What’s that in the air? Oh, it must be spring! The sun is out, and we have so much to look forward to. If you’re a music lover, you’re in luck this season with a range of folk, jazz, and swamp blues—and for the foodies, there’s something for both the seafood lovers and the creatures of comfort.
ICYMI: Modern South is hosting our very first event, The Nashville Crawfish Festival in partnership with Bringle’s Smoking Oasis and Link Farms. Don’t miss it!
The fun doesn’t stop there, so let’s get into all the best Southern festivals in April.
Panda Fest | Multiple locations
April 3-5, 2026 | Atlanta, Georgia
April 3-5, 2026 | Nashville, Tennessee
April 17-19, 2026 | Charlotte, North Carolina
The most adorable celebration of food, culture, and tradition is coming to multiple cities across the South with Panda Fest, one of the largest Asian food festivals in the US. Over 300 vendors come together to bring the best Asian cuisine and crafts to the streets of Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, and more. Festival-goers can expect a joyful atmosphere with live performances and experiential activities, all themed around the furry black-and-white icon.
King Cotton Crawfish Boil | Starkville, Mississippi
April 11, 2026
If you’re from the South, you know there’s no better place to be than gathered around the table with a big ol’ pile of crawfish. Starkville hosts the annual King Cotton Crawfish Boil, which brings out the best crawdad cooks to serve up all the fixin’s. A ticket to the event gets you unlimited crawfish tastings and all the Starkville fun you can handle.
Township Jazz Festival | Ridgeland, Mississippi
April 11, 2026
The smooth sounds of jazz will usher you into spring at Township Jazz Festival in Ridgeland. Join Latin Grammy-winner Nestor Torres as he brings warm weather vibes with his unique musical style, and many other musicians who are guaranteed to turn up the heat. Admission is free, but there will be plenty of food and drinks for purchase to fuel you up for a full day of funky tunes.
Mac & Cheese Festival | Monroe, Louisiana
April 11, 2026
The Mac & Cheese Festival in Monroe is a dream come true for comfort food lovers everywhere. We can already imagine the cheese pulls happening as the community comes together to try different twists on the classic dish. With live music and bounce house entertainment, people of all ages can indulge in a full day of ooey-gooey goodness.
64th Annual Arkansas Folk Festival | Mountain View, Arkansas
April 17, 2026
A musical month continues as Mountain View celebrates its rich connection to folk music at the 64th Annual Arkansas Folk Festival. Both local and traveling musicians fill the Ozark Mountains with the traditional sounds of fiddles, banjos, and more to bring life to the region’s heritage. With 63 years under its belt, this festival is bound to be amazing!
Baton Rouge Blues Festival | Baton Rouge, Louisiana
April 17-18, 2026
Head over to Baton Rouge to experience the beloved sound of swamp blues at the Baton Rouge Blues Festival. What makes this festival truly unique is its dedication to the moody, hazy style, born in the bayou area of Louisiana, while also being one of the longest-running blues festivals in the country. This is a weekend packed with Southern soul, and it’s completely free to attend.
Community Bank Crawfest | Laurel, Mississippi
April 18, 2026
The crawfish competitions continue in Laurel at the Community Bank Crawfest. Make your way through multiple teams’ tables, tasting their very best boils and voting for the dish that blows you away to win the People’s Choice. The tastings are endless, and if you just can’t get enough, there’s even mudbugs to take home and cook up later.
Thunder Over Louisville | Louisville, Kentucky
April 18, 2026
The build-up to the Kentucky Derby Festival wouldn’t be complete without Thunder Over Louisville, an electrifying air show and unrivaled fireworks display that brings a high-energy crowd to the banks of the Ohio River. The Louisville, KY event is one of the largest of its kind in the country, attracting upwards of 500,000 spectators. It’s a full-day affair, including food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Alabama Strawberry Festival | Cullman, Alabama
April 24-25, 2026
Spring just got a little sweeter with the Alabama Strawberry Festival in Cullman. The music lineup boasts headliners like Ernest and Dylan Marlowe, but they’ll be sharing the stage spotlight with a Doggie Pawgeant and a strawberry Baking Competition. Senior Southerners can enjoy a dedicated Senior Day on April 24 in the early afternoon, with special activities (like an outfit contest!) taking place under a shaded canopy.
Main Street Festival | Franklin, Tennessee
April 25-26, 2026
Downtown Franklin, TN ushers in a sunnier season with the annual Main Street Festival, a weekend overflowing with local entertainment and artisans. The streets are filled with families and Franklin-lovers delighting in delicious food vendors and intimate musical performances. The festival attracts more and more visitors each year, drawn in by the town’s historic charm and vibrant personality.
Find more Southern fun here.
