Georgia's Plantation Trace Travel Region Festivals, Fairs and Events

Thomasville Antiques Show

Held annually, typically late February into early March

The Thomasville Antiques Show Foundation presents dozens of the country's most prestigious dealers offering antique furniture, paintings, rugs, jewelry, tableware, accessories and collectibles for the casual and serious collector alike, with proceeds benefiting children's programs in Thomasville and Thomas County. Now held at The Biscuit Company (the show's venue changed from the fairgrounds).

Address: The Biscuit Company, Thomasville GA 31792

See thomasvilleantiquesshow.com for this year's exact dates, hours and tickets.

First Friday Sip & Stroll
Held the first Friday of every month, March through December

Come out downtown and enjoy FREE CONCERTS & FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

On the First Friday of each month, join us in Downtown Thomasville to sip, shop, stroll, and dine, and listen to some great music! First Friday events are from 6-10 pm.

Grab some beer or wine from your favorite Downtown restaurant or venue, and stroll the historic brick paved streets for top notch shopping and dining. Participating shops and restaurants will be open late.

Then make your way to The Ritz Amphitheater for a free concert from 8-10 pm. The Ritz Amphitheater, is located in downtown at 131 South Stevens Street. First Friday events are March through December, featuring a different band each month. Bring your lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the concert under the stars or skip the chairs and dance all night!

PHONE:(229) 228-7977

Free Admission: $0.00

Address:The Ritz Amphitheater 131 S. Stevens St. Thomasville GA 31792

Rhythm & Ribs BBQ Festival
Held annually the first Saturday of March

The Rhythm & Ribs BBQ Festival, Tifton's signature festival, brings the smell of BBQ cooking and the sounds of bands jamming from the stage! This festival partners with the Georgia BBQ Association to host a BBQ Competition, featuring professional and backyard cooking teams. The festival also features arts and crafts vendors, informational booths, a kids area and tons of free entertainment all day long! This event is held in Fulwood Park on the first Saturday in March. It promises to be a day full of fun and food! For more information or to enter the competition, visit www.tiftonribsfest.com or call (229) 386-0216.

Admission: $0.00

Address:Fulwood Park Tift Avenue & 8th Street Tifton GA 31794

PHONE:(229) 386-0216

Albany Marathon & Half Marathon
Held annually in March

This flat, fast Boston-qualifying marathon and half marathon starts and finishes at downtown Albany's Veteran's Park along the Flint River. The race has been sponsored under different candy-bar names over the years (formerly the SNICKERS Marathon, now the Combos Marathon); proceeds benefit the Willson Hospice House.

Race Admission: See Website

Spectators: $0.00

Address: Veteran's Park 112 N. Front St Albany GA 31701

PHONE: (229) 317-4760

Ranger-Led Swamp Programs
Offered regularly, year-round

Stephen C. Foster State Park's rangers guide a rotating lineup of Okefenokee Swamp programs from the park's Trading Post, including sunset boat and paddle tours on Billy's Lake, night paddles under the stars, and stargazing programs (the park is one of the darkest sky sites in the Southeast). Tours depend on water levels, weather and staff availability; advance sign-up is required and space is limited. As of recent pricing, guided tours run about $15-35 per person depending on tour length and time of day, plus a $5 parking fee.

Address:Stephen C. Foster State Park 17515 Highway 177 Fargo GA 31631

PHONE:(912) 637-5274 - call or check gastateparks.org for the current program schedule and prices.

Touring Shows at Mathis Auditorium
Year-round performances

Mathis City Auditorium in downtown Valdosta hosts touring Broadway musicals, concerts, comedy shows and community events throughout the year, including past productions like Jersey Boys.

Address: Mathis Auditorium 2300 N Ashley St Valdosta GA 31601

PHONE:(229) 333-1816 - check the City of Valdosta's site or ticketing platforms like AXS for the current schedule.

St. Patrick's Day in Albany
Held annually in mid-March

Albany celebrates St. Patrick's Day with a downtown parade plus events at local venues including Pretoria Fields Collective, which has hosted a St. Patrick's-themed celebration and a 5K/1-mile fun run in past years.

Address: Pretoria Fields Collective 120 Pine Ave. Albany GA 31701

Check albanystpatricksdayparade.com or Pretoria Fields' own site for this year's schedule and fees.

Azalea Festival
Held annually in March

Valdosta's annual Azalea Festival at Drexel Park is a family-friendly, two-day event drawing thousands of visitors with live music across multiple stages, arts and crafts vendors, a food court, a kids zone, a classic car and motorcycle show, and a Century Bike Ride, 5K and fun run. Free admission.

Admission: $0.00

PHONE :(229) 269-9381

Address: Drexel Park 1401 N Patterson St Valdosta GA 31601

Cotton Blossom Roundup Rodeo
Held annually in spring

The Berrien County Chamber of Commerce's PRCA-sanctioned Cotton Blossom Roundup Rodeo brings bull riding, roping and barrel racing to the Berrien County Saddle Club each spring, along with food vendors, a mechanical bull, axe throwing and more.

Address: Berrien County Saddle Club 10 Saddle Club Road Nashville GA 31639

PHONE: (229) 686-5123 - check the Berrien Chamber's event page for this year's dates and tickets.

Sunset Snapshot Paddle
Offered periodically, seasonally

Seminole State Park's naturalist-guided sunset kayak tour on Lake Seminole is timed to catch the perfect photo of the sunset over the water. Don't forget water and a camera.

Space is limited. Advance registration and payment is required. Tour spots are on a first come first served basis. Kayaks/Canoes, life jackets, and paddles are provided. Meet at the boat ramp. Open to everyone 6 and up who can swim. Call or stop by the office to reserve a spot. Don't forget water and a flashlight. Tour distance is up to 3.5 miles round trip.

Admission Fee: $10

Parking Fee: $5

Address:Seminole State Park 7870 State Park Drive Donalsonville GA 39845

PHONE:(229) 861-3137