Natchez Annual Events

Whether you're in Natchez for a conference or company meeting, a second honeymoon or a girlfriends' getaway, our annual events will add an extra to-do to your itinerary any month of the year. Check our Calendar of Events for many more!

March & April: Spring Pilgrimage
In a tradition dating back to 1932, Natchez welcomes "pilgrims"  into  its most beautiful historic homes for tours by costumed hosts in 19th-century character.

If you love antebellum history, Greek revival architecture and the very essence of 19th-century Southern gentility, don't miss this five-week celebration that includes theater performances, special presentations and live music. Even the azaleas turn out in style!

2012 Natchez Spring Pilgrimage Dates: March 10-April 14

April: Natchez Bluff Blues Festival
The Natchez Bluff Blues Festival draws folks from far and wide. This musical extravaganza showcases acclaimed local talent and recording artists from throughout the Southeast, with many events free of charge.

2012 Natchez Bluff Blues Festival Dates: April TBA

July: Natchez Food and Wine Festival
Since 2000, this annual eatery has been a delicious to-do on summer calendars, drawing foodies from New Orleans, Baton Rouge and throughout the region to sample the culinary creations of some of the South's finest chefs, best breweries and most respected wineries. Tickets sell out in advance!

2012 Natchez Food & Wine Festival Dates: July 27-29

October: The Great Mississippi River Balloon Race
Starting with "Balloon Glow" Friday night, and continuing through Sunday afternoon, the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race is the most colorful annual event in Natchez, with gorgeous hot air balloons filling the skies over the Mississippi River as local and national talent fills the air with live music at Rosalie Bicentennial Gardens.

2012 Great Mississippi Balloon Race Dates: October 19-21
Click for Tickets to the Balloon Race.

October: Fall Pilgrimage
Like the Spring Pilgrimage, each October, Natchez welcomes guests into its historic homes, this time for two weeks that include beautiful tours of autumn gardens and evening entertainment in the homes, such as this year's Stone House Musicale event. 

2012 Natchez Fall Pilgrimage Dates: September 27-October 14 

November: Angels on the Bluff Cemetery Tour
Each year, usually the first weekend of November, the Natchez City Cemetery presents an elaborate production featuring iconic Natchez personalities buried there as portrayed by their descendants and other local citizens in period costumes. Tour this beautiful, historic site, stopping at graves to hear stories and musical tributes to the lives and deaths of some of Natchez oldest "residents."Tickets go on sale in August and sellout fast!

2012 Angels on the Bluff Cemetery Tour: November 9-10

November & December: Christmas in Natchez
In Natchez, the winter holidays begin the Friday after Thanksgiving with the annual Lighting of the Tree and continue through city-wide New Year's celebrations, including tours of beautifully lit and decorated historic homes, holiday concerts, candlelight carriage rides and more.

2012 Christmas in Natchez: November 23-January 1