Fun things to do in the South

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

Arkansas

War Eagle Fair

FREE! October 17–20 Shop among more than 250 craft booths at this annual fair that began 70 years ago. Set along War Eagle Creek in a beautiful valley of northwest Arkansas’ rolling hills, the festival features such handcrafted items as candles, pottery, artworks, jewelry, home decor, and kitchen items. Parking is $5. Hindsville.

Mountain View Fall Bluegrass Festival

November 7­–9 Dozens of performance sets take place over this festival weekend, starting with Gospel Bluegrass Night on Thursday. Enjoy melodies from some of the biggest names in bluegrass, including the Grascals, the Waddington Brothers, and the Kody Norris Show. All performances are held in the Ozark Folk Center’s Ozark Highlands Theater. Tickets start at $20  and go on sale after Labor Day. Mountain View.

46th Annual Arkansas Craft Guild Christmas Showcase

December 6–8 Just in time for holiday shopping, peruse traditional and contemporary arts and crafts at the Arkansas Craft Guild’s premier annual event. A cash bar and food are available. Admission, $5; free entry on Friday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Arkansas State Fairgrounds, Little Rock.

Louisiana

The 33rd Annual Wooden Boat Festival

October 19–20 This celebration of wooden boats held on the banks of the Tchefuncte River displays about 75 vessels. Presented by the Maritime Museum Louisiana, the festival also features live music, children’s activities, and arts and crafts vendors along Water Street. You can test your skills in creating a seaworthy vessel in the Quick ’n Dirty Boat Building Contest. Admission, $10; children 12 and under are free. Madisonville.

Covington Three Rivers Art Festival

FREE! November 9–10 One of the most popular events on Louisiana’s Northshore, this festival showcases more than 200 artists, whose tents line both sides of Columbia Street from the 200 block to the 600 block. Enjoy live music and art demonstrations. When hunger strikes, grab a bite to eat in the tented food court. A Children’s Village offers hands-on art activities. Covington.

Caroling in Jackson Square

FREE! December 22 Thousands gather to herald the holidays at this annual tradition in New Orleans’ Jackson Square, located in the center of the French Quarter. Local dignitaries and clergy lead a festive hour of caroling that starts at 7 p.m. Free songbooks and candles are distributed when gates open at 6:30 p.m. The Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré, which is dedicated to the preservation of the French Quarter, has sponsored the event since 1946. Fundraising activities like the Holiday Home Tour that features private French Quarter residences, also held December 22 this year, help support this event. New Orleans.

Mississippi

Harvest Festival

November 5–9 During this five-day festival, step into the past at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum’s re-created small town. Experience the life of farmers and residents of small towns in the late 1800s to early 1900s as you watch demonstrations of a cotton gin, sawmill, cane mill, print shop, and blacksmith shop. Shop for snacks and souvenirs in the General Store, and enjoy wagon, train, and carousel rides for $1 per rider. Admission, $8 (ages 3 and older). Jackson.

Chimneyville Arts Festival

December 5­–7 Members of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi display and sell handmade items at this annual show featuring jewelry, pottery, woodcrafts, baskets, and glassworks. Blacksmiths, metal forgers, and woodturners demonstrate their skills. A preview party on Thursday is held from 6 to 9 p.m., and festival hours on Saturday and Sunday are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission, $10. Bill Waller Craft Center, Ridgeland.

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.