Nestled on the southeast coast of Georgia, just 25 miles north of Jacksonville, Florida, Kingsland, Georgia, is a charming small-town oozing with natural beauty, Southern hospitality, fascinating history, delicious seafood and more. Kingsland and the surrounding area is also known for iconic events happening throughout the year. From food festivals to small home-town parades, there’s something exciting happening in Kingsland nearly every month of the year. So, mark your calendar and experience some of these outstanding events.
Mardi Gras Festival
Kick start your Mardi Gras celebration with this two-day event held every February in the heart of downtown Kingsland. This family friendly celebration features national country music recording artists both days of the festival. Let the good times roll while perusing local food and street vendors and get in the spirit with a lively Mardi Gras parade. Children will enjoy a kid’s zone and the grown-ups will love browsing the car show. Parking and admission are free.
Boots and Chutes Rodeo
Giddy up! Happening in March, this must-see, two-day rodeo hosted by the Camden County FAA, features cowboys and cowgirls from all over showcasing their skills while battling for the top spot in each event. Events include saddle and bareback bronc riding, breakaway roping, barrel racing, team roping, steer wrestling and bull riding. Gates open each night at 6 p.m., with the rodeo starting at 7:30 p.m. In addition to the rodeo, patrons will also enjoy a petting zoo, photo booth and food vendors.
Crawfish Festival
Located just minutes north of Kingsland in Woodbine, the Annual Woodbine Crawfish Festival is held the last Friday and Saturday of each April. The crawfish, a miniature cousin to the lobster, has managed to achieve its own celebration. Sponsored by the Woodbine Citizens Steering Committee, the two-day event, now in its 35th year, is held at the Waterfront Park and Riverwalk in downtown Woodbine. This event includes a lot of—you guessed it—crawfish! From tasty crawfish etouffee and local seafood to free, all-day entertainment, including live music, arts and crafts, children’s activities and more, there’s no doubt this festival will win the hearts of the whole family.
Independence Day Festival
Celebrate America’s independence each July at the Annual Independence Day Festival in neighboring historic downtown St. Marys. Spectators will delight in the spectacular fireworks display over the St. Marys River at dusk. Other festival activities include a 5K/10K race, a Kid’s Fun Run, parade, food concessions, arts and craft vendors, entertainment and more.
St. Marys Seafood Festival
There’s nothing quite like a seafood festival in the fall. The weather is a bit cooler in coastal Georgia which means the seafood is at its peak. Happening the first Saturday in October, this festival boasts small town pride and local vibes. Hosted by the St. Marys Kiwanis Club on the beautiful St. Marys waterfront, this annual festival honors everyone’s favorite coastal delicacies. In addition to seafood, there’s also a 5K and 10K race, a parade and loads of entertainment throughout the day. Festival goers will also enjoy arts and craft booths, food concessions and more.
Kingsland Catfish Festival
Touted as one of the area’s longest running events, the Kingsland Catfish Festival is now in its 40th year. Held on the streets of historic downtown Kingsland, this November event is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. See local chefs participate in a catfish cook-off, enjoy live music, browse antiques and collectables, nosh on local seafood and sample a variety of beer and wine. Complete with a children’s amusement area, a 5K run and arts and crafts booths, this festival is a must-do when visiting Kingsland. Parking and admission are free. Mark your calendar for the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
Pioneer Days
Experience yesteryear and visit the Chesser Island Homestead to discover how the people in Southeast Georgia once lived. Held the second Friday and Saturday in October at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, attendees will learn how settlers made soap, brooms, butter, quilts, baskets and other everyday items. Witness a traditional sugar cane boil and then sample the sweet cane juice at this fun, educational event fit for the whole family.
For these events and more about Kingsland, Georgia, visit www.VisitKingsland.com.
Where to Stay
With easy access on and off I-95, Kingsland offers many lodging options from big brand hotels to inns and RV parks. For a complete list of Kingsland lodging options, visit www.VisitKingsland.com/placestostay.htm.
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