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

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.

2
‘Americus Celebrates America’ Drone Show
9 PM
For a unique and one-of-a-kind show never seen in Americus, visit downtown Americus and Rylander Park for the 2026 “Americus Celebrates America” Drone Show. Many businesses will be open late on this Thursday as the city kicks off an early celebration for Independence Day. Open Sky Productions, based in Salt Lake City, will navigate the show. Numerous Americus businesses, schools and individuals are contributing sponsors.
For complete information, call Nigel at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235 or Qaijuan at 229-924-4411, Ext. 247.

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.

7
Carters’ 80th anniversary, Apt. 9-A Tour – Plains
11 AM, 1 PM
The Plains Historical Preservation Trust will offer free tours of Apt. 9-A on Pascal Street in Plains to commemorate the 80th wedding anniversary of President and Mrs. Carter. The Carters are the only couple in presidential history to reside in public housing, in the 1950s. Tours will be offered at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. only. Attendees will receive a print of downtown Plains by artist Donna Wills Mosteller, and an opportunity for free membership in the PHPT. To make reservations for a tour, call Annette at 229-824-4567.

10-11
French Fry Frenzy – Americus
ALL DAY
July 10 is National French Fry Day, and you have the opportunity to cast your vote for your favorite fries. Visit eateries on Friday and Saturday in Americus – and not limited to downtown only! — and take your photo and send to Downtown Americus Main Street’s Facebook page. Winners and awards will be announced.
For complete details, call Nigel at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.

11
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 details, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.

14
Former POW presentation – Andersonville
1 PM
Join the Andersonville National Historic Site on this Tuesday in the National Prisoner of War Museum Theater for a special presentation by former prisoner of war Dr. Joseph E. Milligan, Colonel, USAF Ret. The presentation will be posted on YouTube following the event. Milligan was one of the original 12 F-4 Wild Weasel pilots assigned to fly “Top Secret” Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) Hunter-Killer missions in North Vietnam. He has combat time in three different aircraft in Southeast Asia. He spent nearly six years as a POW, being released in 1973. He retired in 1988. For more information, call 299-322-6898 or 229-924-0343.

14
Community Service Workshop – Plains
3 PM, 5:30 PM
Visit President Carter’s hometown of Plains for a Customer Service Workshop on the second Tuesday of the month. Members of the hospitality industry throughout Sumter County and residents are invited to attend and participate in the workshop, hosted by the Friends of Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. Penny Smith, previous manager of the Georgia Visitor Center in Plains, will facilitate. In this workshop, you will learn not only the importance of excellent customer service, but how to implement it into the workforce. Session 1 begins at 3 p.m. and Session 2 begins at 5:30 p.m. Dinner, compliments of Friends of Jimmy Carter, is 5-5:30 p.m. Registration is required by July 5. You can download the form from the Friends website or call 229-938-3504 for more information.

18
SAM Shortline train ride – Lake Blackshear
10 AM
Take the “Presidential Flyer” trip to Plains aboard the SAM Shortline Excursion Train. The train departs from Georgia Veterans State Park at beautiful Lake Blackshear for all the fun. 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 more information, call 229-276-0755 or visit www.samshortline.com.

18
Yard Sale & Sidewalk Sale – Plains
8 AM-2 PM
Join merchants in Plains on the third Saturday of the month for the Yard Sale & Sidewalk Sale in downtown Plains. The community is welcome to set up and sell in both Logan Park and Maxine Reese Park. Some Main Street stores will be participating. The event starts at 8 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m. The SAM Shortline excursion train will arrive at 11:45 a.m. It’s a great day for a sale!
For more information, call 229-928-0660.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

OCTOBER 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

11
Veterans Day

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.

25
Christmas Day

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