Local area events for this year

WAYS TO ENJOY SUMTER COUNTY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR:

Americus

• Stop by the Visitor Center for a copy of the Historic Homes Driving Tour
• Order take-out from any of our local restaurants and have a picnic at Rees Park
• Explore two historic cemeteries
• Visit the place where Charles Lindbergh took his first solo flight
• Play disc or footgolf at Americus KOA
• Take a self-guided walking tour of the Historic Windsor Hotel or Rylander Theatre
• Shop Saturday morning at Lenny’s Market (Farmers Market)

Plains

• Pick up a homemade Peanut Butter Ice Cream cone from Bobby Salter’s Plain Peanuts
• Shop in the beautiful antique & boutique shops on Main Street
• Pick up take-out and have a picnic at the Plains Visitor Center
• Explore Jimmy Carter National Historical Park grounds
• Walk the streets where a former president lives!

Andersonville

• Explore Pioneer Farm and Drummer Boy Civil War Museum
• Grab take-out and head to Andersonville National Historic Site for a picnic
• Shop the local antique shops and grab some ice cream
• Visit the national cemetery and grounds of the former POW camp

Leslie/DeSoto/Cobb

• Explore the towns and stop by the Georgia Rural Telephone Museum
• Take the boat out to Lake Blackshear and relax on the water
• Take a drive down the winding roads through beautiful pecan orchards
• Head to SAM Shortline at Lake Blackshear and take a ride on the train!

2026

AUGUST 2026

1-31
Carter grave site tours – Plains
9:30 AM-4:30 PM
The grave sites of former President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Smith Carter are open to the public daily beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Carters are buried in a memorial garden designed by Rosalynn Carter, overlooking a pond they built together. The site, beautifully abloom in summertime, is intended to be a contemplative space for visitors to reflect on the Carters’ legacy of peace, service and community. The Woodland Drive site is operated by the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. Parking is limited.
For full details, call the National Historical Park at 229-824-4104.

1
First Saturday Storefront Sale – Andersonville
8 AM
Visit downtown Andersonville for the return of the First Saturday Storefront Sale on this day. “Antiques & More LLC” inside the Andersonville Antiques building on Main Street will be offering “something for everyone” beginning at 8 a.m. and running until 10 a.m. Other shops downtown are open both Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, text Jeanette at 229-894-3243, or call the Andersonville Welcome Center at 229-924-2558.

8
An Evening at the Gallery – Americus
5 PM-8 PM
The Americus Sumter County Arts Council invites friends, neighbors and visitors to an Open House at the Arts Council Gallery, located next to the historic Windsor Hotel at 107 S. Jackson St. downtown. The event on the second Saturday of the month begins at 5 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m. Spend a pleasant evening surrounded by art, conversation, and fellowship. Meet talented artists, learn about the Arts Council and enjoy an opportunity to visit with fellow lovers of art from across the community. The work of Claire Amato of Amato Fine Art will be on display with the exhibition “Peace in Creation.” Admission is free.
For more information, contact any Arts Council member or call 229-942-0566.

15
‘Dog Days of Summer’ – Americus
10 AM-2 PM
Visit downtown Americus, Rylander Park and other locations for “Dog Days of Summer” on the third Saturday of the month. Both the Sumter Humane Society and Project Outreach will be on hand with activities to benefit pets and animal welfare. The Americus Visitor Center at 101 W. Lamar St. downtown will be open with activities and gifts as well.
For more information, email Nigel Poole at npoole@americusga.gov or call 2290-924-4411, Ext. 235.

15
Butterfly Daze – Plains
ALL DAY
For the fifth annual year, Plains will celebrate Butterfly Daze in honor of former first lady Rosalynn Smith Carter. A highlight will be the Saturday night performance of “Give ’Em Hell, Harry!,” a one-man play at Plains High School featuring Clifton Truman Daniel playing his grandfather Harry Truman. This is the only time in history a presidential descendant has portrayed his ancestor. There will also be a “Lunch with Lincoln” event, and a “Cooking with the First Ladies Man” Andrew Och at Rosalynn Carter’s Childhood Home. Among the list of presidential descendants attending are: James Carter IV, grandson of President and Mrs. Carter; Tim York, the only known living Lincoln descendant; Massee McKinley, great-great-nephew of President McKinley and a great-great-grandson of President Cleveland. Other attendees will include Allethea Smith Wall, sister of Rosalynn Carter, and her family.
For complete information, call Andrew at 615-594-7178 or Ellen at 229-942-1711.

16
‘Rosalynn’ Sunday Community-wide Service & Fellowship – Plains
11 AM
Join congregants at Plains Methodist Church at 310 W. Church St. for a community-wide service and fellowship at the location where President and Mrs. Carter were married in 1946. The sermon will be given by Rosalynn Carter’s niece-in-law, Courtney Wall. A potluck dinner and birthday cake will follow the service.
For more information, call 229-942-1711 or 229-206-2949.

16
Wreath Laying Ceremony – Plains
1:30 PM
Visit the Carter Gardens at 1 Woodland Drive in Plains for a special wreath-laying ceremony at the grave site of former first lady Rosalynn Smith Carter. The event is open to the public. For more information, call 229-942-1711 or the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park at 229-824-4104 or 229-815-5049.

18
Rosalynn Carter’s birth date anniversary – Plains
TBD
Visit Plains and learn more about the first lady and her impact around her hometown and the world on the 99th anniversary of her birth. Stroll the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail gardens and see the enormous butterfly sculpture dedicated to her on her 95th birthday in 2022.
For more information on weeklong events, call 229-928-6059 or 229-942-1711.

22
Muscadine Pick – Americus
ALL DAY
Koinonia Farms will host a muscadine pick on the fourth Saturday of the month at its headquarters on Ga. Highway 49 South. All produce will be donated to the community food bank.
For more information, contact Sharanya Madhavan, the farm and volunteer engagement manager at Koinonia, at 229-924-0391 or visit www.concrete-ungle.org.

22
Gospel Fest – Americus
5 PM
Visit the historic Rylander Theatre in downtown Americus for the 2026 Gospel Fest. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the show starts at 5 p.m. Cost is $25. Performers include The Gospel Legends; David Hammond & the Chosen Disciples; Lil Willie & the Keynotes; Voices of Harmony; and many others. For more information, call the Rylander at 229-931-0001 or contact Katina PureVictory Lundy on Facebook.

27
Under the Lights – Americus
TBA
Visit the Georgia Southwestern State University soccer field to cheer on the Hurricanes during an exciting home opener, followed by fireworks! Enjoy free admission, free food, giveaways, kids’ activities, and the amazing post-match fireworks show.
For more information, call Chelsea at 229-928-4116 or email Chelsea.collins@gsw.edu.

SEPTEMBER 2026

1-30
Carter Grave Site Tours – Plains
9:30 AM-4:30 PM
The grave sites of former President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Smith Carter are open to the public daily beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Carters are buried in a memorial garden designed by Rosalynn Carter, overlooking a pond they built together. The site, beautifully abloom in summertime, is intended to be a contemplative space for visitors to reflect on the Carters’ legacy of peace, service and community. The Woodland Drive site is operated by the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. Parking is limited.
For full details, call the National Historical Park at 229-824-4104.

5
SAM Shortline train ride – ‘Murder Mystery Dinner Train’
6 PM
Depart from Americus aboard the SAM Shortline excursion train for this exciting “Murder Mystery Dinner Train.” Boarding begins at 5:30 at the Americus Depot at 329 S. Jackson St. and the train departs at 6 p.m. The trip lasts 2½ hours and offers an interactive ride as guests try to solve who the murderer is. The train returns to the Americus Depot at 8:30 p.m.
For more information, call 229-276-0755 or 229-928-4825.

7
Labor Day

12
SAM Shortline train ride – Lake Blackshear
10 AM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline Excursion Train at Georgia Veterans State Park at beautiful Lake Blackshear for a fun-filled trip to Plains on this “Presidential Flyer.” Enjoy riding in 1949 vintage cars en route to the hometown of President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter. Be sure to try the famous Peanut Butter Ice Cream while in Plains. There is a flag stop in Americus at 11:15 a.m. for riders who want to catch the train in Americus. The train will arrive back at Georgia Veterans State Park at 4:30 p.m. For complete information, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.

15
GSW Chamber Concert – Americus
7:30 PM
Join the Georgia Southwestern State University community for an evening of captivating music with guzheng and guqin player HaiQiong Deng. The event takes place at Jackson Performance Hall. Tickets will be available at the door. Cost is $12 for adults, and $10 for GSW faculty and staff. Admission is free for GSW students with a valid ID and for children under 12. Season tickets are also available.
For more information, call 229-928-4116 or 877-871-4594.

18
National POW/MIA Recognition Day – Andersonville
ALL DAY
Prisoners of war share common experiences. Throughout the day, park rangers at Andersonville National Historic Site will give special programs in the National Prisoner of War Museum discussing the challenges faced by POWs throughout our history, from the moment of capture, the journey to camp, living conditions, communication, privation and morale, to long-awaited freedom and homecoming. Other programs will include remembering those who wait and those who did not make it back home.
For more information on this moving Friday experience, call the main office at 229-924-0343 or Gia Wagner at 229-322-6898 or email ande_information@nps.gov.

19-20
The Korean War & Vietnam War – Andersonville
ALL DAY
The third in Andersonville National Historic Site’s Freedom 250 commemorative events will highlight the experiences of prisoners of war during the Koreana and Vietnam Wars. The event will feature living historians and a special Freedom 250 activity for visitors of all ages.
For more information on schedules, call 229-924-0343 or 229-322-6898 or email ande_information@nps.gov.

19
SAM Shortline train ride – Lake Blackshear
10 AM
The SAM Shortline Excursion Train starts at Georgia Veterans State Park at beautiful Lake Blackshear for a fun-filled trip to Plains on this “Presidential Flyer.” Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. Enjoy riding in 1949 vintage cars en route to the hometown of President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter. Be sure to try the famous Peanut Butter Ice Cream while in Plains. There is a flag stop in Americus at 11:15 a.m. for riders who want to catch the train in Americus. The train will return to its starting point at 4:30 p.m.
For more information, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.

24
Taste of Sumter – Americus
6 PM-9 PM
Come to Jackson Street in the heart of downtown Americus for the annual Taste of Sumter, now in its 37th year. Vendors from across Sumter County will be on hand to offer samplings of a broad array of food, ranging in price from $1 to $10.
For information on being a vendor or for other questions, contact Nigel Poole at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235 or email npoole@americusga.gov.

26
Plains Peanut Festival – Plains
ALL DAY
Visit Plains on the last Saturday of the month for one of Sumter County’s largest and most memorable festivals, celebrating Plains, Peanuts and a President! The day begins with a road race. The highlight is at 11 a.m. Plains Peanut Festival. Visit the presidential hometown for food, shopping, arts and crafts vendors, musical entertainment, and fun of all sorts.
For full details, contact Ellen Harris at 229-942-1711 or Cathy Williams at 229-938-3682.

29
Habitat Staff and Alumni Luncheon – Americus
TBA
This Tuesday gathering for Habitat for Humanity International staff and former Americus staff members will celebrate the individuals who have contributed to Habitat’s mission throughout the past 50 years. It will recognize the role in the organization’s global impact. Habitat was founded in Americus in 1976. For complete information, email Cathy at cpartridge@habitat.org or call 1-800-422-4828 or 229-942-1003.

OCTOBER 2026

1-31
Carter Grave Site Tours – Plains
9:30 AM-4:30 PM
The grave sites of former President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Smith Carter are open to the public daily beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Carters are buried in a memorial garden designed by Rosalynn Carter, overlooking a pond they built together. The site, beautifully abloom in fall color, is intended to be a contemplative space for visitors to reflect on the Carters’ legacy of peace, service and community. The Woodland Drive site is operated by the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. Parking is limited. For full details, call the National Historical Park at 229-824-4104.

1
Jimmy Carter birth date anniversary – Plains
TBA
Visit Georgia’s most famous small town of Plains to help commemorate the 102nd anniversary of former President Jimmy Carter’s birth. Special activities will be planned throughout the town. For complete details on upcoming events, contact Ellen Harris at Friends of Jimmy Carter, Inc. at 229-942-1711 or visit www.jimmycarterfriends.org, or write Friends of Jimmy Carter, Inc., P.O. Box 315, Plains, GA 31780.

2
First Friday Community Birthday Celebration – Americus
TBA
As Habitat for Humanity celebrates its 50th anniversary, Sumter County commemorates the organization’s roots and impact. The community is invited to this celebration that is open to the public, at Habitat headquarters at 322 W. Lamar St. in Americus. The event will feature birthday cupcakes; Habitat for Humanity commemorative swag, limited quantities on a first-come, first-served basis; face painting; and interactive activities for children and adults. That will include a cardboard playhouse that attendees can decorate and paint, and take-home mini house ornaments to decorate and paint. For more information, contact Cathy Partridge at 1-800-422-4828 or 229-942-1003.

3
SAM Shortline train ride – Wine and Cheese Train
1 PM, 4 PM
Enjoy an hour-and-a-half round trip train ride for a wine tasting adventure with Paulk Vineyards. The SAM Shortline train trips depart from Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear. Wine and cheese tray will be served onboard the train as guests relax and enjoy the scenery. The train departs at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
For more information, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.

4-5
Habitat Affiliate Tours – Americus
TBA
Habitat for Humanity will welcome approximately 50 attendees from the Habitat for Humanity National Affiliate Conference in Atlanta. Tours will be both Sunday and Monday of Americus, Plains and other locations throughout Sumter County. The tours will highlight Habitat’s history, heritage and ongoing impact, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the organization’s roots in our community. The tours are for HFHI and Affiliate staff only. For full details, call Cathy at 229-942-1003 or email cpartridge@habitat.org.

6
GSW Chamber Concert – Americus
7:30 PM
Join the Georgia Southwestern State University community at Jackson Performance Hall for an evening of captivating piano music with Duo Fuerza. Tickets will be available at the door. Cost is $12 for adults, and $10 for GSW faculty and staff. Admission is free for GSW students with a valid ID and for children under 12. Season tickets are also available.
For more information, call 229-928-4116 or 877-871-4594.

10
SAM Shortline train ride – Sumter Explorer
10 AM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline excursion train and explore beautiful Sumter County on this trip that highlights both Plains and downtown Americus. Boarding begins at 9 a.m. at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear, and the train departs at 10 a.m. The train arrives in Plains at 11:15 a.m. for a 1½-hour layover before arriving in Americus at 1:15 p.m. for a 1 hour, 45-minute layover. Riders can enjoy a special tour of the historic Windsor Hotel conducted by the Americus Visitor Center. The train departs Americus at 3 p.m. and arrives back at its starting point at 4:15 p.m.
For complete details, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.

12
Columbus Day

17-18
Andersonville Encampment – Andersonville
10 AM-5 PM
Mark the 50th anniversary in 2026 of the famous Andersonville Encampment, formerly known as the Andersonville Fair, on the third Saturday and Sunday of the month. Two mock Civil War battles, living history with troop encampments, blacksmithing, chair caning, basket weaving and more will highlight the weekend. The event was started in 1976 by the late Peggy Sheppard, an inductee into the Americus and Sumter County Walk of Fame. To become a vendor or for full details, call Cynthia at 229-924-2558.

17
SAM Shortline train ride – Sumter Explorer
10 AM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline excursion train and explore beautiful Sumter County on this trip that highlights both Plains and downtown Americus. Boarding begins at 9 a.m. at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear, and the train departs at 10 a.m. The train arrives in Plains at 11:15 a.m. for a 1½-hour layover before arriving in Americus at 1:15 p.m. for a 1 hour, 45-minute layover. The train departs Americus at 3 p.m. and arrives back at its starting point at 4:15 p.m.
For complete details, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.

24
SAM Shortline train ride – Sumter Explorer
10 AM
Ride the SAM Shortline excursion train and explore beautiful Sumter County on this trip that highlights both Plains and downtown Americus. Boarding begins at 9 a.m. at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear, and the train departs at 10 a.m. The train arrives in Plains at 11:15 a.m. for a 1½-hour layover before arriving in Americus at 1:15 p.m. for a 1 hour, 45-minute layover. Riders can enjoy a special tour of the historic Windsor Hotel conducted by the Americus Visitor Center. The train departs Americus at 3 p.m. and arrives back at Lake Blackshear at 4:15 p.m. For complete details, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.

31
SAM Shortline train ride – Halloween Express
3:45 PM
For Halloween fun, take SAM Shortline’s “Halloween Express” trip to Plains. The train departs at 3:45 p.m. from Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear with a flag stop in Americus at 5 p.m. The train arrives in Plains at 5:30 p.m. for a 1½-hour layover. Riders are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. All passengers will enjoy a candy treat aboard the train and shopping in Plains.
For full details, call 229-276-0755.

31
Friends of Jimmy Carter Downtown Trunk or Treat – Plains
TBA
Bring the whole family for an evening filled with costumes, candy, smiles and small-town fun in Plains. Celebrate Halloween in a safe, family-friendly atmosphere.
For complete details, call 229-942-1711 or Mayor Joey Recker’s office at 229-824-5445.

NOVEMBER 2026

1-30
Carter Grave Site Tours – Plains
9:30 AM-4:30 PM
The grave sites of former President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Smith Carter are open to the public daily, except for Thanksgiving Day, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Carters are buried in a memorial garden designed by Rosalynn Carter, overlooking a pond they built together. The site, beautifully colored in the fall, is intended to be a contemplative space for visitors to reflect on the Carters’ legacy of peace, service and community. The Woodland Drive site is operated by the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. Parking is limited.
For full details, call the National Historical Park at 229-824-4104.

7-8
World War I & World War II – Andersonville
ALL DAY
The fourth of Andersonville National Historic Site’s Freedom 250 commemorative events will highlight the experiences of prisoners of war during both World Wars. The event will feature living historians and a special Freedom 250 activity for people of all ages. Joining in will be partners from the World War II Heritage Trail in Georgia and other NPS sites.
For complete schedule details, call Superintendent Gia Wagner at 229-322-6898 or 229-924-0343.

7
SAM Shortline train ride – ‘Murder Mystery Dinner Train’
6 PM
Depart from Americus aboard the SAM Shortline excursion train for this exciting “Murder Mystery Dinner Train.” Boarding begins at 5:30 at the Americus Depot at 329 S. Jackson St. and the train departs at 6 p.m. The trip lasts 2 ½ hours and offers an interactive ride as guests try to solve who the murderer is. The train returns to the Americus Depot at 8:30 p.m.
For more information, call 229-276-0755 or 229-928-4825.

11
Veterans Day

17
GSW Hurricane Holiday Fest – Americus
TBA
Georgia Southwestern State University will host its annual festive campus tradition on this Tuesday night to ring in the Christmas season. The event is open to students, faculty, staff and the local community. The event features seasonal activities, treats and campus holiday displays. The official evening of the Wheatley Administration Building will take place as well, and photos with Santa Claus can be taken. Refreshments include free hot chocolate and seasonal snacks.
For more information, contact Chelsea Collins at 229-928-4116 or email Chelsea.collins@gsw.edu.

26
Thanksgiving Day

DECEMBER 2026

6
G.F. Handel’s Messiah – Americus
5 PM
First Methodist Church of Americus will present G.F. Handel’s Messiah (Christmas portion) in collaboration with the Georgia Southwestern State University Department of Music and Emerging Media and the Albany Symphony Orchestra. The free community concert will feature choir, orchestra, and soloists performing one of the world’s most beloved works of sacred music. With attendees from throughout southwest Georgia, it will be an opportunity to showcase Americus as a destination for arts, culture and the Christmas season. The address is 200 S. Lee St.
For more information, contact Samuel D. Morris at First Methodist at smorris@fmcamericus.org or call 229-942-1151.

10
GSW Fall Graduation – Americus
TBA
Join Georgia Southwestern State University in celebrating its Fall 2026 graduates at the Storm Dome on campus. Family and friends may attend in person or view the live-streamed event. For complete information, contact Chelsea Collins at 229-928-4116 or email Chelsea.collins@gsw.edu or call 877-871-4594.

25
Christmas Day

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