October Statewide Happenings
October in Mississippi is pure magic — cooler weather, fair food, and small-town festivals that bring communities together. From the Gulf Coast to the Delta, there’s something happening every weekend for every kind of family.
Here’s your guide to October events happening all across the state, organized by date!
October 2–13: Mississippi State Fair – Jackson
One of Mississippi’s biggest fall traditions! Enjoy carnival rides, livestock shows, live concerts, and (of course) all the fair food you can dream of — from funnel cakes to fried Oreos.
📍 Visit the Mississippi State Fair website »
October 5–12: Cruisin’ The Coast – Mississippi Gulf Coast
If you’re near the Coast, this is the event of the year! Thousands of classic cars line the beaches from Bay St. Louis to Ocean Springs. Enjoy live music, food, and perfect fall beach weather.
📍 cruisinthecoast.com
October 10–11: Festivals for Every Interest
🎶 Cleveland Octoberfest – Cleveland — Fall food, live music, and crafts.
🎸 Bukka White Blues Festival – Aberdeen — A soulful weekend of Delta blues.
🐾 Fall for Clinton Market & Pet Parade – Clinton — Shop local and bring the pups!
🍂 Crystal Springs Harvest Festival – Crystal Springs — Small-town fall fun at its best.
🎃 Hopson Pumpkin Festival – Hopson (near Clarksdale) — Pumpkins, hayrides, and live music for the whole family.
October 11: More Fall Favorites
🎹 Pinetop Perkins Homecoming – Hopson Plantation — Honoring the blues legend with live music.
🎈 Natchez Balloon Festival – Natchez — Hot air balloons, concerts, and a stunning river view.
🎻 CelticFest Mississippi – Brandon — Bagpipes, Irish dance, and Celtic culture all weekend.
October 16–18: Tennessee Williams Festival – Clarksdale
Celebrate one of Mississippi’s greatest writers with theater performances, readings, and Delta storytelling.
📍 visitclarksdale.com
October 23–26: Hambone Festival – Clarksdale
Art, blues, and creative energy take over Clarksdale for this community celebration of local talent.
📍 visitclarksdale.com
October 25: Cruz’n the Crossroads Car & Truck Show – Clarksdale
Classic cars, trucks, food, and music — a great weekend for car lovers and families alike.
📍 visitclarksdale.com
October 26: Trace State Park Fall Festival – Belden (near Tupelo)
Bring the kids for hayrides, trick-or-treating, and games at one of North Mississippi’s most beautiful parks.
📍 mdwfp.com
🍁 Mississippi in October: The Best Kind of Busy
From the beaches to the hills, October is packed with reasons to get out and explore. Whether you’re road-tripping to the State Fair, chasing hot air balloons in Natchez, or eating your way through the Loblolly Festival, there’s something for everyone this fall in Mississippi.
So grab your calendar, mark your weekends, and make it a Mississippi kind of October! 🌾
