Jackson, Miss. – In 2025, Mississippi will offer a captivating lineup of events, landmark anniversaries and fresh

attractions. The highlights include birthday celebrations for musical icons B.B. King and Elvis Presley, the reopening

of Amtrak rail service along the Southern coast, Vicksburg's Bicentennial celebration and new accommodations,

dining and cultural opportunities across the state.

“This year, we invite visitors to celebrate Mississippi's significant contributions to American culture from music to

history to our renowned cuisine,” says Rochelle Hicks, Director of Visit Mississippi. “From milestone anniversaries

and family-friendly festivals to new attractions and experiences, we can't wait to share the best of our state with

visitors from near and far.”

Please see below for a list of Mississippi's major milestones, events and new developments.

Anniversaries & Celebrations

Vicksburg's Bicentennial – 2025

Vicksburg, MS

On January 29, Vicksburg, Mississippi, will celebrate the 200th anniversary of its incorporation as a city. Home to the

Vicksburg National Military Park and a collection of some of the finest examples of late 18th and early 19th century

homes in the South, this historic city will begin festivities in January and continue throughout the year, highlighted

by key events including the Mayor's Proclamation and Dedication at Washington Park followed by a grand

Bicentennial Parade. Notable celebrations will include a Bicentennial Symposium on January 30, exploring

Vicksburg's Past, Present and Future, and a special Bicentennial Celebration Dinner on January 31. Continuing with

the Music & Culture Festival on April 26, showcasing local and regional talent, and an enhanced Independence

Weekend featuring the longest fireworks show in all of Mississippi on July 4. A Fall Family Fair on October 4 and a

memorable New Year's Eve Closing Celebration on December 31 will cap off the anniversary year. Vicksburg invites

residents and visitors alike to join in commemorating this historic journey.

 

Weidmann's 155th Anniversary – 2025

Meridian, MS

Mississippi's longest operating restaurant, Weidmann's, will celebrate its 155th anniversary in 2025, marking over a

century and a half of culinary tradition and Southern hospitality. Established in 1870, Weidmann's became a time-

honored establishment for locals and visitors alike, known for its signature dishes blending traditional Southern

flavors with contemporary flair. Housed in a historic building in Meridian's picturesque downtown, the restaurant

offers a unique dining experience that reflects the charm and rich heritage of the city. Famously known for its

tradition of welcoming diners in with a crock of peanut butter and rolls, the beloved eatery serves mouthwatering

regional specialties in true Mississippi fashion. Weidmann's will commemorate this landmark anniversary with

special events and menu offerings that pay homage to its storied past while celebrating the future of Mississippi's

culinary scene.

 

Natchez 40th Annual Balloon Festival – October 17-18

Natchez, MS

Established in 1986, the Natchez Balloon Festival is an annual fall tradition that paints the sky with a kaleidoscope of

color, featuring vibrant hot air balloon displays and a host of family-friendly activities. Rosalie Mansion begins the

festival with a sunrise balloon flight along the banks of the Mississippi River, accompanied by arts and crafts vendors

and a variety of Mississippi's delicious local cuisine. As the evening unfolds, guests will take in the spectacle of glow-

in-the-dark balloon launches, live music performances and a fireworks show. One of Southwest Mississippi's largest

1and most beloved events, the Balloon Festival not only celebrates the beauty of hot air ballooning but also highlights

the rich culture and hospitality of Natchez, making it a must-visit for families and ballooning enthusiasts alike.

 

Biloxi Lighthouse 177th Anniversary – 2025

Biloxi, MS

Biloxi's distinctive lighthouse will commemorate its 177th anniversary, a testament to the city's rich maritime

heritage and enduring legacy. Built in 1848 and recognized as one of the most photographed landmarks in

Mississippi, the Lighthouse stands at 64 feet tall and has guided countless sailors safely along the Gulf Coast for

generations. Its distinctive white and black stripes, added in 1968 for enhanced visibility, makes it not only a beacon

of navigation but also a beloved cultural landmark that has withstood storms and historical changes over the years.

To mark this milestone, visitors can expect special guided tours and activities along the Lighthouse pier that honor

its history and the vital role it has played in the Biloxi community as a destination for not only history and maritime

enthusiasts but all visitors.

 

Iconic Birthdays

Elvis Presley's 90th Birthday – born on January 8, 1935.

Tupelo, Mississippi, is set to honor Elvis Presley's 90th birthday in 2025 with the 27th Annual Tupelo Elvis Festival,

taking place from June 4–8. Hosted by the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association, this vibrant festival will bring

together Elvis fans from around the world to celebrate the King of Rock 'n' Roll in his hometown. A highlight of the

festival will be the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition, where talented performers will compete for exciting

prizes, including cash, a guitar, a prestigious statue trophy and more. This celebration promises to be a memorable

tribute to Elvis's enduring legacy, featuring live music, dance performances and various activities for all ages that

capture the spirit of his noteworthy career.

 

B.B. King's 100th Birthday – born on September 16, 1925.

The Magnolia State is gearing up to honor one of its most influential icons, B.B. King, who would have turned 100

years old on September 16. The city of Jackson will kick off celebrations with its Mississippi Blues Marathon on

February 22. Starting and finishing at the State Capitol Complex, participants will receive unique commemorative

B.B. King Birthday-themed finisher medals. In Indianola, the must-visit B.B. King Museum chronicles this musical

legend's life with unique exhibits. On April 26, the Natchez Festival will honor the King with a centennial celebration

featuring a live performance from Mississippi recording artist Vasti Jackson. Adding to the fanfare, the blues legend's

daughter, Claudette King, will lead The Thrill Lives on Tour. This dynamic ten-piece band, joined by guest musicians,

will travel across the county blending traditional Mississippi Delta blues with a funk-infused twist, reintroducing

King's classics to new audiences. These events promise to honor King's extraordinary legacy and his enduring impact

on the world of music.

 

Medgar Evers 100th Birthday – born on July 2, 1925

Mississippi's first NAACP Field Secretary, Medgar Evers was a courageous American Civil Rights activist who

championed voter registration and social justice. In honor of what would have been his 100th birthday on July 2,

Mississippi invites visitors to explore a series of commemorative attractions and events celebrating Evers' enduring

legacy. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum features eight impactful galleries that chronicle the national Civil Rights

Movement, illustrating its historical timeline, the era's origin and first-person narratives from many of its heroes,

including Medgar Evers. Visitors are then encouraged to continue their journey along the Mississippi Freedom Trail

which leads to the Medgar and Myrlie Evers home National Monument. Now serving as both a museum and a

designated National Historic Landmark, the home provides a poignant glimpse into Evers' life and legacy, standing

as a powerful reminder of his contributions to the fight for equality.

 

B.B. King and Medgar Evers Centennial Celebration – January 14

On January 14, The Mississippi State Capitol will host a centennial celebration honoring both B.B. King and Medgar

Evers. The event is presented by The B.B. King Museum and the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Institute, in partnership with

the National Park Service Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument. The event will begin at 11:00 a.m.,

kicking off a momentous year-long celebration honoring Evers' unwavering commitment to justice and equality, and

the King of Blues' soulful voice and expressive guitar playing that still resonates with audiences today.

 

Exciting New Openings

Amtrak Returns to Coastal Mississippi– Spring 2025

Coastal, MS

Amtrak will launch its long-awaited Gulf Coast route between Mobile and New Orleans, marking the first time in 18

years that passenger rail service will operate along this stretch of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. With stops in Bay St.

Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula, the route offers travelers an ideal mix of affordability and convenience, with

a travel time of approximately three hours and tickets ranging from $20 to $30. This new service combines ease of

travel and stunning views with seamless access to the region's historical sites, acclaimed dining and picturesque

waterfronts. The route is expected to debut by February, in time for Super Bowl LIX and New Orleans' famous Mardi

Gras celebrations. Smaller coastal towns are gearing up to welcome new visitors with open arms and cheerful

Mississippi charm.

 

Roundabout Oxford – Spring 2025

Oxford, MS

Oxford will further establish its status as a vibrant cultural and culinary hub with the debut of Roundabout Oxford

RV & Water Resort in Spring 2025. Located near upscale retail, diverse dining, residential spaces and the University

of Mississippi campus, Roundabout Oxford provides easy access to Oxford's thriving arts, music and university

culture scenes. The resort boasts a 2.5-acre water park featuring water slides, family pools, hot tubs, a 912-foot

'Swayze Lazy River,' the Hoka Hut swim-up bar, water buckets and splash cannons. Luxurious multi-floor cottages

offer full-service kitchen, living room, bedrooms and a range of amenities, providing a comfortable retreat for

families and groups. The RV Park includes 150 paved spots with water, sewer and electric hookups, as well as options

for pull-up, back-in and doubles spots. Whether browsing local shops, savoring chef-driven cuisine, or attending live

performances, Roundabout Oxford promises a modern, memorable experience that celebrates the unique charm

and creativity of Oxford.

 

Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum – 2025

Jackson, MS

The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum honors the state's most influential athletes and sports figures,

celebrating their achievements and contributions to Mississippi's rich sports history. Through interactive exhibits

and memorabilia, the museum showcases the legacies of legendary athletes while inspiring future generations. After

undergoing a year-long renovation to enhance its facilities and offerings, the museum is set to reopen next year,

eager to welcome locals, members, inductees, spectators and travelers from around the country to experience the

highest standard of excellence in sports heritage.

About Visit Mississippi

A division of the Mississippi Development Authority, Visit Mississippi is the official destination marketing

organization for the state. Visit Mississippi promotes the state as a premier travel destination for leisure, business

and cultural exploration, aiming to enhance visitor experiences, drive economic growth and highlight Mississippi's

rich history, vibrant culture, scenic beauty and famous hospitality. For more information, visit visitmississippi.org.

 

Media Contacts

Katie Coats

Visit Mississippi

kcoats@mississippi.org