Art Wine & Wheels Weekend

For eleven years, Ridgeland's weekend of art and wine has grown to include three entire festivals, featuring live music, great food, a 5K, and a bicycle ride—bringing thousands of folks from all over the U.S. and the world to the Renaissance at Colony Park. 

The Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival, held on Saturday and Sunday, features almost one hundred of America's most talented artists for a juried competition in every kind of medium, including a Student Art Gallery featuring area high school students' work. Shoppers and art enthusiasts can peruse the grounds for free and interact with the artists personally. There will also be two stages featuring some of the region's most popular local musicians including Jesse Robinson, the Delta Mountain Boys, Epic Funk Brass Band, and the Raphael Semmes Jazz Ensemble. Artisans from the Craftsmen's Guild of Mississippi will be on hand demonstrating various crafts and assisting at the Children's Creative Craft Corner where budding artists can "make and take" a piece of art. Free. 

The Santé South Wine Festival, held on Saturday, has grown into the largest wine and culinary extravaganza in Mississippi, featuring over 120 exceptional wines and fine food samplings from over 20 of Mississippi's top restaurants. The international showcase invites boutique vintners to present their annual new releases. Proceeds from Santé South benefit Alzheimer's MIsssissippi. $100 Grand Tasting ticket (entry at 7:30 pm); $150 VIP Tasting Ticket (Entry at 6:30 pm); $25 Designated Driver Ticket. 

Over the course of the weekend, Bicycle Revolution will also host the "Cheers and Gears Bike Ride," highlighting Ridgeland's nationally-recognized cycling routes, which run past sites like the Barnett Reservoir, the Natchez Trace Parkway, and the Petrified Forest. $45 a day; $80 for the weekend (three days). 

Finally, don't miss Fleet Feet Sports' Run Now Wine Later 5K, which promises a wine and cheese party at the finish line. The race begins and ends near the Ridgeland Visitor Center. 6:30 pm. $35 before March 31; $40 from April 1–3.  

For more information about Ridgeland's weekend festivals, visit ridgelandartfest.com, santesouth.org, or cheersandgearsride.com.