Looking for a fun way to spend the day? I know I always am! Searching for the perfect family outing? Well, look no further! There are tons of festivals in Mississippi throughout the year, all of which have something special to offer. Check out the list below to make sure you don’t miss out on any upcoming festivals near me in Mississippi.

1. Blessing of the Fleet, Biloxi

A tradition since 1929, this is one of the oldest festivals in Mississippi. The annual festival marks the beginning of the fishing season for shrimp fishermen, and originally began as a way to celebrate one of the biggest industries on the Gulf Coast. The Blessing of the Fleet is kicked off with a blessing, which is meant to invoke a safe and prosperous fishing season, and has grown to include several other events, including a seafood cook-off, street party, Shrimp Queen pageant, and the coronation of a Shrimp King and Queen.

2. Elvis Festival, Tupelo

Being that Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, it should come as no surprise that the city hosts an Elvis Festival in his honor. The yearly celebration includes performances by regional, national, and local artists, a Sunday Gospel Concert, and a Tribute Artist Contest which leads to the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. The fun doesn’t end with great music as the festival also includes a number of food vendors, carnival rides, a pet parade, a beauty pageant, a 5k run, disc golf, exhibits, and much more. It is one of the most highly anticipated Mississippi festivals every year.

3. Slugburger Festival, Corinth

Pretty much every Mississippian has heard of the slugburger, but many may not know that there is actually a Slugburger Festival to honor this culinary delight. For over 20 years, crowds have gathered and the festival has grown to include live entertainment, carnival rides, the Slug market, the Slugburger Pageant, and, of course, the Major League World Slugburger Eating Competition. Be sure to visit one of the best upcoming festivals near me in Mississippi.

4. Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival, Greenville

Considered one of the nation’s most important musical events, the Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival is meant to celebrate the state’s contributions to the world of music. In addition to a number of live musical performances, the event also includes a street festival, family day, and contests.

5. Cruisin’ the Coast, Biloxi

If you’re a car enthusiast, then this event is for you! Attracting people from all over the country as well as Canada and Sweden, Cruisin’ the Coast was started as a way to celebrate antique, classic, and hot rod vehicles. The festival has grown tremendously since beginning in 1996. The first year included 374 cars and by 2014, it grew to over 7,000! While the cars are the festival’s biggest attraction, Cruisin’ the Coast also features a number of vendors as well as live musical performances. It's one of those Mississippi festivals you do not want to miss!

6. Market Street Festival, Columbus

For the past 16 years, the Market Street Festival has been included in the Southeast Tourism Society’s list of top events in the state. Attracting about 40,000 people on an annual basis, this is one of the most can't-miss festivals around! It goes for two days and offers well over 200 arts, crafts, and food vendors, musical entertainment, and numerous activities for the entire family.

7. Pecan Festival, Richton

Pecans are a big deal here in Mississippi, so why not celebrate the delicious nut with the three-day-long Pecan Festival? Held annually in September, the cool fall weather combined with the rich canopy provided by the pecan orchard creates the perfect setting for a day of outdoor fun. The family-oriented event includes a bake-off, beauty pageant, contests, a mule pull, over 250 regional vendors, and live Bluegrass and Gospel music.

8. Mississippi Book Festival, Jackson

While the Mississippi Book Festival was established in 2013, the first festival wasn’t held until a few years later. And with over 3,700 attendees, it’s safe to say it was a success! The festival included author readings and signings, live music, and vendors. In addition to all of the activities at the Capitol, the festival also includes several Library of Congress and Mississippi Library Commission presentations.

9. Tunica Rivergate Festival, Tunica

Held in April of each year as a way to kick off spring, the Tunica Rivergate Festival is perfect for the entire family. From blues and country to Bluegrass and southern rock, musical entertainment is definitely not lacking. And while enjoying the great music, visitors can visit numerous vendor booths as well as indulge on delicious food including some of the best barbecue in the south and a local favorite, crawfish. Make sure you get to one of the best festivals in Mississippi.

10. Spring and Fall Natchez Pilgrimage, Natchez

This one is a really unique upcoming festival near me in Mississippi. Held twice a year, the Natchez Pilgrimage offers visitors the chance to view antebellum mansions, most of which are private residences that are closed the remainder of the year. Tours are given by costumed guides who are either family friends or descendants of the original owners. The homes are complete with furnishings of yesteryear along with period pieces including silver, porcelain, tools, documents, and diaries, making for quite an unforgettable experience. Aside from touring homes, attendees can also enjoy musical entertainment, dancing, the Historic Natchez Pageant, and more.

11. Leland Frogfest, Leland

Established in 2011, the Leland Frogfest is held in October as a way to pay tribute to famed Muppets creator, Jim Henson. Enjoyed by adults and children alike, Frogfest includes carnival games and prizes, train rides, a bounce house, and hands-on activities for children of all ages – all of which is free! In addition to the numerous activities, visitors can spend the day shopping at on-site vendor booths as well as participate in the chili cook-off. It is one of my favorite Mississippi festivals.

12. Gautier Mullet and Music Fest, Gautier

Music and mullets; does it get any better? For over 20 years, the city of Gautier has been combining the two. The result? The The Gautier Mullet and Music Fest, one of the most interesting festivals in Mississippi! Perfect for the entire family, the two-day event offers a number of free activities including live entertainment, a kid’s area, a and classic car and motorcycle show as well as a number of vendor booths, making for a great day of fun and shopping.

The state has so many festivals, listing all of them would be nearly impossible! What do you think are the best festivals in Mississippi? Tell us in the comments below!

Are you doing a road trip to see some Mississippi festivals? Make sure you have all the best road trip snacks!

Get to know the Magnolia State further by venturing out on some of the best hikes in Mississippi.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/mississippi/best-hikes-in-mississippi/