The Flavours and Tunes of Southern USA’s Festivals in 2026

The USA’s southern states, Louisiana, Alabama, North and South Carolina, and Mississippi, share a deep connection with food and music, two cornerstones of their legendary hospitality. In 2026, the region comes alive inviting guests to enjoy the year-long calendar of festivals and events blending soulful music with exceptional cuisine shaped by distinct cultural roots. 

Louisiana

Louisiana hosts over 400 festivals each year that celebrate food, music, outdoors and culture. Held in January, Cadien Toujours 2026 Boucherie is a vibrant celebration of Cajun heritage, community, and tradition through food, music, and gathering. Additionally in March 2026, the Louisiana Food and Wine Festival in Lake Charles will celebrate its third year. Held annually in April, the French Quarter Fest in New Orleans is known for its Louisiana/local music lineup, but it is also ranked as one of the top food festivals in the state. In May, the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival celebrates crawfish, Cajun music, culture, and more. Red River Revel in Shreveport is an art festival held every fall with nine days of music, food, and art. 

Alabama

In 2026, the festival calendar across Alabama is bursting with perfect pairings of melody and mouthwatering fare, with the Opelika Songwriters Festival in March and Hangout Music Festival in May on the white sands of Gulf Shores, offering a cherished music, food, and art experience. For foodies and culture lovers, the Alabama Strawberry Festival in Cullman and the Baldwin County Strawberry Festival in Loxley in April promise a sweet kick-off to summer with strawberry-inspired dishes, vendors, arts, and music. The West Alabama Food & Wine Festival in April in downtown Northport is a celebration of regional chefs, local wines, live music, and rare Southern flavours, while country lovers will mark their calendars for Rock the South, tentatively set for June, celebrating music and BBQ. Moreover, the Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores in May is the only major U.S. music festival held directly on the beach, with stages literally set in the sand, so festivalgoers can dance barefoot by the ocean while enjoying top artists. Other food and music festivals to look out for include Seafood Fest in Orange Beach and the Annual Fort Morgan Oyster Fest in February, the St. Elias Food & Cultural Festival in Birmingham and the Loop Music & Art Festival in Dothan in April.

North Carolina

North Carolina’s festival season bursts to life in the spring with MerleFest in late April in Wilkesboro, one of the nation’s premier Americana and bluegrass gatherings and Lovin’ Life Music Festival in May, which brings a lively mix of national acts, food trucks, and local flavours to downtown Charlotte. In early September, the soulful sounds of the John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival fill High Point’s Oak Hollow Festival Park, while in October, the season turns delicious with the iconic Lexington Barbecue Festival. LEAF Festival (Lake Eden Arts Festival) near Asheville in October is a beloved cultural celebration of music, global arts, culinary treats, and community spirit. Later that month, food and music lovers unite at Salt, Smoke & Sound, a coastal-style celebration near Chapel Hill. The festival year wraps up in November with the upscale Highlands Food & Wine Festival, an intimate mountain retreat blending gourmet bites from renowned chefs, curated wines, and an eclectic music lineup. 

South Carolina

South Carolina’s vibrant culinary and music scenes take centre stage in 2026 with unforgettable festivals. From the Lowcountry Oyster Festival in Charleston (the world’s largest oyster festival) in February to the quirky Irmo Okra Strut in September, South Carolina’s festivals reflect the state’s deep food heritage and its love of live, local music. The 2nd Annual South Carolina Pimento Cheese Festival in March at the scenic Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, South Carolina, is an upcoming event filled with family fun, live music, and the most delicious pimento cheese in South Carolina. Also, the 20th anniversary of the Charleston Wine + Food Festival in March, showcasing the best in food, wine, and rhythm and euphoria Greenvillein in September offering a dynamic blend of culinary and sound, are much-awaited.

Mississippi 

Mississippi’s festival season begins in style with Jackson Food and Wine in March, celebrating Southern flavours. While in April, Oxford’s Double Decker Arts Festival and Clarksdale’s Juke Joint Festival showcase music, art, food, and community in the most intimate ways, and Meridian’s Sipp and Savor features award-winning chefs and brewers. In early June, the Tupelo Elvis Festival, a rocking street party honouring the birthplace of Elvis Presley and the Natchez Food and Wine Festival further blend Mississippi’s musical and culinary fondness. October brings Greenville’s famous Delta Hot Tamale Festival, a one-of-a-kind celebration of the region’s signature dish complemented with Delta music traditions, the vibrant Natchez Balloon Festival overlooking the Mississippi River, and the Gulf Coast’s Cruisin’ the Coast, where thousands of classic cars, live music, and beachside festivities create the ultimate fall road trip. More festivities await in Jackson at the book-lover’s favourite Mississippi Book Festival in September, and the National Folk Festival in November, a vibrant celebration of diverse heritage and artistry.