Editor's Note: After two years, this event is no longer. However, you can check out other great events in Mississippi on our website.
There's a new event that involves hot air balloons in Mississippi - and we're pretty sure it's going to be a huge hit. A two-day affair, it’s got all the makings of a fun-filled event: food, music, rides, activities, artwork, and, of course, hot air balloons.
Up, up, and away…to the RISE Hattiesburg Hot Air Balloon Festival in Mississippi!
During the fest, the grounds of the multi-purpose center will transform into a fun-filled destination - complete with food trucks, live music, rides, and a petting zoo.
There will be nearly just as much to see inside the multi-purpose center, which is where the fest’s art auction will take place. It’s also where vendors will set up shop.
One of the best things about this event is that it’s all for a good cause. It’s being put on by RISE, a faith-based, non-profit.
Should you decide to attend the fest, consider staying in Hattiesburg overnight. An array of local hotels are offering a discounted rate for fest guests.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
An arts and crafts festival in Mississippi draws tens of thousands of people and hundreds of vendors each year. The Prairie Arts Festival is one of the biggest arts and crafts fests in the nation! Fun for the entire family, the one-day event includes more than great shopping. Discover the kids' activities, live entertainment, and more. Let's take a look at this Mississippi festival to take place on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024!
advertisement
Every year, folks run to one of the best festivals in Mississippi.
During the event, roughly 300 vendors from around the nation set up shop in downtown West Point. Occupying five blocks, there are vendors as far as the eye can see!
As you can imagine, the variety of vendors means a variety of merchandise, including the works of some of our favorite artists.
The offering changes from year to year, but you’ll typically find a mix of traditional crafts, such as artwork, wooden items, jewelry, handmade clothing, quilts, and unique furnishings.
An arts and crafts festival in Mississippi offers the most fun. Discover more on the Prairie Arts Festival website. Did you know about this annual arts and crafts fest? Have you ever attended? If so, what do you think? Do you know of another can’t-miss event? Tell us in the comments below!
