9 Festivals In Mississippi That Food Lovers Should NOT Miss

Mississippi and great food just go together, so it only makes sense that the state hosts a slew of food-related festivals. Some great festivals, such as Belzoni’s World Catfish Festival and Jackson’s Sante South Wine Festival, have already come and gone, but there are still several more to look forward to this year. If spending the day indulging on amazing local cuisine sounds like your idea of a good time, check out the list below for some of the state’s upcoming food festivals.

1. Slugburger Festival, Corinth

For nearly three decades, crowds have gathered in Corinth to celebrate the local culinary creation, the slugburger. This three-day festival has grown tremendously and now includes live entertainment, carnival rides, the Slug market, the Slugburger Pageant, and, of course, a slugburger eating competition.

More information: Slugburger Festival, July 7-9, 2016

2. Annual Crawfish Music Festival, Biloxi

For over two decades, this festival has been bringing family fun, live entertainment, and tens of thousands of pounds of mouthwatering crawfish to the Gulf Coast. The festival takes place over two weekends on the front grounds of the Coast Coliseum. Attendees can purchase tasting tickets and indulge on some of the best mudbugs around.

More information: Annual Crawfish Music Festival , April 21-24, 2016

3. Sweet Potato Festival, Vardaman

As the "Sweet Potato Capital of the World," it should come as no surprise that Vardaman hosts an annual festival dedicated to the vegetable. Held in November, the festival includes several food booths featuring a variety of sweet potato dishes as well as Vardaman’s "famous chicken dinners."

More information: Sweet Potato Festival, November 2016

4. Watermelon Festival, Mize

Whether you’re a watermelon fan or not, you’ll definitely want to check out this festival. The two-day long event is held every July and includes all types of amazing food - in addition to free watermelon, of course.

More information: Watermelon Festival, July 15-16, 2016

5. Blueberry Jubilee, Poplarville

This Poplaville festival attracts over 10,000 visitors every year. More than just blueberries, the annual event includes locally made arts and crafts, storytelling, live entertainment, and lots of food.

More information: Blueberry Jubilee, June 11, 2016

6. Hot Tamale Festival, Greenville

Celebrating the Delta’s specialty, the hot tamale, this annual festival takes place each October. The three-day long affair includes a tamale cooking contest and a tamale eating contest, making it the perfect time to indulge on the food that has become synonymous with the Delta.

More information: Hot Tamale Festival, October 13-15, 2016

7. Pig Pickin’, Cleveland

Put on by Delta State College’s Alumni Association for the past 30 years, Pig Pickin’ is more than a festival; it’s a tradition – and a tasty one at that. The event brings hundreds to the college campus for a day filled with live entertainment, tailgating, football, and, of course, an abundance of mouthwatering barbecue.

More information: Pig Pickin’, September, 2016

8. Natchez Food and Wine Festival, Natchez

One of Natchez’s most anticipated events, the Food and Wine Festival attracts culinary enthusiasts from near and far. Attendees are given the opportunity to sample delicious creations from some of the region’s most prominent chefs and restaurants, which is of course accompanied by an extensive variety of wine.

More information: Natchez Food and Wine Festival, July 29-30, 2016

9. The Taste of DeSoto, Southaven

Now in its 12th year, the Taste of DeSoto is a unique food tasting event that features the culinary creations of approximately 40 area restaurants.

More information: The Taste of DeSoto, April 24, 2016

What are your favorite food festivals in Mississippi?