The Birthplace of the Blues

The internationally-acclaimed Delta Blues Museum, located in the former Illinois Central Railroad freight depot in downtown Clarksdale, is a mecca for blues fans from around the world.

Coahoma County celebrates a number of festivals each year. The Delta Jubilee is held in early summer and features arts and crafts, a 5K run, basketball shootout, horseshoe pitching contest, bicycle ride, a carnival midway, cooking competitions, children's activities, and live musical entertainment.

Music Festivals and More

Friday at the Stage concert on Delta Blues Museum stage

Friday at the Stage is a weekly concert series held each spring at the Stage adjacent to the Delta Blues Museum in downtown Clarksdale. Performances featuring local musicians begin at 7:30 p.m. and conclude about 10:30 p.m. or so and are free to the public. These open air concerts are very enjoyable in the moderate Delta weather. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and your dancing shoes for some good Delta music!

The Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival is held annually in August and features live entertainment by America's blues legends. The three-day event is held on Blues Alley in downtown Clarksdale and features workshops which focus on the life and work of individual Delta blues artists.

Performing Arts

In addition to the amazing entertainment lineups featured by the casinos just minutes to the north, the Bologna Performing Arts Center at Delta State University presents a full season of world-class entertainment ranging from theatre to dance and music.

Delta State University's Bologna Performing Arts Center is just 30 minutes away via four-lane U.S. 61 and offers an entertainment calendar filled with world-class performances ranging from the best of theatre, dance, and music. Best of all, the season is very affordably priced. And with Memphis, Tennessee only an hour away, your options for fun are increased exponentially. From professional and major college sports to upscale dining, your entertainment pleasure is almost guaranteed.

Other Community Events

An annual Tennessee Williams Festival honors the literary contributions of this former Clarksdale resident. His grandfather once served as Rector of St. George's Episcopal Church, which still stands today.

Clarksdale has begun its own Walk of Fame to honor notables in the fields of literature and the arts, music, history, civil rights, sports, and more. The sidewalk plaques take visitors on a walking tour through historic downtown Clarksdale.

The Crossroads Half-Marathon is a new community event that takes runners on a running tour through the flat land of Coahoma County. The event also features live music and other entertainment.

Come to the Crossroads!

This unique marker at the intersection of U.S. 49 and 61 identifies the legendary site known to blues fans worldwide as the "Crossroads" - the spot where blues great Robert Johnson supposedly traded his soul to the devil for his musical talent.

Isle of Capri Entertainment Resort

Coahoma County is home to Isle of Capri Entertainment Resort, which offers an astounding array of games, dining, and live entertainment. The complex features 2 hotels and 3 restaurants--Farradays', Calypso's, and Tradewinds Buffet, allowing a variety of dining options. Visit www.isleofcapricasinos.com/lula.