Yazoo County is having a landmark year, full of cultural milestones, vibrant celebrations, and exciting investments in both our history and future. As the Yazoo County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), we are proud to be at the heart of the energy and growth that is revitalizing our communities, preserving our heritage, and bringing more visitors to experience the magic of Yazoo.
This summer, the 2025 Bentonia Blues Festival was one for the history books. Headlining the event was none other than blues legend and Grammy-winner Bobby Rush, whose electrifying performance brought thousands together to celebrate one of Mississippi’s most unique blues traditions. The Bentonia Blues Festival continues to honor the legacy of Skip James and the haunting Bentonia style, and this year’s record-breaking turnout proves that the blues is still alive and well in Yazoo County. Make a stop by the historic Blue Front Café in Bentonia, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet Grammy-nominated bluesman Jimmy “Duck” Holmes. As the last living practitioner of the Bentonia style blues tradition, Holmes welcomes visitors daily with stories, songs, and the soul of a genre born in the Delta.
Looking ahead, we are thrilled for the return of the Yazoo County Fair in October 2025. One of the longest-running county fairs in Mississippi, the fair promises fun for all ages with rides, live music, local vendors, and traditional Southern flair. It’s a time for families, friends, and neighbors to come together and celebrate everything we love about Yazoo.
Art has also taken center stage this year with the unveiling of a new 175-foot mural in downtown Yazoo City. Created by talented muralist Gavin Bird, this mural captures the soul of Yazoo through bold color and rich storytelling. Even more exciting, the mural is currently being extended to include additional footage, making it one of the largest public art installations in the region and a must-see destination for visitors and locals alike.
The Yazoo County CVB remains committed to uplifting the people and places that make our county so special.
To further our mission, we’re excited to announce the opening of our Advertising and Historical Preservation Grant Program this August, helping more organizations promote and protect the spirit of Yazoo. Thanks to a grant from ARPA, we’ve also been able to significantly expand our advertising budget, giving Yazoo a louder voice across the state and region.
One result of that investment is our brand-new commercial partnership with WLBT, spotlighting everything Yazoo has to offer on a broader platform. We’ve also launched an online merch store called “Yazoo & You,” which features locally inspired goods, plus new promotional items proudly displaying our updated logo and branding.
There’s never been a better time to visit, celebrate, and fall in love with Yazoo County. Thank you for being a part of our story. We can’t wait to show you what’s next. Follow us everywhere @Visityazoo. DBJ
Shanitra Finley is the Executive Director at Visit Yazoo.