Natchez, Mississippi, the oldest settlement on the Mississippi River, announces a multi-day celebration happening this Juneteenth to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved Americans and embrace African American history, culture, creativity and liberty. This year’s featured event is the third annual Soul Food Fusion Festival, a culinary and cultural experience that highlights the aroma of traditional soul food cooking, fused with historic folklore, cultural arts and music from the diverse background of Natchez. “These programs in honor of Juneteenth are a wonderful way for our city to relish in the present moment, while remembering the work and sacrifices before us that made this celebration possible,” says Devin Heath, executive director of Visit Natchez. “We are going beyond commemorating the anniversary of emancipation by celebrating African American culture with events open to visitors and locals of all backgrounds who would like to honor those who fought for the rights and privileges held today in the United States.”

For a full schedule of Juneteenth events in Natchez, see below:

Friday, June 17^th BBQ, Blues and Brews: The Natchez Heritage School of Cooking is hosting a “BBQ, Blues and Brews” celebration, featuring nationally recognized celebrity chefs, not-to-be-missed food and beverage tastings and blues music from local artists.

Saturday, June 18^th White Linen Night: The celebrations continue with “White Linen Night,” a sit-down dinner party, which will line the streets of Natchez’s picturesque downtown. Visitors and locals alike can expect to feel more like family as they dine together at one big dinner table surrounded by community love, hospitality and great food from special guest chefs. The festivities continue long past dinner hours with official after parties at neighboring bars Rolling River Reloaded and Locus Alley. Festivalgoers can expect to end the night dancing and enjoying festive music from local artists.

Sunday, June 19^th Lazy Magnolia Brunch: The weekend of festivities concludes on Juneteenth under the shady trees of Concord Quarters, a former enslaved persons quarters that sits atop a knoll overlooking a park-like landscaped setting. Chef Rita, known for her innovative soul food cooking and mentorship programs, along with other local leaders, will host a delicious brunch with bottomless mimosas and conversations with community members.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.sfffestntz.org/.

About Natchez

Natchez, Mississippi, located 80 miles north of Baton Rouge, is quickly becoming a sought-after cultural tourism destination. Attracting over 670,000 visitors annually from around the world, Natchez is known for its culture and history, offering more historic structures than any other location in the United States. It is also the” Bed and Breakfast Capital of the South,” and “The Biscuit Capital of the World.” Natchez is one of the oldest continuous settlements on the Mississippi River and its evolution over 300 years has provided an astounding array of ways to discover and enjoy southwest Mississippi. For more information about Natchez, visit www.visitnatchez.org or call 800-647-6724.