AROUND GEORGIA
UGA International Street Festival, Athens. In its 15th year, this fest involving University of Georgia international student organizations and local community groups features cultural displays, traditional costumes, dances, bands and a children's corner with international-themed activities. Noon-5 p.m. April 6. Free. College Square, downtown. 706-357-4430, www.visitathensga.com.
Blessing of the Fleet Festival, Darien. The blessing of the largest shrimping fleet on the East Coast is a highlight of this coastal fest, April 12-14. The parade of shrimp trawlers takes place at 2 p.m. April 14, but there's also arts and crafts, nightly entertainment (April 12-13), food, children's activities, a car show and more. $5 (age 13 and up) April 12-13; free April 14. At Vernon Square and the waterfront of downtown Darien. 912-437-5455, www.blessingofthefleet.com.
25th Annual Dogwood Festival, Perry. A hot air balloon rally is new at this year's fest. Also: arts and crafts, music and kids activities. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 13 and noon-5 p.m. April 14. Free. 478-987-1234, www.perrygachamber.com.
36th Annual Vidalia Onion Festival, Vidalia. This action-packed, five-day event, April 18-21, is a celebration of the famed local crop, with everything from the World Famous Onion Eating Contest and the Downtown Sweet Onion Antique Fair to a gospel music fest and a Charlie Daniels Band concert. Weekend parking pass $40, Saturday only $25, Sunday $15. 912-538-8687, www.vidaliaonionfestival.com.
Bear on the Square Festival, Dahlonega. The picturesque North Georgia foothills town plays host to a weekend of music, arts and crafts and kids activities April 19-21 around the historic square. Bluegrass and old-time music lead the performance lineup, featuring Randy Waller and the Country Gentlemen and BlueBilly Grit. Free. 706-348-1370, www.bearonthesquare.org.
Hogansville Spring Festival, Hogansville. This third annual event is focused on arts and crafts and "antiques and uniques." 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 20-21. Free. Along East Main Street, downtown. 706-302-0026, www.hogansvillespringfestival.com.
Rose Show and Festival, Thomasville. It takes a big top (at Broad Street and Remington Avenue) to contain the 92nd annual rose show that is the focal point of the April 25-27 fest. Also: flower and orchid shows, arts and crafts, a car and truck show and an 8:30 p.m. April 27 street dance with the Swingin' Medallions. Free. 1-866-577-3600, www.thomasvillega.com.
Barnesville Blues & BBQ Fest, Barnesville. The only thing more smokin' than the pro cook teams competing in the Triple Crown Series and the coveted Jack Daniel's National Qualifier Competition is the nonstop blues music. April 26-27. Free, except 6-11 p.m. April 27 concert at Ritz Park Amphitheater ($10). 770-358-5884, www.barnesville.org/bbq-blues.
Sacred Heart Garden Festival, Augusta. You can tour garden and floral exhibits, learn from horticultural experts and visit the garden market for plants, antiques and accessories. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 26-27 and noon-5 p.m. April 28. $25 three-day pass, $10 single day. 706-826-4700, www.sacredheartgardenfestival.com.
Madison Fest, Madison. The garden and crafts celebration unfolds 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 27. Free. Madison Town Park, 218 W. Jefferson St. 706-342-1251, Ext. 208; www.mainstreetmadisonga.com.
Great Griffin Mayfling, Griffin. Arts and crafts, entertainment, kids activities and food are the draws at this 30th annual event. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 27 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. April 28 in Griffin City Park. April 27 only: Southern Cruisers Car Show. Free. www.griffinchamber.com/?page_id=282.
MayFest, Carrollton. This arts and crafts fest wraps around the west Georgia town's Adamson Square. Also: a children's village, food, music and dance. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. May 4. Free. 770-832-6901, www.carrolltonmainstreet.com/mayfest.
Rutledge Country Fair, Rutledge. 30th annual event includes arts and crafts, music, food, antique car show, swap meet and children's rides. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. May 4. Free. 706-557-2223, www.rutledgega.us.
Cotton Pickin' Fair, Gay. A serious crafts festival (pottery, quilts, woodcarving, jewelry, etc.) sprawls around a 1910 cotton ginning complex setting, with food and entertainment. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. May 4-5. $7, $3 ages 7-12. 18830 Ga. 85, Gay. 706-538-6814, www.cpfair.org.
Mountain Laurel Festival, Clarkesville. Highlights of the 51st festival downtown include a pancake breakfast, annual parade, arts and crafts, and an antique car show. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. May 18. Free. 706-754-4216, www.clarkesvillega.com.
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