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

APRIL 2026

1-30
Carter grave site tours – Plains
10 AM-4 PM
The grave sites of former President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Smith Carter are open to the public daily beginning at 10 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 springtime, 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.

2
Memorial of Jesus’ Death – Americus
7:30 PM
The Rylander Theatre in downtown Americus will be the site for the performance of the Memorial of Jesus’ Death. The public is invited. The event is presented by the East Americus Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
For more information, call 229-931-0001 or 229-924-0693.

3
First Friday Americus
5 PM-8 PM
Enjoy the shops and restaurants open late as Americus celebrates First Friday in April. Remember the free trolley rides across town. For more information, contact Nigel Poole at Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.

3
Good Friday
City of Americus offices closed

5
Happy Easter!

10-11
Murder Mystery Dinner – Windsor Hotel, Americus
TBA
An evening of mystery awaits at the historic Windsor Hotel in Americus. Visitors can step into a night of suspense, intrigue, and unforgettable dining at the Murder Mystery Dinner on Friday or Saturday night. Every guest becomes part of the investigation! The event includes pre-show cocktails; an interactive live mystery performance; an elegant dinner at Rosemary & Thyme; awards, and a thrilling conclusion. Can you solve the crime before the night is over? RSVP now at 229-924-1555. The cost is $85 (tax and gratuity included). Special room rates are available with ticket purchase.

10
SAM Shortline train ride – Plains Express
10 AM
Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear for this quick trip to Plains. There will be a flag stop in Americus at 11;15 a.m. The train arrives in Plains at 11:45 a.m. for a two-hour layover. The train will return to Georgia Veterans at 3:30 p.m.
For complete details, call 229-276-0755.

11, 18
SAM Shortline train ride – Presidential Flyer
10 AM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline excursion train for a trip to President Carter’s hometown of Plains. The trip also includes a nostalgic ride out to the Carter Boyhood Farm at Archery. Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. at beautiful Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear. The train departs at 10 a.m.
For full details, call the SAM Shortline office at 229-276-0755.

11
Hot Glass Craft Beer Festival – Americus
2 PM-6 PM
Americus Main Street will host its annual craft beer festival, Hot Glass Craft Beer on the second Saturday of the month. Tapping Americus’ rich history of artisan glass blowing and combining it with Georgia’s innovative craft brewing culture, Hot Glass Craft Beer aims to bring these two artisan worlds together in one epic event. The event will feature at least 20 regional breweries with three to four different beers from each. The increasing demand for craft beer and the rich artisan history provides a perfect backdrop for establishing a truly unforgettable event, the uniqueness of which is guaranteed to draw beer enthusiasts, artists, and the curious alike from all over the region. The goal for this event is to encourage the continued growth of the local craft beer movement, highlight Americus’ rich history of artisan glassblowing and showcase Americus as an artisan destination.
For more information: www.hotglasscraftbeer.com, or call Nigel at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.

11
Artsapalooza – Americus
10 AM
Experience the arts like never before at Artsapalooza. Watch local artists create in real time, explore demonstrations throughout downtown, and enjoy a fun, creative atmosphere. While in downtown Americus, visit the shops and restaurants, as the inspiration continues inside.
For full details, call Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235, or visit the Downtown Americus Main Street or Visit Americus Facebook pages.

11
Confederate Memorial Service – Americus
10 AM
To mark April as Confederate History & Heritage Month, the annual Confederate Memorial Service will take place at historic Oak Grove Cemetery on Rees Street in Americus. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Renee L. Sullivan of Macon. The event is sponsored by the A.H. Stephens Camp 78, Sons of Confederate Veterans, based in Americus. For full details, email George Larsen at glarsen229@gmail.com or call John Carroll at 229-942-5879 or James Gaston at 229-938-9115.

11
Explore the Agriculture of Sumter County Tour – Americus
10 AM
This spring on four Saturdays, the Americus Trolley will depart from Horne Pecan Co. on Jackson Street in downtown Americus and travel to a different local agricultural destination. The first tour of April spotlights Horne Farms in Americus. Tickets are $30 per person, with limited seating available. Join in to explore, learn and celebrate local agriculture. You can scan the QR code on Facebook to purchase tickets, or call Kimberly H. Folmar at 229-942-3095 or email kimberly@hornefarmsinc.com, or call 229-380-0823.

11
Community Night Under the Stars – Andersonville
8:15 PM
Visit the City of Andersonville on the second Saturday of the month for the Community Night Under the Stars, at 8:15 p.m. Join your neighbors at the Easterlin Bandstand for the fun. Be sure to bring your blankets and lawn chairs. The movie starts at 8:30 p.m. and popcorn is provided. All ages are welcome.
For more information, call 229-924-2068 or email andersonville@bellsouth.net.

11
Car, Truck, Motorcycle & Tractor Show – Plains
10 AM-3 PM
Visit Georgia’s most famous small town for the 17th annual Plains Car, Truck, Motorcycle & Tractor Show hosted by Southwest Trophy & Gifts on Main Street. All vehicles are welcome! Trophies will be awarded for: Best Bike, Best Truck, Best Tractor, Best Car in Class: Muscle, Rat Rod, Hot Rod, Custom, Antique, Car Audio, Crowd Favorite, Mayor’s Choice, and Police Chief Choice. There will be vendors, a 50/50 raffle, and more. It’s fun for the whole family! The Saturday event occurs rain or shine. The Lloyd Carter Band will be live in concert. Early registration is $25, and registration on the day of the event is $30. Call 229-928-0660 to register or for more information.

16
GSW Chamber Concert Series – Americus
7:30 PM
Indiana native and award-winning pianist Anthony Ratinov will perform the first of the 2026 Georgia Southwestern State University’s Chamber Concert Series with a performance at 7:30 p.m. The Thursday event takes place at Jackson Performance Hall on campus.
For more information, contact Alwen Yeung on Facebook, or call Chelsea Collins at GSW at 229-928-4116 or email Chelsea.collins@gsw.edu

18
Easter Egg Hunt – Americus
9 AM
Visit Frog Pond Farm at 618 U.S. Highway 19 S. in Americus for this fun Easter event. There will be an egg hunt for the littlest littles in the arena as well as a big egg hunt in the fields. Join Frog Pond for fun, games and lunch! The Saturday event is open to riders, family and friends of Frog Pond Farm.
For more information, call 717-309-0404.

18
Explore the Agriculture of Sumter County Tour – Americus
10 AM
This spring on four Saturdays, the Americus Trolley will depart from Horne Pecan Co. on Jackson Street in downtown Americus and travel to a different local agricultural destination. The second tour of April spotlights Koinonia Farm, southwest of Americus on Ga. Highway 49 South. Discover farm activities and meet the animals! Tickets are $30 per person, with limited seating available. Join in to explore, learn and celebrate local agriculture. You can scan the QR code on Facebook to purchase tickets, or call Kimberly H. Folmar at 229-942-3095 or email kimberly@hornefarmsinc.com, or call 229-380-0823.

18
Junior Miss Luxe Scholarship Pageant – Americus
5 PM
Visit the historic Rylander Theatre on Lamar Street in downtown Americus for an unforgettable evening at this annual scholarship pageant. The public is invited to support the amazing young ladies as they take the stage with confidence, grace and talent. The Saturday event runs until 7 p.m. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Seats are limited, so be sure to secure your ticket early! Secure tickets at https://ci.ovationtix.com/35637.
For more information, call 229-815-3128 or the Rylander at 229-931-0001.

24
Fabulous Feet Dance Studio Spring Recital – Americus
6 PM
Visit the Rylander Theatre in downtown Americus for the first of two days of recitals for Fabulous Feet Dance Studio, showcasing competitive and recreational dancers. The Friday evening session begins at 6 p.m.
For complete details, call the studio at 121 W. Forsyth St. at 229-942-0566, or the Rylander at 229-931-0001.

25
Fabulous Feet Dance Studio Spring Recital – Americus
10 AM, 3 PM
The public is invited to the Saturday performances of Fabulous Feet Dance Studio’s Spring Recital, which showcases local competitive and recreational talent. The first recital on Saturday starts at 10 a.m. The afternoon recital starts at 3 p.m.
For complete details, call the studio at 121 W. Forsyth St. at 229-942-0566, or the Rylander at 229-931-0001.

25
Park Day – Andersonville
9 AM-4 PM
Andersonville National Historic Site invites the public for Park Day on the last Saturday of the month, beginning at 9 a.m. For 30 years, thousands of volunteers have gathered at battlefields and historic sites across the nation to participate in the Park Day cleanup effort. Andersonville staff members are looking to clean up the national cemetery by weeding and freshening up flower beds, picking up branches, and cleaning waysides.
If you are interested, contact community volunteer ambassador Sadie Surber at sadie.surber@partner.nps.gov or call 229-924-0343, or contact Gia Wagner at 229-322-6898.

25
SAM Shortline train ride – Murder Mystery Dinner Train
6 PM
Depart from the Jackson Street Depot in Americus for this exciting Saturday trip to Plains and try to solve the mystery! This is a 2½-hour round-trip excursion and an interactive dinner train — one of the most enjoyable trips of the year. Boarding begins at 5:30 p.m. with departure at 6 p.m. The boarding location is 329 S. Jackson St., Americus. Dinner is $142.99 per person. Adult coach tickets are $35 per person and does not include dinner; kids’ tickets with no dinner included are $25. Chairman’s class is $242.99 and includes dinner.
For complete information, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.

25
The Mylon Hayes Family In Concert – Americus
6 PM
Enjoy a free Saturday concert at First Methodist Church on South Lee Street in Americus as the Mylon Hayes Family appears in concert. Start time is 6 p.m. The prominent southern gospel group is based in North Carolina. For complete details, call the church at 229-924-3169 or visit themylonhayesfamily.com, and see Facebook as well.

MAY 2026

1-31
Burger Bash – Americus
ALL DAY
Burger Bash brings together restaurants from across Americus for a month-long competition to determine who serves the best burger in town. Customers sample participating burgers throughout the month and vote to determine the champion. The winning restaurant earns the hand-blown Burger Trophy and the title until 2027.
For more information, call Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235 or 247.

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 10:30 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 springtime, 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
2026 Symposium & Native Plant Sale – Plains
ALL DAY
Visit Plains for the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail’s 2026 Symposium & Native Plant Sale. Keynote speakers will be Ashley Frasca and Susan Meyers. The symposium mini programs will include talks by Dr. Jaap de Roode of Emory University; Mary Ann Johnson, former florist for Rosalynn Carter at the Carter Center in Atlanta; Amy Heidt, Coastal Plain native plant chapter of GNPS; and Brandon Gross, horticulture instructor at Americus’ own South Georgia Technical College. Symposium details and registration are at www.rosalynncarterbutterflytrail.org or you can call 229-824-4567 for more information. Seating is limited so participants are urged to book early. The event is sponsored by the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail. Co-sponsors are Costal Plain Chapter, GNPS, Growing Old Nursery, and Emory University de Roode Monarch Lab.

2
Prison to Peanuts Bicycle Adventure
ALL DAY
The Prison to Peanuts Bicycle Adventure is coming back to Sumter County the first Saturday of the month. Guests can enjoy 13-, 34-, 67-, or 103-mile trips through beautiful southwest Georgia countryside and enjoy two national historic sites, Andersonville National Historic Site and Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in Plains. Register by March 31 at https://www.sumtercycling.org/prison-to-peanuts. What you get with registration: a fully supported ride with on-street markings and rest stops; beautiful ride during spring bloom; amazing lunch afterward; event T-shirt; Plains’ famous Peanut Butter Ice Cream; and more. All proceeds support cycling efforts in our area.
For more information, contact John Morgan at 706-256-2910.

2
SAM Shortline train ride – Wine & Cheese Train
1 PM, 4 PM
Enjoy a one-and-a-half hour ride for a wine-tasting adventure with Paulk Vineyards. Wine and cheese tray will be served onboard as you relax and enjoy the scenery. Included is a wine glass; four different wine samplings from Paulk Vineyards; and a charcuterie board with a variety of cheeses, meats and crackers. For ages 21 and older only. The train departs at 1 p.m. and again at 4 p.m.
For more details, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.

7-10
‘The Outsiders’ – Rylander Theatre, Americus
7 PM, 2:30 PM
Visit the historic Rylander Theatre in downtown Americus for “The Outsiders,” a play production by Sumter Players adapted by Christopher Sergel from the book by S.E. Hinton. The Thursday, Friday and Saturday night performances are at 7 p.m., followed by a 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinee. Tickets are on sale beginning April 9.
For more information, call the theater at 229-931-0001.

8
SAM Shortline train ride – Plains Express
10 AM
Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear for this quick trip to Plains. There will be a flag stop in Americus at 11;15 a.m. The train arrives in Plains at 11:45 a.m. for a two-hour layover. The train will return to Georgia Veterans at 3:30 p.m.
For complete details, call 229-276-0755.

8
7th Annual Hail Storm Event – Americus
6 PM
Join friends at the Griffin Bell Golf and Conference Center on South Lee Street in Americus as the Georgia Southwestern State University athletics department holds its seventh annual Hail Storm! A total of 2,000 golf balls will be dropped from a helicopter. Will yours be the closest to the target for $25,000? Golf balls may be purchased in advance for $100 each. Closest to the target takes home the first prize. Second closest gets $10,000 and the balls coming in third through ninth win $1,000 each. There’s even a $1,000 prize for the ball that rests farthest away. You do not have to be present to win, but included with your golf ball purchase is a ticket to that evening’s reception. Enjoy food from the Canterbury Kitchen; complimentary drinks from local partners Thirteenth Colony Distilleries and Mike’s Party Center; along with live music. The reception runs 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., with the Hail Storm (ball drop) taking place about 7:20 p.m.
For more information, call 229-931-2225 or 229-931-2217.

9, 16, 23, 30
SAM Shortline train ride – Presidential Flyer
10 AM
Hop aboard the SAM Shortline excursion train for a trip to President Carter’s hometown of Plains. The trip also includes a nostalgic ride out to the Carter Boyhood Farm at Archery. Boarding begins at 9:30 a.m. at beautiful Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear. The train departs at 10 a.m.
For full details, call the SAM Shortline office at 229-276-0755.

9
Multicultural May – Americus
10 AM
Take a trip around the world without leaving downtown Americus! During this event, downtown merchants and restaurants will “adopt” countries and showcase their cultural traditions through food, decor, music, and more. The community celebration highlights the rich diversity found in Americus and encourages visitors to explore the downtown businesses in a fun and engaging way.
For more information, contact Nigel Poole at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.

16
Armed Forces Day – Americus
10 AM
Come to Americus to help honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s military personnel. Downtown Americus businesses will offer discounts for active duty, retired and veteran service members. Free trolley tours to Andersonville National Historic Site will be offered. Live patriotic music will be offered throughout the event. Join in as we recognize and celebrate the men and women of the Armed Forces. If time allows, visit the Civil War Village of Andersonville while visiting the area. Information can be found by calling the Andersonville Welcome Center at 229-924-2558.
For information on the Americus event, call Nigel at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.

23-26
Memorial Day Weekend – Andersonville
ALL DAY
Memorial Day is one of the most important annual commemorations at Andersonville National Historic Site, when we remember and honor those who died in service to our country. Large crowds attend services each year and the Avenue of Flags at Andersonville National Cemetery is a spectacle to behold. For complete schedule information, call 229-924-0343.
For information regarding Memorial Day events in the Civil War Village of Andersonville in the town across the highway, call 229-924-2558. For complete details at the National Historic Site, email ande_information@nps.gov.

JUNE 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 10:30 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.

13
Downtown Beach Party – Americus
10 AM-2 PM
Downtown Americus will transform into a beach for the day! Join friends for the party, complete with real sand and summertime fun! While visiting, stop into downtown businesses to fill your beach bags with swimsuits, sunglasses , footwear, towels and more. Everything you need for the beach can be found downtown.
For more information, call Nigel Poole at Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.

14
Flag Day

27-28
Revolutionary War & The War of 1812 – Andersonville
ALL DAY
The second of Andersonville National Historic Site’s Freedom 250 commemorative events will highlight the experiences of prisoners of war during the American Revolution and the War of 1812. The event will feature living historians, black powder demonstrations, and a special Freedom 250 activity for families to enjoy as Andersonville celebrates America’s 250th anniversary.
For more information, call 229-924-0343 or 229-322-6898.

27
SAM Shortline train ride — Plains, Trains & Fireworks
6 PM
Travel aboard the SAM Shortline train from Georgia Veterans State Park at beautiful Lake Blackshear to President Jimmy Carter’s hometown of Plains for Sumter County’s pre-eminent fireworks show, the weekend before the Fourth of July. Enjoy a southern-style Fourth of July celebration with kids’ activities, retail shopping, food vendors and the fireworks show at dusk. Boarding begins at 5:30 p.m., and the train departs at 6 p.m. There will be a flag stop in Americus at the Americus Depot at 7:15 p.m. The train arrives in Plains at 7:45 p.m. for a two-hour layover, and departs Plains at 9:45 p.m.
For more information, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.

JULY 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 10:30 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.

4
Independence Day
Happy Independence Day!
City of Americus offices closed

4-5
Revolutionary War Soldiers – Andersonville
ALL DAY
Join Andersonville National Historic Site for an interactive day honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as park staff explores the lives of Revolutionary War soldiers and their experiences as prisoners of war.
For complete schedule information on the Saturday and Sunday events, call 229-924-0343 or 229-322-6898 or email ande_information@nps.gov.

AUGUST 2026

SEPTEMBER 2026

7
Labor Day

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.

The Korean War & Vietnam War – Andersonville
19-20
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.

OCTOBER 2026

12
Columbus Day

NOVEMBER 2026

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.

11
Veterans Day

26
Thanksgiving Day

DECEMBER 2026

25
Christmas Day

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