Night with street lights and look at the back of the guitar someone is playing.

Unusual Southeast Festivals You Need to Experience in 2024

Ever wondered what are some of the quirkiest Southeast festivals in the United States? 

You’re in luck! 

Because here are some pretty unique festivals!

5 Southeast Festivals

This region is home to some of the most unique and vibrant celebrations you’ll ever come across. 

These quirky festivals just goes to show that anything can be special to different people. 

So don’t yuck someone’s yum when it comes to festivals that is. 😊

There are festivals about banana pudding or even mermaids, there is always something for everyone!

National Banana Pudding Festival

Centerville, Tennessee |  Population: 3,500 

Every year, just an hour southwest of Nashville, the small town, Centerville, Tennessee transforms into a dessert lover’s paradise with the National Banana Pudding Festival. 🍌

banana pudding in a glass cup.

Since 2010 this small town and its charming festival celebrates a Southern classic: 

Banana Pudding. 

With their mouth-watering treats, entertaining activities, everyone attending can enjoy a fun-filled day with the family.

Banana Pudding Cook-Off

The main attraction of the festival is the Banana Pudding Cook-Off – a competition where contestants from all over the United States come to show off their best banana pudding recipe. 

Map of Centerville Tennessee

The 2023 winner was from Georgia! They had 9 contestants from seven different states. 

That’s a pretty wide spread love for banana pudding!

Spectators can also enjoy tasting a variety of different types of banana pudding from the Cook Off contestants with their “sample box.” 

Family-Friendly Activities

The National Banana Pudding Festival is full of family-friendly activities giving families a fun day for all ages. 

Here are some highlights:

  • National Cook Off: Where approximately 10 people compete to make the best Banana Pudding!
  • Live Music: There are two stages of live entertainment all day on both Saturday and Sunday.
  • Food and Craft Vendors: Close to 100 food and craft stands on this two day event.
  • Games for Children: Keep the little ones entertained with a variety of children’s games and activities.
  • Banana Pudding Tasting: Another one of the main attractions is the Puddin’ Path. Visitors can sample different versions of banana pudding. Just to name a few flavors from the past, there were the “Banana Mood Pie Pudding & White Chocolate & Carmel.” There is even a Pudding-to-Go stand where you can buy your favorite to take home with you.
Festival lights at night.

The festival is not just a treat for banana pudding lovers; it’s a day of entertainment and activities, making it an ideal outing for families, friends, and all those dessert lovers. 

And a big perk is this festival gives back to a variety of non-profit organizations. 

From the competitive spirit of the cook-off to the variety of engaging activities, the National Banana Pudding Festival captures the essence of Southern hospitality and culinary tradition.

Planning to attend? Visit the National Banana Pudding Festival’s official website for more details and to plan your trip.

You can also check them out on Facebook.

The Swamp Cabbage Festival 

LaBelle, Florida | Population: 5,000

One of the most unique celebrations in Florida, the Swamp Cabbage Festival in LaBelle is an event you definitely don’t want to miss. 

Map of LaBelle in Florida.

What is Swamp Cabbage?

This annual festival shines a spotlight on “swamp cabbage.” 

Ever heard of it? 

Swamp Cabbage is something you would get at a fancy restaurant and is called “heart of palm.” 

It’s the inner part of a cabbage palm tree, officially named Sabal Palm, which is the state tree of Florida. 

It’s ironic that it sounds a little redneck, swamp cabbage, but it is actually eaten in fancy restaurants on salads and etc. 

Swamp Cabbage Festival

This festival is nothing new, it’s been going on for over 58 years. 

And an estimated 30,000 people attend this festival within the two days. 

colorful banner in the sky.

The Swamp Cabbage Festival takes place every year on the last weekend in February. 

This festival has lots of things going on

  • Car show
  • Parade
  • Music entertainment
  • Craft vendors
  • Rodeo
  • Bass tournament
  • Church service
  • And so much more

There is even a corn hold tournament. 

This little town has really stepped up and given people something to celebrate by coming to their little town. 

Keep up to date on the next Swamp Cabbage Festival by following their Facebook page

It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that feeds both the body and soul. With it’s small town atmosphere and its food vendors, many with swamp cabbage for sale.

The Mullet Toss – Flora-Bama Lounge, Alabama

Perdido Key, Florida | Population: 33,000

According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of a festival is “an often periodic celebration of events or entertainment having a specific focus.” 

And in this festival, it’s all about the Mullet. 

Map of Perdido Key, FL

If you’re searching for a festival that’s both quirky and fun, look no further than the Mullet Toss at Flora-Bama Lounge in Alabama.

It’s a little more populated than what I would consider a small town, but it’s along the beach and it’s a pretty unique festival that I wanted to mention it. 

What do you do at this festival? 

Hand holding a fish in the air.

Well you toss a mullet of course. 😂

A Mullet Toss? Tell Me More!

So, what exactly happens at the Mullet Toss? Participants stand in a 10-foot circle located right on the Alabama-Florida state line. 

Using only their hands, they hurl a mullet (which is a type of fish) as far as they can over the state line. 

Don’t worry, the fish are not alive and they donate them to Alligator Alley or the Gulf Coast Zoo to feed the Alligators.

The goal? 

To see who can throw their fish the farthest. It sounds simple, but it’s a serious competition with rules to keep everything fair.

Here are some of the rules: 

  • Only one mullet per throw: You can’t double up or switch out mullets.
  • No stepping out of the circle: Your feet must stay within the boundaries when you throw.
  • No special equipment: You have to toss the fish with your bare hands—no gloves or anything else is allowed

It’s a lighthearted competition, but people get really into it. 

Winning isn’t just about strength; the technique and form play a big role. 

It’s a fun to watch but even more fun to participate in. 

The atmosphere is electric, filled with laughter and cheers from the crowd.

Friends sitting around having a good time.

What’s it for?

The Mullet Toss isn’t just about throwing fish. 

Each year, the event raises thousands of dollars for local charities. 

From schools to healthcare organizations, the money generated from entry fees and donations goes a long way in supporting the local community.

Mullet Toss Information

During the Mullet Toss, live bands perform, and there are plenty of food and drink stalls to keep everyone entertained.

To learn more about how you can participate or support the event, visit the official Flora-Bama website.

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival – Bardstown, Kentucky

Bardstown, Kentucky | Population: 13,700

This festival is for the adults. 

Map of Bardstown, KY

Its focus is bourbon, but it is also the atmosphere that people love. 

If you love whiskey, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, Kentucky, is a must-visit for any bourbon enthusiast. 

This annual event, held every September, offers a perfect blend of tastings, whiskey education, and community. 

two friends looking at something smiling.

Get your tickets online and they will ship you the wristband to get in. 

And if you are interested in more, there is an VIP Ticket option that gets you into the VIP tent. 

Bourbon Tastings

One of the main attractions of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival is the many bourbon tastings and workshops available. 

Visitors can savor a wide array of bourbon brands, from well-known labels to small-batch distilleries.

These tastings and workshops not only provide a delightful experience for your taste buds but also deepen your understanding of the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown offers a unique blend of taste, history, and culture.

Festival lights at dusk.

 Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon aficionado or a curious newcomer, this festival promises an unforgettable experience that celebrates the rich heritage of Kentucky bourbon.

The Mermaid Shows

I’m not completely sure if you would consider this a true Mermaid Festival, or just a Mermaid Show with a lot of other things going on around it that makes it seem like a mermaid festival. 🤔

Either way, it’s absolutely unique and pretty neat. 

Located in Weeki Wachee, Florida, the Mermaid show is an event that showcases the mythical world of mermaids. 

Map of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Florida

It is actually a Florida state park. 

This festival attracts visitors from all over who come to see the magic of  mermaids performing underwater and the charm of this unique state park. 

The mermaids at Weeki Wachee traces its origins back to the 1940s when Weeki Wachee Springs, a natural spring turned tourist attraction, first introduced mermaid shows. 

Part of a mermaid tail in the water.

Today, it spans over the entire year, featuring various activities that celebrate the mermaid theme. 

Weeki Wachee State Park Attractions

The Mermaid Show is packed with mesmerizing events that will leave you spellbound. 

Here are some of the key attractions to look forward to:

  1. Mermaid Shows: The heart of this state park is the mermaid shows that includes musical performances and even has mermaids eating and drinking underwater.
  2. Buccaneer Bay: Weeki Wachee is a natural spring and the Buccaneer Bay is the two water slides that drop you off in the springs.
  3. Boat Cruise or Kayak Trip: Float down the parks natural spring run and if it is the right time a year, you will get to see manatees as you float!
Mermaid swimming in the water.

The Mermaid Festival at Weeki Wachee is a magical event that offers a unique blend of entertainment, education, and fantasy. 

Make sure to visit the official Weeki Wachee Springs website to learn more about the festival and plan your trip.


These festivals are more than just gatherings; they’re celebrations of tradition, creativity, and community spirit. 

The best kind. 

So, pack your bags, gather your friends and family, and make plans to experience these entertaining and enriching events for yourself. 

Unusual Southeast Festivals You Need to Experience