When the weather cools, mornings turn crisp and foliage along the Natchez Trace starts to show some red and gold, the charming Southern city famous as the birthplace of Elvis Presley bursts with color, flavor, and sound. In fall Tupelo, Mississippi, offers an inviting, sophisticated escape brimming with distinctive festivals and events. With upcoming events showcasing the city’s live music, dance, local art, spirited regional cuisine, and holiday shopping scenes, there’s something scheduled just about every weekend through Thanksgiving, making Tupelo positively the place for your next great getaway. Here’s what’s on the fall calendar.
September 26: Experience the Elvis ’56 Homecoming Concert at Fairpark, commemorating Elvis Presley’s legendary 1956 hometown performance. More than a tribute, this milestone event showcases Tupelo’s rich musical heritage, celebrating the city where The King’s story began.
October 6: The annual Robins Street Art Stroll transforms Tupelo’s tree-lined Robins Street into a progressive outdoor gallery of local art and culture. Artists show, sell, and demonstrate painting, woodworking, pottery, and more.
Robins Street Art Stroll
October 16: Spice up your weekend at the Tupelo Chili Festival, where local teams compete for bragging rights and the chance to take the title of “Best Bowl.”
October 21—24: Kick off the holiday shopping season at Celebration Village, Tupelo’s beloved holiday market features everything smart shoppers will need to check off their gift lists.
October 30—November 1: “Rock ‘n Roll music: if you like it, if you feel it, you can’t help but move to it.” Elvis had it right, so lace up your dancing shoes and get ready to cut a rug at the 13th annual Dancing with the King—a two day event that features a traditional ballroom dancing competition, a show dance spectacular, and a nostalgic sock hop dance party. The same weekend, stick around to sip and savor along Tupelo’s Ale Trail, when craft beer tastings are paired with delicious bites from local eateries.
November 21: As Thanksgiving approaches, Tupelo dials up the holiday spirit during Deck the Depot, a downtown shopping showdown that gathers pop-up shops, local baked goods, and festive food trucks at The Depot in the Downtown District.
If you love to shop, Tupelo’s three distinct shopping districts offer no shortage of retail therapy opportunities. While visiting Downtown, don’t miss Reed’s, which is one of Mississippi’s oldest department stores. Hit up Midtown to find fun gift shops, boutiques, and home goods. Head to the Barnes Crossing District, where a multitude of popular national retail brands await.
Stay Awhile
With more than 2,200 hotel rooms to choose between, visitors to Tupelo will be spoiled for choice! For a sleek, sophisticated stay in the heart of downtown, settle in at Hotel Tupelo, or enjoy the comfortable familiarity of the Hilton Garden Inn. For those who prefer to stay closer to the popular Barnes Crossing District, the Holiday Inn & Suites and Tru by Hilton both offer convenient locations close to diverse shopping, dining, and entertainment options. No matter where you choose to lay your head, Tupelo makes weekend escapes both convenient and affordable.
With fall’s cooler temperatures and changing foliage bringing about a renewed sense of adventure, right now is the right time to experience all that Tupelo has to offer. Start planning your fall getaway at tupelo.net and imagine what you can do here!
