Things to do in the Magnolia State – October 2026

Things to do in the Magnolia State. Things to do in the Magnolia State – October 2026.

Key points

• Known as America's Largest Block Party, Cruisin' the Coast celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026.
• Louis, Biloxi, Gulfport, Pascagoula, or throughout the Mississippi Coast October 8-10, you're sure to see plenty of classic car indicates.
• News Bianca Vasquez Toness, Associated Press October 1, 2026.
• While you're there, don't miss the pig races, petting zoo, or the Taste of the 2027 Dixie National Rodeo!
• It's the 60th annual event and draws over 1, 100 artisans and craftsmen to the Madison County Courthouse grounds and surrounding streets.

From the State Fair to Cruisin' the Coast and more, October in Mississippi is packed with fun for the whole family.

While still warm, evokes images of pumpkins, scare crows, hay bales, and corn stalks, october. The scent of fall spices – cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cloves and ginger waft from kitchens where cooler weather treats are created. And don't forget pumpkin spice everything.

But possibly the best thing regarding October are the festivals and other outdoor activities around the state. What are you waiting for? Pull on a (lightweight, all cotton) sweater and have some fun! Mississippi State Fair – October 8-18 – Jackson.

Obtain in line for chicken-on-a-stick, fried turkey legs, roasted corn-on-the-cob and funnel cakes. It's that time of year!

Meanwhile, the 2026 Mississippi State Fair will be held at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson, featuring over 60 rides, 100+ food vendors, livestock demonstrates, and a Flo Rida concert on October 15.

While you're there, don't miss the pig races, petting zoo, or the Taste of the 2027 Dixie National Rodeo! Canton Flea Market – October 8 – Canton.

Tie on your comfortable shoes – the fall version of the Canton Flea Market for 2026 is scheduled for Thursday, October 8 from 8am to 5pm in historic downtown Canton.

Let the shopping commence! Admission is free and the event runs rain or shine. Cruisin' the Coast – October 8-10 – Mississippi Gulf Coast.

No matter where you drive in Bay St. Louis, Biloxi, Gulfport, Pascagoula, or throughout the Mississippi Coast October 8-10, you're sure to see plenty of classic car indicates.

Makes and models from a number of decades – some that employed gas that sold for 32 cents a gallon – show up for the event that additionally includes music and vendor markets.

Known as America's Largest Block Party, Cruisin' the Coast celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026. The event spans roughly 30 miles of beachfront highway and features antique, classic, and hot‑rod vehicles, entertainment, parades, celebrity appearances, and a major auto auction. Oktoberfest – October 9 & 10 – Downtown Cleveland.

Believe it or not, the largest festival in Bolivar County is a German tradition that happens each year.

This year is the 44th Oktoberfest, presented by the Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce. It's a weekend packed with food, music, arts, and entertainment for the whole family.

There will be classic BBQ battles as part of the Mississippi Delta State Barbecue Championship. New this year are a VIP area and more children's activities. Mississippi Delta Tennessee Williams Festival – October 15-17 – Clarksdale.

For the more literary-minded, this is the event for you – a celebration of everything Tennessee Williams.

For context, the event features discussions, music, demonstrations, tours, receptions, and parties. It additionally allows ample opportunity to meet and network with other lovers of Tennessee Williams and Southern literature in general, from throughout the globe. The festival is free and open to the public. Regarding the Author(s).

Susan Marquez serves as Magnolia Tribune's Culture Editor. Since 2001, Susan Marquez has been writing regarding residents, places, spaces, events, music, businesses, food, and travel. The things that create life interesting. A prolific writer, Susan has written over 3, 000 pieces for a wide variety of publications. Faith Alistair Begg September 30, 2026. Will He find fruit?

Remain humbly connected to Jesus, our Vine, and His Spirit will grow in you the particularly fruit for which He is looking. More From This Author. Culture Susan Marquez September 25, 2026. Journey to Colonial Mississippi: An America 250 Celebration. Culture Susan Marquez September 18, 2026.

Acclaimed graphic novelist John Jennings to lead weeklong residency at The MAX. Culture Susan Marquez September 10, 2026. Pumpkin spice lattes are back. Sports Maura Carey, Associated Press October 1, 2026.

SEC Week 5: No. 7 Alabama visits No. 16 Mississippi State in unbeaten ranked matchup. DC Frank Corder September 29, 2026. Mississippi Senators Wicker, Hyde-Smith back Protect College Sport Act.

Meanwhile, the measure passed the U.S. Senate on Monday in a bipartisan vote. It now heads to the U.S. House where backing is not a given and where members are on recess until after the November midterm election. President Trump has suggested that the Speaker could call the House back to take up the bill. Culture Meredith Biesinger September 29, 2026. Hidden in plain sight: Treasure hunting through Natchez.

Since Mississippi's oldest city has another adventure waiting beyond its famous homes and river views, pack your walking shoes, grab your smartphone, and download a geocaching or GPS app. News Bianca Vasquez Toness, Associated Press October 1, 2026.

Federal scholarship for private school and homeschooling opening to most kids in at least 30 states. News Frank Corder October 1, 2026. Trump nominates Butler to serve on Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. News Frank Corder October 1, 2026.

Cory Booker's coming back to Mississippi to again campaign against Cindy Hyde-Smith. Business Cass Rutledge October 1, 2026.

Tech entrepreneur turns Hurricane Katrina tragedy into firm to preserve family memories. Business Cass Rutledge September 30, 2026. Mississippi 12th in U.S. For doing business in 2026. Business Cass Rutledge September 25, 2026. A&W Custom Furniture expanding in Okolona, adding 20 jobs. Culture Alistair Begg October 2, 2026. Culture Alistair Begg October 1, 2026. Culture Susan Marquez September 30, 2026.

Jackson's own Cassandra Wilson, one of the most successful female jazz singers in modern history. Opinion Roger Wicker September 28, 2026. Putin must be defeated. Opinion Sid Salter September 23, 2026.

Midterm elections in Mississippi shaping up as a familiar exercise in black-and-white. Opinion Bill Cork September 22, 2026. The states winning investment are the states ready to deliver.

Taken together, the developments around things to do in the Magnolia State – October 2026 point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.