Mississippi State Holidays

Official Mississippi State Holidays and local observances vary across the year, making it essential to have a reliable local calendar. While federal closures apply across the United States, Mississippi officially recognizes unique state legal holidays and community observances deeply rooted in its rich Deep South heritage, foundational musical and literary legacy, and historic Gulf Coast and river traditions.

Select a section below to explore official closure dates, discover top state parks, browse annual cultural festivals, and dive into fascinating state facts!

Mississippi State Flag

Bank Closures & Schedules

• Commercial Banking Schedules – While national banks follow the standard Federal Reserve calendar, local bank branches and state-chartered credit unions across the state typically mirror official state government holiday closures. Always call your local branch ahead of time to verify specific drive-thru and lobby hours on state-specific holidays.

Mississippi State Holidays

Here is the summary of the official Mississippi State Holidays closures that differ from the standard U.S. Federal Holiday schedule:

• January 18, 2027: Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert E. Lee's Birthdays (Rule: Observed legally by state law on the third Monday of January as a combined state holiday closing all state government offices)

• April 26, 2027: Confederate Memorial Day (Rule: Observed legally by state law on the last Monday of April as a paid state agency holiday)

• June 7, 2027: Jefferson Davis's Birthday (Rule: Observed legally by state law on the last Monday of May in 2026 and the first Monday of June in 2027 as a paid state agency holiday)

Local Mississippi Observance Days

These are designated commemorative periods across the state that are officially recognized by Mississippi state statutes to honor historical figures, cultural heritage, and community milestones:

• December 10, 2026, and December 10, 2027: Mississippi Statehood Day (Rule: Fixed annual historical date celebrating December 10, 1817, when Mississippi was officially admitted to the Union as the 20th state)

Weather & Environment-Related Mississippi Observances:

These designated climate, wildlife, and natural hazard awareness periods serve as critical dates for emergency response, municipal safety drills, and seasonal resource tracking: (2027 Dates TBA)

• February 8–14, 2026: Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week (Rule: Coordinated annually in early February to prepare households for spring tornado outbreaks)

• May 3–9, 2026: Hurricane Preparedness Week (Rule: Coordinated annually in early May to review emergency coastal evacuation protocols ahead of Atlantic hurricane season)

• October 12–17, 2026: Fall Severe Weather Awareness Week (Rule: Coordinated annually in mid-October to focus on secondary autumn storm setups and flash flooding)

• December 9, 2026: Winter Preparedness Day (Rule: A targeted public awareness day in early December focusing on unusual freeze metrics and icy road conditions)

Map of Mississippi

Mississippi Trivia

• The Real Birthplace of Blues Music: Mississippi's fertile Delta region is globally recognized as the historic birthplace of blues music, giving rise to legendary guitar icons like B.B. King and Muddy Waters.

• The World's First Bottle of Coca-Cola: While the syrup was invented in Atlanta, Coca-Cola was officially bottled for the very first time in Vicksburg, Mississippi, in 1894 by candy merchant Joseph Biedenharn.

• The True Birthplace of Elvis Presley: The global King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, was born in a humble two-room shotgun house built by his father in Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1935.

State Facts, History & Symbols

Explore the core identity and rich heritage of the region with our comprehensive guide to its official state history, symbols, and unique characteristics:

• Mississippi became the 20th State on December 10, 1817

• Mississippi State Abbreviation: MS

• Mississippi State Capital: Jackson

• Mississippi State Bird: Northern Mockingbird

• Mississippi State Butterfly: Spicebush Swallowtail

• Mississippi State Fish: Largemouth Bass

• Mississippi State Flower: Southern Magnolia

• Mississippi State Insect: Western Honey Bee

• Mississippi State Land Mammals: White-tailed Deer and Red Fox

• Mississippi State Motto: By Valor and Arms

• Mississippi State Nickname: The Magnolia State

• Mississippi State Reptile: American Alligator

• Mississippi State Shell: Eastern Oyster

• Mississippi State Song: Go, Mississippi

• Mississippi State Toy: Teddy Bear

• Mississippi State Tree: Southern Magnolia

• Mississippi State Water Mammal: Bottlenose Dolphin

• Mississippi State Waterfowl: Wood Duck

Overview of Mississippi

Mississippi, proudly known as the Hospitality State, is a culturally rich Southern destination extending from the fertile, low-lying lands of the river delta down to the scenic sandy beaches along the Gulf of America.

Renowned as the historic birthplace of blues music, its signature southern magnolias, and a monumental literary heritage, the Magnolia State seamlessly blends historic river port towns and civil rights landmarks with peaceful pine forests and active coastal wetlands.

Watch the tourism showcase below to explore the legendary musical trail sites, historic town squares, and beautiful shoreline sunrises across Mississippi:

 Festivals and Events in Mississippi

Discover the most popular celebrations in the region with our curated list of the top 5 festivals and events, complete with their verified dates and annual scheduling rules.

• February 12–20, 2027: Dixie National Rodeo at the Mississippi Coliseum and Fairgrounds Complex in Jackson, Mississippi. (Date Rule: Held annually across a multi-day run in mid-February as the largest professional rodeo competition east of the Mississippi River, featuring elite PRCA cowboy competitions, a massive livestock show, and nightly concerts by nationally recognized country music artists)

• June 25–27, 2027: Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest at the Canton Multipurpose Center and historic locations in Canton, Mississippi. (Date Rule: Held annually over a three-day weekend in late June, bringing the skies alive with competitive morning balloon launches, spectacular evening balloon glows, live musical entertainment, and a wide array of local food trucks)

• October 8, 2026, and October 14, 2027: Canton Fall Flea Market Arts & Crafts Show at the Historic Canton Courthouse Square in Canton, Mississippi. (Date Rule: Held bi-annually on the second Thursday of May and October, drawing massive crowds to explore over 1,000 regional artisan booths showcasing handmade treasures, collectibles, and traditional Southern fair foods)

• October 8–18, 2026, and October 2–13, 2027: Mississippi State Fair at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson, Mississippi. (Date Rule: Opens annually in October for a multi-day run, serving as one of the state's largest agricultural expositions featuring carnival midways, livestock competitions, live concerts, and regional specialty food booths)

• October 16–17, 2026 and October 15–16, 2027: Natchez Balloon Festival on the historic grounds of the Rosalie Mansion overlooking the river in Natchez, Mississippi.(Date Rule: Held annually on the third weekend of October, combining majestic hot-air balloon flights over the Mississippi River with premium live music lineups, a festival marketplace, and local food vendors)

National Parks in Mississippi

Mississippi features a magnificent collection of diverse historic gems, cultural preserves, and ecological wonders managed under the federal National Park Service (NPS) system:

• Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site: Located near Baldwyn, this historic monument preserves the grounds of a major 1864 Civil War battle, offering interpretive markers detailing tactical maneuvers and early frontier warfare.

• Gulf Islands National Seashore: Spanning a beautiful coastal expanse, this scenic maritime preserve protects white-sand barrier islands, historic coastal fortresses, and vital coastal habitats teeming with marine wildlife and migratory birds.

• Natchez National Historical Park: Situated in southwestern Mississippi, this historic park preserves the architecture, antebellum estates, and diverse cultural narratives of European settlement, African enslavement, and the indigenous Natchez people.

• Natchez Trace Parkway: Stretching for hundreds of miles across the state, this scenic national parkway follows an ancient, historic forest trail utilized by early American pioneers, Choctaw, and Chickasaw tribal nations.

• Vicksburg National Military Park: Located on the high bluffs overlooking the river, this sprawling Civil War battleground honors the grueling 1863 military campaign and siege that ultimately decided control of the Mississippi River.

For additional information on National Parks and historic trails across the state, visit the official National Park Service Mississippi Portal.

State Parks in Mississippi

The Mississippi State Park System features an exceptional public network of outdoor destinations across pristine pine forests, expansive reservoir lakes, and historic Gulf Coast marshlands. Here are the Top 5 most visited or unique state parks:

• Clarkco State Park: Operating as a favorite family destination since the 1930s, this historic park features rolling pine hills, a beautiful 65-acre freshwater lake, and pristine woodland cabins nestled deep within the central Mississippi forest.

• J.P. Coleman State Park: Situated on the scenic rocky bluffs overlooking the Tennessee River, this popular northern park offers excellent public access to Pickwick Lake alongside premier boat launch ramps, overwater rental cabins, and dramatic waterside cliffs.

• Paul B. Johnson State Park: Nestled deep within the majestic pine belt of southern Mississippi, this highly visited park features the crystal-clear waters of Geiger Lake, extensive lakeside campsites, and a premier splash park for summer recreation.

• Percy Quin State Park: Spanning a massive wilderness sanctuary, this iconic park features rolling hills covered in loblolly pines, a beautiful 550-acre lake, and historic Civilian Conservation Corps stone structures and group camps.

• Tishomingo State Park: Hidden within the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, this unique park features dramatic massive rock outcroppings, scenic limestone canyons, and a historic 1800s swinging bridge spanning the waters of Bear Creek.

You can explore the full interactive public map and check localized entry permits directly through the official Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Portal.

Resources in Mississippi

• Official State Government Portal: ms.gov

• Official Mississippi Tourism Website: visitmississippi.org

• Official U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts for Mississippi: census.gov

• Official Mississippi State Wikipedia Page: wikipedia.org

Pinterest Board for Mississippi

Holidays and Observances Mississippi Pinterest Board – Follow our dedicated visual board for hand-picked inspiration, regional festival galleries, historical Delta blues traditions, and scenic travel highlights across the Magnolia State. Discover everything that makes celebrating life in Mississippi unique!