthusiasts worldwide. Festival tickets include unlimited re-entry, sampling more than 50 Kentucky distilleries, access to exclusive barrel picks, engaging programs with industry experts, and expanded dining options.

The festival also covers the history of bourbon and the art of distilling and aims to enlighten bourbon enthusiasts with many other bits of information they may have never realized.

There's more to Louisiana than Mardi Gras. During October, Lafayette, LA, transforms Girard Park in the city center into the world's largest free Cajun and Zydeco music festival. There are many exciting cultural events and community activities during the week leading up to the festival and throughout the weekend.

The festival offers a wide variety of internationally renowned artists from Louisiana. The lineup often includes local and national performers, including the Bayou Food Festival and Louisiana Craft Fair. Over 70 booths across Louisiana and the South showcase Southern artists while the best Cajun and Créole food waits to tantalize your taste buds.

Just because it's later summer doesn't mean the fun is over! Check out these and other fantastic Southern festivals local to your area this season.