“Fall 2024 promises to bring excitement to Natchez as we celebrate our most cherished events returning this year,” says Lynsey Gilbert, interim director at Visit Natchez. “With a vibrant array of experiences and activities scheduled, Natchez is set to captivate visitors and locals alike this fall, continuing to flourish as an authentic Southern destination.”
Fall 2024 Events
Pilgrimage Garden Club’s Fall Pilgrimage Tours, September 19 – October 19
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 as 19th-century characters, theater performances, unique presentations and live music, all focused on the city’s iconic historic homes. For more information and a list of participating homes, visit www.natchezpilgrimage.com.
5th Annual Soul Food Fusion Festival, September 20 – 21
The annual Soul Food Fusion Festival celebrates the rich culinary traditions and cultural heritage of soul food. The event features food tastings, cooking demonstrations, live music, workshops and community activities. For more information, visit https://visitnatchez.org/event/soul-food-fusion-festival-community-dinner-en-blanc/.
6th Annual Bikers Weekend on the Bluff, October 4 – 5
Sponsored by Seeds of Change Resource Foundation, Bikers Weekend on the Bluff is a two-day event, featuring a bikers parade, meet and greets, after parties and a reenactment of the Original Buffalo Soldiers by Barney Scholby, Jr. Attendees will also enjoy live entertainment with host Greg the Man and a live broadcast by Knoe La Rider. For more information, visit https://visitnatchez.org/event/6th-annual-bikers-weekend-on-the-bluff/.
Pumpkin Patch Festival, October 10 – 31
Located at the corner of Main and South Pearl Streets, Natchez’s Pumpkin Patch Festival invites guests to enjoy a vibrant array of pumpkins for sale in all sizes, colors and shapes, with proceeds benefiting local non-profits. The festival also features face painting, pumpkin painting, a themed “witches ride,” pet parades, spooky music, ghost tours and more. For more information, visit https://natchezdna.org/pumpkin-patch-festival/.
Junkin on the River, October 11 – 12
Junkin on the River is a celebration of all things vintage, featuring a 15-mile trail of antique shops, thrift boutiques and eclectic junking shops. Whether visitors are seasoned collectors or first-time explorers, there is something for everyone at this event. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091111009926.
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 24 – 27
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.
Natchez Open Golf Championship, October 25 – 27
Held at the historic Natchez Golf Club at Duncan Park, featuring flowering dogwoods, long leaf pines and towering oaks draped in Spanish moss, the Natchez Open invites both professional and amateur golfers aged 18 and older with a USGA Handicap Index of 10 or less to participate in the 54-hole tournament for a chance to win $30,000. To sign up please visit www.natchezgolfclub.com.
Angels on the Bluff Cemetery Tour, November 7 – 9
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 historic site, enchanting storytelling and musical tributes to the lives and deaths of some of Natchez’s oldest “residents.” For more information, visit www.thenatchezcitycemetery.com.
**Editor’s Note: For imagery of Natchez, visit https://spaces.hightail.com/space/RpRtToP6m1. Photo credit: Visit Natchez.
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