Best October Festivals In Mississippi

October is the perfect time to enjoy the fall foliage and celebrate the abundance of the harvest season. In Mississippi, there are a variety of festivals that showcase the state’s rich culture and heritage. From lively music festivals to mouthwatering food fairs, there is something for everyone in the Magnolia State. Here are some of the best October festivals in Mississippi that you won’t want to miss:

The Great Delta Bear Affair 🐻

The Great Delta Bear Affair is a celebration of the black bear that once roamed freely in the Mississippi Delta. This festival takes place in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, and features arts and crafts, live music, food vendors, and educational exhibits. The highlight of the festival is the bear den tours, where visitors can see a replica of a black bear den and learn about the bear’s habitat and behavior.

The World Championship BBQ Cooking Contest 🍖

The World Championship BBQ Cooking Contest is held in Memphis, Tennessee, but many of the competitors come from Mississippi. This festival draws thousands of visitors each year and features live music, carnival rides, and of course, mouthwatering barbecue. Visitors can sample different styles of barbecue and watch the teams compete for the title of World Champion BBQ Cook.

The Mississippi State Fair 🎡

The Mississippi State Fair is one of the largest events in the state and features rides, exhibits, and a variety of food vendors. This festival has been held annually since 1859 and is a beloved tradition for many Mississippians. Visitors can enjoy live music, carnival games, and agricultural exhibits, as well as indulge in classic fair foods like funnel cakes and corn dogs.

The Delta Hot Tamale Festival 🌶️

The Delta Hot Tamale Festival is a celebration of the tamale, a beloved staple of Mississippi Delta cuisine. This festival takes place in Greenville, Mississippi, and features tamale-making demonstrations, live music, and food vendors. Visitors can sample different varieties of tamales and learn about the history and culture behind this iconic dish.

The Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival 🎸

The Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival is a celebration of the rich musical heritage of the Mississippi Delta. This festival takes place in Greenville, Mississippi, and features live performances by some of the biggest names in blues music. Visitors can enjoy food vendors, arts and crafts, and educational exhibits about the history of the blues in the Delta.

The Natchez Balloon Festival 🎈

The Natchez Balloon Festival is a breathtaking sight, as hot air balloons fill the sky over the city of Natchez, Mississippi. This festival also features live music, food vendors, and arts and crafts. Visitors can take a hot air balloon ride or watch as the colorful balloons take off and land.

The B.B. King Homecoming Festival 🎵

The B.B. King Homecoming Festival is a celebration of the life and music of the legendary blues musician B.B. King. This festival takes place in Indianola, Mississippi, and features live music, food vendors, and educational exhibits about King’s life and legacy. Visitors can also take a tour of the B.B. King Museum and learn about his early life in the Mississippi Delta.

The Tupelo Elvis Festival 🕺

The Tupelo Elvis Festival is a celebration of the life and music of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. This festival takes place in Tupelo, Mississippi, and features live music, food vendors, and a variety of Elvis-themed activities. Visitors can take a tour of Presley’s birthplace and see performances by some of the best Elvis tribute artists in the world.

The Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival 🎨

The Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival is a celebration of the arts and crafts of the Gulf Coast region. This festival takes place in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and features over 400 artists and craftsmen showcasing their work. Visitors can enjoy live music, food vendors, and a variety of activities for children.

The Renaissance Festival 🏰

The Renaissance Festival is a unique event that transports visitors back in time to the 16th century. This festival takes place in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and features live jousting, sword fighting, and other performances. Visitors can also shop for Renaissance-themed crafts and enjoy food and drink fit for a king or queen.

The Mississippi Pecan Festival 🌰

The Mississippi Pecan Festival is a celebration of the state’s most famous crop, the pecan. This festival takes place in Richton, Mississippi, and features live music, food vendors, and a variety of pecan-themed activities. Visitors can sample different varieties of pecans and learn about the history and cultivation of this revered nut.

The Ole Brook Festival 🍁

The Ole Brook Festival is a celebration of all things autumn in Brookhaven, Mississippi. This festival features live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, and a variety of activities for children. Visitors can enjoy the fall foliage and take part in traditional autumn activities like pumpkin carving and hayrides.

The Mississippi Corn Festival 🌽

The Mississippi Corn Festival is a celebration of the state’s most important crop, corn. This festival takes place in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, and features live music, food vendors, and a variety of corn-themed activities. Visitors can sample different varieties of corn and learn about the history and cultivation of this staple crop.

The Vicksburg Fall Fest 🍂

The Vicksburg Fall Fest is a celebration of the season in historic Vicksburg, Mississippi. This festival features live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, and a variety of activities for children. Visitors can explore the historic downtown area and enjoy the fall foliage along the Mississippi River.

FAQs

What are the best October festivals in Mississippi?

Some of the best October festivals in Mississippi include The Great Delta Bear Affair, The Mississippi State Fair, The Delta Hot Tamale Festival, and The Natchez Balloon Festival.

When is the Mississippi State Fair?

The Mississippi State Fair is typically held in October, but the dates can vary from year to year. You can check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

What is the Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival?

The Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival is a celebration of the rich musical heritage of the Mississippi Delta. This festival features live performances by some of the biggest names in blues music, as well as food vendors, arts and crafts, and educational exhibits.

What is the Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival?

The Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival is a celebration of the arts and crafts of the Gulf Coast region. This festival features over 400 artists and craftsmen showcasing their work, as well as live music, food vendors, and a variety of activities for children.

What is the Renaissance Festival?

The Renaissance Festival is a unique event that transports visitors back in time to the 16th century. This festival features live jousting, sword fighting, and other performances, as well as Renaissance-themed crafts, food, and drink.

What is the Vicksburg Fall Fest?

The Vicksburg Fall Fest is a celebration of the season in historic Vicksburg, Mississippi. This festival features live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, and a variety of activities for children, as well as the opportunity to explore the historic downtown area.

What is the best time to visit Mississippi for festivals?

The fall is generally the best time to visit Mississippi for festivals, as the weather is cooler and many of the state’s most popular festivals take place during this season.

What is the B.B. King Homecoming Festival?

The B.B. King Homecoming Festival is a celebration of the life and music of the legendary blues musician B.B. King. This festival features live music, food vendors, and educational exhibits about King’s life and legacy, as well as the opportunity to tour the B.B. King Museum.

What is the Mississippi Pecan Festival?

The Mississippi Pecan Festival is a celebration of the state’s most famous crop, the pecan. This festival features live music, food vendors, and a variety of pecan-themed activities, as well as the opportunity to sample different varieties of pecans.

What is the Ole Brook Festival?

The Ole Brook Festival is a celebration of all things autumn in Brookhaven, Mississippi. This festival features live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, and a variety of activities for children, as well as the opportunity to enjoy the fall foliage and traditional autumn activities like pumpkin carving and hayrides.

What is the Mississippi Corn Festival?

The Mississippi Corn Festival is a celebration of the state’s most important crop, corn. This festival features live music, food vendors, and a variety of corn-themed activities, as well as the opportunity to sample different varieties of corn.

What is the Tupelo Elvis Festival?

The Tupelo Elvis Festival is a celebration of the life and music of the King of Rock and