NATCHEZ, Miss. – January 31, 2024 – Natchez, Mississippi, a quaint riverside town known for its southern charm, significant architecture and fascinating history, is pleased to announce its latest news, upcoming events and milestones for 2024.
“2024 is going to be an exciting year for Natchez as we welcome new partnerships and plans for the city and celebrate with some of our destination’s most beloved returning events,” says Lynsey Gilbert, interim director at Visit Natchez. “With so much in store this year, we are confident that Natchez’s appeal as a truly authentic Southern destination is only going to grow.”
What’s New in Natchez
New Visitors Information Center
This year, Natchez is introducing the new Visitors Information Center, which will be located at the old historic train depot, offering new and expanded offerings in a unique location. The Visitors Information Center is expected to be complete by summer 2024.
Natchez Convention Center Renovations
The Natchez Convention Center is scheduled to undergo renovations in the fall of 2024. These renovations to the 21-year-old building will focus on upgrades to the main assembly hall and include new wall coverings, carpet, paint and more.
Alluvial Collective Partnership
Visit Natchez has partnered with the Alluvial Collective, an organization that works to end inequity based on difference by cultivating belonging and wholeness in the world. Through a series of nine meetings, Visit Natchez will work with local and national partners to end inequity, face a challenging history and heal perceptions by having open and honest conversations and working together to break cultural barriers in Natchez.
Historic Natchez Foundation 50th Anniversary
Formed in 1974, the Historic Natchez Foundation works to preserve and tell the story of Natchez while stimulating development through the rehabilitation of historic properties. The Foundation is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and is responsible for preparing National Register nominations for eight historic districts throughout the city, preserving endangered historic properties and much more.
New Freedom Trail Marker
This year, Natchez will introduce the town’s second trail marker on the Mississippi Freedom Trail. The marker will recognize the “Natchez Deacons of Defense and Justice,” an organization made up of Black veterans from World War II who fought to protect civil rights activists from the Ku Klux Klan. The marker will be located at Donnan’s Barbershop on North Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, the birthplace of the Deacons for Defense and Justice in Natchez.
2024 Events
Natchez Powwow, March 23 – 24
Every March, thousands gather at the Natchez Bluff to celebrate the area’s rich Native American heritage. The annual event includes traditional Native American dancing, singing and fun. For more information, visit www.natchezpowwow.com.
Natchez Garden Club Spring Pilgrimage, March 8 – April 29
Visitors may tour 14 unique and beautiful historic Natchez Garden Club homes – some available for the first time in quite a while – as well as museum home Rosalie, on this exclusive tour. Many of these homes offer late afternoon or evening events such as a candlelight dinner at Magnolia Hall and an opportunity to meet the owners at Elms Court. For information and a list of participating homes, visit www.littleeasytours.com.
Pilgrimage Garden Club’s Spring and Fall Pilgrimage Tours, March 9 – April 9 & September 21 – October 20
In a tradition dating back to 1932, Natchez opens the doors to its exquisite historic homes to welcome travelers from across the world. The celebrations include tours led by costumed hosts in 19th-century characters, theater performances, unique presentations and live music, all focused on the city’s stunning historic homes. For more information and a list of participating homes, visit www.natchezpilgrimage.com.
158th Annual Miss Lou Memorial Day Parade, May 27
To honor our nation’s veterans, Natchez will hold the 158th Annual Miss Lou Memorial Day Parade, where participants will march from Vidalia, La., across the Natchez-Vidalia Bridge, to the Natchez National Cemetery, where a celebratory ceremony will be held.
Natchez Food and Wine Festival, July 26 – 27
After retiring in 2018, Natchez’s Food and Wine Festival is back for its second year in collaboration with the Natchez Adams County Chamber of Commerce to educate locals and visitors about culinary trends, experiences and wine and to celebrate all that the wonderful food the region has to offer. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/natchezfoodandwinefest/.
Community Dinner en Blanc – Soul Food Fusion Festival, September (Dates to be announced)
Visitors and locals alike are invited to the Natchez Grand Hotel to indulge in a fusion of flavors as Natchez brings together the best of soul food and community dining. Attendees are asked to dress in white, creating a stunning spectacle and symbolizing new beginnings. For more information, visit https://visitnatchez.org/event/soul-food-fusion-festival-community-dinner-en-blanc/.
Allumer Natchez, September (Dates to be announced)
The annual light-based art exhibition and festival, Allumer Natchez, will take place throughout downtown Natchez and The Bluff from dusk – 10 p.m. nightly. Local and national artists will reimagine the grounds of Natchez with cutting-edge contemporary art installations that will transform the way locals and visitors see Natchez with an enchanting show of illumination. The festival is free to the public. For more information, visit https://www.allumernatchez.com/about/.
Natchez Balloon Festival, October 18 – 19
Since 1986, the Natchez Balloon Festival has filled historic downtown Natchez with hot-air balloons, local live music and dozens of art and food vendors. From the festival site on the beautiful grounds of Rosalie Mansion, visitors can savor fantastic fall weather and enjoy festival activities, including the evening balloon glow, fireworks, and carnival rides, all while taking in spectacular views of the Mississippi River. For more information, visit https://natchezballoonfestival.com/.
Y’all Means All Natchez, October (Dates to be announced)
Y’all Means All Natchez is an LGBTQ+-friendly festival that celebrates the diversity of the Natchez community while raising funds for suicide prevention. Notable weekend events include drag queen bingo, a welcome reception at Choctaw Hall and speakeasy after-parties, the Battle of the Belles and Beaus contest and much more. For more information, visit www.yallmeansallnatchez.org.
Angels on the Bluff Cemetery Tour, November (Dates to be announced)
The Natchez City Cemetery, one of the oldest burial grounds in the country, hosts the Angels on the Bluff event each November, featuring iconic Natchez personalities buried within the cemetery, portrayed by their descendants and other local citizens in period costumes. This elaborate production includes candlelight tours of the beautiful and historic site, enchanting storytelling and musical tributes to the lives and deaths of some of Natchez’s oldest “residents.” For more information, visit https://www.natchez.ms.us/300/Angels-on-the-Bluff.
Christmas in Natchez, November 30 – December 31
This Christmas celebration lasts from the Saturday after Thanksgiving until December 31. The city of Natchez fills the season with magic and holiday cheer during this event, featuring caroling in the park, the downtown Christmas parade, decorative Christmas tours and much more. For more information, visit www.christmasinnatchez.org.
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