Georgia
Atlanta is one of the most accessible destinations in the country, with 80 percent of the U.S. population within a two-hour flight. While there are no casinos in Atlanta just yet, it is a short trip away from Alabama casinos in Atmore and Montgomery. Watch the famous Atlanta Braves play at Turner Field, visit Centennial Olympic Park, and come out for the Virginia Highland Summerfest! Enjoy the neighborhood’s renowned shopping and dining scene while enjoying local traditions in the form of music and dance! Virginia Highland Summerfest (Atlanta) June 4-5 www.Vahi.org/summerfest The 28th annual Virginia Highland Summerfest is centered around the Va-Hi neighborhood but open to the general public on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors will explore the historic avenue and browse the locally famous shopping and dining scene. Celebrations include dancing, music, art and delicious food. There will be numerous children’s activities as well as one of the best artist markets in the region.
Louisiana Most people think of one thing when they
picture Louisiana: Mardi Gras. However, the annual Mardi Gras festival is just the kick-off for an amazing summer in the state of Louisiana. Festivals and Cajun food abound, you are sure to stay busy in the summer months. Home to some of the best gaming facilities such as L’Auberge Du Lac and DiamondJacks Casino, it’s a gambler’s dream to vacation here. Whether in Lake Charles or the world-famous New Orleans, you will find events seeping with local culture. Soak up some Cajun flair in Lake Charles at the Cajun Food & Music or Marshland festivals. Hit up New Orleans for a taste of “Greece on the Bayou,” and end your summer in a shrimp-filled affair in Delcambre. Hot summer events happen from May-August, providing entertainment no matter what time you decide to visit!
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (New Orleans) April 29-May 8 www.NOJazzFest.com 504-410-4100 With 12 stages of soul-stirring music, the Jazz & Heritage Festival is known as one of the best musical festivals in the world. Focusing on artists from Louisiana, the festival has grown to include international sensations such as Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, B.B. King, Willie Nelson and many more. A variety of musical tastes combine with crafts, cuisine and culture to create an unforgettable event year after year. Mudbug Madness (Shreveport-Bossier) May 26-29 www.MudBugMadness.com 318-929-2834 Mudbug Madness was started in 1984 by a group of Shreveport locals who wanted to pay homage to the ultimate in Louisiana institutions — the crawfish boil. Since then, it has grown into one of Louisiana’s most popular Cajun festivals, stretching over four days during Memorial Day weekend. Nationally recognized 30
Southern G aming an d De s t in a t io n s
Mudbug maddness May 26-29 - Shreveport, Louisiana. by the Southeast Tourism Society as a Top 20 event, the festival features world-renown Cajun, Zydeco, blues and jazz artists, along with delicious Cajun cuisine and contests for all ages. 2011 entertainment acts will include The Blues Brokers, Matthew Davidson Band, Bourbon Alley and many more! Greek Festival (New Orleans) May 27-29 www.GreekFestNola.com 504-282-0259 Eat, drink and dance all Memorial Day weekend long at the 38th annual Greek Festival in New Orleans! Experience “Greece on the Bayou” with authentic cuisine, drinks and entertainment for the whole family, all with a unique New Orleans flair! The ever-popular festival drew more than 20,000 guests in 2010 and expects even more this year. Don’t miss the Hellenic dancers, toga contests and prize packages happening all weekend long. Cajun Food & Music Festival (Lake Charles) July 16-17 www.CFMA.org The Cajun French Music Association is an organization whose sole purpose is to preserve Cajun music and culture whenever possible. The Lake Charles chapter presents the 24th annual Cajun Food & Music Festival, where thousands of locals and visitors gather for a weekend of specialty Cajun dishes and the sounds that accompany them. Arts and crafts, two step dance contests, accordion contests and several bands make for a familyfriendly environment. Marshland Festival (Lake Charles) July 29-30 www.VisitLakeCharles.org Celebrate a foot-stompin’ weekend of fun at the 22nd annual Marshland Festival. Started by a group of parents and teachers to fund youth programs in Hackberry, La., the festival is directed toward supporting youth organizations in the region. Food booths, crafts, exhibits, games and musical entertainment are all a part of this Cajun celebration, open to the funloving public.