JANUARY

Delta Ag Expo

Started in 1974, the Delta Ag Expo, which is held in Jamuary each year, provides farmers and others interested in agriculture the opportunity to see the latest technology in agricultural products, services and information. For more information, contact: Bolivar County Extension Service (662) 843-8361.

MARCH

Italian Festival of Mississippi

The Mississippi Delta has such a rich Italian heritage, the Italian Festival of MS was established to celebrate that great tradition. On the third weekend in March, the Italian festival provides a divertimento (good time) for the entire family. Immerse yourself in the Italian culture and enjoy events such as a wine tasting, bocce, Italian cooking lessons, Italian speaking lessons, grape stomping, a spaghetti gravy contest, and an Italian cooking contest. There are arts and crafts and games for the kids, as well as musical entertainment for the whole family.

APRIL

Crosstie Arts & Jazz Festival

Each year, Cleveland devotes the third Saturday in April to the Crosstie Arts & Jazz Festival, a popular event on the Courthouse grounds that showcases the work of local and regional artists and jazz musicians young and old. Take in the sights and sounds…you’ll find everything from paintings to sculpture and ceramics, and the excellent food, children’s activities and art and band contests make the event one of the great days of Cleveland’s year.

MAY

Crossroads Blues & Heritage Festival in Rosedale

Grassroots Blues in a small riverside town. On the second Saturday in May, bring your dancing shoes and appetites. Only local fare served - including tamales and crawfish. Also offered are original crafts, including homemade mojos. Games for the children. crossroadsbluessocietyrosedaems.com

SEPTEMBER

The Delta Rice Tasting Luncheon

The Delta Rice Tasting Luncheon held annually on the 3rd Friday of September from 11 A.M. to 1 P. M., at the Walter Sillers Coliseum, Delta State University, in Cleveland. This event features over 300 different rice dishes, from Appetizers to Deserts. Special activities like a Harvest flower arrangement show will be featured.. Complimentary bags of rice are offered to participants.

OCTOBER

Octoberfest

More than 15,000 spectators flock to Cleveland’s tree-lined town center to experience Octoberfest, the second Friday and Saturday of October, with its famous barbecue contests, arts and crafts, antique car shows and live music. The weekend kicks off early Friday afternoon, when barbecue chefs from throughout the South arrive to pit their pork ribs and shoulders. The event is a sanctioned “Memphis in May” event, which means the competition is serious. Kids love the face painting, dunking booths and train rides. Join us on Cotton Row for the street dance on Friday evening.

NOVEMBER

Merchants Holiday Open House

On the second Sunday of November, Cleveland illuminates festive Christmas lights strung along the walking trail and
in merchants’ windows in the historic downtown.
Local merchants, many serving cider and holiday treats,
welcome visitors into their stores. The merchants Holiday Open House & white lights is a holiday event for the entire family.
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Bologna Performing Arts Center

The Bologna Performing Arts Center at Delta State University has earned recognition as one of the premier houses for arts and entertainment in Mississippi and the Southeast. The Center explores the full range of performing arts each season by attracting quality programming, superb artists and powerful performances to enrich, entertain and strengthen our Delta community.
TICKETS are available through the Bologna Center box office located in the Jeff Ross Capwell Lobby of the Center. Box Office hours are Tuesday through Friday,
1 p.m. - 5 p.m. On performance days, the Box Office is open two hours prior to showtime and remains open until thirty minutes after curtain.
You may purchase tickets:
• in person at the box office
• by calling (662)846-4626
• by faxing your order form to (662)846-4627
• by mailing your order form to:
    P.O. Box 3213, Cleveland, MS 38733
• bpaconline.com