The Cultural Arts in Mississippi

Mississippi has a rich history of contributions to the cultural arts in America, from legendary blues musicians in the Delta region to acclaimed Magnolia State writers like William Faulkner and John Grisham. Today’s Mississippi is an emerging destination for visitors who want to enjoy that unique cultural heritage at events and venues throughout the state in 2023.

Musical Places

Every trip to Mississippi should include a visit to Tupelo, Elvis Presley’s hometown and host of this year’s 25th Anniversary Tupelo Elvis Festival from June 7-11. Another must-see attraction is the GRAMMY® Museum Mississippi in Cleveland, the Recording Academy’s only official site outside of Los Angeles that features dozens of exhibits highlighting past award winners, as well as educational programs and a 130-seat soundstage for intimate performances. In fact, all across Mississippi you’ll find musical destinations and sweet-sounding festivals nearly every week, from the Gateway to the Blues Museum in Tunica and stops along the state’s Country Music Trail to performances by the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra in Gulfport.

Words & Pictures

For book and movie lovers, the 34th Annual Natchez Literary & Cinema Celebration is set for February 23-24, with renowned authors and award-winning filmmakers on this year’s intriguing theme: “The Better Half? Fact, Fiction, or Fable.” The 29th Oxford Conference for the Book will be held March 29-31 on the University of Mississippi campus and will include readings and panel discussions with leading writers. The Fay B. Kaigler Children’s Book Festival, with keynote speakers from around the country, will take place on the University of Southern Mississippi campus in Hattiesburg from April 12-14.

Festive Dance

For a multi-genre cultural celebration, check out FestivalSouth, also in Hattiesburg, with events every weekend from June 2-25, that include visual-arts exhibitions, music concerts, and theatrical performances. And, here’s a graceful addition to your itinerary: The USA International Ballet Competition returns to the capital city of Jackson from June 10-24 with more than 100 of the most talented dancers from around the world. All of the presentations are open to the public, and kids ages 12-20 can take classes at the USA IBC Dance School.

MAX Excitement

The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience is among the newest and best venues in a state filled with great museums, galleries, and theaters. Located in Meridian, “The MAX” features a beautiful Hall of Fame for the state’s most celebrated artists, writers, and performers, an interactive learning center with workshops for all ages, and a year-round calendar of live events.
For more about all of the cultural arts attractions and events in Mississippi this year, plus local restaurants where you can savor the finest Southern cuisine, go to VisitMississippi.org.

Hometown State

In fact, with a more relaxed pace of life and lower property taxes, Mississippi might be your destination for a lifetime. Learn more about Welcome Home Mississippi-certified retirement communities like Aberdeen, New Albany, and Madison at Mississippi.org/.

Find Your Ideal Home in Mississippi

There are many reasons people choose to relocate to or retire in Mississippi. For one, the cost of living is hard to beat. There’s no state income tax, and property prices are notably reasonable. Find your ideal home here.

By JG Walker