With warm temperatures, a teeming events calendar, and spring foliage in full bloom, Tupelo, Mississippi, is perfectly positioned to deliver your next great road trip destination. Sure, lots of folks know Tupelo as the place in which Elvis Aaron Presley was born in 1935, and today, thousands of fans still flock to the northeast Mississippi town of around 38,000 to experience the musical melting pot of influences that produced him. But beyond the Elvis legend, Tupelo has so much more to offer. In spring, the community welcomes visitors with exciting events, a diverse restaurant and café culture, serious museums, extraordinary outdoor art, and the kind of foot-stomping live music scene that you’d expect to find in the birthplace of the King of Rock ‘N’ Roll. Let’s get started.
Blue Canoe Live Music in Tupelo
Spring Events Roundup
Spring festivals make for the perfect weekend getaway in Tupelo. From live music and food to the arts and a celebration of Tupelo’s favorite native son, the city’s culture shines through its unique festivals and special events. Here’s a taste.
On April 25, join the North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra at the Tupelo Civic Auditorium for a program featuring the music of legendary Hollywood composer John Williams. This program is 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.
One of Mississippi’s largest free events, the 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 weekend delivers with hot rods, cool music, and retro vibes.
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, and Star Wars characters. 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 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, the historic Lyric Theatre where Elvis watched movies as a child, and the Fairpark District—the site of Elvis’s famous homecoming concert in 1956.
For 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 bands turn the Tupelo Furniture Market into a high-energy “stronghold of praise.”
Explore more at tupelo.net/events
Hotel Tupelo
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.
Visit tupelo.net/stay to see all the city’s accommodations.
Sao Thai Food
Get a Taste of Tupelo
Whether it’s the soul of Southern comfort food or contemporary cosmopolitan cuisine you’re searching for, Tupelo is an epicurean destination bursting with flavor. One day you might decide to try the infamous smashburger or another grilled-to-order favorite at Neon Pig Café, located inside an unassuming strip mall near the Barnes Crossing District. That night you might be exploring flavors from around the world at Sao Thai, Casa D’Italia, or Amsterdam Deli. At Park Heights Restaurant in Downtown Tupelo, Chef Dan Schroeder wows diners with modern American dishes like a pan-seared mahi mahi, or a Springer Mountain brick chicken that’s to die for. With more than 200 restaurants, Tupelo’s dining scene welcomes adventurous diners with bold flavors and unmatched variety. Get a taste at tupelo.net/food-drink/
The Sounds of the South
No visit to the birthplace of Elvis Presley is complete without live music, and Tupelo’s live music venues have you covered. The 10,000-seat Cadence Bank Arena hosts nationally renowned musicians in an amped-up arena setting, while Downunder hosts more intimate, acoustic sets served alongside craft cocktails and international pub grub. Tupelo’s newest venue, Backline Music Hall, hosts touring artists from across the country alongside exceptional local and regional talent. Visit tupelo.net/events to check out all the live music events happening in town.
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Birthplace and Museum of Elvis Presley
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Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo
What Are You Waiting For?
A culturally rich destination that invites visitors to slow down and rest while enjoying unparalleled attractions and big-city amenities in a small-town setting, Tupelo truly makes an ideal spring destination. Visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum to see his childhood home, explore a museum chronicling his life, and sit in the church where he was deeply influenced by gospel music. Visit the Natchez Trace Parkway, one of the top 10 most visited national parks in the country, and explore centuries of history or hike a beautiful trail. Great for the whole family, the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo is great for the whole family. This 210-acre park is home to over 260 animals and offers ample opportunities to get up close and personal with the park’s residents.
With so much to explore, it’s nice to know you have a helping hand. Visit tupelo.net and click “Plan Your Trip” to access curated itineraries and trip-planning tools that make it easy to plan your getaway. You can also sign up to have travel tips and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. Imagine what you can do here!
