February is off to a chilly start. Here are some backroad events to help you pack plenty of fun into this short winter month.
Lowcountry Oyster Festival
February 1, 2026; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
The Lowcountry Oyster Festival at historic Boone Hall Plantation is billed as the world’s largest oyster roast, drawing visitors to this rural coastal area outside Charleston. Attendees enjoy unlimited steamed oysters, live music on multiple stages, oyster shucking and eating contests, local food vendors, wine and beer, and family-friendly activities.
Athens Wine Weekend
February 6-8, 2026
Athens, Georgia
Athens Wine Weekend celebrates global wines and local culinary talent, benefiting The Classic Center Cultural Foundation for student scholarships. Highlights include wine seminars on topics like bubbles and Rioja, an Amuse-Bouche event with Athens chefs, a Grand Tasting, Gourmet Dinner pairings, and a Sparkling Wine Brunch.
Modern Calligraphy Workshop
February 12, 2026
Middleburg Books in Middleburg, Virginia
Enjoy a relaxing winter evening of creative mindfulness in the heart of Virginia’s scenic Hunt Country. Sip & Script teaches the basics of modern pointed-pen calligraphy, focusing on elegant letterforms, expressive strokes, and foundational techniques. This event, located inside Middleburg Books from 6 to 7:30 p.m., is perfect for those who want to personalize cards, journals, or gifts with beautiful handwriting.
St. Simons Island Storytelling Festival
February 13-15, 2026
St. Simons Island, Georgia
The 11th Annual St. Simons Island Storytelling Festival takes place at Epworth by the Sea and features world-class storytellers Donald Davis, Milbre Burch, Sheila Arnold, Bil Lepp, and emcee Andy Offutt Irwin. The event also includes an open mic, meals for overnight guests, and shared storytelling stages.
Chocolate Fest
February 13-14, 2026
Jonesborough, Tennessee
Chocolate Fest is a sweet celebration in Tennessee’s oldest town dedicated to all things chocolate. Indulge in tastings and pairings with local wines, watch demonstrations, visit vendor booths, participate in chocolate-themed contests, and attend decorating workshops. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are sold in packs of 10 for $20, and Chocolate Fest/Chocolate After Dark combo tickets cost $35. One ticket gives attendees access to one chocolate treat stop.
Maple Syrup Festival and Pancake Breakfast
February 14, 2026
Johnson City, Tennessee
The Maple Syrup Festival and Pancake Breakfast returns to Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site on February 14 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This beloved rural event celebrates Appalachian traditions with live demonstrations of maple tree tapping and syrup production, alongside a hearty pancake breakfast served from 8 to 11 a.m. Visitors enjoy tastings of fresh maple syrup, vendor crafts, historical tours of the 18th-century site, and family-friendly activities amid the scenic East Tennessee hills.
Deep Winter Blues Festival
February 21, 2026
Hagood Mill Historic Site, Pickens, South Carolina
Enjoy soulful blues indoors at the Heritage Pavilion with performances by legends Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues and Veronika Johnson, plus acts like David Donar and Freddie Vanderford. Features food vendors, artisan crafts, historic site exploration, and family-friendly vibes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: $8 advance/$10 gate (ages 10+).
Beaufort’s Mardi Gras
February 20-21, 2026
Beaufort, North Carolina
Beaufort’s Waterfront Mardi Gras Festival is a weekend celebration with feasts, parades, costumes, masks, and revelry. Highlights include a Friday Night Masquerade Ball hosted by Beaufort Historic Site and a Saturday Parade and Street Carnival hosted by Beaufort Business Association with New Orleans-inspired food, drink, live music, Cajun cuisine, and a Cajun Cook-off Competition.
St. Simons Land Trust Oyster Roast
February 21, 2026
St. Simons Island, Georgia
The annual St. Simons Land Trust Oyster Roast is a fundraising festival under live oaks at Gascoigne Bluff, featuring oysters, barbecue, and drinks from over 50 local vendors, plus live music and river views. It supports land preservation efforts to protect scenic and historic sites. Enjoy games and tours as you experience Georgia’s Golden Isles heritage and commitment to natural beauty.
Deep Winter Blues Festival
February 21, 2026
Hagood Mill Historic Site, Pickens, South Carolina
Enjoy soulful blues indoors at the Heritage Pavilion with performances by legends Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’ Blues and Veronika Johnson, plus acts like David Donar and Freddie Vanderford. Enjoy food vendors, artisan crafts, and historic site explorations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $8 advance and $10 gate for ages 10 and older.
Mount Rogers Winter Naturalist Rally
February 21, 2026
Konnarock, Virginia
This one-day event at the Blue Ridge Discovery Center explores winter ecology in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Participants study snowflakes, ice phenomena, early blooms, night skies, and exposed geology. Learn about human-wildlife conflicts from keynote speaker Kathleen Black of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
Silver River Knap-In and Prehistoric Arts Festival
February 21-22, 2026
Silver Springs, Florida
The Southeast’s largest Silver River Knap-In and Prehistoric Arts Festival is at Silver River Museum from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event showcases ancient skills like flint knapping and crafting stone tools, with artisans from across the U.S. demonstrating pottery, bow-making, hide tanning, and fire-starting. It offers hands-on activities such as archery and spear throwing. Admission is $10 per person, and free for kids under age 5.
Sea & Sand Festival
February 21–22, 2026
Folly Beach, South Carolina
Folly Beach’s longest-running festival celebrates its 34th year on the beach and Center Street, which will be closed for “Salty Saturday” and taken over by 80-plus vendors, restaurants, and bars. On Sunday, head to the beachfront for a sand sculpting competition and live music. Tickets cost $10 advance and $15 at the door. Kids ages 12 and under and Folly Beach residents get in free
NC First in Freedom Festival
February 21-28, 2026
Currie, North Carolina
The inaugural NC First in Freedom Festival commemorates America’s 250th anniversary through eastern North Carolina’s Revolutionary War lens, centered around the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge in Pender County. The event features historical reenactments, exhibits, arts performances, educational programs, and North Carolina’s “First in Freedom” role with the Halifax Resolves.
Northeast Florida Scottish Games & Festival
February 28, 2026
Green Cove Springs, Florida
The Northeast Florida Scottish Games & Festival returns to Clay County Fairgrounds in rural Green Cove Springs. This full-day Celtic celebration from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. features caber tossing, pipe bands, Highland dancing, clan gatherings, sheepdog demonstrations, British food, and whiskey tastings in a North Florida oak-shaded setting.
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Six places on the list that I really enjoy visiting!