Bring your travelers to one of these signature Southern events in 2025.
Florida International Air Show
Punta Gorda, Florida
Named one of North America’s 10 best air shows by USA Today, the Florida International Air Show is a highlight of the year for southwest Florida locals and visitors alike. Launched in 1981, the air show was originally a small affair with a few acts at the Punta Gorda Airport. Celebrating its 44th year in 2025, the air show is now a multiday event with a large variety of acts, interactive displays and many other visitor experiences.
Though the 2024 Florida International Air Show was cancelled due to hurricanes Milton and Helene, the event is scheduled to return November 1–2 this year. Guests can expect a riveting performance by the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, the world’s most elite exhibition flying squadron. In addition, groups attending the festival can see other pilots demonstrating daring aerial maneuvers in a variety of aircraft. They can also get up-close looks at some historic planes, watch a skydiving routine and more.
Farm to Fork Ride or Run
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Groups that enjoy food, fitness activities and making a positive impact during their travels will find a chance to combine all three at the Farm to Fork Ride or Run, a dual-race event in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Hosted by Extra Table, an organization that fights hunger throughout central Mississippi, the races begin and end under the lights of downtown Hattiesburg.
Scheduled for April 25–26, the Farm to Fork events are different from most other road races. Instead of pushing for the fastest times possible, participating walkers, runners and cyclists are encouraged to slow down and sample farm-fresh Hattiesburg cuisine at numerous culinary “pit stops” along the course. At the finish line, there’s a party with food, music and dancing, which means group members who aren’t up for a workout can still take part in the fun. The races draw about 1,000 participants, and proceeds raised help Extra Table provide meals for Mississippians in need.
Battle Below the Clouds
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Many travelers know Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee, as a great place to walk nature trails and take in sweeping views of nearby states. But for one day each spring, the serene setting becomes a battleground where barbecue teams compete for a good cause.
Known as the “friendliest barbecue competition in the South,” Battle Below the Clouds is a contest between amateur pitmasters, who compete to win prizes and raise money for a Chattanooga nonprofit called Lana’s Love Foundation. Teams compete in numerous categories, including pork butt, pork ribs and chicken wings. The event is free to the public, and attendees get to sample smoked meats from each team and vote for their favorites in the Jim Brewer People’s Choice Award. In addition to the barbecue, groups can enjoy live music, food trucks, local beer and more. This year’s competition will take place May 3.
Forsythia Festival
Forsythe, Georgia
Taking place in the streets around the historic downtown square in Forsythe, Georgia, the Forsythia Festival is a two-day celebration of all things spring. The 2025 edition of the weekend event is scheduled for March 8–9.
Hosted by the Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, the festival is an effort supported by many local businesses and volunteers. Throughout the weekend, events include a 5K run, live music on a community stage and a pancake breakfast served by a local Boy Scout troop. But the centerpiece of the festival is its arts and craft fair, which draws some 20,000 visitors over the course of the weekend. More than 100 artisans and crafters exhibit at the fair, which makes it a great place for travelers to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts. Other festival favorites include a car show, a block party and a “food truck frenzy.”
Sumter Iris Festival
Sumter, South Carolina
One of the state’s longest-running festivals, the Sumter Iris Festival is the centerpiece of spring celebration in Sumter, South Carolina. The festival takes place in Swan Lake Iris Gardens, a 150-acre public park that features more than 120 varieties of irises, as well as numerous other Japanese flowers and eight species of swans. It has been featured in Southern Living, as well as numerous TV stations and travel websites, and regularly draws groups from throughout the region.
Scheduled for May 16–18, the 2025 event will begin with the crowning of a festival king and queen, followed by Taste at the Gardens, which features live music and samples of dishes by local chefs, restaurants and caterers. From there, attendees can enjoy the colorful display of the iris gardens in full bloom, as well as concerts, an arts and crafts fair, a classic car show, numerous contests and activities for children and families.
