Fall is here! Let the festivals begin. Here's what you can expect through mid-October

Ed Inman
·4 min read

Summer has turned to fall and cooler temperatures traditionally bring a large number of outdoor festivals and community events to metro Jackson.

And while the COVID-19 pandemic slowed that down somewhat in recent years, the tradition appears to be back in full force for 2022. WellFest, the family-friendly event in Jackson and Gluckstadt's Germanfest were both held over the past weekend.

Below is a roundup of some of the outstanding events scheduled for the Jackson area between now and mid-October.

Sept. 26 - Oct. 2: Sanderson Farms Championship

Former champion (2012) Scott Stallings hits a shot from the 1st fairway in the Allen Exploration Pro-Am at the Sanderson Farms Championship on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at the Country Club of Jackson in Jackson, Miss.
Former champion (2012) Scott Stallings hits a shot from the 1st fairway in the Allen Exploration Pro-Am at the Sanderson Farms Championship on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at the Country Club of Jackson in Jackson, Miss.

The 2022 Sanderson Farms Championship will be held Sept. 26 through Oct. 1 at the Country Club of Jackson, 345 St. Andrews Dr. off Old Canton Road. The annual PGA tournament will feature more than 60 top golfers from throughout the world and there will be a variety of special programs and events. Daily and week-long ticket packages for spectators range from $30 to $110 and are available through sandersonfarmschampionship.com.

Sept. 29 - Oct. 2: Coming Home with Pride

A Capital City Pride shirt laid out for bowlers at Fannin Lanes in Brandon, Miss., on Tuesday, June 8, 2021.
A Capital City Pride shirt laid out for bowlers at Fannin Lanes in Brandon, Miss., on Tuesday, June 8, 2021.

Current and former Mississippians who identify as LGBTQ+ as well as their allies will gather for this annual event that kicks off at 6 p.m. Sept. 29 with a special screening of “Sordid Lives” at Millsaps College. A Homecoming Dance Party will be from from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. Sept. 30. On Saturday, Oct. 1, the Rainbow Run and Pride Festival will be held from noon until 7 p.m. at Two Mississippi Museums. The festival will include live performances, food trucks, vendors and more. The event winds down Sunday, Oct. 2 with an Advocacy Fair, March and Unity Concert. Tickets and more information may be found at mscapitalcitypride.org.

Oct. 1: A Day in the Country

A Day in the Country is an annual community festival held on the grounds of Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church in Madison County. Held on the first Saturday in October, the event draws thousands of visitors annually with families enjoying food, music, artisans, crafts, tours of the Chapel, beer and wine tasting, the famous 63-Egg Cake and children’s games and rides. Hours are from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and the church is located at 674 Mannsdale Road (MS 463) west of Madison. Visit chapelofthecrossms.org/come-see-us/day-in-the-country/ for more information.

Oct. 5-8, 12-15 and 19-22: Pumpkin Adventure

The Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum on Lakeland Drive will host the 2022 Pumpkin Adventure on selected dates throughout October. Activities will include a hayride around the grounds, milk and cookie snacks, the chance to explore Small Town Mississippi, a visit to the General Store and a tour the Heritage Center Gallery. Guests may also stop by the Pumpkin Patch and choose a pumpkin to take home. Tickets are $10. For more information visit msagmuseum.org/Events.

Oct. 6-16: Mississippi State Fair

Joseph Moore and his son, 3-year-old Jaiden Moore, walk through the Mississippi State Fairgrounds during the 162nd annual Mississippi State Fair in Jackson, Miss., Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021.
Joseph Moore and his son, 3-year-old Jaiden Moore, walk through the Mississippi State Fairgrounds during the 162nd annual Mississippi State Fair in Jackson, Miss., Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021.

The annual Mississippi State Fair transforms the 105-acre campus of the Mississippi Fairgrounds into a giant amusement park with fair foods, carnival rides, games, shows and contests. There are also livestock shows, the Zerbini Family Circus, a new Great American Wild West show, X-Treme Bull Riding, and the Tri-State Rodeo. Also returning is the “Mississippi Frontier Village,” an outdoor area featuring western style vendors, exhibits and entertainment. And new this year will be the Mississippi State Fair Talent Show and the Miss Mississippi State Fair Beauty Pageant. Musical guests will include B.o.B., Chad Perry, the Epic Funk Brass Band, Empty Atlas, Midnight Star, Bobby Rush, Scott McCreery, Sullivan’s Hollow, Dirtroad Cadillac and many more. For schedules and more information visit: mdac.ms.gov/fairgrounds/ms-state-fair/

Oct. 13: Symphony at Sunset

The Fondren Renaissance Foundation presents this free concert featuring the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra on the grounds of The Cedars, a historic home located on Old Canton Road just south of Meadowbrook Road. Sponsors may also purchase reserved tables for eight.  Sponsor tables enjoy access to the Magnolia Lounge, a boxed dinner, two parking passes and a special post performance treat. For seating on the ground guests are encouraged bring chairs and blankets. Parking will open for general admittance at 5:30 p.m. For more information visit: fondren.org/events/symphony-at-sunset.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Fall festivals on slate for Jackson, MS, area through mid-October