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

JANUARY 2026

31
Gold Force Gala – Americus
6 PM
Visit the Griffin Bell Conference Center on South Lee Street as Georgia Southwestern State University will hold its fourth annual Gold Force Gala. The gala is a black-tie fundraiser supporting student scholarships. The event takes place in the newly constructed Conference Center and begins with a cocktail social and silent auction, followed by the 2026 Outstanding Alumni Awards ceremony.
For more information, contact Chelsea Collins at 229-928-4116.

FEBRUARY 2026

2-3
The Great Pages Circus – Americus
7 PM, 4:30 PM, 7:30 PM
If you love a circus, then visit the Sumter County Fairgrounds at 903 Adderton St. for the Great Pages Circus in Americus! Times are 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 2 and 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3. The circus includes amazing aerial superstars, clowns, horses, camels, pony rides and camel rides, and now featuring dinosaurs! Two free children’s tickets are available with each paying adult, cash only. Coupons also are available to admit one child free under 12 years old. The child must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 941-870-7444.

1-28
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 site is not open on New Year’s Day. 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.

5
GSW Chamber Concert Series – Americus
7:30 PM
Violinist Askar Salimdjanov 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

6
First Friday Chili Crawl – Americus
5 PM-8 PM
The First Friday of 2026 kicks off with one of Americus’ favorite food-tasting events – the annual Chili Crawl. Visit locations across downtown and taste some of Sumter County’s finest chilis. You won’t leave hungry!
For a list of participating businesses or for more information, call Nigel at Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.

7
Black History Tour – Americus
10 AM
Ride the Americus Trolley across town to see some of the sites and hear the stories of Americus’ rich African-American history on this first of three tours during February, Black History Month. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Space is limited, so get tickets early. The tour begins at the Americus Visitor Center, 101 W. Lamar St. downtown. Stops include Eastview Cemetery; the Old Colored Hospital; the Sumter County Courthouse; and more. For additional information, call 229-928-6059.

7
SAM Shortline train ride – Valentine’s Dinner Train
6 PM
Travel aboard the historic SAM Shortline excursion train for a romantic dinner aboard the moving train! Three different seating arrangements are available. Boarding begins at 5:30 p.m., and the train departs at 6 p.m. from Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear. This Saturday’s trip does not go to Plains. The train returns at 8 p.m. All cars and seats will be assigned. Prices begin at $134.99 per person. Train ride only price with no meal is $27 per person and $17 for children ages 2-12.
For complete details, call 229-276-0755.

8
Super Museum Sunday – Andersonville
10 AM-4 PM
Park rangers at Andersonville National Historic Site will use replica Revolutionary War artifacts to create a fun and interactive experience that helps visitors learn about life in Revolutionary War America and the lives of soldiers held as prisoners of war. Stop by Andersonville or any Georgia World War II Heritage Trail partners to participate and experience history in a hands-on way. The location is the National Prisoner of War Museum.
For more information, call 229-924-0343 or 229-931-7200, or 907-870-8739.

14-15
Americus Gun Show – Americus
9 AM-5 PM, 10 AM-4 PM
Visit the Sumter County Fairgrounds on Highway 27 for the Americus Gun Show. Attends can buy, sell or trade guns, ammo, militaria and accessories. The event kicks off at 9 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 404-291-8107; email office@gagunshows.com; or visit the GA GUN SHOWS page on Facebook.

14
SAM Shortline train ride – Valentine’s Dinner Train
6 PM
Travel aboard the historic SAM Shortline train for a romantic dinner! Three different seating arrangements are available. Boarding begins at 5:30 p.m., and the train departs at 6 p.m. from Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear. This Saturday’s trip does not go to Plains. The train returns at 8 p.m. All cars and seats will be assigned. Prices begin at $134.99 per person. Train ride only price with no meal is $27 per person and $17 for children ages 2-12.
For complete details, call 229-276-0755.

14
Happy Valentine’s Day!

16
President’s Day
City of Americus offices closed

21
Heart Walk & Run – Americus
10 AM
Join friends for the Phoebe Sumter Heart Walk & Run on the Saturday following Valentine’s Day for this annual event. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. and the walk/run kicks off 30 minutes later at the Mattie H. Marshall Walking Trail.
For more information, call the hospital at 229-312-7125, email mjohnson@phoebehealth.com or call 229-881-3935.

21
Black History Tour – Americus
10 AM
Ride the Americus Trolley across town to see some of the sites and hear the stories of Americus’ rich African-American history on this second of three tours during February, Black History Month. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Seating is limited. The tour begins at the Americus Visitor Center, 101 W. Lamar St. downtown. Stops include Eastview Cemetery; the Old Colored Hospital; the Sumter County Courthouse; and more.
For additional information, call 229-928-6059.

21
Women’s Wine & Chocolate Walk – Americus
1 PM-5PM
Stroll downtown Americus to taste some of the best wines and chocolates from Sumter County and beyond during this ninth annual event, which kicks off at the Rylander Theatre on Lamar Street. Tickets are sold online only.
For more information, call Nigel at Americus Main Street at 229-924-4411, Ext. 235.

21
SAM Shortline train ride – Wine and Cheese Train
1:30 PM, 3:30 PM
Enjoy an hour-and-a-half long round trip train ride aboard historic air-conditioned railroad cars for a wine-tasting adventure with Paulk Vineyards. Trips will depart from Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear. A wine and cheese tray will be served onboard the train as you relax and enjoy the scenery. Cost is $93.99 per person, and the trip is for adults only, ages 21 and older.
For more information, call 229-276-0755.

21
Night Museum – Andersonville
6 PM
Visit Andersonville National Historic Site for the first Night Museum of 2026. The National Prisoner of War Museum will be open for a nighttime opportunity to view the museum exhibits and experience the prison site after dark. The event runs 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information, visit www.nps.gov/ande or follow the site on Facebook. You also can call 229-924-0343 for details.

23
GSW Chamber Concert Series – Americus
7:30 PM
Musicians Seraph Brass will perform the first of the 2026 Georgia Southwestern State University’s Chamber Concert Series with a performance at 7:30 p.m. Seraph Brass was founded by trumpet soloist Mary Elizabeth Bowden with a mission to showcase the excellence of women brass players and highlight musicians from marginalized groups. The Monday 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

28
Black History Tour – Americus
10 AM
Ride the Americus Trolley across town to see some of the sites and hear the stories of Americus’ rich African-American history on this final tour of February, Black History Month. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Seating is limited. The tour begins at the Americus Visitor Center, 101 W. Lamar St. downtown. Stops include Eastview Cemetery; the Old Colored Hospital; the Sumter County Courthouse; and more.
For additional information, call 229-928-6059.

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
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.

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
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.

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
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
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
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.

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.

JUNE 2026

27
Plains, Trains & Fireworks – Plains
5 PM
Visit Plains on the last Saturday before the Fourth of July to enjoy a night of fun featuring Sumter County’s largest fireworks show! Fireworks begin at approximately dusk. Shops on Main Street will be open late as America celebrates its 250th birthday the following weekend.
For complete details, contact Kim Fuller at 229-928-4825, or Amy or Linda at the Plains Welcome Center on U.S. Highway 280 at 229-824-7477.

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