15 Southern Events & Happenings: July 2025
Share with your friends!
273
SHARES
3
Pinterest
LinkedIn
Email
Flipboard
Reddit
Get ready for a fun-filled summer! From family-friendly festivals to epic fireworks displays and live music under the stars, here are the top Southern events happening across the region this July.
July 3 & 4, 2025: Happy Birthday America — Staunton, VA
Staunton's Happy Birthday America celebration returns to Gypsy Hill Park with a full slate of free, family-friendly events including a parade, Firecracker 5K, carnival games, food vendors, live music from Wilson Fairchild, and a fireworks finale on Independence Day. happybirthdayamerica.org
July 4, 2025: Music City Hot Chicken Festival — Nashville, TN
The Music City Hot Chicken Festival at East Park kicks off with a fire truck parade at 10:30 a.m. The free event also includes hot chicken from top local spots, cold Yazoo beer, food vendors, live local music, and an amateur hot chicken cook‑off. The all‑ages, rain‑or‑shine event benefits Metro Parks & Recreation. hot-chicken.com
July 4, 2025: Bicentennial Independence Day Celebration — Vicksburg, MS
Vicksburg's Bicentennial Independence Day Celebration lights up Downtown Vicksburg. From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., you can enjoy live music from country artist William Michael Morgan and the longest fireworks show in Mississippi — which has been made even bigger for the city's 200th year! vicksburg200.com
July 4, 2025: Thunder on the Mountain — Birmingham, AL
Birmingham's Thunder on the Mountain lights up Red Mountain with Alabama's largest fireworks show, choreographed to music and launched from Vulcan Park. The event is free to the public, with a new VIP Viewing Party option available from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. visitvulcan.com
July 4 & 5, 2025: 46th Annual Festival for the Eno — Durham, NC
The Festival for the Eno returns at West Point, featuring over 65 musical acts across four stages — including Dom Flemons and Empire Strikes Brass — alongside a juried craft fair, food trucks, craft beer and cider gardens, and riverfront fun. Tickets are $35 per day or $65 for a two-day pass. enofest.org
July 4 – 6, 2025: All-American Weekend — Memphis, TN
Graceland's All-American Weekend returns with an all-out celebration of the King, complete with live music, after-hours mansion tours, tribute shows, a gospel brunch, and a fireworks spectacular synced to Elvis hits on July 5. Many events are free, with ticketed options available for special experiences and hotel packages at The Guest House at Graceland. To see the complete schedule of events, visit graceland.com.
July 5, 12, 19, & 26, 2025: Nashville Zoo's Summer Splash — Nashville, TN
The Summer Splash series at Nashville Zoo transforms Festival Field into a refreshing water wonderland every Saturday in July and August. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event includes splash attractions, themed animal enrichment activities, and educational talks on how animals stay cool. Admission is included with regular zoo entry. nashvillezoo.org
July 12, 2025: Summer Cocktail Festival — Memphis, TN
Featuring summer-inspired libations, DJ music, food trucks, and fun photo ops, this annual event at The Kent benefits Volunteer Memphis while bringing together local restaurants, spirits, and residents. Tickets start at $49 and include 12 cocktail tastings. memphisfestivals.com
July 12, 2025: JTown Summer Beer Fest — Jeffersontown, KY
Celebrate Louisville's local beer scene at the JTown Summer Beer Fest. The 9th annual festival features over 100 craft beers, wines, and seltzers, complemented by live music from two stages, a DJ, food trucks, and local vendors. Tickets are $45 in advance or $55 at the gate, and all attendees must be 21+. jtownbeerfest.com
July 14 – 20, 2025: Louisville Burger Week — Louisville, KY
Calling all burger enthusiasts! Louisville Burger Week returns with specialty burgers at dozens of local restaurants across Louisville. The official app allows diners to check in at participating spots, earning points toward prizes and a chance to win a grand prize of $300 in gift cards and an 'Ultimate Grilling Package' from the Kentucky Beef Council. louisvilleburgerweek.com
July 17 – 20, 2025: Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands — Asheville, NC
The Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands returns to Asheville at Harrah's Cherokee Center, showcasing over 100 juried artists from across the Southern Appalachian region. The fair features a diverse array of handmade crafts, including pottery, textiles, jewelry, and woodwork, along with live demonstrations and performances. Admission is $12 for adults, with free entry for children under 12. southernhighlandguild.org
July 24 – 26, 2025: Hot Summer Nights — Austin, TX
Austin's Hot Summer Nights transforms the Red River Cultural District into a vibrant, free, three-day music and arts festival. Over 100 local and national artists perform across more than a dozen iconic venues, including Stubb's, Mohawk, Swan Dive, and Cheer Up Charlies, with music starting around 7 p.m. nightly. redriverculturaldistrict.org
July 25 – 27, 2025: Natchez Food & Wine Festival — Natchez, MS
The Natchez Food & Wine Festival is an exciting event full of chef dinners, wine tastings, craft brews, mixology classes, and live music at historic homes and scenic riverfront venues. Events are ticketed individually, with highlights like Friday's Tastings Along the River, bourbon pairings, and multi-course dinners starting. visitnatchez.org
July 26, 2025: Sweetgrass Festival — Mount Pleasant, SC
The annual Sweetgrass Festival returns to Mount Pleasant's Memorial Waterfront Park on July 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., celebrating the Gullah Geechee traditions of sweetgrass basketry with live weaving demos, educational sessions, music, and a craft market showcasing local artisans. experiencemountpleasant.com
July 26, 2025: Atlanta Ice Cream Festival — Atlanta, GA
The Atlanta Ice Cream Festival at Piedmont Park invites attendees of all ages to indulge in a variety of treats from 85+ local vendors. Plus, enjoy live music, family-fun activities, a wellness zone with fitness demos and health screenings, and food and vendor booths. The event is free to attend. atlantaicecreamfestival.com
Here's to a fabulous July!
**********
To see more great Southern events, visit our Happenings calendar.
About the Author Anne Marie Hanna
Anne Marie is the Marketing & Editorial Coordinator at StyleBlueprint, where she helps tell the stories shaping the South. Outside of work, you'll likely find her on a porch with a coffee and a good book, gardening, listening to music, or enjoying time with friends and family.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Toronto Sun
an hour ago
- Toronto Sun
REVIEW: No false notes as James Taylor brings his trademark warmth to Toronto
James Taylor This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Friday night Budweiser Stage ***1/2 (3.5 out of four) — How sweet it is to be serenaded by Sweet Baby James on a sultry summer night. That would be legendary singer-songwriter James Taylor, now 77, who brought his 11-piece All-Starr band – including his son, Henry, 21, as one of four backing vocalists – to Budweiser Stage on Friday night for the only Canadian date of his summer trek. Not only was it the start of the weekend, but the long weekend at that, so the packed crowd was ready to sit back and enjoy the warm, soothing tones and classic songs that have made Taylor a favourite live performer for over half a century. Coming out dressed in a blue blazer, blue top, black pants and a black cap, the long, lean and lanky Taylor opened the two-hour performance with a series of four travelling songs starting with the folk cover, Wandering. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. But it song number five, Mexico, that really stirred the audience up. Especially after Taylor removed his blazer causing some in the crowd to wolf-whistle. 'You people are really starved for entertainment,' he joked. 'You gotta get out more! I might take out my teeth next! No, they're all mine – bought and paid for. Okay, enough of the old timer jokes.' From there Taylor hit another musical high note with Carolina On My Mind followed by Up On The Roof, written by his longtime buddy Carole King, 'in 1830 for the Drifters,' as he joked. Taylor would also revisit another King song, You've Got A Friend, which he said he first heard about 12 hours after she wrote it as a response to his Fire and Rain lyrics: 'I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. That performance got him his first standing ovation of the night – and he kept getting better and better with Sweet Baby James and Fire and Rain (the latter earning him his second standing ovation of the evening). Read More The sweet-sounding harmonies of Shed A Little Light got people up on their feet and dancing, as did Shower The People – with backing vocalist Dorian Holley's solo wowing the audience – and Your Smiling Face before the encore. When they returned to the stage for Steamroller, Taylor generously allowed his talented musicians – keyboardist Larry Goldings, horn player Lou Marini (of SNL fame), guitarist Michael Landau and Cuban percussionist Luis Conte – to have their solos. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Then it was time to cover Marvin Gaye's How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) before Taylor and his son Henry showed off their shared DNA by harmonizing on the closing number, You Can Close Your Eyes, where they were joined by opening act Tiny Habits. Equally deserving of shout-outs were backing vocalists Kate Markowitz and Andrea Zonn, also on fiddle, with not one false note between them – or anybody else on the stage for that matter – all night long. jstevenson@ SET LIST Wandering (I'm a) Road Runner (Jr. Walker & the All Stars cover) Walking Man Stretch of the Highway Mexico My Traveling Star Blossom Carolina in My Mind Up on the Roof (Carole King cover) The Frozen Man You've Got a Friend (Carole King cover) Sweet Baby James Fire and Rain (I've Got to) Stop Thinkin' 'Bout That Shed a Little Light Shower the People Your Smiling Face ENCORE Steamroller How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) (Marvin Gaye cover) You Can Close Your Eyes Love concerts, but can't make it to the venue? Stream live shows and events from your couch with VEEPS, a music-first streaming service now operating in Canada. Click here for an introductory offer of 30% off. Explore upcoming concerts and the extensive archive of past performances. NHL Sunshine Girls Columnists Sunshine Girls Toronto Raptors
Style Blueprint
2 days ago
- Style Blueprint
15 Southern Events & Happenings: July 2025
Share with your friends! 273 SHARES 3 Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit Get ready for a fun-filled summer! From family-friendly festivals to epic fireworks displays and live music under the stars, here are the top Southern events happening across the region this July. July 3 & 4, 2025: Happy Birthday America — Staunton, VA Staunton's Happy Birthday America celebration returns to Gypsy Hill Park with a full slate of free, family-friendly events including a parade, Firecracker 5K, carnival games, food vendors, live music from Wilson Fairchild, and a fireworks finale on Independence Day. July 4, 2025: Music City Hot Chicken Festival — Nashville, TN The Music City Hot Chicken Festival at East Park kicks off with a fire truck parade at 10:30 a.m. The free event also includes hot chicken from top local spots, cold Yazoo beer, food vendors, live local music, and an amateur hot chicken cook‑off. The all‑ages, rain‑or‑shine event benefits Metro Parks & Recreation. July 4, 2025: Bicentennial Independence Day Celebration — Vicksburg, MS Vicksburg's Bicentennial Independence Day Celebration lights up Downtown Vicksburg. From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., you can enjoy live music from country artist William Michael Morgan and the longest fireworks show in Mississippi — which has been made even bigger for the city's 200th year! July 4, 2025: Thunder on the Mountain — Birmingham, AL Birmingham's Thunder on the Mountain lights up Red Mountain with Alabama's largest fireworks show, choreographed to music and launched from Vulcan Park. The event is free to the public, with a new VIP Viewing Party option available from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. July 4 & 5, 2025: 46th Annual Festival for the Eno — Durham, NC The Festival for the Eno returns at West Point, featuring over 65 musical acts across four stages — including Dom Flemons and Empire Strikes Brass — alongside a juried craft fair, food trucks, craft beer and cider gardens, and riverfront fun. Tickets are $35 per day or $65 for a two-day pass. July 4 – 6, 2025: All-American Weekend — Memphis, TN Graceland's All-American Weekend returns with an all-out celebration of the King, complete with live music, after-hours mansion tours, tribute shows, a gospel brunch, and a fireworks spectacular synced to Elvis hits on July 5. Many events are free, with ticketed options available for special experiences and hotel packages at The Guest House at Graceland. To see the complete schedule of events, visit July 5, 12, 19, & 26, 2025: Nashville Zoo's Summer Splash — Nashville, TN The Summer Splash series at Nashville Zoo transforms Festival Field into a refreshing water wonderland every Saturday in July and August. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event includes splash attractions, themed animal enrichment activities, and educational talks on how animals stay cool. Admission is included with regular zoo entry. July 12, 2025: Summer Cocktail Festival — Memphis, TN Featuring summer-inspired libations, DJ music, food trucks, and fun photo ops, this annual event at The Kent benefits Volunteer Memphis while bringing together local restaurants, spirits, and residents. Tickets start at $49 and include 12 cocktail tastings. July 12, 2025: JTown Summer Beer Fest — Jeffersontown, KY Celebrate Louisville's local beer scene at the JTown Summer Beer Fest. The 9th annual festival features over 100 craft beers, wines, and seltzers, complemented by live music from two stages, a DJ, food trucks, and local vendors. Tickets are $45 in advance or $55 at the gate, and all attendees must be 21+. July 14 – 20, 2025: Louisville Burger Week — Louisville, KY Calling all burger enthusiasts! Louisville Burger Week returns with specialty burgers at dozens of local restaurants across Louisville. The official app allows diners to check in at participating spots, earning points toward prizes and a chance to win a grand prize of $300 in gift cards and an 'Ultimate Grilling Package' from the Kentucky Beef Council. July 17 – 20, 2025: Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands — Asheville, NC The Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands returns to Asheville at Harrah's Cherokee Center, showcasing over 100 juried artists from across the Southern Appalachian region. The fair features a diverse array of handmade crafts, including pottery, textiles, jewelry, and woodwork, along with live demonstrations and performances. Admission is $12 for adults, with free entry for children under 12. July 24 – 26, 2025: Hot Summer Nights — Austin, TX Austin's Hot Summer Nights transforms the Red River Cultural District into a vibrant, free, three-day music and arts festival. Over 100 local and national artists perform across more than a dozen iconic venues, including Stubb's, Mohawk, Swan Dive, and Cheer Up Charlies, with music starting around 7 p.m. nightly. July 25 – 27, 2025: Natchez Food & Wine Festival — Natchez, MS The Natchez Food & Wine Festival is an exciting event full of chef dinners, wine tastings, craft brews, mixology classes, and live music at historic homes and scenic riverfront venues. Events are ticketed individually, with highlights like Friday's Tastings Along the River, bourbon pairings, and multi-course dinners starting. July 26, 2025: Sweetgrass Festival — Mount Pleasant, SC The annual Sweetgrass Festival returns to Mount Pleasant's Memorial Waterfront Park on July 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., celebrating the Gullah Geechee traditions of sweetgrass basketry with live weaving demos, educational sessions, music, and a craft market showcasing local artisans. July 26, 2025: Atlanta Ice Cream Festival — Atlanta, GA The Atlanta Ice Cream Festival at Piedmont Park invites attendees of all ages to indulge in a variety of treats from 85+ local vendors. Plus, enjoy live music, family-fun activities, a wellness zone with fitness demos and health screenings, and food and vendor booths. The event is free to attend. Here's to a fabulous July! ********** To see more great Southern events, visit our Happenings calendar. About the Author Anne Marie Hanna Anne Marie is the Marketing & Editorial Coordinator at StyleBlueprint, where she helps tell the stories shaping the South. Outside of work, you'll likely find her on a porch with a coffee and a good book, gardening, listening to music, or enjoying time with friends and family.
Style Blueprint
3 days ago
- Style Blueprint
Auburn's New Summer Chef Series Has an All-Female Roster!
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit Just because Auburn University students have packed up their books for summer break doesn't mean things have cooled off at 1856 — Culinary Residence. In fact, the heat is definitely on. This fine-dining gem, housed within the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management, is keeping the burners hot with the launch of its third annual summer chef series, showcasing the talents of three renowned female chefs from around the South. Pin MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Each chef's three-night residency at 1856 will feature carefully curated menus that reflect their personal culinary philosophies. Think of it as a crash course in the South's most exciting kitchens, without ever leaving Auburn. Reservations are available now through the 1856 – Culinary Residence website. SB Tip: Make a weekend of it and stay at The Laurel Hotel & Spa, where Auburn hospitality students receive immersive training! July 10 – 12: Chef Lauren Windham First up is Chef Lauren Windham, an Auburn alum who's basically culinary royalty at this point. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley and winning Food Network's Chopped in 2022, Lauren crisscrossed the country honing her skills before launching her own private chef business in Winter Park, FL. Now, she's coming home to Auburn to show off what she's been cooking up. Spoiler: it's going to be spectacular. July 17 – 19: Chef Maureen Holt The second week brings Chef Maureen Holt, whose name might sound familiar to Birmingham foodies. She was the chef and co-owner of the beloved Little Savannah and now runs Southern Graze, a catering company focused on soulful, Southern-inspired cuisine. But Maureen isn't just about feeding folks; she's also deeply involved in culinary education and mentorship through her work with nonprofits and Les Dames d'Escoffier. Expect warmth, wisdom, and wickedly good eats. July 24 – 26: Chef Aneesha Hargrave Rounding out the month is Chef Aneesha Hargrave, a Johnson & Wales grad whose résumé includes stints with Chopt and Impossible Foods. Her food is rooted in heritage, community, and flavor that tells a story. Aneesha will soon head up the culinary programs at the much-anticipated Elevation Convening Center and Hotel in Montgomery, AL. But before she takes on that adventure, she's bringing her bold, thoughtful approach to Auburn for a can't-miss culinary experience. ********** To stay in the know on the best ways to drink and dine your way through the South, subscribe to StyleBlueprint. About the Author Jenna Bratcher Jenna Bratcher is StyleBlueprint Nashville's Associate Editor and Lead Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville 17 years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.
