What time of year should you plan your Tupelo getaway vacation? It depends on what you want to see, because there are several festivals and events that come through the area every year. People usually associate annual events with the spring season, but the truth is that Tupelo hosts events all year round. What are some of the most popular local events?
Let’s start with the Tupelo Elvis Festival, held in early June. This is a musical tribute show to the King of Rock and Roll. Not only can you mingle with other Elvis fans, but you can also enjoy celebrity guest appearances and listen to some great live music. Other features of the Elvis Festival include a Queen for a King Beauty Pageant, an Elvis Look-A-Like Pet Parade, a carnival midway, a Fling with the King Disc Golf Tournament and a Sunday gospel concert.
The Tupelo furniture market may not have the big name factor as the Elvis Festival, but there is plenty happening in Celebration Village, around the furniture market. Here, shoppers can go through rows of vendors offering gifts, clothing, home decoration and art. The Gumtree Festival is another arts festival, but it takes place outdoors. The 39th Annual Cellular South Gumtree Festival (near Courthouse Square) celebrates all avenues of art, from visual to music to creative writing.
Other festivals include Tethered balloon rides, the Presley Heights Azalea Festival and Tour and the Celebrate Wildlife Weekend with live animal demonstrations. The Tupelo Blue Suede Cruise takes place at the BancorpSouth Arena and has classic cars and 1950s/1960s theme. The Dudie Burger Festival is held at the Oren Dunn City Museum and is free to enjoy. This event also pays tribute to 1940s life through a 1947 Memphis Streetcar. Here visitors can enjoy a museum, music and folk art.
Lastly, there’s the 7th Annual Tupelo Film Festival. This festival is held in the Lyric Theatre downtown and screens over 40 independent films. This is a great place for artists and movie fans to come together. The most promising young filmmakers received awards honoring their work. Some of the awards include the Made in Mississippi Award and the Documentary Prize.
As you can see, there is always something happening in Tupelo, Mississippi. There are festivals in the spring season, summer season and as late as October. Plan your trip around these festivals so you can get the most out of your Tupelo vacation!
