Pack away your winter gear and plan a spring getaway! Check out the roundup below of some of our not-to-be-missed client events this spring.
Scranton St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Lackawanna County, PA – March 9, 2019
100,000 spectators line the streets of Downtown Scranton in Lackawanna County, PA each March to take part in one of the city’s greatest traditions, the Scranton St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This parade is the second largest in the country with over 12,000 participants including bagpipers, Irish step dancers, high school bands, local organizations and other Irish groups. Since 1962 the St. Patrick’s Parade Day Association of Lackawanna County has conducted this nationally acclaimed parade the weekend before the Feast of St. Patrick. With such camaraderie it is a nearly impossible not to catch a severe case of “Irish Spirit.” For more information, visit www.visitnepa.org.
Sacred Sisterhood Retreat: Red Mountain Resort – March 14-18 & May 16-20, 2019
Led by shamanic earthing guide Betina Lindsey, the Sacred Sisterhood Retreat inspires guests to discover a greater self-awareness and how best to achieve happiness well beyond their stay with daily acts of self-care. Offered twice this spring, the four-night Sacred Sisterhood Retreat features the all-inclusive benefits of the Essential Retreat, in addition to special programming like earth bundling, guided and walking meditations, fire ceremonies and more. For more information, visit www.redmountainresort.com.
St. Barts Bucket Regatta – March 21-24, 2019
This prestigious event attracts 40 of the most beautiful sailboats and yachts for three days of races around the island. The regatta maintains its original spirit focusing on camaraderie and offers an international meeting place for owners, designers and boat builders. For guests of the island, the regatta provides a rare opportunity to admire the magnificent vessels anchored in the harbor and to attend one of the many social events. For more information, please visit www.bucketregatta.com.
UNwineD: Panama City Beach, FL – March 22-23, 2019
This award-winning event returns to Aaron Bessant Park for the third year and features craft beer, spirits and wine from around the world, culinary creations by the region’s leading chefs and a Southern garden party presented by Southern Living. Guests can raise a glass at the Friday Night Kickoff Party, a time to mix and mingle with some of the South’s most elite chefs, mixologists and tastemakers. The celebration continues on Saturday with the Grand Afternoon Tasting & Cocktail Competition followed by a live concert and picnic in the park. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/unwined.
Marco Island Seafood and Music Festival: Florida’s Paradise Coast – Naples, Marco Island, Everglades – March 22-24, 2019
The 2019 Marco Island Seafood and Music Festival offers a full weekend of fun. In addition to great music, seafood specialties, including fresh fish, grouper, crab cakes, stone crab, shrimp, crawdads and chowder will be available, with a huge assortment of traditional landlubber favorites too. Over 60 arts and crafts vendors will open along with a kid’s zone with bounce house, slide, rock climbing wall, trampoline and more. For more information, visit www.paradisecoast.com.
California Artisan Cheese Festival: Sonoma County, CA – March 23-24, 2019
Cheese lovers have the chance to meet celebrated cheese makers and enjoy artisan samples at this tasty festival, held at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Going into its 13th year, the California Artisan Cheese Festival aims to educate people who want to learn more about artisan cheese, support the artisan cheesemaking community and its sustainability and celebrate the creations of this unique community. Through its educational offerings, the festival also helps consumers better understand artisan cheeses and their advantages over non-artisan cheeses. The festival’s marketplace event on Sunday gives the cheesemakers an excellent opportunity to showcase and sell their cheeses. Seminars and farm tours are also available. For more information, visit www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/california-artisan-cheese-festival.
Mayor’s Mountain Bike Challenge: Redding, CA – March 29-May 31, 2019
Redding’s third annual Mountain Bike Challenge unites current and new bicyclists in a friendly self-competition highlighting its diverse trail system. Participants can pick up a passport at local bike shops or download one from the event website. Anyone who completes all rides in their category (beginner, intermediate or advanced) and turns in their passport by the end of the challenge, will receive an official Mayor’s Mountain Bike Challenge hat. Participants will also be entered in the challenge raffle of their category for a gift certificate to a local bike shop. For more information visit www.mayorsmtbchallenge.org.
Annual Battle of the Brews: Sonoma County, CA – April 6, 2019
The 21st Annual Battle of the Brews, set for Saturday, April 6, 2019 in Grace Pavilion at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, offers samples of dozens of beers for the Craft Brew Cup Best of Show. Visitors will also be able to indulge in the Sonoma County Sandwich Showdown, while grooving to live jazz performances. For more information, visit www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/battle-brews.
Bridge the Gap for Art: Elkton and Standardsville, VA – April 6-7, 2019
Two craft galleries, one on each side of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Shenandoah National Park, are joining together to strengthen the shared ties of art and community. SoLace Studios Fine Handcrafts, in Elkton and Noon Whistle Pottery in Stanardsville, Virginia are hosting Bridge the Gap for Art featuring local artists, musicians, wineries and vacation cottages to bridge the gap between Rockingham and Greene counties. SoLace studios represents the fine handcrafts of over 250 regional and national craftsmen, while Noon Whistle Pottery is a fine art and craft gallery representing over 200 American artists in a 1930’s Chevy dealership building. Premiering April 6 and 7, from 10-5 pm, both galleries will feature small bites by local farm-to-table venues, wineries and musicians from their respective counties. Following the launch party weekend, Bridge the Gap for Art continues through May 31, offering a map for visitors to enjoy the many offerings provided by other participating partners. For more information, visit www.bridgethegapforart.com.
Art of Design Presented by The Gibbes Museum of Art: Charleston, SC – April 12, 2019
The Art of Design, presented by the Gibbes Museum of Art’s Women’s Council, will feature Eva Chen, the head of fashion partnerships for the social media platform Instagram. Chen has been dubbed the Anna Wintour of the Digital Age, and through Instagram she has helped transform how industry influencers engage with communities. Previously the editor in chief of Lucky, Chen has also written for Elle, Vogue, Teen Vogue, Vogue China, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. Tickets go on sale February 26th and will be available at http://www.gibbesmuseum.org/.
Sebastopol Apple Blossom Festival and Parade: Sonoma County, CA – April 13-14, 2019
The 73rd annual Apple Blossom Festival begins with a parade on Saturday, followed by live music, food, crafts, children’s games, an art show, wine and more. The fun continues on Sunday with the Blues Music Explosion, featuring headliner Joe Louis Walker and bands from nearby and around the country. Guests have the opportunity to check out the Apple Blossom Festival Art Show and Reception next door in the Sebastopol Center for the Arts. For more information, visit www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/sebastopol-apple-blossom-festival-and-parade.
Les Voiles de St. Barth – April 14-20, 2019
Les Voiles de St. Barth draws over 1,000 sailors and at least 80 boats, including some of the top names from around the world, to participate in a week-long regatta. The event, now in its tenth year, features racing, concerts and activities on the beach. Les Voiles de St Barth combines the spirit of sailing with the legendary lifestyle of St. Barthélemy. For more information, please visit lesvoilesdesaintbarth.com.
Spring AQS QuiltWeek – Paducah: Paducah, KY – April 24-27, 2019
Paducah, KY will host the 35th annual Spring AQS QuiltWeek this April. Experience hundreds of AQS contest quilts, diverse special exhibitions, merchant malls, workshops, lectures and special events with world-class instructors in Quilt City USA®. Quilters will vie for $125,000 in cash awards, with the Janome Best of Show receiving $20,000. View A 50 State Salute, an exhibit featuring quilts made in patriotic designs by quilters of all ages. After being displayed at AQS QuiltWeek events throughout 2019, the quilts will be awarded to veterans and military in Paducah, Kentucky. For more information, visit www.paducah.travel.
Seabreeze Jazz Festival: Panama City Beach, FL – April 24-28, 2019
Named a “Top 10 Jazz Festival in the USA” by JazzIZ Magazine and recently nominated as “Best Jazz Festival” at the Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards, the Seabreeze Jazz Festival combines top national smooth jazz artists for a full weekend of fun, sun, great beaches and good times. The 21st annual event is held in the Pier Park Amphitheater, featuring internationally recognized acts as well as local performers. For more information, visit www.seabreezejazzfestival.com.
SandJam Music Festival: Panama City Beach, FL – April 26-28, 2019
Panama City Beach’s second annual alternative rock music festival will set its stages on the beautiful sugar white sand beaches of Panama City Beach, providing the most beautiful backdrop for this spring’s biggest festivals. Music lovers of all ages are invited to make long lasting memories at SandJam presented by Pepsi. Stay tuned for 2019 headliners! For more information, visit https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/events/sandjam-fest/.
30th Annual Passport to Dry Creek Valley: Sonoma County, CA – April 27-28, 2019
At 40+ participating wineries throughout Dry Creek Valley, guests will enjoy elaborate themed parties with remarkable and memorable food and wine pairings. Guests can meet Sonoma County’s most renowned chefs, savoring their inspired culinary creations alongside newly released and limited-edition wines. Enjoy sweet treats at Pop-Up Parties by local favorite Amy’s Wicked Slush. Take part in grape to glass experiences in the vineyards and choose from a limited series of intimate winemaker and vineyard lunches. The event will be held at the new Ranch at Lake Sonoma with sweeping views of the lake and breathtaking sunset views. For more information, visit www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/passport-dry-creek-valley.
MOSAIC: Palm Beach County, FL – May 2019
Experience more culture for less during the Month of Shows, Art, Ideas & Culture (MOSAIC) in The Palm Beaches. Presented by the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, MOSAIC is a month-long celebration of inspiration and discovery. Visitors can explore multiple unique art destinations for the duration of May. MOSAIC Culture Coupons, available at participating hotels or any Visitor Center, allow visitors to enjoy over a dozen experiences filled with performances, museums, galleries, gardens and more. For more information, visit www.palmbeachculture.com/mosaic.
Thunder Beach Spring Motorcycle Rally: Panama City Beach, FL – May 1-5, 2019
The most biker-friendly rally in the country, the free four-day Thunder Beach Spring Motorcycle Rally will feature 200 vendors and exhibitors, a bike parade, beauty pageants, poker runs, live music, motorcycle stunt shows, tattoo contests, bike shows with category judging and much more. Event happenings will take place at multiple venues throughout the Panama City Beach area. For more information, visit www.thunderbeachproductions.com.
Kentucky Derby, May 3-4, 2019
Returning to Churchill Downs this May, the 2019 Kentucky Derby will offer visitors and locals a spectacular celebration of horse racing and Southern culture. Dating back to 1875, the Kentucky Derby offers more than just rich traditions – from mint juleps, extravagant hats and singing “My Old Kentucky Home” with over 100,000 fellow spectators, the “fastest two minutes in sports” is a true icon of Americana. For more information on the Kentucky Derby, please visit www.kentuckyderby.com.
Annual Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival: Sonoma County, CA – May 4-5, 2019
Join Bodega Bay in celebrating the local fishermen and kicking off salmon season with a blessing of the fleet at the 46th Annual Fisherman’s Festival. Entertainment for the whole family includes live music, great food, craft booths and the wooden boat challenge, where participating teams build a vessel and compete in a boat race. For more information, visit www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/annual-bodega-bay-fishermans-festival.
Jeep Beach Jam: Panama City Beach, FL – May 14-19, 2019
Thousands of Jeep owners and enthusiasts will gather in Panama City Beach for the fourth annual Jeep Beach Jam. This five-day family event, organized by the JBJ Productions, Inc. team, will be filled with many fun-in-the-sun activities including concerts, scavenger hunts, off-road excursions, bonfires and more. Events will take place at many locations throughout the beach. For more information, visit www.jeepbeachjam.com.
Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour: Alexandria, VA – May 17-19, 2019
Travelers can celebrate the history of wine in Virginia with exclusive evening tours of the Mansion and cellar, and appearances by George and Martha Washington. Guests can bring a blanket, relax on the east lawn overlooking the scenic Potomac River and sample wines made in Virginia while enjoying live music. During tours of the Mansion, the cellar where Washington stored his wine is open to visitors to learn about the successes and failures of our founding fathers’ endeavors with wine. To accompany the wine tasting, fruit and cheese boxes are available by advance purchase. A variety of hot and cold food and desserts including baguettes, gourmet sandwiches and specialty sweets will be available on site from the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. For more information, visit www.visitalexandriava.com/event/spring-wine-festival-%26-sunset-tour/9438/.
PVDFest: Providence, RI – June 6-9, 2019
For the fourth year in a row, experience live music, dance, food and visual art installations as they transform Providence, Rhode Island into a four-day festival of multi-arts takeover of public spaces, parks and outdoor stages. PVDFest is a free outdoor party that inspires the soul, fires the spirit and has thousands dancing in the streets. Produced by the City of Providence with founding partner First Works, this Creative Capital celebration has become a signature, much-anticipated celebration for residents and visitors alike. For more information, visit www.pvdfest.com.
Country Summer Music Festival: Sonoma County, CA – June 14-16, 2019
Northern California’s biggest country music festival features three epic days and top country artists. Country Summer is also a destination country celebration with Western-themed attractions, a food court with country-inspired delights and an array of libations to please every palate. Country music superstar Tim McGraw will headline the event. For more information, visit www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/country-summer.
Rodeo de Santa Fe: Santa Fe, NM – June 19-22, 2019
From barrel racing to bareback and bull riding, this rodeo has it all and has been roping the hearts of cowboys and rodeo fans since 1949. Bull fighters Luke Kraut and Clifford Maxwell will bring excitement during each performance. Fans can experience heart-pounding, dirt-slinging, action-packed performances of top PRCA rodeo athletes and entertainment. Big time rodeo, with a small town feeling. For more information, visit rodeodesantafe.org.
80th Annual Sonoma-Marin Fair: Sonoma County, CA – June 19-23, 2019
The 80th Annual Sonoma-Marin Fair has fun for everyone with concerts, livestock shows, exhibits, a carnival, the North of the Gate Wine Competition and the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest. At the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, attendees can enjoy reflecting on the local farming throughout the decades. For more info, visit www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/sonoma-marin-fair.
Oetker Collection’s Masterpiece Estates’ Fourth Estate Now Available: Cowdray House – Midhurst, England
Nestled between the rolling green hills of the South Downs National Park, an enchanting new estate, part of Oetker Collection’s Masterpiece Estates, awaits guests with a lavish, yet charming, touch. The estate is renowned for being the home of British polo, boasting the world’s original polo field. History buffs can enjoy a stroll around the ruins of the original Tudor mansion, which was partially destroyed by a fire in 1793. The house includes 22 suite-styled bedrooms, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, bowling alley, tennis court, billiards room and a helicopter landing pad. Stays at the Cowdray house are priced from $16,711 per night during the property’s low season and $29,341 per night during high season. Fine dining and drink options, arranged by the property’s preferred suppliers, are available for purchase. Additionally, an array of activities, such as polo lessons at the Cowdray Polo Academy, golfing at Cowdray Golf Club and even guided wildlife tours, are offered for an additional price. For more information, visit www.oetkercollection.com/estates-villas/masterpiece-estates/the-estates/cowdray-house/.