The river, the mud pies and the music – and a landscape of cotton fields, rolling hills and golden sands. Mississippi has much to lure and love, and that includes a great selection of events and festivals throughout the entire calendar year.
Tupelo’s very own musical legend Elvis Presley is honoured in Tupelo Elvis Festival, a great celebration of the iconic man himself and his revolutionary catalogue of hits. With a heritage of almost twenty years and a packed annual program of national, regional and local musicians, it’s a perfect way to pay homage to the king of rock and roll. The event also features choirs, tribute artists, food vendors, pet parades, exhibitions, carnival rides, beauty pageants and loads more. So slide on your blue suede shoes and get yourself along. It’s now or never!
More music is on the agenda in the Mississippi Delta Blues Festival, one of the biggest and most reputable blues festivals in the entire USA. Over many years, the music of the Mississippi Delta has contributed hugely to the arts and culture of the USA, and this festival is the perfect place to learn all about it - and to hear some of the smoothest tunes around. Each year, the festival offers the very best in blues acts, and previous attending artists have included BB King, Muddy Waters, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Willie Foster. BB King is also honoured in the BB King Homecoming Festival, which features lots of his legendary music and that of other visiting artists.
Biloxi Seafood Festival is a wonderful way to get your greedy lips around some of the tastiest treats from the ocean. This fishy festival has been running for over thirty years, and celebrates Biloxi’s rich connection to the seafood industry. The event features entertainment, contests, a gumbo competition, arts, crafts, kids’ fun and more shrimp, fish and jambalaya than you can stuff into your stomach. Biloxi’s maritime history also plays a part in the city’s Blessing of the Fleet, an historic event which marks the onset of the fishing season.
Other Mississippi events feature a variety of music, food, sport, books, films, markets and culinary offerings ranging from pecans to burgers. Lots of family-friendly festivals include state fairs, festive Christmas events, flea markets, cook-offs and loads more. The Magnolia State is waiting for you to join the fun!