Spring Events on the Oregon Coast

One of the Oregon Coast’s most popular spring events, the annual Astoria-Warrenton Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival from April 27 to 29 showcases exactly what it promises  –  a legendary crab dinner with fresh caught Oregon Dungeness crab, seafood of every kind, and a taste of the region’s famous wines.

In addition to tasty cuisine and wine, the family friendly festival features a host of musical talent from around the region, including the musical sounds of Hawaii, jazz, rock and indie-pop. Artists and craftsmen will show their work, and local breweries will be on hand for hop lovers.

Further down the coast, the 9th Annual Pacific City Birding and Blues Festival in Pacific City from April 13 to 15 features bird-related seminars, good music and activities for the entire family. Seminar topics include bird conservation, the natural history of seabirds, beginning birding and gardening for birds. 

For the outdoor minded the festival offers 14 hikes led by experienced birders in a wide variety of local habitat, and for a different vantage point opt for one of the festival’s 2-hour kayak expeditions on the Little Nestucca River. Or take an all-day birding journey on the Three Capes Scenic Tour, a 60-mile round trip that features stops along the Pacific Ocean, Netarts Bay, Cape Lookout, Cape Meares Forest and Tillamook pastures.

On April 21 and 22, enjoy local, succulent crab and watch master craftsmen build and show off their wooden boats at the Wooden Boat Show, Crab Feed & Ducky Derby in Depoe Bay – the “Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast”. Take part in cheering your “ducky” to the finish line during Sunday’s Ducky Derby. Located at Depoe Bay Harbor and Depoe Bay Community Center.

Visit Oregon, The People’s Coast for more detailed information on events there.

For more information about top events in Oregon take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Oregon. 

Genoa, Nevada Celebrates Western Lifestyle

The town of Genoa will highlight the unique ranching heritage and culture of Nevada’s Carson Valley and the “Cowboy Way” with its annual Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival from April 26 to 29.

The Festival includes headliners Dave Stamey, Paul Zarzyski, Waddie Mitchell, Cowboy Celtic, Juni Fisher, Jim King, Mike Beck, Cross Town Cowboys.  

There will be a Native American Cultural & Historical Center, Western Art Gallery and Mercantile Shop. Feature presentations will include saddle making, Dutch oven cooking, blacksmithing, Nevada mining songs, Wyatt Earp, Kit Carson and Mark Twain.  Additionally, a Trail Ride will be offered.

Celebrating the Western lifestyle, the Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival is made possible by the efforts of the Town of Genoa and a host of volunteers and supporters. To date, over 3,000 folks have made their way to the shows, galleries, exhibits and workshops the first two years.  

Admission fee is a $15 per day pass; $25 each concert. Hours of event:  Thursday 7pm-8:30pm (concert); Friday 10am-4pm (with concert 7-9:30pm); Saturday 10am-5pm (with concert 7-9:30pm); Sunday 7am-3pm.

Genoa celebrates the annual Candy Dance Arts & Crafts Faire on September 29 and 30.

Over 250 artists and crafters will display and sell their arts and crafts after being juried and accepted into Candy Dance. The event is located throughout Genoa, and over 50,000 will attend this event throughout the two days.  The Faire also includes food and activity booths. Admission is free.

For more information on both events visit Genoa, Nevada or phone 775-782-8696.

For more information about top events in Nevada take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Nevada.

America’s Family Pet Expo in Costa Mesa, California

It’s all about bow-wow-wow, the cat’s meow .… and everything in between for all creatures big and small. The 23^rd annual America’s Family Pet Expo returns April 20-22 to the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa, California. 

See more than 1,000 animals including dogs, cats, equine, birds, fish, llamas, pot bellied pigs, goats, rats, reptiles, rabbits, miniature horses and more on display in fun and interactive stage shows, competitions and demonstrations. 

America’s Family Pet Expo features over 400 exhibitors and rescue groups including Bow Meow Pet Products, No Stray Left Behind, Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary, Southern California Labrador Retriever Rescue, and more.

There is lively round-up of four-legged animal shows and demonstrations, including JUMP! The Ultimate Dog Show, Splash Dogs, Police and Search Dog Demonstrations, and the latest trends in pet care grooming and care.

In 2011, more than 680 animals were adopted at the show. This year, hundreds of animals will be available for placement into loving “forever” homes. 

General Admission, $12; seniors 60 and over, $10. Children 6-12, $6. 5 yrs and under, free. Special show pricing - save $2 off general admission tickets by purchasing online. Show hours: Friday 10am-6pm; Saturday 10am-7pm; Sunday 10am-6pm. OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa 92626. Parking is $5. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.PetExpoOC.org.

The America’s Family Pet Expo is created, produced and managed by World Pet Association, Inc., a 60-year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting responsible pet care.

Visit Costa Mesa for news of other events in The City of the Arts.

For more information about top events in California take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in California. 

Unique Alpaca Event in Owatonna, Minnesota

News of this event carries a warning ... you will not come away from the Minnesota Alpaca Expo in Owatonna in April without warm fuzzy feelings and a smile.

Alpacas with their big, beautiful eyes, phenomenal colors and gentle dispositions do that to you.

The unique Minnesota Alpaca Expo at the Four Seasons Centre in Owatonna on April 14 and 15 will teach you all you want to know about alpacas and the exciting business and lifestyle opportunities they offer.

Over 600 of the finest alpacas in the country, of many hues, will be competing for awards. You will have the opportunity to see these wonderful creatures first hand, talk with their owners, and get involved in the excitement of the show.

On-site vendors will be selling beautiful and luxurious alpaca garments, as well as specialty items. Free seminars and workshops are offered throughout the weekend. 

Silent Auction will be available to all bids. There will also be a special 100% Alpaca Afghan made from breeders across the USA. All proceeds are donated for the wellness of alpacas. Parking and admission is free.

Alpacas, which resemble a small llama, are wonderful in presence with one of the most luxurious fibers of many colors. Their humming sounds will have you grinning from ear to ear. Alpacas produce the strongest fiber in the world and is known to be warmer than wool. They do not have lanolin or oils that can be harmful for those that have allergies. The cashmere-like feel allows those with the most sensitive skin to wear alpaca next to the skin. Alpaca fiber is highly sought after in high end fashion.

Visit Minnesota Alpaca Expo for more information.

For more information about top events in Minnesota take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Minnesota. 

Crested Butte’s Flauschink Wraps Up Ski Season

The last weekend of ski and snowboard season isn’t a quiet occasion in “Colorado’s Last Great Ski Town,” Crested Butte, where the expected rarely happens. Locals and visitors will be flushing out winter and welcoming spring at the 44th annual Flauschink, April 4 – 8, and on the closing weekend at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. 

Pre-Flauschink festivities begin on Wednesday, April 4 with a 7pm slide show at the Talk of the Town. 

Flauschink officially kicks off with a coronation ball held on Friday, April 6 at 9pm to crown the new king and queen and enjoy an evening of polka dancing (a Crested Butte tradition) with the Pete Dunda Polka Band at The Eldo.  

A parade on Saturday, April 7, honors the king and queen of Flauschink as they proudly raise scepters made from toilet plungers (with a dual function as beverage holders), gives “Has-Been” royalty the chance to wear their crowns and ride on a float again, and provides a reason to rain down fun on Elk Avenue, Crested Butte’s historic business district.  The parade will begin at 5pm.

On Sunday, April 8, the festival and ski season will draw to a fitting close with the Flauschink king and queen holding court on the slopes at Crested Butte Mountain Resort after a weekend of fun at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.  Skiers and snowboarders pass by Flauschink Hill, above the Uley’s Cabin deck, to toast royalty.

To find out more about Gunnison-Crested Butte’s calendar of events and other personalized vacation packages, visit Gunnison-Crested Butte or call the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association’s toll-free number (800) 814-8893.  

For more information about top events in Colorado take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Colorado .

Springtime Hispanic Events in Atlanta, Georgia

No matter the season, there’s always a celebration in Atlanta. The moderate climate enables festivals and events to be held year-round in the city .... among them two major Hispanic events in the Spring.

The 2nd annual Salsa Festival Atlanta, on Sunday April 1 at Atlantic Station, is a daylong spring festival celebrating all-things Caribbean, in particular .... salsa music. 

Live salsa music by popular artists, dance exhibitions and competitions for all to participate in will take place throughout the day. Salsa Fest also features sponsor displays with free product samples, authentic Latin and international foods and Atlanta’s best salseros.

The 6th annual Fiesta Atlanta is on Sunday May 6 at Centennial Olympic Park in the heart of Atlanta. Fiesta Atlanta is Atlanta’s premier Hispanic outdoor festival and the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the southeast. 

Fiesta Atlanta features a daylong celebration of Latino culture and heritage, featuring continuous live musical performances on two stages by international, national and local recording artists. Mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing, a 5K race, youth soccer clinics and sponsor displays with free product samples, arts and crafts and authentic international foods make Fiesta Atlanta a true multicultural celebration.

Other Spring events in Atlanta include (from March 23 to April 1) the Atlanta Film Festival which presents independent films from many countries along with guest appearances by filmmakers, panelists, artists and industry professionals from around the world. 

From April 20 to 22, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival showcases springtime in Atlanta featuring local artists, crafters and musicians. Held each year in Piedmont Park, this the longest running festival in the city and one of the country’s oldest fine arts festivals. 

For more information about top events in Georgia take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Georgia. 

Jackson, MS Hosts Music/Tamale Festival

North Carolina Azaleas Usher in Spring

Azaleas, azaleas everywhere! It must be springtime in Wilmington, North Carolina and its island beaches! Each year in April when the landscape is dominated by thousands of brilliant pink, white, and purple azaleas, Wilmington pays homage to these dazzling flowers during the annual North Carolina Azalea Festival, a five-day celebration that ushers in spring with Southern hospitality and fanfare. 

A springtime tradition since 1948, the Festival (April 11-15 this year) celebrates the rich history, arts, and culture of the region. 

Highlights of the N.C. Azalea Festival include the Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Belles dressed in period hoop skirts, an elaborate parade, juried arts and craft shows, a traveling circus, concerts, fireworks, and a street fair with exhibits, vendors, live entertainment, and kids’ activities. 

Signature events include the Cape Fear Garden Club’s Azalea Garden Tour (April 13-15), one of the South’s longest-running and most popular garden tours. The 59^th annual Tour’s theme, “Follow the Blooms,” showcases 13 public and private gardens that includes a mix of established and new landscapes. 

The 2012 Azalea Home Tour (April 14-15) showcases nine private homes and a church of historical and architectural interest. 

A two-hour parade on Saturday morning in Downtown Wilmington features azalea-adorned floats, marching bands, clowns, show animals, and celebrities.

Music plays a major role in every N.C. Azalea Festival. This year’s headline acts are country music newcomer and reigning “American Idol” winner Scotty McCreery, and the award-winning popular recording artist Kenny Loggins.  

  

For a N.C. Azalea Festival schedule and concert tickets, visit www.ncazaleafestival.org or call 910-794-4650. 

For a free 2012 Official Visitors Guide to Wilmington, North Carolina and the island beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Wrightsville Beach, call 1-866-266-9690, email visit@wilmingtonandbeaches.com, or visit www.GoWilmingtonAndBeaches.com for spring specials, experiences, and events.  

For more information about top events in North Carolina take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in North Carolina. 

Free Festival, Concerts and Activities in Clarksville, TN

Clarksville, Tennessee, is gearing up for the 10th annual Rivers and Spires Festival, April 19-21. As usual there will be tons of free concerts, entertainment and activities. 

Lined with craft and food vendors, six music stages (with over 100 entertainers performing all three days), and artisan booths, Historic Downtown transforms each year as the festival goes into full swing. 

From children’s activities, arts & crafts, car shows, military exhibits, jazz and wine, shopping and so much more this is truly an event for the whole family. Admission to the festival is free including all games, activities and concerts. 

Music is a big part of the event, with at least two artists on one of the stages at any given time. The award winning vocal group, Little Big Town is the featured headliner. Little Big Town will take the stage on Saturday night at 9pm. 

Contemporary Christian artist Lincoln Brewster will make his Clarksville debut this year on Friday night. Listen as Lincoln shares his story and sing the songs that have made him a celebrated musician. 

Brewfest, a craft beer festival where attendees can sample a variety of craft beers, will be held Friday, April 20, from 6 to 9 pm, and on Saturday, April 21, from 4 to 8pm. Brewfest tickets are $20 a day.

The Miss River Queen and Teen Pageants will be held Saturday, March 24 at 7pm in Clement Auditorium on the campus of Austin Peay State University. 

Visit Rivers & Spires Festival for more information.

For more information about top events in Tennessee take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Tennessee.

Civil War and Emancipation Day in Richmond, Virginia

As the country commemorates the 150^th anniversaries of the Civil War and Emancipation, travelers are looking for opportunities to learn about the conflict that divided the nation. 

As the former capital of the Confederacy and a center of the nation’s slave trade, Richmond, Virginia offers a wealth of Civil War and Emancipation experiences that can help Americans better understand its shared history. 

On the third annual Civil War and Emancipation Day, April 14, visitors are invited to enjoy a day of special events with free entry into nearly 30 sites and attractions, and free transportation between the sites. 

From discussions with leading Civil War scholars to guided tours of historic Richmond sites, cannon firings to children's games, song and dance performances to canal boat rides, Civil War & Emancipation Day provides a wonderful opportunity to explore Confederate, Union and African-American history as well as history about life on the home front during the war.

Additional activities include a marketplace, special exhibits, artifact washing, and mingling with historic interpreters. Guests will have the opportunity to visit attractions such as the Virginia State Capitol, Museum of the Confederacy, Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia and American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar, the first museum in the U.S. to explore the war through three interwoven perspectives: Union, Confederate and African-American. Guided tours of the Richmond Slave Trail will be available and participants can tour on wheels by taking a Segway ride. 

Civil War and Emancipation Day is produced by Future of Richmond’s Past, a collaborative effort among leaders of Richmond's historical societies, museums, commissions, cultural and tourism organizations, and educational institutions to frame Richmond during the 150^th commemoration.  

Visit Richmond for more information.

For more information about top events in Virginia take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Virginia. 

Tennessee Commemorates Civil War 150th at Shiloh

Tennessee’s Shiloh National Military Park, a masterpiece of Civil War interpretation and preservation, will hold the 150th commemoration of its strategic battle during a series of events taking place March 29 to April 8.

The state’s 2012 Sesquicentennial Signature Event: Invasions by Rail and River: The Battle of Shiloh will be held April 4 and 5 at Pickwick Landing State Park in Pickwick Dam.

There will be a red carpet film premiere of a state-of-the-art documentary The Story of Shiloh: Fiery Trial at 7pm on April 4.

Official Opening Ceremony will take place at 9am April 5 and will feature a forum with America’s foremost historians on the battle of Shiloh, living history demonstrations, a special Sesquicentennial Civil War exhibit offering rare and unique artifacts from the Battle of Shiloh and a musical performance by The 52nd Regimental String Band. The event will kick off with the firing of an official Shiloh cannon at Pickwick Landing State Park.

The Shiloh National Military Park will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh with a "Grand Illumination" on the evening of April 7. Luminaries will be placed around the battlefield representing the 23,746 killed, wounded or missing at Shiloh. The illumination will begin at dusk and end at 10pm. Other special activities will take place April 6 to 8 including special ranger led hikes, at corresponding time and place, 150 years later. For more information on these events visit Shiloh National Military Park

Other events not to be missed on March 29 to 31 are two reenactments that will feature more than 6,000 re-enactors and more than 100 cannons. To register for these two events visit 150th Civil War Events or Armies of Tennessee.

For more information about top events in Tennessee take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Tennessee.

Spring Festivals Springing Up in Springfield, Mo.

It’s time for spring festivals to spring up in Springfield, Missouri.


Here’s a sample of what’s coming up soon: The wacky annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Celebration on March 17 includes a parade, Irish pet contest, awards, food booths, vendors and more all taking place in the unique downtown entertainment district of Springfield.


425 downtown is hosting the first annual Springfield Wine Opener on March 23. Sample several wines and appetizers and purchase some great gifts at the silent auction. All proceeds will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Gateway Chapter.

Hundreds of equine-related exhibits and horses are on display by area breeders at the Horsefest on March 30 and April 1. Special events include shooting and riding demonstrations and more.

If you love a great party that raises money for charity, then the Rock'n Ribs BBQ Festival on April 20 and 21 is for you. Event highlights include: live music, BBQ sampling, motorcycle show, free children's area with inflatables, pay-per-ride entertainment activities, pie and doughnut eating contests, Porky's Cantina and more than 60 barbeque teams competing for thousands in prizes.

Traditional music, dance and festivities celebrate the coming of the railroad to Springfield at Historic Commercial Street in 1870 during the first annual Rhythm on the Rails on April 28.

Explore gourd art, find fun for the kids, eat great food and have a good time on April 28 and 29 at the Show Me Gourd Society State Festival.

Visual and performing arts take center stage during Springfield’s signature Artsfest on Walnut Street on May 5 and 6. Artsfest on Walnut Street features more than 140 artists from across the country who display and sell their work. Other activities include five performance stages featuring all sorts of live entertainment, food vendors, street performers, a children's area and more.

For more information visit Springfield Adventures or phone 800-678-8767.

For more information about top events in Missouri take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Missouri

Mississippi Spring Pilgrimage Diamond Jubilee

Thousands are expected to attend the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s Tour of Homes, Gardens, and Historic Landmarks from March 24 to April 1. 

Organized by the Gulf Coast Council of Garden Clubs, this year’s "Diamond Jubilee - 60 Years of Pilgrimages" is an eight-day event that will feature approximately 40 elegant homes, gardens, and historic landmarks along the Mississippi Gulf Coast from Moss Point to Bay St. Louis. All venues are free of charge, thanks to the individual garden clubs and Gulf Coast business sponsors.

The Diamond Jubilee Spring Pilgrimage will officially open at 9am, Saturday, March 24, with a ceremony and refreshments at the Moss Point Presbyterian Church, 3707 Dantzler Street, Moss Point. The closing ceremony will be held 3:30-5:30pm at the Jensen home, "Many Oaks", 315 Front Beach Drive, Ocean Springs on Sunday, April 1.

Saturday will include visits to three homes and a church in Moss Point, Pascagoula, and Gautier.  In Gulf Hills of Ocean Springs, two homes as well as the historic Gulf Hills Hotel will be open to visitors on Sunday.  On Monday in Gulfport, visitors may tour two homes and a church in the morning and one home in the afternoon.  The afternoon will include four homes in Florence Gardens. Tuesday visitors will be invited to Bay St. Louis locations: the Hancock County Library, Annunciation Catholic Church and the Trent Favre home in nearby Kiln and the 100 Men Hall.  The afternoon is shared with Long Beach’s Town Green, City Hall and four unique homes.

Wednesday, March 28, will find visitors in Diamondhead where four homes will be open.  A luncheon and fashion show will be held at the Diamondhead Country Club. After the luncheon, visitors can view the Community Church and Maluhea Gardens.  Two Biloxi homes will open their doors on Thursday morning and the afternoon will feature three historic homes.

Friday, March 30, will be a special day featuring "Gems of the Coast" with all normal entrance fees waived for the Pilgrimage.  Destinations will include the Audubon Center in Moss Point, the Train Depot and M&M Bank's Gazebo and Garden in Pascagoula, the Walter Anderson Museum and Marble Springs in Ocean Springs, the Lighthouse and Visitor Center in Biloxi, the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport and the Nature Walk at Florence Gardens, the Friendship Oak on the USM Campus in Long Beach, and the County Courthouse in Bay St. Louis.

Saturday will bring visitors to Pass Christian where they can visit three homes and Pineville Presbyterian Church as well as Oak Crest Mansion Inn later in the afternoon where refreshments will be served.  Visitors will also be able to attend Art in the Pass, an annual juried art show in War Memorial Park.  Sunday's closing ceremony will follow the tour of three homes in Ocean Springs.

For more information visit Tour of Homes, Gardens, and Historic Landmarks or call 228-627-0910

Visit Mississippi Gulf Coast for other events and festivals.

For more information about top events in Mississippi take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Mississippi.

Take a Spring Break in Chicago

Spring is fast approaching and Chicago city will be in full bloom with an array of indoor and outdoor events and attractions.

Visit Navy Pier for the Chicago Flower & Garden Show, March 10-18, to see stunning floral varieties and enjoy seminars, cooking demos and youth activities. With its "Hort Couture" theme, the show's 25-plus gardens will draw inspiration from textures and colors found in plants and fabrics.

One of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades in the country, the downtown St. Patrick's Day Parade celebrates the patron saint of Irish heritage. On March 17, watch as parade floats, musicians and dancers take to Columbus Drive, then catch a glimpse of the Chicago River dyed green in honor of the festivities. Also, an old favorite returns this year to the Beverly neighborhood when the South Side Irish Parade kicks off on March 11 at Western Avenue from 103rd to 115th Street.

From April 13 to 26, catch screenings at the Chicago Latino Film Festival, presenting the great diversity of themes and genres of Latino filmmaking from around the world.

Every spring Michigan Avenue celebrates the bloom of hundreds of thousands of vibrant tulips, signaling the start of the season in Chicago. From May 1 to 31, visit Tulips on The Magnificent Mile while taking advantage of special events and spring offers at area hotels, restaurants, spas and attractions.

Celebrate Hispanic culture at the Cinco De Mayo Parade on May 6 in the Pilsen neighborhood, where visitors will find authentic Mexican food vendors, colorful floats, great music and dancing starting at noon.

The FREE Illinois Tourism Day returns to Union Station's historic Great Hall on May 17, bringing with it live music, fun giveaways and information booths about all the great attractions to discover throughout the state.

Chicago's Kids and Kites Festival on May 19 is a FREE fun-filled day to celebrate the joys of being a kid – from running around outdoors and flying paper kites to enjoying family-focused programming including face painting, crafts and balloon artists.

For additional event and attraction details, visit Chicago’s official tourism website, www.ExploreChicago.org.

For more information about top events in Illinois take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Illinois. 

Music Festivals Galore in Eastern Arkansas

The best way to experience music in eastern Arkansas is at one of the area’s many music festivals. 

Historic Helena hosts no less than four musical festivals each year, including the 2nd annual Arkansas Delta Rockabilly Festival, slated for May 12. This year’s lineup includes the Kentucky Headhunters, Asleep at the Wheel, Stan Perkins and D.J. Fontana, and Ace Cannon. 

Helena also hosts one of The Natural State’s preeminent musical events, the King Biscuit Blues Festival. Celebrating 27 years in 2012, the three-day festival is scheduled for October 4-6. Thousands from throughout the world flock to historic downtown Helena as the music takes over – giving visitors a three-day, down-home, soul-baring musical history lesson. 

“The Biscuit,” as it’s lovingly referred to, also features arts and crafts, activities for kids, fantastic food fare, and a music symposium. But it’s the music that keeps fans coming. The yearly lineup includes contemporary blues performers, up-and-coming musicians and renowned blues legends. 

The Depot Days Festival in Newport is dedicated to the musical pioneers that played along the famed Rock ‘N’ Roll Highway 67 in northeast Arkansas. The fall event, normally held in mid-September, has featured legendary performers such as Ace Cannon, Sonny Burgess, and Ronnie McDowell. 

Plans are also underway for the 2nd annual Johnny Cash Music Festival, slated for early October. The first event, held in 2011, raised over $300,000 for Arkansas State University’s planned restoration of Cash’s boyhood home in Dyess. Cash’s friends and family, including daughter Roseanne, son John Carter, George Jones, and Kris Kristofferson, performed at the event and offered personal stories about “The Man in Black.” 

Information on music festivals throughout The Natural State can be found at Arkansas Events 

For more information about top events in Arkansas take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Arkansas. 

Springtime Fun at Perdido Key, Florida

It is always a good time to visit Perdido Key on the Florida Coast but go there in the Spring for carnival rides, arts and wine, dragon boat racing and fish-tossing parties.

There are five days of full-blown carnival rides and games by James Gang Amusements, concessions, live entertainment and a vendor marketplace at the annual Perdido Springfest & Fair from March 20 to 24. Admission is free and the festivities start at 6pm during the week and 3pm. on the weekend. Tickets for the rides will be sold at the event and there will be daily military discounts. The festivities are at Liberty Church, 2221 S. Blue Angel Parkway.

The annual Perdido Key Wine and Art Festival on Saturday March 24 is held outside in the parking lot at the Villagio Plaza, 13700 Perdido Key Drive, from 1-6pm. The event features live entertainment from Sam Glass Band, fine arts for sale and food and wine samplings. Purchase a wristband for $20 and indulge in appetizers and wine samples and take home a commemorative wine glass. Wine sampling is from 2-5pm. The Festival is under the auspices of the Perdido Key Visitors Center and ResortQuest.

The Perdido Key Dragon Boat Races take place Saturday, April 14 beginning at 11am. Enjoy watching teams participate in the ancient and international sport of dragon boat racing on the Intracoastal Waterway. The races will launch from Perdido Key Oyster Bar and Marina at noon. Vendors, arts and crafts, and kids’ activities start at 11am.  

About 100,000 people from across the country migrate to Perdido Key from April 27 to 29 to take part in the nationally recognized fish-tossing party – the annual spring Interstate Mullet Toss at the world-famous Flora-Bama which straddles the Florida-Alabama state line.

Visit Perdido Key for more information and upcoming events.

For more information about top events in Florida take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Florida.