With its small-town charm and reputable Southern hospitality, the city of Valdosta is one of the best places to call home. The city offers beautiful attractions and a long list of things to see and do. For a taste of the local culture, there are dozens of annual events and festivals to choose from.
Below is a detailed list of the top annual events in Valdosta, Georgia:
Mayhem Music Festival
Just like the name suggests, Mayhem Music Festival is one of the ‘wildest’ and most anticipated annual music events in Southern Georgia. The festival is hosted by the Valdosta State University in early May and features dozens of performances by local and regional bands and live DJ. The event also features tasty cuisines, inflatables, games, and face painting among other things. Come and enjoy a beautiful night of music under the stars.
Movies in the Parks
This is a series of free movie nights scheduled to take place every year in Valdosta city parks. The event features family-friendly films and is a perfect night-out activity for the whole family. You can bring along your lawn chair or carry a blanket and some snacks and turn it into a family picnic.
The Valdosta Food & Wine Classic
For a real taste of Southern hospitality, The Turner Center for the Arts hosts an annual food and wine festival featuring signature dishes and a long wine and beer list with taste samples. All the top local restaurants and wine/beer sellers are represented at the event. The proceeds of the event go to the Center for the Arts Guild.
Valdosta and Lowndes Azalea Festival
The Azalea Festival is a family fun extravaganza that attracts thousands of visitors to the city of Valdosta every year. The events feature over 200 arts & crafts vendors from all over the nation, over half a dozen entertainment stages, a giant food court, an auto-show, a KidZone, animal exhibits, and a 5k marathon. The Azalea Festival continues to grow and expand with every passing year and is by far the largest street festivals in Southern Georgia.
South Georgia Film Festival
Being the heart of South Georgia, Valdosta hosts the South Georgia Film Festival to celebrate the growing film industry in the region. The festival is dominated by film screenings, panels, and workshops.
Other notable annual events include Downtown Valdosta Art Walk, Valdosta People’s Choice Photo Contest, ARToberfest, 4th Fireworks, South Georgia Pride Festival, and the Valdosta Christmas Parade.