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

MARCH 2026

1-31
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 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.

6
Little Miss Southland Pageant – Americus
6 PM
Tiny, Little and Young Miss Southland students in grades 5K-fifth grade will vie for crowns at Southland Academy in Americus on this Friday night. Admission is $5 at the door of the Melvin T. Kinslow Gymnasium. Reigning winners are: 2025 Young Miss, Charlotte Arnold; 2025 Little Miss, Carlee Watson; and 2025 Tiny Miss, Harleigh Law. The young girls will take the stage to showcase their grace, intelligence and passion while helping make education accessible to those who need it most. All proceeds go directly to Southland’s scholarship assistance program.
For more information, call the school at 229-924-4406.

7
Explore the Agriculture of Sumter County Tour – Americus
10 AM
This spring on two Saturdays each month, 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 is this day and spotlights Horne Farms. 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 Horne Folmar at 229-942-3095 or email kimberly@hornefarmsinc.com, or call 229-380-0823.

7
Downtown Goes Disney – Americus
10 AM-2 PM
This annual event, usually held on a First Friday, has been moved to the first Saturday of the month and draws thousands of visitors to downtown Americus. It turns downtown into the Most Magical Place on Earth and provides guests with a super nostalgic environment that they will love and the kids will remember forever! The event kicks off at 10 a.m. Businesses will theme their locations to match a Disney movie/character/show.
For full details, contact Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.

7
Miss SAR Pageant – Americus
7 PM
Visit Southland Academy on the first Saturday of the month as talented high school students take the stage to showcase their grace, intelligence and passion while supporting something truly meaningful: making education accessible to those who need it most. The annual Miss SAR Pageant begins at 7 p.m. in the Melvin T. Kinslow Gymnasium. One-hundred percent of the proceeds go directly to the school’s scholarship assistance program, helping deserving students achieve their academic dreams. Advance purchase tickets are $12. Tickets are $15 at the door. The reigning Miss SAR is Miller Anne Pryor.
For complete information, call Southland at 229-924-4406 or visit www.southlandacademy.org.

14-15
SAM Shortline train ride – Day Out With Thomas
All Aboard for a Rockin’ Good Time! The Day Out With Thomas: Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour is hitting the tracks and bringing the beat to the SAM Shortline Excursion Train. Hop on board a real train ride with Thomas, strike a pose at photo ops, and snag something cool at the exclusive gift shop. Then, keep the beat going at the Music Corner, packed with lawn games, hands-on activities, and music-inspired fun that’ll have the whole family dancing! The Saturday and Sunday event takes place at Georgia Veterans State Park at beautiful Lake Blackshear. The cost is $23 per person.
For more information, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.

14
Women’s History Tour – Americus
10 AM
In celebration of Women’s History Month in March, the Americus Visitor Center is offering the first of two tours highlighting remarkable Americus and Sumter County women who have made an impact around the world. Among those highlighted are Rosalynn Carter; Joanna Moore; Peggy Sheppard; Clara Barton; and many more. Trolley stops will include Georgia Southwestern State University; Oak Grove Cemetery; and the Americus-Sumter County Walk of Fame, among others. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under.
For details on the Saturday tour, call the Americus Visitor Center at 229-928-6059.

21-22
SAM Shortline train ride – Day Out With Thomas
All Aboard for a Rockin’ Good Time! The Day Out With Thomas: Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour is hitting the tracks and bringing the beat to the SAM Shortline Excursion Train. Hop on board a real train ride with Thomas, strike a pose at photo ops, and snag something cool at the exclusive gift shop. Then, keep the beat going at the Music Corner, packed with lawn games, hands-on activities, and music-inspired fun that’ll have the whole family dancing! The weekend event takes place at Georgia Veterans State Park at beautiful Lake Blackshear. The cost is $23 per person.
For more information, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.

21
Explore the Agriculture of Sumter County Tour – Americus
10 AM
This spring on two Saturdays each month, 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 on this day spotlights Plain Peanuts and in President Carter’s hometown of Plains. 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 Horne Folmar at 229-942-3095 or email kimberly@hornefarmsinc.com, or call 229-380-0823.

21
The Smarr and Smith Foundation Par 3 Golf Tournament – Americus
2 PM
If you love links, then take part in the Par 3 golf tournament at the Griffin Bell Golf Course off South Lee Street in Americus on the third Saturday of the month. The cost is $300 per team of three players. The breakdown includes tournament entry for three; and six total tickets for the Dueling Pianos Band Party. Grab your team and join in for a fun afternoon and evening supporting our Heroes in Blue! Hole sponsorships are available for $100 each. Prizes will be awarded. The Dueling Pianos Band Party will immediately follow the tournament. Register your team at www.smarrsmithfoundation.com.
For more information, call 229-924-2914 or 229-931-2609.

21
Knights of Columbus Charity Golf Tournament – Americus
8:30 AM
The 2026 Knights of Columbus Charity Golf Tournament takes place on the third Saturday of the month at the Griffin Bell Course in Americus. Tee time is 8:30 a.m. Register your team by March 16 and one golfer plays half price! Lunch and drinks are provided with purchase. Participants can pay the morning of the tournament with cash or a check. The price is $60 per player, $10 mulligans, limit two per golfer. The format is four player scramble. Each player’s tee shot must be used twice. Team prizes include first place, $350; second place, $250; third place, $150; and fourth-place, $100, based on a full field of 20 teams. Individual prizes include: closest to the pin on all par 3’s; closest to the line for men and women, drive on hole no. 3; and longest putt, on the green, on hole no. 18. In the putting contest, one golfer will have the chance to make a 60-foot putt for a 2026 Callaway Quantum Driver. Hole sponsorships are still available.
For more information, call Ron Akerman at 229-942-1653 or contact the Griffin Bell Golf Course at 229-924-2914.

23
Collingsworth Family Classics & Hymns Spring Tour 2026 – Americus
7 PM
The Collingsworth Family will appear in Americus on this Monday night as part of their Classics & Hymns Spring Tour 2026. The event takes place at Central Baptist Church, 190 Upper River Road, in Americus and begins at 7 p.m. The Collingsworths are a Southern gospel/inspirational family group based in Ohio. For tickets, call 800-965-9324 or visit www.thecollingsworthfamily.com. You can also call locally 229-942-5754 for more details.

28-29
Living History Weekend – Andersonville
ALL DAY
Living historians and Andersonville National Historic Site park staff will share the story of Andersonville during the Civil War. This year’s event will feature infantry and artillery demonstrations, Civil War surgeons, blacksmithing and living historians.
For complete details, call 229-924-0343 or 229-322-6898

28-29
SAM Shortline train ride – Day Out With Thomas
All Aboard for a Rockin’ Good Time! The Day Out With Thomas: Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour is hitting the tracks and bringing the beat to the SAM Shortline Excursion Train. Hop on board a real train ride with Thomas, strike a pose at photo ops, and snag something cool at the exclusive gift shop. Then, keep the beat going at the Music Corner, packed with lawn games, hands-on activities, and music-inspired fun that’ll have the whole family dancing! The event is the final Thomas excursion of 2026 and takes place at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear. The cost is $23 per person.
For more information, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.

28
Women’s History Tour – Americus
10 AM
In celebration of Women’s History Month in March, the Americus Visitor Center is offering the second of two tours highlighting remarkable Americus and Sumter County women who have made an impact around the world. Among those highlighted are Rosalynn Carter; Joanna Moore; Peggy Sheppard; Clara Barton; and many more. Trolley stops will include Georgia Southwestern State University; Oak Grove Cemetery; and the Americus-Sumter County Walk of Fame, among others. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under.
For details on the Saturday tour, call the Americus Visitor Center at 229-928-6059.

28
Billy Carter Day – Plains
ALL DAY
Visit historic downtown Plains for the first annual Billy Carter Day, a salute to the famous first brother. Events will include a day of full activities including a downtown book fair; vintage softball game; a Mary Kay Author Event; and more. Be sure to visit the Billy Carter Gas Station Museum and learn more about the president’s renowned brother than you ever knew!
For full details, contact Kim Fuller, president of Friends of Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, at 229-928-4825 or email friendsofjimmycarter@outlook.com.

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.

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!

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
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
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.

MAY 2026

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.

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

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.

JULY 2026

4
Independance Day

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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