Fun things to do in the South

A curated list of the best upcoming events in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

Arkansas

ARTrageous Parade

FREE! May 4 Music, art, performances, and costumes combine to make this a joyful, lighthearted celebration. Come downtown to witness the spectacle or tap into your own creativity by contacting the Eureka Springs School of the Arts to register for participation in the parade, which steps off at 2 p.m. Eureka Springs.

World Championship Running of the Tubs

FREE! June 1 It’s all good clean fun at this wacky race. Watch costumed teams push customized bathtubs mounted on wheels down Historic Bathhouse Row for the prize trophy. Hot Springs National Park.

Louisiana

Sunset Herb & Garden Festival

May 4 Garden enthusiasts will find everything they need at this annual festival, including pottery, tools, plants, herbal products, and garden art. Learn from Master Gardeners during presentations at this event that the Sunset Garden Club has been hosting for more than 20 years. Adults, $5. Sunset.

Louisiana Peach Festival

June 1 For nearly 75 years, this homegrown fest has offered the community plenty of live music, food, an art market, a car show, and the Ruston Peach Pageant. And of course, don’t forget the sweet Louisiana peaches served in a variety of dishes. Admission is free 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; $10 for adults 5–11 p.m. Ruston.

Mississippi

Double Decker Arts Festival

FREE! April 26–27 Now in its 27th year, the festival inspired by the iconic bus that this northern Mississippi city brought over from England in 1994 is a 2-day celebration of food, music, and the arts. Centered around historic Courthouse Square, the event features 100-plus art booths and more than 20 food vendors. Oxford.

Southernerds Festival

May 25–26 It’s hip to be square at this event that brings together actors like John Ratzenberger (Cheers, Toy Story, and Monsters, Inc.) and Julie Benz (Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel), as well as anime voice actors and the wrestler Sting. Other highlights include video game tournaments, fan groups, and vendors selling comics, toys, and artwork. Adult tickets start at $30. Mississippi Coast Convention Center, Biloxi.

Tupelo Elvis Festival

June 6–9 Celebrate the king of rock and roll at this event that includes the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition, concerts at several different venues, a 5K run, and tribute artist meet-and-greets. Put on your blue suede shoes and join the fun. Ticket prices were TBA as of late January. Tupelo.

FREE! indicates free admission to the event, but additional fees may be required. Be sure to designate a driver if you plan to drink alcohol.