Mississippi is celebrating two music legends in 2025, Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday and B.B. King’s 100th—offering an unforgettable itinerary below for music lovers.
Road-trip enthusiasts can journey from Tupelo to Cleveland, through Natchez and down to Jackson, following the iconic Highway 61, the Blues Highway, to experience the celebrations and explore the places that shaped these two Kings of music.
Elvis Presley’s 90th Birthday – Tupelo, MS
Born January 8, 1935, Elvis Presley will be honored in his hometown of Tupelo at the 27th Annual Tupelo Elvis Festival (June 4–8). Hosted by the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association, the festival will feature live performances, the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition and a variety of festivities celebrating the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Must-visit stops include:
- Elvis Presley Birthplace – Walk through the humble beginnings of the rock legend.
- Queen’s Reward Meadery (Tupelo, MS) – Opened in May 2018, Queen’s Reward is Mississippi’s first and only Meadery. They produce small-batch meads with 100% Mississippi honey.
- Slug burger Trail – Take a bite out of the state’s unique culinary history by sliding on down the Slug Burger Trail. A beloved state delicacy featuring a deep-fried hamburger patty served on a bun, typically topped with mayo and pickles that can be found at classic spots from Corinth to New Albany and beyond.
- GRAMMY Museum Mississippi (Cleveland, MS) – Explore music history and the newly debuted exhibit, Music America: Iconic Objects from America’s Music History, featuring unique interactive soundbars and memorabilia from Elvis, B.B. King, and more.
B.B. King’s 100th Birthday – Indianola, MS & Beyond
Born September 16, 1925, B.B. King’s centennial will be celebrated across Mississippi and beyond:
- Jimmie Rogers Festival (March 4, Meridian, MS) – B.B. King often cited Jimmie Rodgers as an inspiration, highlighting the deep connection between country and blues. Festival attendees can explore this musical crossover while enjoying delicious southern delicacies provided by local’s favorite, Weidmann’s, Mississippi’s oldest restaurant, celebrating its 155th anniversary this year.
- Natchez Festival of Music (April 26, Natchez, MS) – A tribute performance by Mississippi artist Vasti Jackson.
- The Thrill Lives On Tour – Led by King’s daughter, Claudette King, this ten-piece band will bring his legendary blues to new audiences nationwide.
- Tamale Trail – Origin of Mississippi Delta’s beloved hot tamale is steeped in centuries of cultural influence and historical traditions. From Ridgeland to Natchez and iconic spots like Doe’s Eat Place in Greenville, these award-winning tamales can be found throughout the region, each offering a unique taste of history and heritage.
- B.B. King Museum (Indianola, MS) – A must-visit stop chronicling King’s life and musical
Where to Stop Along the Way:
- Stay: The Big Muddy Inn & Blues Room (Natchez, MS) – A beautifully restored inn featuring six thoughtfully designed, art-filled rooms that honor blues legends, including a suite dedicated to B.B. King. Guests can enjoy a curated stay with unique offerings, such as the option to have a guitar delivered to their room, allowing them to embrace the musical spirit of the region and explore their instrumental talents during their visit.
- Eat & Listen: Hal & Mal’s (Jackson, MS) – A local favorite for nearly four decades blending authentic Mississippi Blues music and Southern cuisine.
- Play: Mississippi Museum of Art & Mississippi Civil Rights Museum (Jackson, MS) – These world-class museums showcase how Jackson became a thriving hub for the musical arts and played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement.