August Festivals, Celebrations and Special Events - The Southeastern U.S.

Things to Do in August in the Southeast

From the coast to the mountains and beyond, enjoy the final month of the summer season at one or more of these fun festivals and special summer events during your August vacation, weekend getaway or day-trip.

The Virginia Highlands Festival
Abingdon, Virginia - July 25 - August 9, 2009
Information at Virginia August Events.

The North Carolina Watermelon Festival
Murfreesboro, North Carolina - July 29 - August 1, 2009
Festival events include a large antiques / collectibles / crafts fair, lots of food, amusements rides, street dances each night, free watermelon slices, watermelon games, North Carolina’s largest agricultural parade, fireworks and more.

Biltmore Summer Evening Concert
Asheville, North Carolina - August 1, 2009
The final Biltmore Estate summer concert of the season take places on the South Terrace lawn where mountain sunsets and twinkling stars provide a spectacular backdrop.

Friendship Firehouse Festival
Alexandria, Virginia - August 1, 2009
Information at Virginia August Events.

Manassas African-American Heritage Festival
Manassas, Virginia - August 1, 2009
Information at Virginia August Events.

The World's Longest Yardsale
Defiance, Ohio to Gadsden, Alabama - August 6 - 9, 2009
Thousands of vendors participate in this popular annual event making it the ultimate bargain hunters' road trip. More about the World's Longest Yardsale

South Carolina Peanut Party
Pelion, South Carolina - August 7 - 8, 2009
Information at South Carolina August Events.

Elvis Week
Memphis, Tennessee - August 8 - 16, 2009
The annual Elvis celebration at Graceland is a nine-day gathering of friends and fans from around the world celebrating Elvis’ life and career. Events include concerts, movies, a candlelight vigil and much more.

Thunder on the Gulf
Gulf Shores / Orange Beach, Alabama - Cancelled for 2009
Visit their web site for details.

State Fair of West Virginia
Lewisburg, West Virginia - August 14 - 22, 2009
Non-stop fun and excitement includes headliner entertainment, agricultural exhibits, arts events, carnival rides, games and more at this annual agricultural fair.

Biltmore Flower Carpet
Asheville, North Carolina - August 14 - 30, 2009
Biltmore's one-of-a-kind living flower carpet will be displayed on the South Terrace of Biltmore House. Visitors may enjoy this living tapestry by day or during special Flower Carpet Evenings.

Free Entry to National Parks
All National Parks - August 15 - 16, 2009
Third of three fee-free weekends in summer 2009.

American Founders Bank Woodland Art Fair
Lexington, Kentucky - August 15 - 16, 2009
A staple of the Lexington art scene, this annual fair features 200 artisans in an array of mediums, live entertainment, a designated for families, food vendors and more in historic Woodland Park.

Dog Days Sunflower and Peach Festival
Bluemont, Virginia - August 15 - 16, 2009
Information at Virginia August Events.

Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival
Bealeton, Virginia - August 15 - 16, 2009
Information at Virginia August Events.

The Kentucky State Fair
Louisville, Kentucky - August 20 - 30, 2009
The eleven-day Kentucky State Fair has been celebrating the history, heritage and culture of the Bluegrass State for over 100 years. Each year, the World’s Championship Horse Show, the most prestigious saddlebred show in the world, is held during the Fair. More about the Kentucky State Fair

Summerfest
York, South Carolina - August 22, 2009
Information at South Carolina August Events.

Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival
Cary, North Carolina - August 22, 2009
A premier North Carolina Festival of local and national artisans, performing arts, food and more.

Festival Peachtree Latino
Atlanta, Georgia - August 23, 2009
This free family and multicultural event features hundreds of exhibitions, family activities, sporting events, parades, arts and crafts, international foods and outdoor music concerts with renown international performers on two stages at Underground Atlanta.

Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration
Shelbyville, Tennessee - August 26 - September 5, 2009
Fans from more than 40 states converge each year to enjoy this annual show and celebration including a full schedule of activities.

Charleston Beach Music and Shag Festival
Charleston, South Carolina - August 27 - 30, 2009
Information at South Carolina August Events.

East Coast Surfing Championships
Virginia Beach, Virginia - August 27 - 30, 2009
North America's oldest running surfing competition and the second oldest continuously-run surfing contest in the world takes place annually in Virginia Beach. More about the East Coast Surfing Championships

The Annual Snowshoe Symphony Festival and West Virginia Butterfly Festival
Snowshoe, West Virginia - August 28 - 30, 2009
Enjoy the WV Symphony Orchestra, gourmet foods, arts and crafts and more, plus, butterfly pavilions and the release of hundreds of monarch butterflies.

Labor Day Weekend Events
Throughout the Southeast - September 4 - 7, 2009
Find out about more than 20 popular events throughout the Southeast to enjoy during the final holiday weekend of the summer season.