Summer Festivals in Mississippi

Music, crawfish, and slugburgers await you at various festivals in Mississippi this summer. With musical traditions that stem from their proximity to Memphis and connections with a legend like Elvis, as well as an intriguing history of food, Mississippi has both to offer.

If your real love is Elvis, you are in luck in Mississippi this summer. The Elvis Presley Festival, which takes place in Elvis' hometown of Tupelo, is a four day event paying tribute to the King. Featuring music from all genres, and an Elvis tribute artist competition, this festival is focused on music, music, music. Get additional details at http://www.tupeloelvisfestival.com/

It is okay if Elvis is not your thing, though you may want to keep that on the down low while you are in Mississippi. The state offers all kinds of non-Elvis music festivals. If you like the blues, you can find them at The Magnolia Blues Festival, happening each Labor Day weekend, which August 31-September 2^nd this year. On the property of Jerkytt Estates, a new outdoor venue will be home to the festival, which features blues and gospel performers form Mississippi and beyond. Bring your own chair or blanket, or even a tent or sleeping bag, and spend the night under the stars.

Riverfest features the Alcorn Jazz fest for music lovers, while offering the works of hundreds of artisans, a kayak race, and activities for kids. Located on the banks of the Mississippi in Historic Vicksburg, this festival offers something for everyone. You can get more info on Riverfest here http://riverfestms.com/

The Natchez Festival of Music features performances of Broadway, opera and jazz, in the Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center in Natchez, MS. The month long celebration includes performances of My Fair Lady, Night of Stars, Mozart's Requiem, and a night of jazz. You can get more information on the event website here.

Two events highlight not the musical traditions but the culinary traditions of Mississippi. The Country Cajun Crawfish Festival features performances by such well-known artists as Three Dog Night, Blake Shelton, and Uncle Kracker, but the focus is on the food. Over one hundred and twenty food vendors make this a feast of Cajun and regional delicacies. Get your information on this not to be missed festival at http://www.mscoastcoliseum.com/event_crawfishfest.htm

From July 12 - 14, Mississippi offers one of the more interesting festivals in the nation. The Slugburger Festival in Corinth, MS features more than just the regional specialty. Entertainment, crafts, and carnival rides line the festival fairway, but the real draw is the Mississippi Slugburger, a burger made with beef and breading deep fried in grease. It is certainly not healthy, but the people of Mississippi claim it is worth the fat and calories.

Whether you want to tempt fate by eating a Mississippi Slugburger, or just watch an Elvis tribute competition, you are bound to find some good times at the festivals happening this summer in Mississippi.