Summertime is officially here, and that means it’s festival season around the South. We’ve got the scoop on five upcoming events that provide all the culture, cuisine, and all around fun the whole family will enjoy.

Spoleto Festival USA

Charleston, South Carolina

May 26-June 11

There’s always a reason to visit Charleston, and one of the biggest ones of the summer is Spoleto Festival USA. The annual performing arts festival brings together the very best in theater, dance, and music for 16 days each year. This year, the festival will be hosted May 26 through June 11 across the Holy City’s theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces.

Now in its 47^th season, Spoleto was originally founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, Christopher Keene, and others who wanted to bring a version of Italy’s Festival of Two Worlds to America. Learn more here.

Williamsburg Live

Norfolk, Virginia

June 16-18

The Virginia Arts Festival celebrates the region’s arts and culture each year with a massive celebration, and a special part of the annual festival is Williamsburg Live. To be held June 16 through 18 in Colonial Williamsburg, the event will include special performances by The Wood Brothers, Kenny Loggins, and Keb’ Mo’. Learn more here.

Hemingway Days

Key West, Florida

July 18-23

Key West, Florida, has long been known as the adopted home of renowned author Ernest Hemingway. After one visit he fell in love with the island’s obvious charm, purchased a home, and continued to live and write there for many years until his death. Today, in addition to his home now being open to the public for tours as the Hemingway Home & Museum, the city pays homage to one of its most famous residents with Hemingway Days. The annual event draws Hemingway look-alikes, writers, anglers, and general fans of his vast work to the city to celebrate his life and works. As part of the event each year, look-alikes compete in a contest at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, Hemingway’s favorite hangout and bar during his many years of living in Key West. Also included in the agenda are readings of his work, a three-day marlin tournament, a 5k run, street fair, and more. Learn more here.

18th Annual Sweetgrass Festival

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

July 22

The culture and traditions of the Gullah Geechee have made a tremendous impact to not only the cities of Charleston and Mount Pleasant, but to the entire state of South Carolina. To celebrate their heritage and history, Mount Pleasant hosts the annual Sweetgrass Festival each year. Now in its 19^th year, the festival focuses on the Gullah Geechee’s sweetgrass basket art form, which originated in Mount Pleasant and continues to be found there and many other communities. Many of these local basket makers will be on hand to sell their beautiful handmade works at the Sweetgrass Basket & Craft Show. Learn more here.

Grape Stomp Festival

Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina

August 19

Deep Water Vineyard is located on Wadmalaw Island and is Charleston’s only vineyard. Known for producing authentic muscadine wine, the vineyard offers daily self-guided tours and tastings, and an ever-popular event held each year is the Grape Stomp Festival, which always takes place in late August to mark the arrival of fall. This year, the event will be hosted on August 19 and in addition to the grape contests will include wine tastings, food trucks, and live music. Learn more here.