Diverse events and festivals fill Tupelo’s spring and summer calendars with musical, culinary, and cultural experiences. From festivals that celebrate the legacy of Tupelo’s most famous son, to events showcasing North Mississippi’s contemporary cultural stylings, Tupelo offers something unexpected whenever you visit. Here’s a taste. Browse Tupelo’s calendar to see more.
North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra’s ongoing season offers multiple opportunities to sample the symphony’s diverse and popular repertoire.
• On March 28 the Symphony will present “A Night at the Opera” with world-renowned violinist and winner of the Paganini International Violin Competition, Alexander Markov at the historic Lyric Theatre. Markov will demonstrate his virtuosity while performing a selection of violin showpieces; the orchestra will play two of the most popular overtures in the classical canon.
• On April 25 join the NMSO at the Tupelo Civic Auditorium for a program featuring the music of legendary Hollywood composer, John Williams. A concert guaranteed to bring the heart-pounding adventure of Indiana Jones, the awe of Jurassic Park, the wonder of E.T., and the epic battles of Star Wars, flooding back.
The North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra
Also on March 28, the 10th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival returns to Downtown Tupelo, bringing a celebration of Japanese culture to The Depot and timed to coincide with Main Street’s Spring Open House. Come to hear Japanese music, taste Japanese dishes, and learn about brush writing, origami, rice pounding, Japanese fashion, and more.
One of Mississippi’s largest free-to-the-public events, the giant Tupelo Blue Suede Cruise car show rolls into town April 30—May 2. Filling the Cadence Bank Arena parking lot with pre-2000 classics, modern muscle cars, and vintage rolling stock, this is a weekend guaranteed to deliver your fill of hot rods, cool music, and retro vibes.
Tupelo Blue Suede Cruise
The annual multi-genre fandom event, Tupelo Con, returns May 2—3, filling the Tupelo Furniture Market building with life-sized Sonic the Hedgehogs, Ninja Turtles, Star Wars characters, and many more. This family-friendly fan convention features cosplay contests, a magic show, live wrestling, and more.
Flock to Wing Fest May 29—30, in Downtown Tupelo’s Fairpark, to join participants enjoying live music, and teams competing to prepare and serve the finest, most flavorsome wings in Mississippi.
Spring festival season in the birthplace of the “King of Rock ‘N Roll” culminates with the Tupelo Elvis Festival. From June 3—6, the festival honors the musical legacy and cultural impact of Elvis Presley through live concerts, Elvis tribute artist competitions, and community events. Events take place at the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum, the historic Lyric Theatre where Elvis watched movies as a child, and The Depot.
For some soul-stirring summer fun, come back to Tupelo July 24—26, when the Lee Williams Legacy Fest celebrates the life and ministry of the late Dr. Lee Williams, the legendary lead singer of Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC’s, a cornerstone of the traditional gospel scene and a beloved Tupelo native. Gospel groups turn the Tupelo Furniture Market into a high-energy “stronghold of praise.”
These events are just the beginning. Explore many more at tupelo.net/events
Rest and Recharge with Legendary Lodging
With more than 2,200 hotel rooms available, deciding where to rest your head in Tupelo means having lots of options to choose between: Historic or contemporary? Quirky or quaint? In the heart of downtown or surrounded by specialty shopping? With a downtown location in the historic Fairpark District, Hotel Tupelo’s blend of mid-century modern sophistication and authentic Southern charm has earned its reputation as the city’s first boutique hotel. Its 79 rooms are designed with a nod to Tupelo’s unique musical heritage, and feature local touches by local Mississippi makers. The hotel provides complimentary bicycles for guests interested in exploring under their own power, too.
For business and event space, Comfort Suites offers more than 2,600 square feet of customizable meeting space, a fully equipped business center, and free wi-fi everywhere.
Colorful and modern, Tru by Hilton delivers a fun-sized stay near the Barnes Crossing shopping district. Tru’s lively lobby features a game zone complete with pool tables, a 24/7 market, and complimentary hot breakfast. It’s pet-friendly, too.
For a great stay, visit tupelo.net/stay/ to explore all the options and check availability.
