Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The state of Mississippi has always been known for its musical culture and the contributions it has made to world of music in general. This strong heritage is still evident today. To keep past traditions and memories alive, as well as to create new ones, many fair and festival promoters have taken a liking to the venues Mississippi can provide. As a result, outdoor fairs and festivals tend to flourish in this southern state. This holds true whether the festival revolves around music, arts and crafts, games, cinematography or something else entirely.
Typically held during the month of June, the Elvis Presley Festival in Tupelo, Mississippi, is a weekend-long outdoor festival that offers a number of events. An Elvis Presley parade, beauty pageant, 5K run and a full carnival midway are the highlights of this special event. Patrons can even take a shuttle to visit the actual birthplace of Elvis Presley himself, as well as several other historic sites in and around the city of Tupelo.
Tupelo Elvis Presley Festival Office
108 S. Broadway St.
P.O. Box 468
Tupelo, MS 38802
662-841-6598
tupeloelvisfestival.com
An annual celebration of independent films, the Crossroads Film Festival in Jackson, Mississippi, is typically held in mid-April. Patrons will have the opportunity to attend workshops and group discussions, as well as the chance to watch a variety of independent films, some of which are made by local talent. The Crossroads Film Festival is sponsored by the Crossroads Film Society, a nonprofit organization based on promoting film and video.
Crossroads Film Festival
P.O. Box 22604
Jackson, MS 39225
601-510-9148
crossroadsfilmfestival.com
Organized by the Highway 61 Blues Museum, the Highway 61 Blues Festival is held annually at Railroad Park near Leland, Mississippi. A daylong event, the Highway 61 Blues Festival runs from noon to 10 p.m. Musical performances scheduled for 2010 include Johnny Winter, Big Jack Johnson, Big George Brock, Eddie Cusic, Pat Thomas and Lazy Bone.
Highway 61 Blues Museum
307 N. Broad St.
P.O. Box 251
Leland, MS 38756
662-686-7646
highway61blues.com
An annual event typically held in April, the Vicksburg Riverfest features vendors, food sellers, workshops, live demonstrations, art displays, crafts and live music. Musical highlights of the 2010 event included Jason Michael Carroll, J. Blackfoot, Blue Mountain, the Chill and Jimbo Mathus.
Vicksburg Riverfest
1415 S. Washington St.
Vicksburg, MS 39180
601-218-1363