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 10 days – from March 30-April 8 – 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 77th year, the Columbus Spring Pilgrimage has been recognized as one of the best and most authentic home tours in the South and has again been named a ‘Top 20 Event in the Southeast” for 2017”, 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 15 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 10th Annual “Catfish in the Alley©” event, returns April 1. Named “Editors’ Choice” by Garden and Gun Magazine, the event features a day of fun for the whole family, including 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, 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 2. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Mississippi author Laurie Parker, author of Trespassers Talking. 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.

 

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 Foundation.”