7 Ways to Celebrate Vicksburg’s Bicentennial
Vicksburg, MS, is turning 200 this year! To celebrate, the city is hosting a variety of events, ranging from music festivals to fireworks displays. Here are the highlights! Image: Visit Vicksburg
January 29, 2025, marks the 200th anniversary of Vicksburg, MS. This charming Southern city is celebrating its bicentennial all year long with a variety of exciting events, ranging from a parade to a music festival and an extravagant fireworks display. We’ve got the scoop on the celebration’s signature events — take a look!
200th Anniversary of Vicksburg Incorporation
On the official anniversary of Vicksburg’s incorporation, the city hosts a series of events, starting with a Mayoral Proclamation and Dedication. Festivities kick off at 2 p.m. in Washington Park as Mayor George Flaggs, Jr. makes a special declaration. The event is free and open to the public.
Following the dedication, head to the Vicksburg Convention Center to watch the official Bicentennial Parade. Beginning at 5 p.m., this will be the first-ever local parade to travel through the convention center! The event is free to attend and offers both indoor and outdoor viewing areas.
On January 30, enjoy a special Bicentennial Symposium from Mayor George Flaggs, Jr., from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Vicksburg City Auditorium. The mayor is scheduled to speak about the city’s past, present, and future. More details are yet to be announced, so check the event’s Facebook page for updates.
Then, on February 1, make plans to attend the Vicksburg Bicentennial Ball at Downtown Vicksburg’s B.B. Club. Beginning at 7 p.m., the evening includes everything from heavy hors d’oeuvres to an open bar, dancing, and live music. During the event, the Vicksburg Bicentennial commemorative coin will be unveiled alongside some of the first Faces of Vicksburg honorees. Tickets start at $75 and are available online.
The fun continues at 10:30 p.m. with The Watermark’s Bicentennial Ball After Party. The perfect way to end your night, the event includes live music, dancing, and a cash bar. Tickets start at $15, and you don’t have to attend the Bicentennial Ball to access the after-party!
Music & Cultural Festival
Vicksburg continues its festivities with the Music & Culture Festival on April 26. The celebration showcases some of the best local and regional musicians alongside dancing, theater performances, and demonstrations. Partnering with the Alcorn State University Jazz Festival, the event is also expected to add some fun surprises!
Independence Weekend
While Vicksburg is already recognized for hosting the longest Fourth of July fireworks show in Mississippi, the Bicentennial Independence Day Celebration is expected to be even bigger and better! More details are yet to be announced — including the celebration’s location — so check the event’s Facebook page for updates.
Then, on July 5, visit the Yazoo River and Mississippi River Canal to watch the Dragon Boat Races. Prepare for an afternoon full of colorful boats as they compete to see who can paddle across the water the fastest.
Vicksburg Hipstoric Art Festival
A brand-new event, the Hipstoric Art Festival highlights national artists and their artwork in the heart of Downtown Vicksburg. The show runs from September 26 through September 28 and coincides with other popular events in the South, including the Cottonwood Art Festival near Dallas, Bayou City Art Festival in Houston, and RiverArtsFest in Memphis. To learn more about the Hipstoric Art Festival, check out visitvicksburg.com.
Fall Family Fair
The perfect event for locals and tourists of all ages, the Bicentennial Fall Family Fair is slated for October 4. Prepare for a day full of games, music, and more family-friendly activities.
Voices From The Hills
The Cedar Hill Cemetery Association hosts its inaugural “Voices From The Hills” program from October 16 through 18. The event includes actor portrayals of some of Vicksburg’s most recognized citizens, ranging from individuals who helped establish the city to those who made impacts in the late 1800s. More details will be announced soon, so watch the Cedar Hill Cemetery Association’s Facebook page for updates.
New Year’s Eve/Closing Celebration
Celebrations conclude on December 31 with Vicksburg’s NYE and Bicentennial Closing. Attendees are invited to reminisce on what will undoubtedly be a year full of fun and unforgettable memories!
We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of the events surrounding Vicksburg’s bicentennial. For additional themed happenings, explore the city’s official event calendar HERE. You can also find additional details on the events at vicksburg200.com.
This article is sponsored by Visit Vicksburg.
Brianna Goebel
Brianna is StyleBlueprint’s Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading romance novels.