Get a sneak peek at a hip new Mississippi art festival + how to celebrate its host city’s 200th birthday

Sponsored

A Mississippi-born artist whose work is found in the homes of many celebrities, statesmen and business leaders, H.C. Porter wants you to see what may be her favorite work in progress—her colorful, historic and hip hometown of Vicksburg.

While you’re welcome any time, you really should mark your calendars and book a stay now for Sept. 26-28, when a new Mississippi art festival fills its charming red-brick streets.

Porter says city and art community leaders decided this year was the perfect time to launch the festival, given the city is celebrating its 200th birthday. It is one of many events celebrating Vicksburg’s Bicentennial throughout 2025.

No need to wait until fall to visit, though. With just a four-hour drive from Birmingham, you may as well plan two trips (hello, Fourth of July weekend).

Read on for a sneak peek from Porter about the Key City’s new festival + all the fun you can unlock all summer leading up to it.

A city of art, past, present + future

Jackson-born Porter began her art career in Mississippi’s capital after completing her education in fine arts at The University of Alabama. She operated her gallery there for 21 years before choosing to relocate to Vicksburg, where she set up H.C. Porter Gallery downtown.

“It seems like such a resurgence has happened downtown over the 19 years that I’ve been here. Things like our brick streets, landscaping, a new brewery, rooftop dining and Washington Street Park have created this little Southern, tucked-away river town. It is vibrant these days.

“With a commanding view of the Mississippi River, Vicksburg traditionally has been a place where art history and culture are on full display—from the Military Park, with its more than 1,000 historic monuments, to art that’s contemporary.”
_{Artist H.C. Porter}

A few examples of Vicksburg’s arts connections include:

🖼️ Attic Gallery, the oldest art gallery in the state
👨🏾‍🎨 A legacy of renowned fine artists who have passed on, such as Caroline Compton, Elizabeth Pajerski, Kennith Humphrey, Andrew Bucci and William Tolliver
🏛️ An unparalleled collection of American Renaissance era art and architecture throughout Vicksburg National Military Park monuments and markers

💡 Local insight: Porter says the Mississippi African American Memorial by fellow Mississippi artist Dr. Kim Sessums is another must-see at the park. Installed in 2004, it recognizes African American soldiers who fought for the Union in the Civil War.

The Hipstoric Art Festival is born

When Porter learned that a long-running Mississippi art festival in a nearby city was ending, she immediately rallied Visit Vicksburg, Vicksburg Main Street and the Vicksburg Art Association, who all said, “Oh, my word, we want to produce it!”

“The art association is a very active group, and I was excited to find support to make much more of a community event, because our art legacy is so deep. To come to Vicksburg to experience an art festival … it’s different. I’ve been showing at art festivals for over 30 years, and I can’t even think of one that would be comparable—maybe Old Town Art Fair in Chicago, which is in a small, historic, Victorian-era neighborhood.”
_{Artist H.C. Porter}

Here’s what to expect at the Vicksburg Hipstoric Art Festival:

• The juried show will include up to 100 artists from all over the country presenting fine art in 14 different categories. (Deadline to apply is June 30.)
• The show will cover five blocks of downtown’s historic brick streets between Key City Brewery & Eatery + Washington Park.
• Judges will review artists’ work onsite to confer awards totalling $7,000, named for Vicksburg’s legacy artists.
• BIG BONUS: You’ll get to experience an exclusive gallery show of works by Vicksburg’s legacy artists during the event weekend.

🍃And one more refreshing bit of festival news: Porter told us organizers had just confirmed there will be a new Mint Julep Trail to explore downtown, too. According to legend, flat boaters on the Mississippi River discovered a waterfall and spring surrounded by mint plants near downtown Vicksburg many years ago. They used the minty spring water as a mixer with their bourbon, and thus the drink was invented.

“Since the pandemic period, it’s seemed a little tough to get people to leave home. I think finally, we are ready to celebrate, and what better way than by celebrating art in a historic environment, sipping a mint julep? For me, that sounds like a wonderful weekend.”
_{Artist H.C. Porter}

For more information as planning progresses on this new Mississippi art festival, check out the Visit Vicksburg website.

Worth-a-weekender Fourth coming up soon

When it comes to fireworks shows, you can rest assured that Vicksburg’s is no dud. In fact, it holds a record for being the opposite.

The city has the longest fireworks show in Mississippi, usually lasting about 45 minutes. With this year being the bicentennial, you can bet on the promise of “bigger and better.”

You’ll want to book a stay for all of Independence Weekend, and there’s no better time to get a lay of the land as you make plans to return for Hipstoric in September.

Here’s the rundown of Vicksburg’s Independence Weekend events:

👀 Strollin’ the Sip: Get unique views from high above the mighty Mississippi River as you stroll across the Old Mississippi River Bridge, completed in 1930.

• When: Thursday, July 3
• Where: Mississippi Welcome Center, 4210 Washington St., Vicksburg, MS, 39183

🎆 Fourth of July Fireworks: Dance and sing along to the music of country music artist and Vicksburg native William Michael Morgan before a spectacular fireworks display.

• When: Friday, July 4, 5-10PM
• Where: The Old Depot Museum, 1010 Levee St., Vicksburg, MS 39183

🇺🇸 Vicksburg National Military Park: Experience the thunder of Civil War artillery during 15-minute demonstrations by weapons crews.

• When: Saturday, July 5, 9:30AM, 10AM, 10:30AM + 11AM
• Where: 3201 Clay St, Vicksburg, MS 39183

Visit the Vicksburg MS Bicentennial website and the Vicksburg 200 Facebook page for the latest news and updates.

To book a stay, start with the Visit Vicksburg website, which outlines the city’s many great lodging options, from historic B&Bs and casino hotels to national hospitality brands.

Sponsored by: