EVENTS IN
COLUMBUS
very spring, Columbus, Mississippi comes alive. Visit Columbus partners with the Preservation Society and Historic Home Tours to present the Spring Pilgrimage, which now spans decades and features tours of numerous pre-Civil War homes, along with candlelight tours and carriage rides through the historic districts. Woven into the Pilgrimage schedule are two standout events: Catfish in the Alley, an annual culture and music festival celebrating African American history and its influence on the city, drawing crowds downtown for live blues and local food, and Tales from the Crypt, which showcases performances by Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science students who portray individuals buried in historic Friendship Cemetery during a candlelit tour. Together, these events highlight Columbus’s rich architectural heritage, its deep musical roots, and the storied lives of the people who shaped the city, making spring a especially lively season for locals and visitors alike.
SPRING PILGRIMAGE
We are delighted to have you join us for this special celebration of history, beauty, and culture. During your visit, you will have the unique opportunity to explore beautifully restored pre-Civil War homes, each one telling their own fascinating story of the past and present.
CATFISH IN THE ALLEY
Discover the best that Columbus has to offer at Catfish in the Alley. Sample savory Mississippi farm-raised catfish, as well as other Southern fare, while enjoying the soulful sounds of blues music. This annual event features concerts, artisans, food vendors and fun for the whole family. Held each spring in Columbus, Catfish in the Alley is a tribute to the African American citizens of Columbus who contributed to the town’s rich political, historical, cultural and musical heritage.
TALES FROM THE CRYPT
Tales From the Crypt brings history to life through a unique blend of scholarly research and dramatic performance. Each year, students spend a semester conducting primary document research into the life of someone buried at Friendship Cemetery in Columbus. Drawing on their findings, they craft dramatic monologues that recreate the stories of these individuals, offering visitors a candlelit, graveside glimpse into the lives of the people who once called Columbus home.
