Columbus, Miss. – The arrival of spring heralds the return of warmer weather, beautiful floral blooms, and Columbus’ premier event, the annual Spring Pilgrimage. This year’s celebration takes place over 16 days – from April 6 – April 18 – and will feature tours of resplendent antebellum mansions, gardens and churches as well as recreated activities of the 1800s and exquisite period costumes, inspiring events, heart-pumping races and culinary delights.
“Initiated in 1940 and now in its 75th year, the Columbus Spring Pilgrimage has been recognized as one of the best and most authentic home tours in the South and has repeatedly been named a ‘Top 20 Event in the Southeast,’” said Nancy Carpenter, executive director of the Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation and the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We are proud to welcome thousands of local, national and international guests to experience our exemplary historic home tours and unparalleled hospitality.”
In addition to tours of 18 beautiful homes, two churches and gardens, the Columbus Spring Pilgrimage will feature traditional programs and activities, including a garden party, carriage rides, and Tales From the Crypt as well as new favorites, such as a Half Marathon Race and 5K Run.
The 8th Annual “Catfish in the Alley©” event, returns on April 11. This event – named ‘Editors’ Choice’ by Garden and Gun Magazine – features a day of fun for the whole family, including a catfish cook-off, vendors, fabulous food, cold beverages and some of the best blues musicians in the South, including the Terry “Harmonica” Bean One-man Band from Pontotoc, Big Joe Shelton from Columbus, Homemade Jamz from Tupelo, and Grady Champion and his Blues Band from Canton. All of the musicians have performed throughout Mississippi, the South and in several European countries.
The Spring Pilgrimage will also feature a special book-signing event at the Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center on April 18. Guests will have the opportunity to meet local author Michael Smith, author of Rivers. Complimentary refreshments will be served and signed copies of books will be available for purchase.
Whether you’re interested in architecture, history, the arts, culinary traditions – or all of the above, Pilgrimage has something for everyone! View a complete listing of special events below.
2015 COLUMBUS SPRING PILGRIMAGE SPECIAL EVENTS
Kickoff Party
Monday, April 6 / 5 – 8 pm
Crawfish and shrimp boil, live music
Tennessee Williams Home Lawn, 300 Main Street
8th Annual Catfish in the Alley ©
Saturday, April 11 / 10 am – 6pm
Enjoy fresh fried catfish and live blues music in Columbus’ historic Catfish Alley
Catfish Alley, downtown Columbus
Garden Party
Saturday, April 11 / 3 – 6 pm
Stroll through Colonnade Garden with mint juleps and cheese straws ($10 admission)
Colonnade Garden, 620 Second Street South
25th Annual Tales from the Crypt
April 8,10,13,15,17 / 7 – 10 pm
Graveyard tour that re-creates the lives of noted personalities interred at the historic cemetery
Friendship Cemetery
Carriage Rides
April 9,10,11,12,16,17,18 / 9 am – until
Sunday noon- until
Artisans Alley
Saturday, April 11 / 10am – 3pm
Handcrafted period articles and homemade food items
Tennessee Williams Home, 300 Main Street
Book Signing
Saturday, April 18 / 10 am
Meet local authors Michael Smith. Autographed copies of books will be available for purchase
Tennessee Williams Home, 300 Main Street
Half Marathon and 5K Run
Saturday, April 11 / 7 am
Starting at the Tennessee Williams Home, 300 Main Street
Additional information and registration available at www.columbushalfmarathon5k.com
Mayor’s Unity Picnic
Saturday, April 11/ 4 pm
Music, food and fellowship for all! Event is free and open to the public.
Columbus Riverwalk, 117 Moores Creek Road
About the Columbus Spring Pilgrimage
The Columbus Spring Pilgrimage is an annual project of the Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation and the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau and is made possible by the gracious hospitality of participating homeowners and the generous support of local businesses that serve as “Friends of the Pilgrimage.”
About the Columbus-Lowndes County Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau (CCVB) is dedicated to building a positive image of Columbus through tourism, convention development, major events, and through marketing the community to a international audience. Stay up to date on what’s happening in Columbus and at the CCVB by visiting our website, and by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.