As the temperatures dip, our community comes alive with the kind of small-town charm that feels straight out of a storybook. Whether you’re planning a day trip, a weekend getaway, or just looking for a reason to fall in love with Laurel all over again, autumn is the perfect time to visit.
The Cannon Motors Loblolly Festival- October 4, 2025
Every October, downtown Laurel transforms into a celebration of Southern creativity and small-town spirit. The Cannon Motors Loblolly Festival brings together artists, makers, musicians, and food vendors for a full day of shopping, music, and fun. Named after the loblolly pine that’s native to the area, the festival is a longtime favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Expect handcrafted goods, live music, a dedicated children's area, and the smell of delicious food around every corner. Whether you’re bringing the entire family or planning a day with friends, Loblolly is the perfect way to experience the heart of Laurel in the fall.
South Mississippi Fair - October 17-25, 2025
For over a century, the South Mississippi Fair has brought a week of excitement to the Fairgrounds and Magnolia Center in Laurel. From carnival rides and games to livestock shows and rodeo events, this fair has something for everyone, whether you’re there for the thrills, the food, or the live entertainment.
This year’s highlights include the Steamers Thrill Show with aerial acrobatics and performing dogs, the Agri-Puppets educational program, the Stone Age Show with lifelike dinosaurs, and other exciting performances from Washboard Willy and the Moogician. On the Midway Stage, music fills the air with performances from favorites like Madewood Street, Rhinestone Revival, Bogue Chitto, and many more acts representing a variety of musical genres. With classic carnival rides, food favorites from corndogs to funnel cakes, and nine nights of family fun, the South Mississippi Fair continues its legacy as a can’t-miss fall tradition in Laurel and Jones County.
Each night offers something new, and the fairgrounds will glow with lights and laughter. Grab a corndog, take a ride on the Ferris wheel, and enjoy the kind of fall fun that generations of families have made their own.
Landrum’s Old Tyme Fall Festival - October 19, 2025
Step back in time at Landrum’s Homestead & Village for their annual Old Tyme Fall Festival. This one-day event blends history and hospitality with fall fun. Visitors can enjoy dulcimer music, wagon rides, woodcarving, and blacksmith demonstrations throughout the day.
There’s also homemade ice cream, seasonal treats, and plenty of kid-friendly activities, and you have the perfect fall event that will leave lasting memories. Whether it’s your first time visiting or a yearly tradition, Landrum’s offers a peaceful and memorable way to spend a fall Sunday in the South.
Wine Down Downtown brings together the best of downtown shopping and socializing, creating the perfect Friday night out in Laurel’s historic district. It’s an evening where guests can sip and sample wines while exploring participating shops, galleries, and boutiques. Mark your calendars for September 20, October 18, and November 15 to join in on a Saturday evening of fun.
Picturing America’s Pastime at the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art - August 26-November 16, 2025
Baseball fans and history lovers alike won’t want to miss this special exhibition at the LRMA. Picturing America’s Pastime: Snapshots from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum’s Collection showcases photographs spanning over 150 years of the game’s history, from small-town sandlots to the biggest stadiums.
Make plans to spend this fall season in Laurel and Jones County and experience the season the small-town way. From downtown festivals to cozy countryside traditions, every event offers a new reason to explore and celebrate all that we love about fall in Mississippi.
